This article summarises the initial findings of Deliverable D5.1 “Implementation analysis of the ECs (initial)”. The deliverable documents the first phase of developing national Energy Community (EC) Implementation Roadmaps within POWER-E-COM. These roadmaps translate the business models from WP4 into actionable strategies for real implementation across six partner countries. The full report can be downloaded below.
Deliverable D5.1 provides an update on the preparation and early development of the country-specific Implementation Roadmaps under Work Package 5. These roadmaps guide the practical rollout of pilot Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) and Citizen Energy Communities (CECs) by addressing regulatory, technical, financial and social considerations.
As of early 2025, all partners have begun drafting their roadmaps, which will be finalised by summer 2025.
1. Purpose and Status of the Implementation Roadmaps
The Implementation Roadmaps were initiated in autumn 2024, using a shared Canvas-based methodology developed by ENERGAP. This template ensures a harmonised structure while allowing national adaptation. It covers thematic areas such as vision, governance, regulation, technical feasibility, finance, risks and community engagement.
The Canvas template is included in Annex I and features prominently in the report.
By March 2025, partners had progressed as follows:
- Spain – Draft roadmap prepared
- Germany – Canvas roadmap prepared
- Bulgaria – Canvas prepared for one EC
- Slovenia – Canvas prepared for one EC
- Austria – Storage-focused roadmap under development
- Ireland – Canvas drafted; barriers identified
These drafts will be refined with local stakeholders throughout 2025.
2. Main Elements of the Implementation Roadmap
The common Canvas template covers:
- Vision and objectives
- Stakeholders and governance
- Legal and regulatory framework
- Technical feasibility and infrastructure
- Financial planning and funding sources
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Community engagement and educational activities
- Milestones and timelines
- Innovative technologies
- Sustainability and scalability
This structure ensures comprehensive planning and supports the transition from conceptual modelling to practical implementation.
The report highlights that national differences—such as Ireland’s high grid connection costs or Bulgaria’s new REC legislation—must be directly reflected in the roadmaps.
3. First Concepts from the Draft Roadmaps
Deliverable D5.1 presents a first overview of draft concepts for all partner countries. These drafts reveal diverse technologies, governance models and local barriers.
Spain – Montilla Renovable
- Phased rollout of 1,200 kWp PV plus 125 kWh storage
- Citizen-led governance
- 10% of energy production intended for vulnerable households
- Financial model: 500€ upfront citizen contributions + external financing and grants
- Risks include electricity price changes and roof availability
Germany – Schwabsoien, Bayrischzell, Etting
All three German concepts are biomass-based district heating systems:
Schwabsoien:
- 900 kW, 1.8 GWh/year, GmbH ownership
- CO₂ reduction: 533 t/year
- Expansion to neighbouring village underway
Bayrischzell:
- 2,030 kW, 3.1 GWh/year, 46 buildings
- Investment: 3.5 million €, 40% public funding
- First supply expected winter 2025/2026
Etting:
- 600 kW, 1.2 GWh/year
- Cooperative ownership
- Planned integration of PV and heat pump in future
Bulgaria – Municipality-led Crowdfunded EC
- 100 kWp rooftop PV
- Crowdfunding model with contributions between 500–5,000 BGN
- Annual output: ~120 MWh
- Annual net benefit: approx. 10,400 €
- Strong governance role of municipality and expert advisors
- 5% of energy planned for vulnerable households
Slovenia – EC Selnica
- First EC in Slovenia using PV
- Association-based governance
- Technical feasibility study completed
- Risk from lack of subsidies and underdeveloped DSO procedures
- Expected start of operation end of 2025
Ireland
- Serious structural barriers identified
- Grid connection cost: 600,000 € to 4 million €
- Wait times: up to 9 years
- Community solar farms have already paid 1 million € in milestone fees
- Need for RED II implementation, funding access and regulatory reform
These early findings demonstrate that while vision and ambition are strong, practical barriers vary significantly across the regions.
4. Stakeholder Cooperation
Stakeholder engagement is described as a core component of the roadmap development process.
Partners involve local authorities, citizens, SMEs, DSOs, energy agencies, regulators and civil society organisations.
Examples:
Ireland
- Socialisation workshop at TUS Thurles (Dec 2024)
- Discussion topics: grid costs, RED II delays, limited access to grants
- Strong emphasis on leadership and capacity building
Spain
- Engagement sessions in Montilla focusing on participation models and investment willingness
- Training events for citizens
Bulgaria
- Co-design with SMEs, municipal departments and citizens via workshops
- Focus on aligning model with new REC legislation
Slovenia
- Engaged local citizens and fire brigade in Selnica
- Workshops and events planned for replication
Stakeholder workshops starting April 2025 will further refine the roadmaps.
5. Conclusions
Deliverable D5.1 concludes that:
- All countries are progressing toward developing at least one EC in electricity and/or heat.
- The drafted roadmaps already offer solid guidance on technical, regulatory, financial and social elements.
- Continuous monitoring will be essential to identify bottlenecks and create recommendations for upscaling.
- Some regions, particularly Ireland, face significant structural and regulatory barriers requiring policy attention.
- The roadmaps will directly support Tasks 5.2 and 5.3, including workshops and monitoring diaries.
The next months will be critical for finalising the documents and moving towards operational implementation.
Download the Full Deliverable
Deliverable D5.1 – Implementation Analysis of the Energy Communities (initial) (PDF)
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