Energy transition through community energy, local energy and smart local energy system initiatives in the UK: a systematic review of technologies, ownership and user engagement

Conducted by Oxford Brookes University, this study analyzes 445 local energy initiatives across the United Kingdom, tracing the shift from grassroots projects to data-driven smart systems. The research concludes that for these initiatives to be effective, engagement must be substantive, moving past one-off technical interactions toward deeper public involvement. A central recommendation is to foster stronger cooperation with local authorities, as these trusted intermediaries are best placed to foster inclusion and user empowerment. The findings warn that current models led by private actors often lack the local grounding necessary for long-term trust. Ultimately, the authors stress that integrating local governance into these systems is essential for a democratically legitimate transition to Net Zero.

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