Section outline

  • The EU’s Clean Energy for all Europeans Package (CEP, 2019) introduced for the first time provisions for ‘renewable energy communities’ (RECs), and ‘citizens energy communities’ (CECs), empowering citizens to take ownership of renewables instead of exclusively depending on corporations.

      • Renewable Energy Communities (RECs)

        • Must operate on a not-for-profit basis, prioritizing environmental and social goals over financial profits.
        • Legal entities are often cooperatives, associations, or foundations.
        • Allowed to generate, store, and sell renewable electricity, including participating in balancing markets.
        • Must be effectively controlled by local members located in proximity to the projects.

      • Citizen Energy Communities (CECs)

        • Defined under Article 16 of the Electricity Directive (EU) 2019/944.
        • May participate in all energy sectors, not limited to renewable energy.
        • Empower members to produce, consume, store, share, and sell electricity.
        • Can own and operate distribution networks, subject to regulatory approval.
        • Must ensure voluntary and open membership and democratic decision-making processes.

        Energy communities contribute to reducing energy poverty, improving local economic resilience, and fostering public acceptance of renewable energy infrastructure.