This article summarises the main results of Deliverable D2.1 “Landscape analysis reports and regional networks,” produced under Work Package 2 of the POWER-E-COM project. For full details, please download the complete PDF at the end of this post.
Deliverable D2.1 provides an overview of the current landscape for Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) and Citizen Energy Communities (CECs) in the six POWER-E-COM partner countries: Upper Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Ireland, Slovenia, and Spain. It also outlines the planned set-up of the Energy Community Transition Offices (ECTOs) in each country, which will support citizens and municipalities in establishing energy communities.
1. National Frameworks and Market Development
Upper Austria
The national implementation of EU directives for energy communities is completed, enabling RECs, CECs and “GEAs” (collective generation facilities). As of April 2024:
- 250+ RECs, 20+ CECs and 700+ GEAs are active, with more than 4,000 members.
- Four models are possible: local RECs, regional RECs, CECs without proximity requirements, and GEAs for shared PV in single buildings.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria allows end consumers to form RECs with a definition closely aligned with the EU Directive.
Key characteristics include:
- RECs may produce, consume, store and sell renewable energy.
- Participation is open to individuals, SMEs and municipalities.
- The Renewable Energy Act expands RECs to also include heating and cooling from renewable sources.
Germany
As of early 2024, Germany does not yet have a fully directive-compliant framework for electricity-sharing RECs/CECs.
Existing structures include energy cooperatives and citizens’ energy companies defined under §3 No. 15 EEG 2023.
Key figures:
- 877 ECs with 220,000 members, plus 600+ limited-liability energy companies.
- Since April 2024, collective building power supply (“Gemeinschaftliche Gebäudeversorgung”) has become possible.
Ireland
Ireland developed Sustainable Energy Communities (SECs) in 2015 and introduced REC-supporting mechanisms via the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) in 2021.
- A portion of auctioned capacity is reserved for community-led projects.
- RECs/CECs must be based on open and voluntary participation and provide environmental, economic or social benefits rather than financial gains.
Slovenia
Energy communities can be established via contractual arrangements or by forming a legal entity such as a cooperative.
Slovenia differentiates between CECs and RECs, with clear rules on membership, activities and geographical restrictions (as shown in table 4 of the deliverable).
Spain
Spain has fully implemented RECs and partially implemented CECs.
Energy communities use collective self-consumption schemes, now extended to 2,000 m radius for PV installations under Royal Decree-Law 20/2022.
According to IDEA (12/2023):
- 69 RECs/CECs with 103,000 members are active.
2. Energy Community Transition Offices (ECTOs)
Deliverable D2.1 also outlines the planned focus and operational set-up of the national ECTOs.
Upper Austria
- Builds on the existing Energy Community One-Stop Shop.
- Focus on information, awareness, training and regulatory/technical advice.
- The ECTO launch was showcased at the Energiesparmesse 2024 with 81,000 visitors.
Bulgaria
- ECTO integrated into the Regional Information Centre Gabrovo.
- Services include guidance on financing, legal steps, energy audits and technology providers.
Germany
- ECTO hosted by Energiewende Oberland (EWO).
- Initial focus on heat-sharing due to missing electricity-sharing regulation; expansion planned once frameworks exist.
- Will offer independent advice, capacity building and support for municipalities and citizens.
Ireland
- ECTO hosted at the Tipperary Energy Agency.
- Focus on solar and wind community projects, collaborating with community power initiatives and local authorities.
Slovenia
- ENERGAP’s ECTO focuses on electricity sharing, heat sharing, and an integrated community-energy approach.
- Emphasis on capacity building, multi-stakeholder collaboration and adaptable long-term structures.
Spain
- Strong focus on PV generation, storage, e-mobility and energy-efficiency advisory.
- Services include legal, financial and technical support as well as guidance for setting up energy communities.
Download the Full Deliverable
All details, tables and country analyses can be found in the full report:
👉 Download Deliverable D2.1 – Landscape Analysis Reports and Regional Networks (PDF)
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