KNOWLEDGE module: Integrated and accessible energy information

Across countries, access to information, knowledge and skills, is recognized as one of the main barriers to participation in community energy activities. In fact, a set of technical, practical and theoretical knowledge and skills, represent a main enabler for energy citizenship to emerge and thrive as well as for the establishment of energy communities. Therefore, ensuring the accessibility, reliability and clarity of the information and knowledge provided have a key role in making community energy initiatives inclusive.

However, in many countries in and outside of the European Union, individuals’ flag and navigate a severe lack of accessible, reliable and clear information as well as a large knowledge gap between actors navigating the sector and newcomers. The access to actionable, easy to understand and relevant information is crucial for citizens´ awareness of the existence of community energy initiatives, how to join or how to fund one. In addition to that, the foundation and management of an energy community requires competence and skills related to the multiple sectors involved: legal, economic, technical and social.

In fact, individuals navigate highly complex, multi-level and unclear regulations around energy systems and initiatives. For them to be aware of, and make us of, their rights, opportunities and responsibilities, it is key for communities and individuals to know and understand the legal framework shaping the energy system and community actions at the different governance levels (e.g. EU, national, local).

From a legal, but also from an economic perspective, the understanding of regulations and laws make it easier for energy citizens to know and have access to financial incentives and economic support from authorities and actors involved. Moreover, expertise in the financial field makes the management of energy initiatives easier and more convenient. A mix of business and financial skills make individuals able to assess the feasibility and profitability of energy production, storage and collective initiatives. In addition to that, it empowers citizens to follow new markets and financial opportunities, create employment and therefore tackle economic barriers to individuals´ participation.

Citizens should also possess or have access to technical and digital expertise and skills. This means knowing and understanding the different energy sources and technologies available, in order to be able to decide and implement the solution better fitting to one´s specific legal, financial and natural environment. Not only,a set of environmental skills helps individuals to grasp and acknowledge the advantages of clean energy production, storage and impact on the broader environment and community

Finally, the knowledge and competence forementioned should be matched with a mix of social and communication skills able to foster agency and community building. The capability to translate and communicate energy transition´s mission to the broader public is crucial not only to foster a mutual understanding of the message among different social groups but, through that, to enhance feelings of ownership and belonging. This makes it easier and more likely for a social group to feel empowered and to perceive the ability to have an impact.

To summarize, a diversity of information and skills are needed for setting up an energy community and for making it thrive. Individuals are not however not acting alone and citizens can join their competences in an energy community. By understanding the strengths and gaps in knowledge, aiming for a diversity among community leaders and members, and supporting peer-to-peer learning, an energy community can become more successful, inclusive and resilient.