The first project meeting focused on training volunteer local ambassadors for the energy transition. Six local authorities are expected to take part in the first round.

The changes accompanying the energy transition – for example, to the landscape, the economic structure or even the energy supply to private households – are causing uncertainty and scepticism among many citizens. The ‘Energy Transition Guides for the North-West Metropolitan Region’ project aims to promote the dissemination of well-founded information and an objective discussion on energy transition issues in the region, thereby strengthening understanding and acceptance. The outcome of the first planning meeting: six local authorities are expected to take part in the project in the first phase.

Through specialist training, citizens will be trained as volunteer energy transition ambassadors, thereby strengthening fact-based communication on an equal footing within the community. The guides will play an active role in information and educational events, dialogue forums and public relations work. By fostering links between local government and civil society, the aim is to establish long-term structures to support local authorities in initiating communication and participation processes in the future. The City of Oldenburg and the C3L at the University of Oldenburg are involved in the project. It is funded by the North-West Metropolitan Region.

Contact: Dr Claudia Bardachzi, T 0441/798 4898, E