Cross-border energy communities in the EU electricity sector: Types and benefits

This contribution examines “cross-border energy communities” as proposed by EU law within the existing framework of cross-border energy cooperation. The EU's main goals for cross-border (energy) cooperation include facilitating internal market functioning through interconnector infrastructure and wholesale electricity trading, promoting renewable energy sources via cooperation mechanisms, and fostering societal cohesion in border regions. The EU Commission's handbook identifies two types of cross-border energy communities: those with physical cross-border elements and those without. Cross-border energy communities with physical energy exchange may support market integration but are complex to implement. Communities without physical elements can deliver societal and local economic benefits more easily. Their different implementation complexities and benefits highlight the importance of clearly defining objectives when developing policies and laws for cross-border energy communities.