Integration of Energy Communities in Distribution Grids: Development Paths for Local Energy Coordination

Abstract

Energy Communities (ECs) have received increasing interest in recent years, with diverse perceptions of what they are and how they are expected to interact with existing infrastructure. This is particularly important with regard to the distribution system. ECs are expected to bring certain benefits in the transition towards a renewables-dominated electricity system, but that requires an awareness and coordination with the power system and particularly the electricity distribution. This paper intends to structure the discourse on EC integration in the distribution system, by identifying the  two most critical factors in the interaction, namely the decentralization of coordination responsibility, and advancement of active distribution system management. These two factors are used in a 2-by-2 scenario topology to identify four scenarios for local energy coordination that will govern the development of ECs. The scenarios are in turn used to discuss different developments paths for ECs.

Keywords: Energy Communities (ECs), Distribution System Operators (DSOs), Local Energy Coordination, Flexibility Markets, Scenario Frameworks