Belgium (Flanders)

Overall assessment

Energy communities are mentioned in the Flemish European Regional Development Fund 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 Flemish Operational Programme.

Definition of energy communities in line with EU legislation

Energy communities are mentioned under the objective of Promoting renewable energy in accordance with the Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2018/2001, therefore a strong compliance to the definitions is ensured.

Proportionality of share of total fund allocated to energy communities

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

Availability of tailored financing tools

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

Link to a wider scope of activities and objectives

Link between energy communities, building renovation and energy efficiency

Under the objective of 'promoting renewable energy' a series of activities can be supported including:

  • hard to finance (large scale) projects. Thus while 'building renovations' or 'energy efficiency measures' are not directly mentioned, they could fit under this category
  • innovative pilot projects
  • storage and hydrogen projects
  • the construction of (renewable) heat networks
  • innovative solar and wind projects incorporating elements of circularity of materials

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 the roll out of renewable energy.

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 Flemish 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

This information is not available.

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 Flemish 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.