CommUnity Power – Energy Communities for a Sustainable and Inclusive Energy Transition
In this project we are strengthening and scaling inclusive energy communities in Denmark and Sweden by supporting municipalities and local actors with practical tools, pilot initiatives, and cross-border learning to make the green energy transition more accessible, democratic, and socially just.
About
Across Denmark and Sweden, the energy transition is accelerating due to climate targets, electrification, and growing energy demand. However, this development puts increasing pressure on electricity grids, requires large infrastructure investments, and risks reinforcing social inequalities. At the same time, many citizens and local actors lack the knowledge, tools, and support needed to establish energy communities that can contribute to local renewable energy production, energy sharing, and flexibility. Energy poverty, regulatory uncertainty, and limited municipal capacity further hinder participation, especially among renters and low-income groups. There is therefore a strong need for practical models, guidance, and cross-border learning to make energy communities more accessible, inclusive, and effective.
The CommUnity Power project addresses this need by supporting the establishment and development of energy communities in Denmark and Sweden. The overall aim is to make it easier for municipalities and local actors to facilitate and participate in energy communities, while strengthening the social, technical, and economic foundations for their long-term success. A core objective is to reduce barriers related to regulation, organisation, financing, and technical complexity, so that more communities can benefit from shared renewable energy solutions.
The project places strong emphasis on climate and environmental impact. By promoting local renewable energy production, flexible consumption, and energy sharing, energy communities can reduce CO₂ emissions, lower peak demand, and decrease the need for costly grid expansion. At the same time, the project highlights the social value of energy communities by strengthening local ownership, democratic participation, and community cohesion.
Objectives
The project has four main objectives:
- Strengthen municipal capacity to facilitate and participate in energy communities through tools, training, and practical guidance.
- Support at least 10 pilot energy communities, helping them move from idea to formal organisation and operation.
- Develop and test start-up packages with legal, technical, and organisational templates that can be reused by other municipalities and local initiatives.
- Generate knowledge and policy recommendations based on comparative Danish–Swedish experiences to improve national and EU-level frameworks.
Methodology
The project uses a combination of pilot projects, action research, and cross-border comparison. Municipalities, universities, and local communities work together to develop and test real-life energy community solutions in urban areas, housing associations, villages, and industrial zones. These pilots are supported through facilitation, workshops, citizen meetings, funding guidance, and technical screenings.
Universities conduct socio-technical, economic, and regulatory analyses to document how energy communities affect local engagement, energy flexibility, grid balancing, and acceptance of renewable energy.
The project also examines how differences in Danish and Swedish legislation influence the development of energy communities, producing comparative insights and policy recommendations.
A central output is a set of start-up packages and user guides for municipalities and community groups. These include legal templates, organisational models, technical guidance, financing tools, and citizen engagement methods such as dialogue games and inclusion strategies for renters and vulnerable groups. Results are shared through conferences, webinars, municipal networks, and digital platforms.
Project Partners
The partnership is broad and cross-sectoral. Gate 21 (Denmark) is the lead partner, responsible for project coordination, administration, and communication. In Sweden, Sveriges Energigemenskaper acts as coordinating partner.
The consortium includes:
Danish partners:
Frederikssund, Hvidovre, Lejre, Køge, and Roskilde municipalities; Enyday; Aalborg University; Sustain Solutions.
Swedish partners:
Linköping University; Uppsala University; Trollhättan, Kungsbacka, Eslöv, and Tomelilla municipalities; Eksta Bostad.
Additional collaboration involves networks such as Klimaalliancen, Demokratisk Erhverv, and national energy community organisations, ensuring that results are embedded in existing climate and governance structures.
