The local Production and Consumption of Electricity: Renewable Energy Communities Make it Possible

The municipality Kapelln joined the state program “e5” in 2017 and was awarded the “European Energy Award” in 2019. The power supply of its municipal buildings is already renewable thanks to PV modules on all roofs of the communal buildings. As one of the first municipalities in Lower Austria, Kapelln decided to set up a renewable energy community.

In a renewable energy community, electricity in the village is shared among companies, private households and municipal buildings.

How does it work?

If a producer generates more electricity than consumed, the excess is distributed among the other participants in the renewable energy community. That means the renewably produced energy remains in the village. For example, if the energy produced in the elementary school is not being fully consumed, it is used to supply private households and vice versa. The process is automated using intelligent meters (smart meters).

Citizens can easily participate

Citizens can register to become members of renewable energy communities online. They fill out their contact information and describe their electricity consumption and/or generation. After the registration a membership contract is set up, containing the statutes and electricity prices for consumption and production within the renewable energy community – that’s it.

The Energy and Environment

Agency of Lower Austria helps citizens and municipalities set up renewable energy communities The Energy and Environment Agency of Lower Austria (eNu) is an independent consultation agency on energy communities in the region of Lower Austria. Within an Austria-wide network, eNu offers independent advice and information on the establishment and operation of energy communities. Furthermore, eNu supports pilot projects within the framework of the Austria-wide platform and collects valuable experience.

This best practice is issued from our publication Sustainable Regions in Action 2022. Read it now to discover many more best practices from FEDARENE members as well as an overview of our activities.