Study shows citizen participation in geothermal energy
Off gas with geothermal energy – will citizens participate?
The Netherlands must transition away from (natural) gas in the coming decades. Geothermal heating is being explored as one of the options. As with other sustainable heating alternatives, citizens—residents—play a key role. But which role? And how?
Study 'Geothermal Energy and Citizen Participation'
On behalf of Energiebeheer Nederland (EBN), New Energy Coalition in collaboration with the University of Groningen, a study into existing insights into citizen participation that can be useful for the development of geothermal projects.
Some findings from the report
- A (sustainable) energy project never stands alone but is situated in a broader context: local, national, present-past-future
- Expectation management among those involved is the key to success: what is the intention, what is expected of the citizen, what can be discussed or decided upon, what happens with the input of residents?
- Ensure a careful participation process
- Incorporate existing knowledge about geothermal energy into image and decision-making
The above points also lead to the core of the report's conclusion: ensure a sound participation process. Furthermore, explore which forms of participation are suitable for geothermal energy projects. Which aspects can be influenced, and how can they influence the project's development?
It is also important to effectively communicate existing knowledge about geothermal energy and make it available for decision-making and analysis. EBN can play a key role in this, acting as a common denominator for a large number of geothermal energy projects yet to be developed. Furthermore, it is recommended to further explore how to address, for example, more far-reaching forms of participation, such as co-determination or co-ownership in, for example, heating companies, or co-creation of heating projects. Which forms contribute to what, and what are the criteria for achieving success?
