How can municipalities actively shape the expansion of renewable energy and foster greater local acceptance? This question was at the heart of the practice-oriented workshop “Faster and Fairer Renewable Energy Development”. The discussion was based on the “Fast & Fair” principles developed across Europe, which establish a shared understanding of fairness in the energy transition for the first time. An accompanying checklist helps municipalities apply these principles in a concrete and straightforward way.
A key takeaway from the event was that participation does not slow down the energy transition—quite the opposite. Scientific evidence shows that early participation can help resolve conflicts and create added value for the region.
The practical discussions highlighted the importance of involving all relevant stakeholders at an early stage. Municipalities should engage with landowners before investors enter the process and inform residents as early as possible. Several information events, as well as neutral expert guidance, can help build trust and prevent misinformation. Critical voices should also be actively included in the dialogue.
Another focus was on models of financial participation. Approaches that make the economic benefits of renewable energy projects directly tangible for local residents are particularly effective, for example through discounted electricity tariffs or opportunities to participate via energy cooperatives. Successful examples also show that cooperation between municipal utilities, project developers and citizens’ energy cooperatives can strengthen local value creation.
Nature conservation and regional economic development were also discussed. Early coordination on compensation measures can increase local acceptance. At the same time, municipally operated energy projects and municipal heat planning in particular offer opportunities to involve local businesses and safeguard regional jobs.
The “Fast & Fair” checklist is not intended as a rigid set of rules, but as a practical guide for fair, transparent and successful negotiation processes in the expansion of renewable energy.
