An activity within the ISGAN lighthouse project

This initiative is part of the ISGAN Lighthouse Project and involves two working groups: Working Group 3 (Cost-Benefit Analysis and Toolkits) and Working Group 7 (Smart Grid Transitions) to understand whether, and in what ways, stakeholders—particularly community members and local governments—are involved in shaping investments in Distributed Energy Resources.

Why Input Matters

A questionnaire has been prepared to capture insights on various aspects of participatory processes. It begins by clarifying the background of respondents and it then explores social acceptability, asking how citizen support is assessed and what factors enhance or hinder acceptance of DER projects. The technical dimension of decision-making is also addressed, with questions on frameworks like cost-benefit analysis or multi-criteria evaluations. Next, participants are asked to share best practices, including real-life examples of successful participatory processes and suggestions for improvement. Lastly, the questionnaire investigates barriers to effective engagement, looking at common challenges and methods for resolving conflicts or disagreements.

The information gathered will help identify national-level processes that guide DER investments, balance investors’ interests with community needs, manage uncertainties, and promote public acceptance. By collecting direct feedback from a wide array of participants, we aim to develop evidence-based recommendations that can strengthen energy planning and foster meaningful stakeholder engagement.

An Initiative Backed by WG3 and WG7

Working Group 3 conducts cost-benefit analyses and develops toolkits to evaluate the feasibility and impact of energy initiatives. Working Group 7 specializes in transitions, ensuring that any new approach is grounded in strategic planning and genuine community involvement. Together, these teams bring a rigorous and collaborative perspective to advancing Distributed Energy Resource investments on both local and global scales.

How to Get Involved

If you would like a copy of the questionnaire—or if you are interested in participating in the activity, including analyzing responses and shaping the final outcomes—please get in touch with Managers of WG3 or WG7. 

Involved countries (at the moment)

Austria, Germany, Italy