Transforming the energy system: Why municipalities strive for energy self-sufficiency

Despite evidence that a rising number of municipalities in Germany are striving for energy self-sufficiency, there is little understanding of the driving factors behind this development. We investigate economic, ecological, social and energy system related factors that drive municipalities to strive for energy self-sufficiency with a focus on electricity supply. The empirical data for this study is based on insights generated through expert interviews (N =19) with mayors, energy experts and scientists as well as a quantitative study among mayors and energy officers (N =109) of German municipalities. Results show that environmental awareness, tax revenues and greater independence from private utilities are positively related to the mayors’ attitude towards the realization of energy self-sufficiency. Furthermore, citizens, the political environment, the mayor's political power, and his/her financial resources are relevant factors for a municipality striving for energy self-sufficiency. Policymakers need to decide whether or not to support mayors in this development. For suitable policy interventions, the results suggest the importance of an integrated approach that considers a combination of identified factors. Finally, we propose a morphological box to structure different aspects of energy self-sufficiency and categorize the present study. •Municipalities striving for energy self-sufficiency can play a key role in the transition of the energy system.•Tax revenues and environmental awareness main drivers behind mayors’ attitude towards energy self-sufficiency.•Citizens and the political environment main influencers of mayors striving for energy self-sufficiency.•19 expert interviews analyzed for the framework of the study based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB).•109 mayors and energy officers participated in the quantitative main survey.