Energy independence, rural sustainability and potential of bioenergy villages in Germany: machine learning perspectives

作者：Lucie Maruejols, Lisa Höschle, Xiaohua Yu · 发表于：The International Food and Agribusiness Management Review · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.22434/ifamr1132 · 被引用次数：8 · 研究领域：Integrated Energy Systems Optimization、Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy、Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Abstract In Germany, bioenergy villages (BEVs) are a community-centered model of rural energy transition that sells renewable energy generated from local biomass — essentially biogas — to residents who are cooperative members. BEVs are associated with economic viability, an interesting feature in the current context of narrowing subsidies that fostered the development of biogas production in Germany. They are acclaimed for fostering local energy autonomy, empowerment of rural communities, and sustainability. However, they remain marginal and require a lengthy and intricate process for development. Using Machine Learning methods, we aim to identify the untapped potential for BEVs in Germany, by predicting which municipalities with conventional, privately owned biogas operations could become BEVs. Results indicate that over 100 municipalities are potential candidates for transition to BEV. The article finds that compared to conventional villages, BEVs are characterized by strong citizen support for green political parties and more extensive experience with biogas plants. Although social factors like cohesion and human capital are crucial for successful transitions, the results show that the profiles of BEVs are not very distinct from conventional municipalities from their agricultural, demographic, and economic characteristics. This implies that many villages with conventional private biogas plants could become BEVs. Therefore, cooperative models of bioenergy present an avenue ...