Energy Communities: From European Law to Numerical Modeling

TL;DR

This paper explores how European law on renewable and citizen energy communities (RECs and CECs) can be translated into numerical models, aiding regulation, planning, and research.

Contribution

It bridges the gap between legal frameworks and numerical modeling of energy communities, providing case studies that incorporate legal elements.

Findings

Legal elements are crucial for accurate EC modeling.

Three case studies demonstrate legal-compliant EC models.

Guidelines for stakeholders on modeling ECs based on law.

Abstract

In 2019, the European Union introduced two new actors in the European energy system: Renewable and Citizen Energy Communities (RECs and CECs). Modelling these two new actors and their effects on the energy system is crucial when implementing the European Legislation, incorporating energy communities (ECs) into the electric grid, planning ECs, and conducting academic research. This paper aims to bridge the gap between the letter of the law and numerical models of ECs. After introducing RECs and CECs, we list elements of the law to be considered by regulators, distribution system operators, EC planners, researchers, and other stakeholders when modelling ECs. Finally, we provide three case studies of EC models that explicitly include elements of the European Law.