Energy communities in the just transition process

The EU is increasingly recognising the crucial role that energy communities play in achieving the EU’s energy transition targets. With new/updated regulations, funds and support schemes becoming available, there is a clear momentum for stakeholders to take ownership for the effective implementation of energy and climate policies.

Various JTF programmes show that regional and local governments are eager to take up this socially-inclusive approach. In addition, they are taking advantage of the various technical support available for establishing energy communities through programmes such as GROUNDWORK, START, Cohesion4Transitions and TARGET.

This session should, therefore, serve as a platform to exchange the challenges and best practices related to both developing and operating support schemes to establish energy communities and for planning, funding and launching energy communities across the EU. Summing up, this should inspire and further incentivise transition regions to adopt these place-based and people-centred solutions to accelerate the energy transition.

Agenda

11:00-11:05 Introduction by the moderator

11:05-11:30 Panel discussion block 1: local challenges and best practices

11:30-11:40 Q&A block 1

11:40-11:53 Presentation of Energy Communities toolkit

11:53-12:18 Panel discussion block 2: available support schemes for energy community funding/establishment

12:18-12:28 Q&A block 2

12:28-12:30 Closing by the moderator