Socio-Economic Benefits in Community Energy Structures

Abstract

In this paper, the authors examine how a community energy group in the Meadows area of Nottingham in the UK adopted a model of local energy generation and storage as a means of combatting climate change, improving energy efficiency, enhancing energy security, and reducing fuel poverty. By prioritising local needs and managing expectations, this approach was seen to unite community members in acting on energy challenges while increasing knowledge, understanding, and awareness of energy issues in general. The results of the survey indicated that the respondents had a significantly high level of climate awareness (94%) and support for community energy (90%). Furthermore, evidence of the impacts and efficiencies of community energy and subsequent socio-economic benefits were identified, including 89% of respondents reporting a reduction in energy costs and 67% of respondents increasing their self-consumption. Importantly, the barriers experienced when trying to maximise the identified socio-economic benefits are highlighted and general recommendations given.

Key Aspects and Challenges in the Implementation of Energy Communities

“…With the participation of the public, a culture that is based on sustainability and clean energy will be cultivated and reflected in future government strategies that will enhance the efforts towards energy transition [6]. Furthermore, getting the public involved can affect their behaviour as consumers, making them more conscious of the impact of their decisions [36].…”

“…These benefits can have a greater effect on rural communities [38]. On a wider scope, ECs can support the decentralisation of the electricity grid with locally produced electricity that can reduce transmission losses and help avoid expensive upgrades connected with a centralised grid [36]. Furthermore, the development of advanced green technologies will boost the integration of RES into the energy mix and drive the cost of energy down [39].…”

A review of Energy Communities: Definitions, Technologies, Data Management

“…With the public taking part a culture of sustainable and clean energy development will flourish and this will be reflected on future projects and policies from governments that will boost the energy transition [20]. Moreover, the participation of the public can also start a behaviour shift of the consumers, making them more aware of the impacts of their choices [21].…”

“…These benefits could be even greater for isolated/rural communities [23]. In a wider scope, ECs can help make the electricity grid more decentralized with locally produced energy that will result into lower transmission losses, lower carbon emissions and the avoidance of costly upgrades that come with a potential centralized system [21]. Moreover, the implementation of innovative green technologies can speed up the integration of RES [24].…”

The role of community energy systems to facilitate energy transitions in Ethiopia and Mozambique

“…The development of community energy systems is characterized by exploiting decentralized local renewable energy sources, ensuring lower carbon emissions and reduced transmission losses [18]. These systems can facilitate equitable energy transitions and make the system more greener and resilient [19,20], but it encounters obstacles even in developed countries due to governmental policy shifts [21].…”