Renewable Energy Communities and the Low Carbon Energy Transition in Europe

This book explores renewable energy communities, particularly renewable energy cooperatives (REScoops), in the context of the revised EU Renewables Directive. It provides a comprehensive account of the history and development of these communities across six European countries, addressing their visions, strategies, organization, and challenges. The book is valuable for academics and practitioners interested in social innovation, sustainable transitions, the role of community energy in energy markets, and the potential impact of the EU Renewables Directive on national legislation and policy frameworks.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 289 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive volume explores the realm of renewable energy communities, with a specific focus on renewable energy cooperatives (REScoops), within the framework of the revised EU Renewables Directive. It offers a thorough account of the historical and evolving landscape of the renewable energy community movement across six diverse countries in continental Europe. The book delves into the visions, strategies, organizational structures, and challenges faced by these communities, highlighting their significance in understanding their performance in domestic energy markets, where they often encounter institutions, structures, and incumbent agencies that favor maintaining the status quo and hindering efforts to empower and institutionalize renewable energy communities as disruptive, radical green, and localist market entrants.

The volume serves as a valuable resource for academics and practitioners interested in social innovation, sustainable transitions, the role of community energy in energy markets, their agency, and the potential implications of the EU Renewables Directive on national legislation and policy frameworks to create a more equitable and beneficial environment for renewable energy communities.

The book begins by providing an overview of the renewable energy community movement, highlighting its historical roots and the various factors that have contributed to its growth and development. It then delves into the specific experiences of each country, examining the unique challenges and opportunities they face in their pursuit of renewable energy solutions.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the role of renewable energy communities in promoting sustainable transitions and addressing climate change. The communities are seen as agents of change, leveraging their local knowledge, networks, and resources to develop and implement innovative renewable energy projects that benefit their communities and the environment. However, they often face resistance from established energy institutions and policies that prioritize the interests of incumbent players.

The book also examines the organizational structures and agency of renewable energy communities. It explores how these communities are formed, organized, and operated, and the challenges they face in building and sustaining their capacity. It discusses the importance of collaboration, networking, and shared ownership in achieving sustainable outcomes and the role of governance structures in facilitating these processes.

Furthermore, the book explores the challenges renewable energy communities face in accessing finance, particularly in developing countries and regions. It discusses the role of government policies, incentives, and financing mechanisms in promoting renewable energy development and the barriers to their effective implementation. It also highlights the potential of community-based financing models, such as community-owned renewable energy projects, as a means of overcoming these financial barriers.

In conclusion, this volume provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of renewable energy communities, with a particular focus on renewable energy cooperatives, in the context of the revised EU Renewables Directive. It offers valuable insights into the historical, organizational, and policy challenges faced by these communities, highlighting their potential as agents of change in promoting sustainable transitions and addressing climate change. The book will be an invaluable resource for academics, practitioners, policymakers, and anyone interested in the role of community energy in achieving a more sustainable and equitable energy future.

Weight: 405g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030844424
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021