Renewable Energy Communities - Exploring behavioral and motivational factors behind the willingness to participate in Renewable Energy Communities in Germany

Abstract: Several studies and actors have emphasized the role of Renewable Energy Communities as collective citizen initiatives enhancing the decentralized, low-carbon energy transition. Despite the social, environmental, and economic benefits, several changes in the energy policies in Germany have led to a decrease of newly registered Renewable Energy Communities. Previous financial measures have failed to address vulnerable groups resulting in the underrepresentation of lower-income groups and women. This raises the question of which strategies, in addition to financial incentives, can encourage inclusive participation in Renewable Energy Communities. The objective of this thesis is to gain a better understanding of the socio-psychological factors determining the willingness to participate in Renewable Energy Communities in Germany. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Norm Activation Model, this thesis analyzes the impact of self-interest and moral considerations on the willingness to participate. While the former assumes that behavior is the result of consciously evaluating the (social) costs and benefits, reflected in attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, the latter emphasizes the importance of moral considerations, reflected in personal norms. From a methodological point of view, a survey was conducted (N=298) to collect data among citizens living in Germany. The data is evaluated through statistical tests and regression models. Findings reveal that both, self-interest and moral considerations play an important role in determining the willingness to participate. However, the influence of moral considerations is mediated through attitudes. Subjective norms are more important for women and medium as well as higher-income groups. The importance of socio-psychological determinants for the willingness to participate emphasizes that behavioral issues deserve much more consideration in the policy discourse. In turn, this highlights the role of contextual and behaviorally informed strategies to complement financial incentives encouraging participation in Renewable Energy Communities. Differences across income groups and gender highlight the need for target-specific strategies. Future areas of research are recommended.