Developing business models for renewable energy communities

In the pursuit of a sustainable and decentralized energy future, energy communities have emerged as a key player in the ongoing energy transition. Afforest for Future is an initiative that is taking a unique approach to this challenge by integrating biomass and biohydrogen into renewable energy communities.

In an exclusive interview at European Sustainable Energy Week we spoke to Dimitris Symeonidis, who is project manager at Afforest for Future, and he shed light on their innovative business models and the transformative impact they aim to have on local communities.

“We are assisting the local communities with developing the right business models so that they can actually have a fully functional localised energy system,” says Symeonidis.

More from European Sustainable Energy Week:
How young people can contribute to energy communities
For Enedis collective self-consumption is key to energy sharing 

Afforest for Future recognizes the diversity of biomass streams in different communities and tailors solutions to suit each region's unique characteristics. Symeonidis explains that the initiative works on an ad hoc basis, developing customised solutions based on the specific needs and resources of each community.

“And we are supporting them in actually making the infrastructure and later on making the business model that can generate value,” he explains.

To hear more about Symeonidis’ wish for a sustainable future and his thoughts on the importance of reskilling local communities, watch the video.