market uptake of citizen energy communities enabLing a hIGH peneTratioN of renewable Energy SourceS

Project Information

LIGHTNESS

Grant agreement ID: 953020

DOI

10.3030/953020

Project closed

EC signature date 30 June 2020

Start date 1 December 2020

End date 30 November 2023

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Secure, clean and efficient energy

Total cost

€ 2 924 250,00

EU contribution

€ 2 924 250,00

Coordinated by

R2M SOLUTION SPAIN SL
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - LIGHTNESS (market uptake of citizen energy communities enabLing a hIGH peneTratioN of renewable Energy SourceS)

Reporting period: 2022-06-01 to 2023-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

EU member states agreed to set an overall EU RES target of 32% by 2030. To achieve these levels, it is widely recognized that increasing flexibility is the key to ensuring the reliable operation of the grid with very high penetration levels of Variable Renewable Energy Sources. DR provides an opportunity for consumers to play a significant role in the operation of the electric grid by reducing or shifting their electricity usage in response to time-based rates or other forms of financial incentives. To tap into this DR potential, the incorporation of the smaller local consumers gathered around Energy Communities has been identified by the EC as key for the functioning of the future distributed energy market. LIGHTNESS will increase the penetration of Renewable Energy Sources by supporting the market uptake of Citizen Energy Communities through a low-cost turnkey social engagement, regulatory roadmap and technological package to unlock their full flexibility potential, reduce the final energy consumption and CO2 emissions and bring economic, social and environmental benefits to the communities and across the energy value chain.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The LIGHTNESS project, encompassing four key pillars, has undertaken a range of activities and achieved significant results in advancing Citizen Energy Communities (CECs).

Social Engagement: A major focus was on workshops and strategies based on environmental justice for engaging communities. Tools were developed and refined for just engagement and recruitment, tailored to local contexts. Training for project partners and pilot leaders was conducted to enhance community engagement, resulting in 5 localized engagement plans and 10 recommendations for just citizen engagement in CECs.

Regulatory Framework: The project analyzed the operational context of ECs in participating countries through PESTLE analysis and assessed legislative contexts. A stakeholder map was created, identifying drivers, barriers, and needs. Workshops with policymakers were organized, leading to policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the uptake of CECs and flexibility services.

Technical Tools and Pilot Validation: This included analyzing pilot requirements and developing a module for forecasting energy demands. A capacity bidding market and community platform were developed, with enhancements like user authentication and IoT integration. The deployment of pilots across various sites was successful, each equipped with customized dashboards and KPI calculations.

Innovative Energy Services for CECs: The project explored revenue models and financing schemes suitable for CECs, assessing various energy services and their applicability. This led to the identification of five Key Exploitable Results (KERs), each with detailed business plans and scalability analysis, now available on the Horizon Results Platform.

Dissemination activities were extensive, with participation in conferences, organization of workshops, and numerous publications. The project's outreach efforts effectively targeted various sectors, including the scientific community, industry, civil society, and policymakers, achieving significant reach and impact.

In summary, LIGHTNESS has made notable strides in fostering sustainable energy communities through innovative engagement strategies, regulatory analysis, technical advancements, and exploration of energy services, coupled with effective dissemination and exploitation of results.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Progress beyond the state of the art was achieved in the four LIGHTNESS pillars. Below is a brief summary of the progress, expected results and potential impact per pillar:

1. Social engagement
1.1. Progress Beyond the state of the art
The LIGHTNESS project redefines citizen engagement by uniquely merging environmental justice principles with state-of-the-art engagement tools. This approach innovates beyond traditional methods, creating more inclusive and effective strategies for involving citizens in energy projects.

1.2. Expected Result
Establishment of robust citizen engagement frameworks that are adaptable to local and national contexts, leading to the creation of effective and just engagement strategies in energy communities.

1.3. Potential Impact
Long-term, this could revolutionize citizen involvement in energy projects, fostering a more inclusive and equitable energy transition and setting a precedent for future initiatives.



2. Regulatory Framework
2.1. Progress Beyond the state of the art
Our recommendations for member states signify a novel approach to energy regulation. By advocating for simplified processes, fair taxation, real-time data access, and support for new market entrants, LIGHTNESS sets a new standard in regulatory frameworks, significantly easing the path for emerging energy communities.

2.2. Expected Result
Streamlined regulatory processes that are more conducive to the growth of energy communities, facilitating easier market entry and efficient energy management.

2.3. Potential Impact
In the long term, this could lead to a more dynamic energy market with increased participation from diverse stakeholders, driving a more sustainable and decentralized energy landscape.



3. Technical tools
3.1. Progress Beyond the state of the art
The development of a CEC design tool within the Intelligent Communities Lifecycle and a customizable management platform represents a major leap forward. These tools integrate advanced simulations and data dashboards, offering unprecedented capabilities in energy community management and planning.

3.2. Expected Result
Enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in managing and planning energy communities, with tools providing comprehensive simulations and data management

3.3. Potential Impact
This advancement could lead to a widespread adoption of more sophisticated energy community management systems, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and responsive energy grid.



4. CEC Energy Services
4.1. Progress Beyond the state of the art
LIGHTNESS excels in its in-depth analysis of financial mechanisms and energy services for CECs. The project’s unique focus on developing new business models and commercialization strategies positions it at the forefront of energy community services, offering innovative solutions that were previously unexplored.

4.2. Expected Result
Development of new, viable business models for energy communities, facilitating better financial and service-oriented solutions.

4.3. Potential Impact
This could create a more robust market for energy services within communities, promoting sustainability and economic growth within the energy sector, and paving the way for innovative energy solutions.

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