Webinar: Using the Living Lab Approach to Develop Socially Innovative Energy Communities

The first webinar of the year for the ENoLL Energy and Environment Working Group will focus on energy communities and the potential for applying the Living Lab methodology to their development both in Europe and the Global South. The webinar will be the first in a two-part series, the second of which will be held in May and be led by the Digital Urban Systems & Solutions for Transitions (DUSST) Working Group, which will focus on the digital solutions offered to Energy Communities. 

Energy Communities are an important element of the energy transition globally, supported in Europe by legislation and internationally through the important work of NGOs, universities, governments and the private sector. The desire for increased security and energy independence, as well as the climate crisis, is driving the demand for renewable energy and the decentralisation of the electricity markets.  

Although various types of energy communities exist, often coupled with building and neighbourhood renovation projects, and different governance, economic and business models, there are still many challenges to ensure that they contribute to a more sustainable, democratic and just transition for society. Automation, smart services and artificial intelligence (AI) offer innovative solutions for managing the technological challenges of flexibility in the grid, integration with mobility and building efficiency. However, the desirability, feasibility and viability of energy communities and related energy pilot projects, as well as their social impact and spillover potential for wider sustainability transitions, could be greatly improved by applying a Living Lab approach. 

Objective 

Only a handful of Living Labs throughout Europe and internationally have been working to address these concerns. This webinar brings together some of the key Living Labs working on developing and piloting energy communities both in Europe and the Global South through the sharing of research findings, practical examples, processes, methods and tools, and best practices relating to the problem phase of integrating stakeholders and citizens and defining barriers of energy communities and associated pilots. 

Key Takeaways/Outcomes 

Participants will gain a key understanding of the challenges facing the development of energy communities, potential methods and tools to apply in developing energy community projects, and key contacts to continue discussions.