State-of-the-Art Implementation Examples
Within the scope of SP2, three concrete state-of-the-art implementation examples were analyzed in connection to the topic of energy communities and prosumers: YDEAL Confluence in Lyon, Photovoltaics Tenant Electricity Project in Munich, and Asprela+Sustentável in Porto. These examples illustrate how state-of-the-art patterns introduced above can be combined and implemented while responding to local realities and needs. Detailed descriptions of these solutions, including technologies, business models, funding mechanisms, procurement procedures, and governance models, are available in the Annex.
Technologies and Tools
- The three solutions employ Urban Data Platform (UDP), Smart Grid Technologies (SGT), and Distributed Energy Generation (DEG).
Funding and Monetization
- Primarily funded through a blend of grants, tax rebates, and fees, with monetization models focusing on self-consumption (E_Sav_SC) and excess energy injected into the grid (E_Sav_EX).
- Require cooperation with DSOs and brokers to manage the value chain and funding schemes.
Governance and Procurement
- YDEAL Confluence and Isarwatt operate under the NCP governance model, while Asprela+Sustentável operates under the City Mission model.
- Focus on integrating innovative energy solutions with strong stakeholder collaboration and financial sustainability.
City
LyonDescription
- The YDEAL Confluence solution demonstrates how electricity produced by a rooftop PV system can be shared among a large group of users (150) in a five-building complex.
- The PV systems are owned by the owners’ association, operating under the Neighbourhood Coordination Platform (NCP) governance model, with production data managed by the Distribution System Operator (DSO).
Benefits
- Facilitates energy sharing and cooperation among building residents, promoting sustainable energy usage.
- Combines elements of the Citizen Energy Communities (CEC) and Jointly Owned Production Systems business models, enhancing local energy resilience.
Governance and Procurement
- Operates under the NCP governance model.
- Involves cooperation with the DSO for smart meter installation, currently in pilot mode to assess business model viability.
City
MunichDescription
- Isarwatt, a Munich-based energy cooperative, has implemented 53 PV plants, demonstrating high scalability and replicability.
- Operates under the Neighbourhood Coordination Platform (NCP) governance model, providing clean energy solutions to housing companies.
Benefits
- Offers a pioneering cooperative model, enhancing clean energy access for housing companies.
- Provides full-service PV plant installation, ownership, and maintenance, acting as a complete electricity provider.
Governance and Procurement
- Operates under the NCP governance model.
- Scalability depends on operating capacity and access to loans, supported by increasing demand for clean energy solutions.
City
PortoDescription
- The Social Housing Complex of Agra do Amial and a local school form Portugal's first renewable energy community fully promoted by a municipality.
- Operates under the City Mission governance model, orchestrating a multi-stakeholder arrangement combining production, storage, and e-mobility.
Benefits
- Addresses energy poverty alleviation through innovative technical solutions and collaborative stakeholder involvement.
- Combines sustainable mobility, energy efficiency, renewable energy, circular economy, and citizen involvement to establish a positive energy district.
Governance and Procurement
- Operates under the City Mission governance model.
- Financially supported by the recovery and resilience plan and ESCO models, with plans to replicate across Porto’s social housing districts.
These examples highlight the integration of state-of-the-art technologies and business models in energy communities, demonstrating their potential to enhance public service delivery and urban management.