Empowering energy citizens: a vision for an inclusive energy transition
Published: February 2024
Authors: Malgorzata (Gosia) Matowska, Michael Brenner-Fliesser, Niki Fodor, Ruzica Luketina
Design: Agata Smok
A guide for citizen-powered change
The Horizon 2020 ENCLUDE project invites us to imagine a future where the energy transition is shaped not just by policies and technologies, but by the citizens themselves. This project focuses on fostering widespread and diverse participation in decarbonisation, empowering people across the European Union to take an active, lasting role. Through sharing, co-creating, and applying real-world practices, ENCLUDE works toward maximizing not only the number but also the diversity of voices leading the way to a sustainable future.
Designing participation into clarity
Translating the ENCLUDE research into an accessible and visually engaging format was both a responsibility and a creative opportunity. The heart of the project — case studies exploring the rise and resilience of Collective Energy Initiatives (CEIs) — was built from an in-depth process of desktop research, interviews, and surveys conducted across Europe.
The challenge was to turn this textured data into a design that feels light, clear, and inviting. Using thoughtful hand-drawn data, generous white space, and a careful visual rhythm, the final leaflet makes complex findings easy to navigate and inspiring to share.
Research grounded in real experience
Anchored by the Energy Cultures Framework and the Socio-Ecological Systems Framework, the ENCLUDE team used a grounded theory approach to uncover patterns across dozens of initiatives. The result is a set of real, practical insights into what drives successful energy citizenship, what challenges remain, and how communities can be supported to lead meaningful change.
This publication is not just a summary of findings. It is an open invitation for citizens, local groups, and policymakers to step more boldly into shaping the energy transition together.
A collective effort for a sustainable future
It was a true pleasure to bring this important work to life visually. Projects like ENCLUDE remind us that real change often starts small — with conversations at the kitchen table, new ideas at the community center, and neighbors coming together to imagine a better way.
Proud to have contributed to making this collective future feel a little more within reach.
Michael Brenner-Fliesser, Scientist, JOANNEUM RESEARCH
“Once again an impressive work of art by the glorious Agata Smok. It s absolutely astonishing how she manages to translate often very dry statistical results into easy understandable and wonderful design masterpieces.”
During ENCLUDE meeting in Brussels we used Visual Facilitation tools to enhance an interactive workshop about Design Thinking method for Clean Energy Transition
Energy transition involves many complex concepts and processes. Visual tools like charts, diagrams, and infographics can simplify these concepts, assisting us, the participants, in understanding them within a limited amount of time.
Visuals often capture our attention and keep us engaged throughout the workshop. They break up long stretches of verbal information, preventing boredom or even increasing retention of information.
Energy-related workshops often involve problem-solving activities. Visual tools can help us map out solutions, identify barriers, and brainstorm creative ideas more effectively.
Visuals are for many of us more memorable than text alone. We are more likely to remember key concepts and ideas presented visually, and we can easily share visual materials with others after the workshop.
Visual tools can make workshops more inclusive by catering to different learning styles. Some participants may learn better through visual aids, so incorporating them ensures that everyone can participate fully.
Overall, visual facilitation tools can assist in making the clean energy transition more effective, engaging, and inclusive, ultimately leading to better outcomes and understanding among workshops participants.
Once again thank you for the opportunity to work on this Malgorzata (Gosia) Matowska Leen Peeters Th!nk E and for your trust in my skills ENCLUDE BinBin Jiang Pearce Erwan Dagorne Nely Mokay
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