Scaling Renewable Energy Communities: A Critical Analysis of Mechanisms to Accelerate the Energy Transition

Renewable Energy Communities (REC) offer a promising pathway towards a global energy system transformation. Although EU member states have developed enabling frameworks to accelerate the growth of REC, the consequences of ‘scaling’ energy communities remain under explored. This study asks which aspects of REC are being scaled and how, through a literature review with qualitative content analysis. We develop an indicative mapping of REC scaling and amplification literature categorised by amplification typologies, whether scaling increases impacts within the community, external to the community, or at institutional levels beyond the community. The findings suggest the need for further research in ‘amplifying beyond’: scaling that changes mindsets and values, to unlock the full potential of REC as deep levers of the energy system transformation.