Citizens’ Energy Strengthens Democracy, Social Cohesion and Regional Value Creation
“Strong communities, strong regions – for a crisis-resilient future.” Under this motto, more than 260 representatives from citizens’ energy initiatives, municipalities, businesses and civil society gathered in Bamberg in early May for the twelfth Citizens’ Energy Convention organised by Bündnis Bürgerenergie e.V. (BBEn).
The various keynote speeches, workshops and expert discussions highlighted that citizens’ energy does more than contribute to the expansion of renewable energy. It also creates spaces in which people can actively shape the energy transition, take responsibility and retain economic benefits within their regions. In light of political setbacks and increasing social polarisation, participants agreed that an energy transition driven by municipalities and citizens remains a key pillar of democratic resilience and sustainable regional development.
The importance of this issue was also emphasised by a study published by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs in April and presented to the participants. According to the study, wind and solar energy generated around €3.5 billion in regional value creation in 2023. By 2033, this figure could rise to €12.4 billion. Citizens’ energy can play a decisive role in ensuring that these benefits remain rooted locally and that citizens and municipalities participate directly in the energy transition.
More information about the Citizens’ Energy Convention 2026 can be found on the BBEn website.
