Belgium (Wallonia)

Overall assessment

Energy communities are mentioned in the Wallonian ERDF/JTF Operational Program under the 2021-2027 Cohesion Funding period.

Detailed assessment

General: allocation, definition, transposition

Specific allocation for energy communities

There is no specific financial allocation for energy communities in the Wallonian Operational Programme.

Definition of energy communities in line with EU legislation

While there is no specific reference to the EU Directives in the mentions of energy communities in the Wallonian OP, the Region has moved forward with a highly satisfactory transposition process, as indicated in REScoop.eu's transposition tracker.

Proportionality of share of total fund allocated to energy communities

There is no specific financial allocation for energy communities in the Wallonian Operational Programme.

Availability of tailored financing tools

There is no specific financial allocation for energy communities in the Wallonian Operational Programme.

Link to a wider scope of activities and objectives

Link between energy communities, building renovation and energy efficiency

Energy communities are not linked to building renovations in the Wallonian OP, but they are framed under the objective of the 'efficient and circular use of resources', thus making an indirect link with energy efficiency.

Recognition of energy communities under multiple objectives

Energy communities are framed under the objective of pursuing a circular and eco-innovative approach to decentralised renewable energy generation. They are also discussed as a source of promoting renewable energy, particularly for businesses, and reducing overall dependency on fossil fuel imports.

Transparency and inclusiveness

Holistic strategy to provide financing across different levels of project development

There is no specific financial allocation for energy communities in the Wallonian Operational Programme.

Transparency of the design and communication of the schemes and measures

This information is not available.

Selection criteria and the prioritisation of various social components

There is no specific financial allocation for energy communities in the Wallonian Operational Programme.

Decentralised tender process

This information is not available.

Existence of procedures to facilitate the participation of energy communities in open calls

No such procedures are outlined or foreseen in the Wallonian Operational programme.

Stability and predictability of the programme through time

The program is expected to be stable, however not enough information is available at this stage.