Looking back: short course on strategies for participation in the energy transition

On 12 June 2026, the Align4Energy project hosted a short course on strategies for participation in the energy transition. The course brought together practicioners and researchers to discuss one of the key challenges in the energy transition: how to engage residents in clean energy investments and energy-saving measures.

The course consisted of two parts. Participants first completed a series of online learning modules covering the latest insights and research on citizen participation in the energy transition. This was followed by an in-person workshop in Amsterdam, where participants exchanged experiences, discussed practical challenges, and explored possible solutions together.

In-person workshop

The workshop opened with a panel discussion featuring practitioners from Stichting !WOON, Milieu Centraal, Rabobank, and Regionaal Energieloket. The discussion focused on topics such as motivating residents, building trust, tailoring communication, and supporting people throughout the renovation process. Participants then joined three interactive sessions on identifying barriers, communication strategies, and implementation.

A summary of the discussions and key insights can be found in the recap below.

Online learning modules

The online modules developed for the short course remain available for anyone interested in citizen participation and public engagement in the energy transition. The modules present research findings from the Align4Energy project and explore topics such as behavioural barriers, communication strategies, and personas.

The videos are available in English with Dutch subtitles.

Decoding the human factor: segmenting the renovation market

Timing is everything: moments of truth & the power of energy coaching

Collective action: navigating the VvE renovation maze

Beyond the building: overcoming hidden barriers in social housing

Subsidy paradox: why transaction costs kill more projects than prices

The ripple effect: occupant satisfaction & neighbourhood scaling

Inclusive communication in the energy transition

Effective communication in the energy transition

Affordability is not just about price

What is (citizen) participation?

How behavioural traits and nudges shape energy choices

How can tailored interventions better reflect behavioural diversity across households?

How can one-size-fits-all vs targeted communication encourage investments?

What are the values and limitations of using machine learning to predict household personas?