Work

Fostering Sustainable Energy Citizenship: An Empowerment Toolkit for Adult Learners and Educators

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Human energy production and consumption have significantly contributed to the environmental crisis, impacting human health, wellbeing, and social justice. In this context, the concept of energy citizenship has emerged, referring to civic engagement in fostering sustainable and democratic energy systems and transitions. Under the Horizon Europe project EnergyPROSPECTS (PROactive Strategies and Policies for Energy Citizenship Transformation), we investigated the conditions and dynamics that promote or hinder energy citizenship and empower citizens to contribute to sustainable energy transformations. Through 44 in-depth interviews and four deliberative workshops in four European case study regions with individuals and organizations engaged in different forms of energy citizenship, we identified key psychological and organizational factors driving citizen empowerment. These findings informed the development of an interactive empowerment toolkit, a digital learning resource designed to enhance energy citizenship literacy and skills. This toolkit, although primarily targeting adults interested in energy citizenship, is adaptable for students and educators at various levels, offering two tracks: one for beginners with no prior involvement in the exercise of energy citizenship, and another for those with experience in energy activism. We highlight the scientific basis of the toolkit, detailing its components and demonstrating its application in fostering energy citizenship empowerment. The tool aims to equip users with the skills and knowledge necessary to actively participate in sustainable energy transitions.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17177893

Authors: Adina Dumitru, Manuel Peralbo Uzquiano, Luisa Losada Puente, Juan-Carlos Brenlla Blanco, Nuria Rebollo Quintela, María Pilar Vieiro Iglesias

Institution: Universidade da Coruña

Language: English

Topic: Sustainability and Climate Change Governance

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Quality education, Climate action, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896