The evolution of EU legislation on energy communities #
For the first time, the legislation provided for ‘renewable energy communities’ (RECs) and ‘citizens energy communities’ (CECs), which offered citizens the opportunity to become active players in the renewable energy sector, rather than mere consumers.
Despite the progress made since 2019, energy communities still face several challenges. These include difficulty in accessing the grid, a lack of funding opportunities, and complex administrative and regulatory procedures that hinder their growth and development.
The role and potential of energy communities #
Energy communities are often misunderstood as solely developers of local renewable projects. However, the 2nd generation EU legislation for energy communities has debunked this myth by highlighting the diverse roles that citizen-led initiatives can play, from alleviating energy poverty to promoting energy efficiency and offshore wind projects.
One of the most promising developments in this area is the emergence of Community Heating and Cooling (CH&C) initiatives across Europe. These initiatives demonstrate the potential for citizens to own and manage their local renewable heating infrastructure, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy sector.
Looking ahead: the future of energy communities #
Direct citizen ownership of renewable energy projects is a crucial component of a sustainable energy transition. The potential of community energy should not be underestimated: by 2050, citizens could produce around 45% of renewable energy in the EU. However, to realise this potential, the EU Commission must ensure the full and effective implementation of EU rules that remove obstacles for citizens and create a level playing field for energy communities in the energy market.
In the spirit of Jean Monnet’s words, it’s time for citizens to come together and recognise their shared interest in promoting renewable energy for a sustainable future.
Additional resources on energy communities:
- A roadmap to developing policy and legal frameworks for energy communities
- Transposition guidance document from REScoop.eu
- A reference guide on energy sharing for energy communities
- A success story on offshore wind from REScoop.eu
- Guidelines on Community Heating and Cooling from REScoop.eu
