Energy sharing for energy communities – a reference guide

Energy sharing is an emerging concept with the potential to play a vital role in the energy transition. It allows consumers to collectively operate renewable energy systems and access the electricity they generate at reduced rates without needing to set up a supplier, as was previously required.

In most EU countries, energy sharing takes the form of collective self-consumption within or beyond a building, enabling households, businesses, and local authorities to jointly invest in local production capacity. Using smart meters, community members can match near-real-time production with consumption, reducing electricity bills through the shared output.

This guide serves as a reference for energy communities looking to set up an energy sharing initiative, offering an overview of business models and regulatory approaches across different EU Member States. It is not intended to be exhaustive, nor does it represent a qualitative evaluation or endorsement of the approaches presented — readers are encouraged to look into what applies specifically to their national, regional, or local context, and to learn from other communities in their own country or neighbouring ones.

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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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You can see the review of the SHINE partners on the link below.