Digital tools for energy communities – a short guide

The decentralised and distributed nature of renewable energy resources requires the use of digital solutions to better manage our electricity consumption, balance distributed supply with demand and make optimal use of existing grid infrastructure. At the same time, the management of energy communities – which often operate like small or medium-sized companies – requires IT infrastructure for their management and operations.

With this in mind, this guide identifies and shortlists practical examples of digital solutions for energy communities. It covers different scopes of application, including internal management, peer-to-peer trading, energy forecasting, energy monitoring, demand-response, clean mobility, and home renovation services.

The guide does not aim to be exhaustive, nor does it represent a qualitative evaluation or endorsement of the solutions presented. It merely aims at illustrating different categories of digital solutions which respond to some of the needs and challenges expressed by energy communities.

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Given its value, this resource has been reviewed as part of the SHINE project. Find the accompanying review notes here, offering useful context to complement your reading.

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