The Role of Public Participation in Energy Transitions

Chapter 1

Introduction

Ortwin Renn¹, Frank Ulmer² and Anna Deckert²,    ¹Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS), Berliner Strasse, Potsdam, Germany,    ²Dialogik Non-profit Institute for Communication and cooperation research, Stuttgart, Germany

Abstract

As an introduction the editors explain their understanding of participation as an instrument that can lead to increased acceptance of the local infrastructure, new consumption or “prosumption” patterns, and improved planning. The main questions and lines of argument of this book are described as follows: How should public input and public involvement be designed, structured, and organized so that it facilitates the transition toward a more sustainable energy future? This book strives ...