Toward energy democracy: Municipal energy actions in local renewable energy projects

This article examines the role of Swedish municipalities and municipally-owned energy utilities (MEUs) in advancing energy democracy through local renewable energy projects. Energy democracy emphasizes citizen participation and local control in energy governance. However, traditional representative democracy and municipal involvement remain central in Sweden, where trust in institutions and high taxation support a strong municipal role in public services. The study analyzes four case studies, including urban development projects and solar energy communities (ECs), to explore how municipalities and MEUs can represent citizen interests in energy initiatives. Using qualitative methods, including interviews, workshops, and observations, the study highlights differing approaches to citizen engagement and participation. In urban development cases, municipalities led energy initiatives in top-down processes, with limited direct citizen input. In energy communities, MEUs initiated projects, promoting inclusiveness by lowering financial and technical barriers, though member participation remained passive. Findings show that municipalities and MEUs often act as representatives for citizens in complex energy projects, bridging the gap between technical expertise and community needs. The study argues for a balanced approach that combines representative democracy with direct citizen involvement to enhance engagement in energy transition. Future research should explore how diverse forms of participation affect energy democracy and community resilience, particularly in contexts with well-established public sector roles in energy governance.