Decarbonization Roadmaps and Community Transition Pathways: empowering Energy Citizenship in the EU

Abstract The European energy transition is currently emphasizing advancements in regulations and technologies, with a focus also on social justice. Citizens are perceived as key players in the energy systems, as their direct involvement can contribute to the wide spread of improved behaviours and clean energy production. This paper explores Community Transition Pathways (CTPs), an innovative instrument to support energy citizenship effectively. CTPs guide citizens through structured paths, addressing diverse communities. Grounded in energy citizenship theories, the concept integrates insights from literature and policy developments. CTPs have been created within the H2020 project GRETA and verified in six case studies across Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, and Portugal. This paper aims to present the instrument as a project result, embedding its creation in the current debate about energy citizenship and transition pathways and presenting the results on three GRETA case studies. The research’s originality lies in its empirical approach, emphasizing citizens’ active roles in transition processes. Successful development and testing of CTPs demonstrate their value in fostering collaboration in clean energy production and facilitating participatory transition paths. However, ongoing refinement and replicability are essential for sustained success. By positioning citizens as active participants and reshaping public decision-making, CTPs advance a more inclusive and impactful approach to energy transition.