Community-based Programmes for Sustainable Energy (COPSE): a qualitative, multi-methods analysis of community energy programmes in Ireland

Project Description

The COPSE project is designed to support evidence-based decision making by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Government of Ireland to ensure that community energy programmes contribute effectively to achieving Ireland’s climate goals. Community participation in the energy transition has been cited as a key driver for the successful shift to a low-carbon energy future. Over 900 communities are currently taking part in the SEAI Sustainable Energy Community programme. Moreover, between 2019 and mid-2024, the SEAI invested >€100 million in more than 1,400 community buildings and 2,300 homes through community energy grants. However, the dynamics and effectiveness of community energy programmes are not fully understood. The COPSE project will use multiple qualitative methods to evaluate how and why different programme factors build capacity for positive change by supporting people to become active “energy citizens”. Empirical and comparative data collected through engagement with diverse community energy programmes will link with the expansion of current theoretical frameworks that assess energy citizenship through a network lens. This will reveal how participation in community energy programmes may influence people’s attitudes towards, or participation in, the national energy transition. Data from this research will provide evidence that can inform the design of future community energy programmes to optimise contributions to Ireland’s climate goals, and guide investment decisions. Conclusions from the COPSE project are expected to be widely applicable to community-based projects beyond the renewable energy sector.