Focus on the role of communities in the governance of renewable energy production projects

Like citizens, local authorities are major players in the energy transition. They have also understood for a long time that it was a real lever for economic development for their territories. Over time, bills have encouraged communities to conduct local energy strategies. They thus have many solutions to support ENR (Renewable Energy) projects. Focus on local Governance REN projects, the role of the community and the benefits for the territory.

What is a local governance ENR project?

When it comes to setting up a renewable energy production project in a territory, several solutions are possible. In particular, it is possible to entrust this project to a private company that will be the majority shareholder. On the other hand, if the community wants to remain master in this area, it can then embark on a project with local governance. In this case, it is the citizens and/or the communities who have control of the project together. To invest in the equipment necessary for the production and distribution of renewable energies, the community can thus use its own funds but also call on its fellow citizens via crowdfunding. We then speak of a “citizen” project.

The different possible project configurations

Each ENR production project with local governance is different depending on the specificities of the municipality. This may include a project:

• launched by the inhabitants of the municipality and whose communities are partners
• · Initiated by the community that may or may not be set up in partnership with an ENR developer and which may or may not be open to residents
• Launched by an ENR developer that involves citizens and communities
• which takes over already in operation that have been bought by the communities and/or by the inhabitants

According to ADEME, (the Environment and Energy Management Agency, there were in 2019 a total of 236 REC projects with local governance, 111 of which are already in operation. These mainly wind and photovoltaic projects represent no less than 148 Megawatts installed and mobilize 11,000 citizens throughout France.

How can the community take part in a renewable energy project?

Local authorities can invest in different ways in an ENR project. They can both be at the initiative of the project and support it financially to help it see the light of day. The community can thus be present from the initiative, but also, to be involved only during the development phase, especially when it is a citizen project, or manage the exploitation once the project has been put in place.

The role that the community will play will actually depend on several factors and in particular on the resources it is able to provide (grounds, roofs, financing, administrative, communication, search for partnerships, public relations and politics, etc. Its role will also depend on its motivation and desire to create employment, to act concretely for the energy transition or to reduce energy costs for its inhabitants, etc.. 

What are the benefits for the territory?

For the municipality, the renewable energy production project with local governance offers many advantages. In particular, it makes it possible to perceive economic benefits, in particular when reselling surplus energy. These benefits then make it possible to repay the initial investment and to finance other projects. The production of ENR also makes it possible to maintain and create jobs in the territory (construction of infrastructure, design office, maintenance of installations, operations, etc.). New skills and new professions can also emerge in the field of renewable energies.

Who to call on to set up a project?

You are a community and want to set up a renewable energy project? You are not alone in this process. The Energie Shared Association supported by ADEME is present everywhere in France with its partners. An animation network is accessible to project leaders in order to receive personalized support in the implementation of a renewable energy production project at the local level. To find the association closest to you, you can go to the website ofShared Energy to discover the different regional networks. Other local associations can also help you. This is, for example, the case of the bait, CLER or FNCCR organizations. And to size your project and install your photovoltaic equipment, you can trust your IRISOLARIS specialist!