Publicação
Fostering energy communities’ engagement
| Resumo: | Energy communities play a key role in advancing decentralized and low-carbon energy systems by placing citizens at the centre of energy production and management. Yet, their effective implementation depends on citizens’ willingness to engage. This study examines the determinants of citizens’ behavioural intention to participate in energy communities, with particular emphasis on hedonic motivations and empowerment. To do so, a conceptual model integrating the Hedonic-Motivation System Adoption Model (HMSAM) and empowerment theory was developed. Data were collected through an online survey administered to Portuguese citizens, yielding 307 valid responses. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the proposed relationships. The results show that empowerment significantly moderates the effect of joy on behavioural intention, strengthening both the intention to participate and overall engagement in energy communities. These findings highlight the importance of positive emotional experiences and perceived control in motivating sustainable behaviours. The study provides practical guidance for policymakers and practitioners seeking to enhance citizen engagement, suggesting that fostering empowering and emotionally rewarding experiences can support the development and successful uptake of energy communities. |
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| Autores principais: | Moniz, David |
| Outros Autores: | Oliveira, Tiago; Neves, Catarina |
| Assunto: | Energy Community Engagement Empowerment HMSAM Global and Planetary Change Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 13 - Climate Action |
| Ano: | 2026 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | artigo |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso aberto |
| Instituição associada: | Universidade Nova de Lisboa |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| Origem: | Repositório Institucional da UNL |
| Resumo: | Energy communities play a key role in advancing decentralized and low-carbon energy systems by placing citizens at the centre of energy production and management. Yet, their effective implementation depends on citizens’ willingness to engage. This study examines the determinants of citizens’ behavioural intention to participate in energy communities, with particular emphasis on hedonic motivations and empowerment. To do so, a conceptual model integrating the Hedonic-Motivation System Adoption Model (HMSAM) and empowerment theory was developed. Data were collected through an online survey administered to Portuguese citizens, yielding 307 valid responses. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the proposed relationships. The results show that empowerment significantly moderates the effect of joy on behavioural intention, strengthening both the intention to participate and overall engagement in energy communities. These findings highlight the importance of positive emotional experiences and perceived control in motivating sustainable behaviours. The study provides practical guidance for policymakers and practitioners seeking to enhance citizen engagement, suggesting that fostering empowering and emotionally rewarding experiences can support the development and successful uptake of energy communities. |
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