How Can Energy Communities Be Part of the Urban Energy Transition?: A Focus on Electrical Perspectives

Renewable energy is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality, particularly in cities, which play a pivotal role in energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Europe’s Mission Climate Neutral and Smart Cities initiative targets 100 cities to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, setting a model for broader adoption by 2050. Key strategies include improving energy efficiency, deploying renewable energy sources and energy storage systems, and electrifying end-use sectors, while also considering the diversification of primary energy sources and technologies. This article emphasizes the potential of energy communities within the evolving European directive framework. These communities enable electricity consumers, producers, and prosumers to exchange energy directly, fostering collaboration and local renewable generation. National adaptations of this framework vary due to differences in legislative and regulatory traditions. Social considerations, particularly user engagement in managing benefits and participating in local energy markets, are briefly discussed, along with privacy issues.