New Policy Paper Release: "Looking at Energy Communities through a Local Authority Lens"

The Smart Cities Marketplace has published an insightful policy paper titled “Looking at Energy Communities through a Local Authority Lens: Perceptions, Experiences, and Needs.” This study, based on interviews with 44 local authorities across Europe, explores local perspectives on energy communities.

The report uncovers a limited understanding among authorities about the formal definitions of citizen and renewable energy communities. It also reveals mixed perceptions of energy communities’ impact—both positive and negative—on municipalities and stakeholders. Despite these challenges, there is strong interest in advancing community energy projects, ranging from local renewable energy efforts to fully realized energy communities.

Notably, local authorities express a commitment to support emerging and established citizen-led projects, recognizing their role in reaching local energy and climate goals.

For more detailed insights, read the full policy paper here.