Smart Services for Energy Communities: Insights on Options and Priorities from a Multicriteria Mapping Study in Germany

Abstract

Energy Communities are finding their way into the local energy systems as new regulations surge. However, they often lack resources due to their limited size, and depend heavily on subsidies for providing competitive offerings. In parallel, new technologies support the development of smart services for the energy market and provide chances for increasing the competitiveness of energy communities. This paper utilizes the multi-criteria mapping (MCM) method to discuss with stakeholders from energy communities in Germany the relevance and priorities for realizing specific smart services. A general ranking, as well as four perspective-based rankings, are analyzed by discussing contrasts and uncertainties. The results provide relevant insights on potentials from each service and a basis for the design of new information systems and architectures for energy communities.

Citizens empowerment in smart energy communities

“…Information systems enable the emission of certificates of origin, giving users more power to choose the electricity mix of their preference. They also support the use of smart contracts, virtual energy trading and peer-to-peer trading [9].…”