The project is managed by NUI Galway under the WP1 framework and underpinned by robust ethical principles and procedures set out in WP8.
WP2 will develop the conceptual framework (Task 2.1) for the project and deliver an initial (conceptual) typology of energy citizenship based on the literature (Task 2.2). Empirically grounded, diversified and solid typology development will be strengthened through four one-day regional workshops (Task 2.3) in local language. An expert workshop will be used to address key themes in EnergyPROSPECTS and gather new perspectives (Task 2.4). The typology will then be applied to 500 real-world cases in WP3 and then refined based on empirical results, before informing the consolidation of the conceptual framework (Task 2.5) and publication of the EnergyPROSPECTS perspective (Task 2.6).
WP3 consists of four distinct phases: 1) developing methodology and guidelines for undertaking case study research; 2) developing and analysing a database of 500 initiatives showcasing the diversity of energy citizenship in practice across Europe and providing empirical input into typology development; 3) conducting 40 in-depth case studies related to energy citizenship; 4) developing an empowerment toolkit for practitioners and citizens.
WP4 consists of two main components: 1) working in parallel with WP2 and WP3, that will theoretically and empirically examine the role of intermediary actors, institutional arrangements and governance in energy citizenship, and 2) it will draw on the case studies from WP3, conceptual advancement in WP2, and input from practitioners and intermediary actors to identify and develop viable business models, social innovation models and new forms of organization to advance energy citizenship.
WP5 also has two main components: 1) It will examine external conditions that support or hinder energy citizenship at the supranational, national and regional level in 9 European countries. Next, based on a cross-analysis of social and market conditions, it will match and cross-analyse the business and social innovation models developed in WP4 with (most suitable) contextual conditions identified. 2) The validity and receptibility of different models will be tested with users in a large-scale citizen survey, while national citizen consultations will be used for co-creation of several scenarios for advancement of energy citizenship. The energy citizenship scenarios co-created by citizens will be reviewed, enriched and fine-tuned at the workshop with consortium members, expert panel members and external experts (total 20–25 participants).
WP6 engages with WP2–5 to develop practical policy recommendations at different levels, and which are immediately useful. Policy recommendations are discussed and refined in 10 workshops (1 in each partner country and 1 at the EU level). An "open"/"living" working paper with concrete recommendations for different target groups will be frequently updated based on research and project workshops. Policy findings and recommendations will be disseminated in 2 policy seminars, which will be held in Brussels.
WP7 develops and implements a strategy for communication, dissemination and exploitation of the EnergyPROSPECTS project and related activities, ensuring effective engagement with a broad variety of stakeholders to maximise the impact of EnergyPROSPECTS. A final conference will be organised at the end of the project to present final results and promote exploitation.
