Renewable energy communities in rural areas: A comprehensive overview of current development, challenges, and emerging trends

Achieving environmental and economic stability amid climate change requires renewable energy technologies. This review analyses 86 articles on rural energy communities, highlighting key technological, economic, and social drivers of their growth and sustainability. Findings show that rural energy development (38%), community engagement (36%), and agricultural integration (26%) are key focus areas, supported by drivers like technological innovation, regulatory frameworks, and community participation. Emerging trends reveal a shift from localised solutions to integrated hybrid systems and smart grids across three stages (2004–2024). Cross-country comparisons indicate varied regional priorities, with environmental benefits emphasised in China, Thailand, and Italy, and economic gains in the U.S., Poland, and India. Main challenges include financial constraints (21%), infrastructure (35%), regulation (44%), and participation (52%). Core elements for development are resilience, scalability, and innovation, with strong correlations (R 2 > 0.80) between resilience, economic benefits, and social engagement. This review underscores the need for innovation, policy support, and community involvement to foster resilient, scalable rural energy communities, promoting sustainability and energy security. • Transition from localised renewable energy to advanced, integrated systems. • Innovation, regulatory support, and community participation are crucial. • Challenges: financial, infrastructural, regulatory, and participation issues. • Need for continuous innovation, supportive policies, and community involvement.