Policy
Policy papers
REScoop.eu follows up on policy issues that are relevant to energy communities and the energy transition as a whole. In our position papers, we target European, national and local policy makers and present our recommendations for supporting the energy transition to a decentralized, renewable, efficient, clean and sustainable energy system, with citizens at its core. We believe that energy cooperatives are the most appropriate business model to keep this transition fair and affordable for citizens, and to make sure that no one is left behind.
Energy Transition to Energy Democracy
Europe is currently undergoing a significant transition in its energy system. We are shifting from an energy system based on fossil and nuclear fuels to renewable energy, from centralised to decentralised production, and from a system that wastes energy to one that uses energy in a rational and efficient way. This transition will require a considerable investment, which will be paid for by citizens: as consumers, as tax payers or as money savers. Citizens therefore should be at the heart of this energy transition. They should be able to take control of their energy production, transportation, distribution and their energy supply. REScoop.eu strongly believes that citizen energy cooperatives are ideal partners to lead the energy transition to energy democracy.
Tailwind for citizen energy
Since the beginning of 2019, the Clean Energy Package for All Europeans gives power to citizens to take ownership of energy transition projects through energy communities. This new EU regulation acknowledge citizens as important actors in the energy market, and outlines governance principles and activities for energy communities. It further asks European countries to actively support the creation of energy communities.
Want to learn more about energy democracy?
A level playing field for energy communities
We advocate for a transformation away from outdated regulations, rules and policies that have been designed for a centralized energy system and large energy companies that provide polluting fossil fuels and other inflexible energy baseload. At the core of this shift towards a more decentralized energy model, we advocate for:
- A special bike lane for energy communities that focus on renewable energy generation so they can access support schemes in accordance with the State Aid Guidelines.
- Recognition of the need to account for the particularities of energy cooperatives and other smaller actors when it comes to grid access, dispatch, balancing (both responsibility and market access), licensing and registration, and unbundling obligations.
- Acknowledgment of the benefits that activities of energy cooperatives and citizens bring to the local energy system, society and the environment, as well as proper valuation and remuneration for services provided locally that can displace the need to invest in traditional grid infrastructure.
Community Power Coalition
REScoop.eu is a partner in the Community Energy Coalition, a diverse network of like-minded organisations who share a common goal of promoting the development of citizen and community ownership in in the urgent transformation towards a 100% renewable energy system.
The Coalition includes associations representing energy cooperatives, networks of cities and local authorities, consumer organisations, the renewable energy industry, legal experts and several environmental NGOs.
In our Vision Statement, the coalition sets out demands for a future energy system for Europe which is sustainable, carbon-free, socially fair, publicly owned and controlled by local communities and people.
Policy tracker
REScoop.eu’s Policy Tracker is a central hub for monitoring the legal and financial landscape of energy communities across Europe. It delivers country-by-country analyses of how Member States implement energy community legislation and funding programs, evaluates each country’s enabling framework, and summarizes access to finance - including public funding schemes. Designed for policymakers, energy communities, and advocates, the tracker helps users navigate complex legislative files, identify best practices, and monitor progress over time.
Assessing barriers and potential for developing renewable energy communities - A Model Template
The Model Assessment is meant to be a tool to help national actors – mainly public authorities and civil society organisations – better assess potential for development of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), as well as barriers that might hinder their growth.
