Unpacking the Electricity Market Design Reform: The Introduction of the Right to ‘Energy Sharing’

The Electricity Market Design Reform introduces energy sharing as a general right, extending its scope beyond its previous qualification as an activity of energy communities. This article examines the significance of this development within the broader transformation of EU energy policy associated with the energy transition. The first section analyses the context in which this development takes place, shedding light on the regulatory contents of the energy transition. The second section assesses the characteristics of energy sharing under the Electricity Market Design Directive, focusing on its definition, eligibility criteria, operational modalities, and substantive safeguards. The third section explores the broader implications of energy sharing, with particular attention to its role in the structural transformation of electricity supply and its intersection with justice considerations within the energy transition. The final section draws some concluding remarks and reflects on the evolving trajectory of the energy transition in light of emerging initiatives, including the Clean Industrial Deal.