Enabling Energy Communities to SHINE across Europe

ongoing

SHINE harnesses the combined strengths, resources and innovations of four existing LIFE ENERCOM projects to accelerate the energy community movement across Europe. SHINE will equip Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs) with the skills and tools they need to maximise opportunities and support for community energy. Tangible results will be achieved through delivering operational support services in 4 national pilots in Spain, Italy, Belgium, and Poland, with replication in 11 additional Ambassador countries. Key Actions include: • Optimising Europe’s One-Stop Shop (OSS) for Energy Communities: SHINE will review and enhance existing ENERCOM tools and integrate them into REScoop.eu’s Energy Communities Platform, creating a new portal for LRAs. These tools will be translated and shared on four national OSSs tailored to national contexts. The tools include a community energy accreditation scheme for municipalities, a match-making tool, business models and adaptable templates. • Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building: SHINE will build capacity through peer-to-peer exchange, training and technical support, fostering collaboration between LRAs, communities and experts. The creation of Europe’s first international working group on community energy OSSs will ensure best practices are shared, improving the sustainability and scalability of community energy support services and boosting the evidence base on the impact such services deliver. • Implementation of Local Support Services: In each pilot area, LRAs will establish in-person OSSs to directly support community-led projects focused on district heating, cooling, retrofitting, and renewable energy generation. These services will be designed with sustainability and local needs at their core. • Dissemination and Replication: The tools, services, and methodologies will be disseminated through a strong Ambassador network, focusing on replicable, sustainable models, embedding inclusion, gender and energy equity. These activities will support over 445 energy community projects, save 18GWh of energy, generate 51GWh of renewable power, create 174 new energy communities and empower 28 375 citizens. Through strong collaboration and upscaling of tested tools and services, SHINE will ensure that cities and citizens access the support services they need, inspiring 246 LRAs to replicate, and ensuring that energy communities SHINE across Europe.