The LIFE DISCOVER project has published the new Policy Paper “The OSS as the strategic enabler for Renewable Energy Communities: From European Directives to Local Realities”.
The document collects the main policy messages that emerged during the project and explores the role of One-Stop Shops (SDGs) as strategic tools to support the development of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) in Europe.
Renewable Energy Communities are increasingly recognized as important tools for a more local, participatory and citizen-friendly energy transition. They can help increase renewable energy production, reduce energy costs, strengthen community participation and generate social and economic benefits in territories.
However, regulatory recognition alone is not enough.
In many European countries, energy community initiatives still face difficulties in moving from idea to concrete implementation. Among the main barriers are administrative complexity, regulatory uncertainty, difficulties in accessing data, network-related obstacles, lack of adequate financial instruments and the absence of coordinated support for citizens, municipalities and local stakeholders.
The DISCOVER Policy Paper addresses precisely this gap between standards and practical implementation, highlighting how the SDGs can help translate the European and national framework into concrete actions at the local level.
From European directives to local realities
The Policy Paper combines a European perspective with national insights from the pilot countries of the DISCOVER project: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, France and Italy.
At the European level, the document underlines the need to strengthen and stabilize the support structures dedicated to Renewable Energy Communities, so that citizens and local actors are not left alone in the face of often complex technical, financial, legal and administrative processes.
At the national level, the paper shows different situations, with country-specific barriers and opportunities. However, a common need emerges from all contexts: energy communities need clear guidance, reliable support and coordinated services close to the territories.
Why One-Stop Shops Are Important
One-Stop Shops can play a key role in the development of energy communities. They can function as local or regional access points where citizens, municipalities, SMEs, cooperatives and other stakeholders receive support during the different stages of development of a community energy project.
This support may include technical guidance, legal information, financial guidance, stakeholder coordination, feasibility assessments, administrative support, and information on available tools.
The SDGs, therefore, are not simple information desks. They can become real infrastructures to support the energy transition, helping communities move from uncertainty to action.
The DISCOVER experience shows that SDGs can reduce the fragmentation of services, strengthen trust, support decision-making processes and make energy communities more accessible to a wider range of actors.
The main messages of the Policy Paper
The Policy Paper identifies some key messages for the future of Renewable Energy Communities in Europe:
- CERs need more than just regulatory recognition: clear paths are needed for concrete implementation;
- administrative simplification and regulatory clarity are essential;
- access to data and the relationship with network operators remain crucial aspects;
- financial support in the early stages is essential so as not to block initiatives even before they start;
- citizen involvement must be supported by reliable local structures;
- One-Stop Shops can help to link European objectives with the concrete development of projects in the territories.
These messages are particularly relevant at a time when energy communities are called upon to play an increasingly important role in the European energy transition.
The contribution of DISCOVER
Through work carried out in different national contexts, DISCOVER has collected evidence, developed tools and supported local services designed to make community energy projects more accessible and easier to implement.
The Policy Paper builds on this experience and proposes recommendations for policymakers, regulatory authorities, local authorities, support organisations and stakeholders involved in the development of energy communities.
The central message is clear: if Europe wants to promote the growth of Renewable Energy Communities, citizens and territories must be able to count on stable, reliable and well-structured support services.