Citizens’ engagement in funding renewable and energy efficiency projects: a fuzzy set analysis

The achievement of climate change targets needs an expansion of renewable energies and the restructuring of the whole energy system. Investments in renewable and energy efficiency projects require huge amounts of funds. A model based on the direct participation of energy users in energy production and in the fundraising process is a sustainable way in which these climate change targets can be attained and guaranteed. The cooperative model and the crowdfunding model are two ways of engaging citizens/endusers in fostering this energy transition and supplying the missing funds needed for this transition. The study focuses on the role played by citizens in the funding of renewable and energy efficiency projects, by wondering which factors can influence a more effective participation of citizens in the fundraising process. By analysing the ‘Citizenergy’ platform, the first European platform that provides information on sustainable energy projects, the study employs a fuzzy set analysis to identify different combinations of factors that can lead to citizens’ positive engagement in fundraising for renewable and energy efficiency projects seeking funds. The research suggests the relevance of a combined use of cooperative and crowdfunding models to foster the transition to renewable energy and achieve the ambitious climate change goals. Results also highlight the critical role played by social networks in projects promotion and by the use of the English language in projects description. On the other hand, findings show that investment size does not condition the level of citizen engagement in sustainable energy projects fundraising process.