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Renewable Energy Communities as Modes of Collective Prosumership: A Multi-Disciplinary Assessment, Part I—Methodology

Author

Listed:
  • Shubhra Chaudhry

    (Institute of Engineering, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, 9747 AS Groningen, The Netherlands
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Arne Surmann

    (Department of Smart Grids, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Matthias Kühnbach

    (Department of Smart Grids, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, 79110 Freiburg, Germany)

  • Frank Pierie

    (Institute of Engineering, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, 9747 AS Groningen, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Citizens are set to play an active role in the energy transition by transforming from ‘passive’ consumers to ‘active’ prosumers. Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) are envisioned as modes of collective prosumership by citizens under the Renewable Energy Directive of 2018 (RED II). A holistic understanding of RECs is essential to identify the benefits and challenges of collective prosumership. RECs have been the topic of several modelling studies, but a single model that simulates RECs from an integrated perspective—combining technical, economic and ecological analysis—is absent. Wide variability in the indicators discourages comparison of the results across studies. This article builds on the existing knowledge by proposing an integrated model to undertake a multi-disciplinary assessment of a potential REC. First, the proposed model analyses the technical possibilities of collective prosumership using energy flow analysis based on consumption and generation profiles. Second, the model evaluates the economic impacts of prosumership from two perspectives: from the consumers’ perspective (in terms of the annual cost of energy consumption) and from an investor’s perspective (in terms of the net present value of the investment). Thirdly, the model quantifies the annual greenhouse gas emissions of energy consumption (expressed in CO 2 equivalent) to evaluate the ecological impact of prosumership. Lastly, a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) are proposed that can be used to interpret and compare the results of simulations and are mapped to the actors in the REC in line with their objectives. The proposed approach offers a single, replicable model that can be used to simulate RECs in the different Member States of the European Union. The KPIs can be used to compare the impact of combinations of various prosumership activities within the same REC or to compare two different RECs on the benefits offered vis-a-vis the investments incurred. The KPIs also offer insights into the aligning and conflicting objectives of the stakeholders of the REC.

Suggested Citation

  • Shubhra Chaudhry & Arne Surmann & Matthias Kühnbach & Frank Pierie, 2022. "Renewable Energy Communities as Modes of Collective Prosumership: A Multi-Disciplinary Assessment, Part I—Methodology," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-16, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:23:p:8902-:d:983554
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Mirosław Struś & Daria Kostecka-Jurczyk & Katarzyna Marak, 2023. "The Role of Local Government in the Bottom-Up Energy Transformation of Poland on the Example of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-13, June.
    4. Itxaso Aranzabal & Julen Gomez-Cornejo & Iraide López & Ander Zubiria & Javier Mazón & Ane Feijoo-Arostegui & Haizea Gaztañaga, 2023. "Optimal Management of an Energy Community with PV and Battery-Energy-Storage Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-23, January.
    5. Lowitzsch, Jens & Kreutzer, Kaja & George, Jan & Croonenbroeck, Carsten & Breitschopf, Barbara, 2023. "Development prospects for energy communities in the EU identifying best practice and future opportunities using a morphological approach," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).

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