Local Municipality Roles in Renewable Energy Communities: A Portuguese Case Involving Cross-Border Synergies

As the EU is funding collective self-consumption, European research focuses on legal, technical, economic and social aspects of energy communities. In this study we draw insight from the Portuguese scholars and recent developments to promote a better understanding about the rollout guidelines for energy communities in the North of Portugal and neighbor Galician province of Ourense in Spain. The project COMENERG for the energy transition has been playing active roles in Galicia and Portugal, with the Portuguese municipality of Ponte da Barca in participation by co-steering. A pilot project portfolio collected for benchmarking, as well as engagement data and cost/revenue streams common to eight business models, are gathered to serve as policy support for the energy transition office established in the Galician city of Ourense. The roles and barriers to overcome before and after this project finalizes are analyzed, and it appears critical to develop the demonstration pilot landmark, as well to preview the contingencies ahead for successful implementation of the renewable energy communities in this Euroregion.