Boosting Energy Communities massive deployment by equipping local authorities with comprehensive technical assistance cooKboOk, integrated services and capacity buildiNg

Introduction

LIFE-BECKON stimulates and boosts the deployment of Energy Communities across Europe by developing and delivering comprehensive support mechanisms for public authorities, promoters, and Local Action Groups. This initiative aims to better equip these entities to facilitate the creation of Energy Communities, thereby addressing clear needs and known barriers.

Comprehensive Support Mechanisms

The comprehensive support mechanism includes:

• Technical Assistance Cookbook: This enables the creation of Technical Assistance Offices.
• Capacity Building Program: Utilizing a Train the Trainer approach to increase stakeholder knowledge.
• Integrated Services: Provided via a One-Stop-Shop platform to facilitate access to information, tools, and guides, as well as matchmaking among actors along the value chain.

Validation Areas

The support mechanisms will be validated in three supramunicipal areas:

1. Avila, Spain (ES)
2. Sofia, Bulgaria (BG)
3. Copenhagen, Denmark (DK)

These areas cover a wide range of conditions, cultural aspects, and market maturities.

Dissemination and Replication

Tailored dissemination and replication leverage the commitment of more than 30 authorities to replicate the mechanism and best practices. The project aims to reach a significant number of stakeholders (>800), involve more than 2500 citizens in energy communities, and upskill 1400 actors during the three-year duration of the project.

Expected Impacts

Expected impacts by the end of the project include:

• Investments exceeding €38 million
• Primary energy savings of 20 GWh/year
• Renewable energy generation of 12 GWh/year
• Greenhouse gas emission reduction of 4,500 tCO2/year

Additionally, superior upscaling is anticipated in the subsequent five years.

Consortium and Support

The consortium includes eight partners from seven European countries, covering the necessary expertise in:

• Technical
• Legal
• Financial
• Regulatory
• Participatory process
• Capacity building
• Dissemination and replication

These partners are committed to launching and validating these solutions in relevant geographical areas while ensuring access to a relevant network of potential partners and replicators.

LIFE-BECKON has secured support from more than 90 entities via Letters of Support from municipalities, energy agencies, public authorities, associations, and SMEs.