Modelling the Success of Renewable Energy Communities

As part of the "Clean energy for all Europeans package", the recast of the European Union renewable energy directive (RED II) defines renewable energy communities (RECs). RECs are legal entities open to natural persons, SMEs, and local authorities, that prioritize environmental, economic, and social community benefits over profits. They can take on a variety of roles in energy markets and form a core of sustainable smart cities. Member states have to create an enabling framework promoting their development. This paper aims to contribute to a more holistic understanding of RECs and provide communities with the necessary tools to conceptualize them. The reference model serves as a toolbox to design RECs. It entails analyzing local circumstances, defining technical measures, choosing a legal structure and social and operating model, and, finally, measuring success. The proposed reference model implements the current discussion status of these elements. Beyond that, it contributes a social and operating model that integrates all REC requirements. Finally, it adds a metric to measure a REC's success.