Expectations from the EU Citizens Energy Package
Chris Vrettos, Senior Policy Advisor and Sara Tachelet, HR Director of REScoop, a EUSEW partner organisation, explore how the EU Citizens Energy Package will deliver community energy projects and promote clean power across the continent. Yesterday, the European Commission published its long-awaited Citizens Energy Package (CEP). The Package includes 1) a widely ambitious European goal for community energy projects (90GW by 2030), and 2) the commitment that the Commission will deliver much-needed guidance to Member States on creating regulatory frameworks and financing tools for energy communities. But, without being legally binding, will the Package live up to expectations? Connecting the legislative puzzle pieces There is a huge potential for citizen participation in the energy transition: 1 in 2 EU citizens could be producing their own energy by 2050, covering 45% of the EU’s energy demand. Crucially, these lofty goals translate into immediate, tangible benefits for EU citizens and businesses: participation in an energy community can result in yearly savings of up to €1100. Yet energy communities still struggle with the basics: an enabling regulatory framework, …
