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Energy Communities Implementation in the European Union: Case Studies from Pioneer and Laggard Countries

Author

Listed:
  • Elena Tarpani

    (CIRIAF—Interuniversity Research Centre, University of Perugia, via G. Duranti 63, 06125 Perugia, Italy)

  • Cristina Piselli

    (Department of Architecture (DIDA), University of Florence, via della Mattonaia 8, 50121 Florence, Italy)

  • Claudia Fabiani

    (CIRIAF—Interuniversity Research Centre, University of Perugia, via G. Duranti 63, 06125 Perugia, Italy
    Department of Engineering, University of Perugia, via G. Duranti 67, 06125 Perugia, Italy)

  • Ilaria Pigliautile

    (CIRIAF—Interuniversity Research Centre, University of Perugia, via G. Duranti 63, 06125 Perugia, Italy
    Department of Engineering, University of Perugia, via G. Duranti 67, 06125 Perugia, Italy)

  • Eelke J. Kingma

    (Stichting Pioneer Vessel, Schoonschip, Johan van Hasseltkade 225B, 1032 LP Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Benedetta Pioppi

    (EValTech (R&D Department of Elettrica Valeri srl), via Somigni snc, Gualdo Cattaneo, 06035 Perugia, Italy)

  • Anna Laura Pisello

    (CIRIAF—Interuniversity Research Centre, University of Perugia, via G. Duranti 63, 06125 Perugia, Italy
    Department of Engineering, University of Perugia, via G. Duranti 67, 06125 Perugia, Italy)

Abstract

Energy communities are a promising strategy for a global energy transition. European Union (EU) regulatory frameworks are already established and clearly explained, aiming to develop as many projects as possible in the different European countries. Accordingly, it is necessary to present two different types of countries: the laggards and the pioneers, two categories that highlight the discrepancies in policy, bureaucracy, culture, and usage of alternative sources and technologies, such as renewable energy, towards the implementation of energy communities. This work compares two representative case studies to qualitatively understand the differences between laggard and pioneer countries: Italy and the Netherlands, respectively. The regulatory framework and the solid points/shortcomings of each country are explained first. Thereafter, an accurate description of the two selected case study communities and their different peculiarities is provided. Finally, the main similarities and differences are stressed to discuss the lessons to be learned in laggard and pioneer countries. Five pillars for the development and uptake of energy communities are identified related to regulations, economic benefits, technical limitations, sustainability, and social awareness. These outcomes suggest the importance of policy management, and stress the limitations of governance in helping policymakers and experts to support the energy transition.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Tarpani & Cristina Piselli & Claudia Fabiani & Ilaria Pigliautile & Eelke J. Kingma & Benedetta Pioppi & Anna Laura Pisello, 2022. "Energy Communities Implementation in the European Union: Case Studies from Pioneer and Laggard Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:19:p:12528-:d:931127
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    4. Ahmed Abouaiana, 2022. "Rural Energy Communities as Pillar towards Low Carbon Future in Egypt: Beyond COP27," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-18, December.
    5. Anita Tatti & Sibilla Ferroni & Martina Ferrando & Mario Motta & Francesco Causone, 2023. "The Emerging Trends of Renewable Energy Communities’ Development in Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-18, April.
    6. Luca Brunelli & Emiliano Borri & Anna Laura Pisello & Andrea Nicolini & Carles Mateu & Luisa F. Cabeza, 2024. "Thermal Energy Storage in Energy Communities: A Perspective Overview through a Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-27, July.
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