Coalitions

In Croatia, despite legal adjustments in July 2023 removing geographical restrictions for energy communities, Croatia still faces a stark absence of both registered energy communities and collective self-consumption initiatives as of February 2024. A supportive legal framework is still missing to foster the foundation and growth of citizen initiatives. However, at least six energy initiatives willing to register as energy communities have been identified and over 100 inquiries for collective self-consumption have been made. Finally, the ongoing limitations on eligibility and the lack of defined network charges may significantly impact the economic viability of energy sharing projects. This situation calls for immediate action to support the establishment and success of CECs in Croatia.

Contact: Josip Beber, josip.beber@zez.coop

In Estonia, the energy co-op scene is rather new and still needs to spread roots. We are lacking in the regulatory aspect, spreading of knowledge and mindset. The topic needs to be solved sociologically by teaching and contributing into lawmaking after which a more widespread creation of energy co-ops can be expected. By adjusting the regulation we technically have ca 1.000-1.500 energy co-ops (because legally any apartment co-op can be identified as an energy co-op), but in reality only a few are actual energy communities.

Contact: Joosep Veerme, joosep.veerme@taltech.ee

In Greece, energy communities face several challenges, including limited access to the energy grid, low awareness and uncertainty of the regulatory framework. These issues underscored the need for a representative body to advocate for solutions. In response, several energy communities and supporting organizations, including Electra Energy, joined forces to establish "Desmi," the national coalition of energy communities, which was legally founded in 2024. The main activities of the coalition revolve around policy promotion, capacity building, research, knowledge exchange and others. Desmi currently has 20 regular members (energy communities) and 6 honorary members, with membership open to new participants.

Contacts: 
Sandy Fameliari, Board Secretary of the Coalition, sandy@electraenergy.coop
Nikos Degleris, Coordinator of the Coalition, union@desmi.info

In Hungary, the energy community scene is in a very early stage. After the first changes of the legislative framework and the two first (not yet working) registered energy communities there are still huge gaps in the regulatory basis on energy communities. Besides the unpredictable and contradictory legal framework regarding community and renewable energy, a historical opposition to cooperatives makes it even harder for energy communities to be formed. While several NGOs are advocating for energy communities, there is also the danger of corporate cooptation of the scene. Solidarity Economy Center created the Transzformátor community energy development agency to raise awareness, build capacity, advocate decision makers, support and consult early energy community initiatives in Hungary.

Contact: Fanni Sáfián Farkas, info@transzformator.hu

In Poland, the energy community faces legal barriers due to the lack of transposition of EU directives, specifically RED II and IEMD, which hinders the development of more sustainable energy practices. Additionally, there is discrimination against energy cooperatives in urban areas, making it challenging for these entities to contribute effectively to the local energy landscape. These legal obstacles not only limit the growth of renewable energy initiatives but also impact the broader goal of transitioning towards a more sustainable and inclusive energy system in Poland. The situation underscores the need for legal reforms to align national regulations with EU standards and to foster a more supportive environment for all energy stakeholders.

Contact: Rafał Krenz, rafal.krenz@hub.coop

In Romania, there is no suitable legislation for the development of energy communities. The two European directives that regulate Renewable Energy Communities (REC) and Citizen Energy Communities (CEC) were translated as they are, but without secondary legislation. This way, no one knows exactly what needs to be done. There are no resources from the government or municipalities, and we are not only talking about financial resources but also the lack of facilities and clarity in legislation. Additionally, the concept is new, and communities are not very aware that they can engage in such activities.

Contact: Camelia Sava, camelia.sava@cooperativadeenergie.ro

In Slovenia, energy communities are at the beginning stage of development. They face an inadequate regulatory framework, undeveloped sustainable business models, and low public awareness about the role of energy communities in a just energy transition and their benefits for citizens and local development. To address these challenges  the most active advocates of energy communities joined forces in the informal Energy Community Network in the autumn 2024 (currently 16 members). The network brings together energy communities and cooperatives, as well as NGOs, local energy agencies, a few municipalities, research organizations, and some companies in the field of renewable energy. Through regular exchange, learning from each other, and advocating more effectively, the network will strive to improve the support framework for energy communities, as well as to raise the awareness of different target groups about energy communities. 

Contact: Barbara Kvac, senior expert, barbara@focus.si