Abstract
This report investigates the integration of Local Energy Communities (LECs) into
electricity distribution networks, with a focus on enhancing grid flexibility, optimizing
resource use, and supporting the transition to renewable energy and increased
electrification of demand. The report provides an overview of LECs' potential roles and
categorizes them based on their unique characteristics in rural, urban, and industrial
settings. Key technical, regulatory, and economic challenges are assessed, alongside the
benefits LECs offer, such as improved local resource coordination, increased grid
efficiency, and reduced transmission costs. The report evaluates various scenarios for
integrating LECs into the grid, exploring cooperative, competitive, and participatory
models that account for diverse stakeholder roles. In addition to model-based
assessments, the report also offers policy recommendations regarding LECs potential
contribution to the energy transition.
electricity distribution networks, with a focus on enhancing grid flexibility, optimizing
resource use, and supporting the transition to renewable energy and increased
electrification of demand. The report provides an overview of LECs' potential roles and
categorizes them based on their unique characteristics in rural, urban, and industrial
settings. Key technical, regulatory, and economic challenges are assessed, alongside the
benefits LECs offer, such as improved local resource coordination, increased grid
efficiency, and reduced transmission costs. The report evaluates various scenarios for
integrating LECs into the grid, exploring cooperative, competitive, and participatory
models that account for diverse stakeholder roles. In addition to model-based
assessments, the report also offers policy recommendations regarding LECs potential
contribution to the energy transition.