The transformation to low-carbon energy systems is often associated with technological innovation. But such a transition is not all about technology.

Energy transitions profoundly influence our society and the ways it is organised. All actors and institutions – from corporate energy suppliers to private citizens – will have to undergo fundamental changes concerning their roles, as norms and practices on producing, transporting, storing, trading and consuming energy change.

There is a growing number of novel approaches to energy – or “social innovations” – being developed across Europe. These are diverse, ranging from fairly well-known cases, such as energy cooperatives and “prosumerism,” to more unexpected examples, like investment programmes or funds, digital platforms, or even gaming software.

Across this range, cities are at the heart of social innovation in energy. Firstly, cities are the locations where many social innovations are developed, and city governments themselves shape relevant energy policies.

But, what activities “count” as social innovations in energy transitions? Can local approaches inspire solutions to national- and European-level energy challenges? What roles do public institutions play in social innovation initiatives?

Answers to these questions and many more will be explored in a new webinar series from the SONNET project titled, “Explored: Social Innovation in Energy Transitions.”

The SONNET project kicks-off its first webinar, which will look at (Almost) Everything you need to know about the “What, Who and How”

This webinar will open a discussion on Social Innovation in Energy (SIE) in Europe today, and explore the diversity of SIE already being deployed. Speakers will then share their practical experiences from both research and a local government perspectives.

Panellists include Dr. Julia Wittmayer, Dutch Research Institute for Transitions (DRIFT); Dr. Jana Deforche, ICLEI Member Antwerp (Belgium); and Dr. Donal Brown, University of Leeds, with facilitation by Niklas Mischkowski, ICLEI Europe.

Click here to register today!

For more information on the SONNET project, click here.