An exploratory study on participatory modelling in renewable energy cooperatives : Insights from the Vruchtenbuurt, The Hague

Abstract

Amidst the urgent push for a sustainable energy transition, The Netherlands is also undergoing a shift from a centralized to a decentralized energy system, emphasizing renewable energy sources such as wind turbines and solar panels [1]. By 2030, the Dutch government aims for 50% local ownership of renewable energy projects, a drive that underscores the emergence and significance of ”prosumers” – individuals or groups that both produce and consume energy [2]. This exploratory study examines the potential of participatory modelling (PM) as a tool to assist renewable energy cooperatives (RECs) in navigating the complexities of energy transitions. A case study approach is taken considering the Vruchtenbuurt a neighborhood of The Hague, Netherlands. The investigation delves into the trade-offs that arise when creating and comparing various energy system improvement scenarios. The research further evaluates how PM can support the decision-making of energy cooperatives. The structure of the research follows an adapted PM framework based on ones found in literature. The adopted modelling approach is agent-based modelling (ABM), yielding an interactive local energy system representation. Two participatory workshops held at a local community center and an online questionnaire were integral to the participatory approach, allowing a deep dive into local aspirations and the model’s potential applications. A thematic analysis of workshop transcripts and questionnaire responses revealed that PM has the potential to facilitate knowledge exchange, foster an understanding of complex energy systems, support scenario development and analysis, enhance collective decision-making and integrate social and technical factors. Crucial trade-offs in scenario development were also brought to light. This research contributes to the broader dialogue on energy community development, and enriches the discourse on participatory modelling