Public Participation Is Not Holding Back the Energy Transition
Public participation is not slowing the energy transition. On the contrary, it helps resolve conflicts and build acceptance, making participation a worthwhile investment. This is the conclusion of a new report published by the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS), the ECOLOG Institute, Bündnis Bürgerenergie e.V. (Citizens’ Energy Alliance), and the Renewables Grid Initiative. The report draws on findings from the joint research project “Quo vadis, participation? How participation affects energy projects” (BePart). The researchers examined participation processes linked to around 200 projects for the development or expansion of wind energy, solar power, and transmission grid infrastructure across Germany. The project’s final report was presented in Berlin on 11 September 2025.