Maximising benefits for local energy communities

Local energy communities have emerged as a key player in the energy transition in Europe. Their goal is not just to generate power but to also foster energy democracy and independence while ensuring that the benefits of this transition cascade down to the local citizens.

At European Sustainable Energy Week we spoke to Professor Dimitris Katsaprakakis, a representative of the Minoan Energy Community located in Crete, the largest energy community in Greece. He unpacked their objectives as well as the challenges they face as an energy community.

The Minoan Energy Community aims to harness wind and solar resources in Crete to plan a comprehensive and efficient energy transition for the entire island.

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Their vision encompasses not just the production of electricity or heat but a holistic approach that embraces fairness, rationality, and effectiveness noted Katsaprakakis.

However this vison comes with challenges, specifically within the legal framework. While efforts by the European Commission and the Greek state have been commendable, there remains room for improvement.

“Efforts have already been made both by the European Commission and the Greek state... to establish a clear and fair legal framework. But so far, we still have some distance to go to reach the final destination,” said Katsaprakakis

Katsaprakakis also addressed the concerns of potential abuse of legislation aimed at energy communities by companies, and has proposed that specific measures need to be taken to safeguard authentic energy communities. It needs to be ensured that these communities are not just numbers but real contributors to social and developmental progress within their regions.

To find out what Katsaprakakis's wish would be if he could influence European Commission policies relating to energy communities, watch the video.