Barriers and benefits of public participation in energy transitions: A meta-analysis of empirical evidence from Central Europe

Conducted by the RIFS Research Institute for Sustainability, this study investigates public involvement in the energy transitions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The analysis concludes that for participation to be truly effective, it must be substantive—meaningful, transparent, and capable of genuinely influencing outcomes. The findings warn that superficial or late-stage engagement often backfires, triggering mistrust and social resistance instead of acceptance. Ultimately, the authors advocate for legally anchoring citizen empowerment and co-decision-making to ensure a democratically legitimate and successful energy transition

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