Citizen Energy Community (CEC)

DESCRIPTION:

The Citizen Energy Community (CEC) model developed in Palma de Mallorca supports the implementation of shared energy consumption schemes with active citizen participation. It combines publicly owned photovoltaic (PV) installations, collective self-consumption models, and citizen engagement activities to support the local energy transition. 

VALUE

The CEC addresses barriers to accessing renewable energy in urban environments, particularly for residents who do not have access to private rooftop PV systems. It also supports citizen participation in the energy transition while helping reduce energy costs and increasing awareness of energy consumption and electricity billing. Photovoltaic panels are installed on publicly owned rooftops by the municipal utility company. The electricity generated is shared among households and SMEs located within a 2 km radius of each installation. Citizens participate through agreements for a defined share of the installed PV capacity, typically corresponding to 1 kWp per household, through a fixed annual contribution. In return, the electricity generated from this allocation is deducted directly from their electricity bills. The CEC also includes the development of operational guidelines and awareness-raising activities to support the establishment and long-term operation of urban energy communities.
Photo: City of Palma

APPLICATION

Within the Palma demonstration, three publicly owned shared self-consumption PV installations are already operational and sharing energy among neighbouring households and SMEs. Workshops organised together with the public utility company supported participants in understanding electricity billing and compensation mechanisms related to PV generation. The CEC demonstrates a replicable model for collective self-consumption based on publicly owned photovoltaic infrastructure and community participation. The approach can be transferred to other municipalities aiming to expand local renewable energy production and citizen involvement in the energy transition.

POTENTIAL IMPACT

Thanks to:

FUNDING:

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to know more about the new generation of climate positive circular communities (CPCC)? Sign up to our bi-annual newsletter (no spam guaranteed)!