Mapping of Energy Community Development in Europe: State of the Art and Research Directions

Roberta Roberto (), Gabriella Ferruzzi, Viviana Negro and Michel Noussan
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Roberta Roberto: Department of Energy Technologies and Renewable Sources, C.R. Saluggia, ENEA, 13040 Saluggia, Italy
Gabriella Ferruzzi: Department of Energy Technologies and Renewable Sources, C.R. Portici, ENEA, 80055 Portici, Italy
Viviana Negro: Department of Energy, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, Italy
Michel Noussan: Department of Energy, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, Italy

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 18, 1-29

Abstract: Within the framework of defining a new energy paradigm to address climate change and other global challenges, the energy community model is gaining interest in several countries, especially in Europe. This article analyses the literature and experiences of organisational forms that fall under the definition of energy communities in a broad sense, in relation to their ability to bring improvements to the social, environmental and economic dimensions, and to ensure durability and replicability. The main elements that constitute a complete, albeit simplified, model of energy community are identified and analysed. The legislative and regulatory frameworks, technologies and social innovation frameworks, identified here as enabling elements, are discussed, as well as the elements of the energy community business models and the impacts generated at the environmental and energy, economic and social levels. The transformation potential of energy communities is confirmed as more than promising. However, in order to develop as a sustainable and replicable model capable of achieving social and environmental goals, as well as economic stability, further significant research and experimentation, following a cross-sectoral and multidisciplinary approach and strong political leadership, are needed.

Keywords: energy communities; renewables; energy democracy; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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