Title: Sharing economy in the German energy transition

Authors: Ingela Tietze

Addresses: Institute for Industrial Ecology (INEC), Business School, Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences, Tiefenbronner Str. 65, D-75175 Pforzheim, Germany

Abstract: Several definitions for the term 'sharing economy' exist. Depending on the extent of consideration of the typical characteristics of a sharing economy, energy cooperatives with renewable energy capacities are part of the sharing economy. Based on an extensive literature review, this paper analyses those characteristics of the energy sector that boost or impede its alignment with the tenets of a sharing economy. Major constraints are that both electricity and heat cannot themselves be shared, and constitute low-interest products. In electricity supply, the common access to electricity grid, the transition of the energy systems towards renewable systems, amongst others, make up the principal drivers. A comparative analysis of two energy cooperatives in Germany is carried out to support analyses. Conclusions drawn depict the future role of community ownership in the energy sector.

Keywords: renewable energy; energy transition; collaborative consumption; electricity; Germany; Energiewende; sharing economy; community ownership; energy cooperative.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2020.106466

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2020 Vol.24 No.3, pp.392 - 412

Received: 02 Sep 2017
Accepted: 06 Feb 2018
Published online: 09 Apr 2020 *

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