In 2021 the Energy Regulator in Austria adopted a framework for the establishment of Renewable Energy Communities (REC’s)and Citizen Energy Communities (CEC’s) The effect of adopting this legislation has resulted in Energy Communities combining both generation and consumption in a local and regional context.
In upper Austria there are now over 300 renewable energy communities generating electricity locally and supplying electricity locally.
Unlike Ireland which has one Distribution System Operator (DSO) namely ESB Networks, Northern Austria has 20 different DSOs. This has resulted in innovation, competition, and collaboration by DSO’s with local energy communities. DSO’s have set up software infrastructure and an accessible portal which allows energy sharing at a local level. The basic design principle is that any dwelling, (residence, business, school, community building etc.) that is connected to the same electricity substation can potentially share and/or trade electricity.
Member based REC’s have been established and these organisations can produce, share, store and sell renewable electricity locally without the need for an electricity retailer. The knock-on effect of this initiative has resulted in a boom in PV installations (29,000 in Upper Austria since 2023) and a national support programme has been established to facilitate and encourage innovative REC’s. A wonderful example of what’s possible when communities are empowered!
