Urban Lunch Tal #45 EU Powered by People: The Role of Energy Communities

Over the last years, the European Commission has focused on promoting renewable energy sources and to get citizens taking an active role in the energy transition. Introducing the legal definition of energy communities in the Clean Energy for all Europeans Package, as well as requirements for Member States to promote their development was a first step to involve citizens. But what is their role?  

In theory, members of an energy community can produce, use, store, and sell energy from renewable energy sources, as well as share it among themselves. However, in practice, energy communities remain an aspiration for many citizens across the EU, as they face challenges establishing themselves and operating in the energy market. What lessons can be drawn from existing challenges energy communities face? 

Building on the outcomes from DUT projects, we will explore innovative solutions - such as a decentralised platform where communities can interact and trade -, and remaining challenges, such as concrete legal barriers energy communities face. Together, we will reflect on the ongoing implementation issues of EU energy legislation and what the EU Commission and Member States could do to address them.