Brussels, 10 December 2025 - Today, the European Commission published its Grids Package, intended to speed up improvements to Europe’s aging electricity networks to bring online more renewables. REScoop.eu, the European federation of energy communities, welcomes the Commission’s actions to make better use of existing grid capacity. Grid access has been identified as a significant barrier to the development of energy communities across the EU.

The Commission’s guidance represents a significant first step to move away from ‘first come, first served’ grid connection procedures, which discriminate against energy communities. In particular, the guidance invites Member States to consider replacing ‘first come, first served’ rules with prioritisation schemes in areas with long waiting times for grid connections, including projects that deliver social value or can provide flexibility to the grid. Priority access to the grid is critical for communities to be able to supply themselves with their own locally owned, affordable renewable energy.

However, there are also some worrying elements that have been included in the Grids Package, namely proposed revisions to the Renewable Energy Directive. The last revision to the directive was only completed in 2024, and many Member States still lag behind on transposition and implementation. Re-opening the directive could contribute to regulatory uncertainty at the national level. As such, REScoop.eu opposes re-opening of the Renewable Energy Directive.

We see the shortened permitting procedures as positive, but find it worrying that there will be less environmental impact assessments on bigger projects. This will put further tension on public acceptance of new renewable energy projects. Public acceptance could be increased through a proposal to require stronger benefit sharing arrangements for projects above 10 MW. However, to be effective these provisions will need to be strengthened and place more emphasis on a right for local communities to demand shared ownership.

Ilonka Marselis, Vice-President of REScoop.eu, said: “The Grids Package represents some big opportunities for energy communities, but comes with risks. We are happy that with the Commission’s guidance, national regulators and DSOs now have the signal that they must take into account the specificities of Renewable Energy Communities in their grid connection procedures to ensure a level playing field.” Continuing, she cautioned “opening up the Renewables Directive at this critical time presents significant risks in terms of introducing further regulatory uncertainty for energy communities. Now is a time for implementation, not for tinkering.”

About REScoop.eu

REScoop.eu is the European federation of energy communities, a growing network of 2,500 energy communities and their 2 million citizens who are active in the energy transition. Its goal is to support energy communities to achieve a fairer, more democratic, and sustainable energy system in Europe.

*** END ***

 

For more information: Josh Roberts, Head of Policy | T: +32 493 400 933 | Email: josh.roberts@rescoop.eu 

For media inquiries: Óscar Güell, Head of Communications | T: +32 488 478 586 | Email: oscar.guell@rescoop.eu