Overview
The main ambition of the SWEET-funded LANTERN-project is to provide “interfaces” that connect energy research in multiple ways: connecting fields of knowledge separated by disciplines; connecting science, society and territories through Living Labs as “innovation intermediaries”; re-connecting innovative ambitions with the daily concerns of citizens through participatory research and social sciences. It will do so by applying inter- and transdisciplinary R&D at the intersection of markets, technology, policies and society. LANTERN follows a threefold strategy of energy transition, relying on efficiency, consistency, and sufficiency. This will be achieved by not only fostering technological innovation, but also by exploring low-tech and no-tech solutions that rely on social innovation. Additionally, while economic competitivity is crucial to ensure the deployment of energy efficient products on the market, we will also explore alternative economic models (e.g. sharing economy, circular economy) compatible with post-growth or net-zero economic growth scenarios. Overall, LANTERN targets three fields of actions to decarbonise the energy system: a) actions to change users’ and citizens’ practices and values; b) actions to change the regulatory framework and institutions, c) actions to change technical artefacts and material conditions. LANTERN’s interventions take place across several territorial scales, economic sectors and social contexts.
WP8 "Energy communities and cooperatives" (workpackage 8 of SWEET Lantern) promotes and accelerates the energy transition in the residential building sector focussing on the district level. It will develop a process of co-design (including a methods toolkit and a morphological box) for creating renewable energy co-operations. This process can be employed by communes, utilities, or private actors to initiate and implement energy communities or co-operatives at district level. WP 8 will also analyse current legal structures and identify legal changes which could promote energy co-operations.
