Motivations for participation in energy communities: evidence from Czech municipalities and multi-apartment buildings using a mixed-methods approach

Renewable energy communities (RECs) are becoming a valuable concept for the energy transition, allowing citizens and local actors to participate in energy production and sharing. The paper examines the key motivations that impact the willingness of two specific actor groups, multi-apartment building representatives and municipal actors, to participate in or establish RECs, and how these motivations differ across the two actor types. Using a mixed-methods approach combining 50 in-depth interviews and 132 survey responses from Czechia, we identify and compare the relative importance of economic, environmental, technical, and societal motivations across these groups.Economic motivations, particularly energy cost savings and investment returns, are the dominant drivers for both actor types. Municipalities also place significantly more emphasis on energy security and autonomy, while representatives of multi-apartment buildings view RECs primarily as investment projects with limited community engagement. Environmental concerns are acknowledged, but often secondary, and societal benefits such as community cohesion or local employment are generally perceived as less influential.The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the motivations that drive actors to enter and engage in RECs. The results also suggest that effective policies should be tailored to the needs of each group: community outreach and strategic planning for municipalities, as well as clear financial incentives and a straightforward regulatory framework for multi-apartment buildings. Economic drivers dominate REC engagement, yet environmental, technical, and societal motivations also play a role. Motivations diverge: municipalities stress energy security, while multi-apartment representatives prioritise returns. Policy design should differentiate: strategic support for municipalities, financial clarity for apartment buildings.