Psychological and social factors driving citizen involvement in renewable energy communities: A systematic review

Renewable energy communities (RECs) are pivotal in achieving European Union decarbonization goals and supporting developing countries in their energy transitions. They involve citizens, social entrepreneurs, and public authorities in clean energy production and consumption, emphasizing decentralization and participation. This review aims to synthesize current research on the psycho-social factors driving citizens' involvement in RECs, highlighting their multifaceted nature and diverse operational contexts. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed, EBSO Host and PROQuest were searched in February 2024 to identify relevant studies. Studies focusing on psycho-social factors influencing citizen participation in RECs were included, while others were excluded. Results were synthesized using qualitative methods, categorizing findings into key themes and patterns.

A total of 49 studies were included, encompassing over 3000 participants from various regions. Studies varied in methodological approaches, including case studies, surveys, and interviews. The review confirms RECs as complex, multilevel phenomena, requiring both macro-social and psycho-social considerations for successful implementation. Citizen participation and social factors like sense of community, trust, and social capital are identified as critical drivers, showing bidirectional relationships with REC success. The study highlights the importance of environmental attitudes and economic incentives in motivating participation. The evidence is limited by potential biases in study design and terminology differences may have excluded some investigations.