Local energy communities: an insight from European smart grid projects

Abstract

The paper uses an extended database of real life smart grid projects in Europe, to identify projects related with the new concept of local energy communities and provides some interesting and useful insights. Thereafter, it focuses on different new actors involved in these projects, investigating their roles and responsibilities, as well as the collaboration links among them and with the traditional smart grid stakeholders. Furthermore, the paper explores the enabling role that Distribution System Operators may play in the development and operation of local energy communities.