Work

Does social capital foster renewable energy cooperatives?

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: In recent decades, renewable energy cooperatives have substantially increased their share of renewable energy production. The operation of these cooperatives requires collective action, potentially supported by local social capital. We investigate whether municipal-level bonding and bridging social capital explain the differences in the prevalence of renewable energy cooperatives across Dutch municipalities. We measure social capital directly from social network structures within and between municipalities, thus overcoming limitations of using proxies. Our empirical results reveal that bonding rather than bridging social capital supports renewable energy cooperatives, shedding new light on the role these types of social capital play in regional development.

Source: Journal of Economic Geography

DOI: 10.1093/jeg/lbae031

Authors: Stefan Geskus, Matthijs B Punt, Thomas Bauwens, Rense Corten, Koen Frenken

Institutions: Utrecht University, Erasmus University Rotterdam

Language: English

Topic: Social Capital and Networks

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,664