The global energy transition can’t succeed without the full participation of citizens. We need a paradigm shift towards more renewable energy which is sustainable, affordable and reliable, as well as an energy system that is more decentralised and digitalised. Our current energy system is highly centralised with states as the main players – we must reconsider the distribution of authority to include subnational actors as well as citizens themselves.
This summer school invites you to consider how this paradigm shift might materialise and its political, economic and social implications. The President of the European Commission in charge of the Energy Union, Mr. Maros Sefovic, has translated the present challenge into the 5D model: Decarbonisation, Decentralisation, Digitalization, Democracy and Disruption. These dynamic elements which will define the energy transition are sure to invite debates. How will the “democracy” and “decentralisation” elements materialise among different EU member states?