In recent years, the European Union (EU) has vigorously advocated for the integration of community energy (CE) into its energy market. CE is frequently portrayed as a policy instrument that can simultaneously facilitate the decarbonization of the energy system and tackle prevailing systemic issues such as inequality and poverty. Both academic literature and EU policy documents concur that institutional action will be vital in determining the extent to which CE can be empowering. Consequently, this research paper examines the predominant state-level mechanisms employed to enable participation in CE and their implications for a just energy transition._x000D_
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The findings reveal that EU countries frequently implement a variety of distributive and procedural mechanisms. Distributive mechanisms often encompass one-time financial grants or subsidies, as well as market mechanisms such as feed-in tariffs or premiums. Regarding procedural mechanisms, EU member states promote participation in CE by streamlining bureaucratic processes (e.g., exemptions from production licenses, project approval deadlines imposed on responsible institutions) and establishing intermediary organizations to support the initiation and maintenance of new projects._x000D_
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However, minimal attention has been directed toward recognizing and incorporating more vulnerable actors into CE, including the energy poor, tenants, and rural citizens. Despite the presence of financial or market incentives, marginalized individuals may face exclusion due to insufficient capabilities required for participation, such as knowledge, time, and support networks._x000D_
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As it stands, the EU’s policy for facilitating CE is only partially developed. If CE is intended as a policy tool to ensure justice and address the systemic issues associated with the existing fossil fuel-based energy system, policymaking must acknowledge the most vulnerable actors and enhance their capabilities to participate.

Krisjanis Rudus
Norwegian University of Science and Technology

 
ID Abstract: 263