EU-funded project studies renewable energy community barriers in rural Estonia and Spain
The EC4RURAL project has produced two policy briefs analysing the barriers to the development of renewable energy communities (RECs) in rural Estonia and Spain, with recommendations for policymakers to drive the rural clean energy transition in both countries.
Image by jotily from Getty Images on Canva
RECs allow local communities to join forces and invest in clean energy. They have the potential to make energy production more accessible and reduce energy poverty, especially in rural areas. However, the policy briefs note that deployment of RECs in Spain and Estonia is hampered by a mixture of legal, technical and institutional barriers.
Both countries have gaps in transposition of EU directives into national legislation. Other challenges include unclear regulatory definitions, complex administrative procedures and the lack of a clear enabling framework, regulatory oversight, and municipal or community capacity.
To tackle these issues, the policy briefs highlight priorities for action such as strengthening national frameworks, clarifying municipal roles, investing in infrastructure and supporting community-led initiatives to ensure an inclusive and effective energy transition.
Funded by the EU’s LIFE programme, the EC4RURAL project is working to boost the creation of energy communities in rural municipalities and so contribute to the clean energy transition.
Explore the latest Rural Pact resources on the topic of energy and join the Community Group on energy transition in rural areas to exchange with peers.