The Context

Hagedorn is a small village in the province of Steinheim with 38 houses and 103 inhabitants. According to its climate protection plan, the city aims to achieve efficient energy use, a higher integration of renewables and more interest in energy by consumers. But, how to engage citizens in energy measures?

The Challenge

Hagedorn is connected to the medium-voltage grid and supplied by two local network stations. Since its high potential of photovoltaic production available, an electric battery storage has been integrated on a community level to maximise the use of the renewable energy source (RES). This stabilises the microgrid and supports the medium-voltage grid.

The Solution

The implementation of the battery storage is accompanied with the availability of electric vehicles to pilot participants for car-sharing in daily use. Moreover, different measuring and switching devices have been installed in the households so that smart meters, plugs and light bulbs are capable of measuring energy usage.

As part of the citizen engagement plan, a social group has been established to regularly discuss the use of renewable energies in a self-organised way. A series of information events are conducted as part of this long term engagement process.

The Results

• Increase share of self-produced solar power. 

• Improve resilience and flexibility. 

• Increase citizens’ active participation in energy programmes.