The grid access of energy communities a comparison of power grid governance in France and Germany

Abstract

Energy communities may play a significant role in the transition towards a more participatory and low-carbon energy system. However, their development varies across European countries, depending on national contexts and policies. Overall, European energy communities face many barriers: access to the grid and lack of funding are often cited. The transformation of the electricity network to integrate new distributed energy resources opens opportunities and entails trade-offs for all the actors involved, from technical, social and economic perspectives. While the question of financial incentives for renewable energy communities is widely addressed in the literature, that of access to the grid is still fragmented and scattered. This study explores the conditions under which energy communities access the electricity grid in two countries with contrasting governance settings: France and Germany. We explore the governance choices and narratives, determining the technical and economic conditions for grid access. Priority of connection for renewable energy and affordable connection prices are identified as the main opportunities, together with a strong agency of local authorities. The connection issues are also intertwined with national regulations for renewable energy, especially financial incentives, with the way the grid is financed, and with the European rules of the common electricity market.