Section outline

  • The European Union has formally recognized the role of energy communities in achieving a clean and fair energy transition. Two key pieces of legislation give Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) and Citizen Energy Communities (CECs) legal status and enforceable rights. While the EU sets the legal foundation for Renewable Energy Communities, it’s up to each Member State to turn that framework into action. Implementation varies widely, with some countries leading the way through ambitious legislation and support schemes—and others moving more slowly.
    These laws require Member States to remove barriers, ensure fair treatment, and create enabling conditions for energy communities. In other words, the law is on your side. This section presents real-world examples from Greece, Germany, and Italy, highlighting different approaches, challenges, and inspiring outcomes.


    Examples

      • Greece: Sifnos Island Cooperative (SIC)

        In Greece, Law 4513/2018 (adopted before RED II transposition) sets the legal basis for Energy Communities, and offers simplified procedures, tax benefits, and grid access rights to Energy communities comprising citizens, local authorities, cooperatives, and SMEs. As of 2022, 884 citizen energy communities have been registered, and by mid-2024, over 6,400 new REC projects have been submitted (total capacity nearly 5 GW).


        Case Highlight – Sifnos Island:  The Sifnos Island Cooperative aims for 100% renewable energy self-sufficiency, driven by community investment in wind and solar. Strong local engagement and pride are central to its success.
        https://sifnosenergy.gr/en/archiki-english/ 

      • Germany: Energiegenossenschaft Starkenburg

        In Germany, the idea of Bürgerenergie (citizen energy) is deeply rooted in the energy transition, and Citizen-produced Energy is embedded in policy, providing support such as feed-in tariffs via the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), and giving priority grid access to community-owned projects. More than 1,000 energy cooperatives are active, involving around 220,000 members.

        Case Highlight – Energiegenossenschaft Starkenburg: With over 1,200 members, this cooperative manages solar, wind, and biomass projects in the region, promoting citizen ownership and local reinvestment of profits.
        https://www.energiestark.de/

      • Italy: Comunità Energetica Rinnovabile Magliano Alpi

        In Italy, local municipalities are strongly involved as initiators or members. Following the Legislative Decree 199/2021, many pilot RECs have been launched under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

        Case Highlight – Magliano Alpi: One of Italy’s first RECs: residents collectively manage a solar energy system, with revenues reinvested locally. Simplified compensation and regulatory support helped make this possible.
        https://cermaglianoalpi.it/?lang=en