Source: European Parliament
The EU legislative framework on energy is designed to let consumers and communities benefit from the clean energy transition and to directly participate in the market, including by producing and sharing their own renewable energy.
Article 15d (2) of the revised Renewable Energy Directive[1], with transposition deadline on 21 May 2025, requires Member States to promote public acceptance of renewable energy projects by means of direct and indirect participation of local communities in those projects. This also applies to offshore projects.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution in this area. Therefore, the Commission will continue promoting the exchange of best practices among the Member States, including via the regional high-level groups[2].
Furthermore, Member States may apply for technical assistance under the Technical Support Instrument to receive support in designing suitable mechanisms for the participation of local communities in renewable energy projects, including offshore wind farms.
The President of the Commission tasked the Commissioner for Energy and Housing to develop a Citizens Energy Package to increase citizens’ participation in the energy transition.
- [1] Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 October 2023 amending Directive (EU) 2018/2001, Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and Directive 98/70/EC as regards the promotion of energy from renewable sources, and repealing Council Directive (EU) 2015/652 (OJ L, 2023/24, 31.10.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2023/2413/oj).
- [2] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/infrastructure/high-level-groups_en