Abstract The European Union’s accelerated decarbonisation agenda emphasises citizen-led pathways, such as energy communities. However, the roles of vulnerable groups within energy communities, and the policy conditions that enable their active participation, remain unclear. This study develops a policy scenario for Norway and Denmark that foregrounds inclusion and energy vulnerability. Building on empirical work of 54 interviews with project leaders, policy stakeholders and community members in Norway and Denmark, as well as a literature review, social, economic and political descriptors were used to define scenarios for Norway and Denmark. Using the Cross-Impact Balance analysis and Scenario Wizard software, the mutual consistency among descriptor states was assessed to derive internally coherent futures for 2030. Through the lens of social capital theory, a plausible scenario is identified to reduce energy vulnerability and develop inclusive energy communities. Institutionalising participatory practices in energy communities, community ownership and representation of vulnerable groups, expanding equitable finance (e.g. low-interest loans, targeted subsidies and pay-later options), investing in lifelong energy literacy and inclusive communication, digital tools for behavioural change and strengthening Nordic/EU cooperation have been recommended to reach an inclusive energy community.
Pariman Boostani (Thu,) studied this question.