A coalition of energy firms, spearheaded by the German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE), emphasizes the importance of energy sharing in boosting local support for the energy transition. They argue that more effective implementation is necessary and have developed a blueprint for Germany, a task that the government was supposed to have completed as per EU energy sharing guidelines by mid-2021. Energy sharing enables community members to collaboratively generate, utilize (at a reduced cost), and sell renewable energy.
The proposed plan recommends a government-backed incentive for each kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity sourced directly from the jointly managed facilities. This reward is intended to promote the consumption of locally produced green energy when it is readily available, by increasing the incentive in proportion to its contribution to overall use.
Malte Zieher, a representative from the Citizens Energy Alliance (Bündnis Bürgerenergie), believes that individuals should have the opportunity to actively contribute to the growth of renewable energy and gain financial benefits as a result. “To ensure that individuals and communities without personal property and land can partake in the energy transition and reap the rewards of affordable renewable power, the German government ought to adhere to the Brussels guidelines and extensively enable energy sharing across the country,” said BEE director Simone Peter. She further added that this approach would expedite the energy transition and enhance support for its expansion. Under current German legislation, citizens have the ability to generate electricity together but lack the legal means to use it collectively.