Local Energy Clusters

Definition

Energy Clusters are defined as as a group of actors operating in one region that come together to provide energy in a sustainable, efficient and innovative way. Energy clusters consist of a variety of actors, such as local manufacturing companies, energy service providers, renewable energy producers, local authorities, NGOs and residents.

Local Energy Clusters bring many benefits to local communities, industrial and manufacturing companies, PEC companies and local governments.

Autonomy

LEC increase a community’s energy independence by reducing utilization of domestic and foreign energy sources.

Cost reduction

Local Energy Clusters help reduce energy costs for residents and businesses.

Lower costs influence the quality of life and competitiveness of the local economy.

Environment Protection

Energy clusters contribute to environmental protection by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

Law

In Poland, issues related to Local Energy Clusters and Energy Cooperatives are regulated by several legal acts, including:

  1. Law of April 10, 1997. – Energy Law (Journal of Laws of 2022, item 1640, as amended) – a law that defines the rules of the electricity and gas market and regulates issues related to renewable energy.
  2. The Law on Cooperatives of February 16, 2007 (Journal of Laws of 2022, item 565, as amended) – a law that regulates the operation of cooperatives, including energy cooperatives.

In Europe, energy clusters are called Energy Communities. Energy Communities are regulated by, among other things:

  1. Directive 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the promotion of the generation of energy from renewable sources (OJ EU L 328, 2018, p. 82) – a directive that sets out rules for the establishment and operation of Energy Communities.
  2. Regulation (EU) 2019/941 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 5, 2019 on electricity markets (OJ EU L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 106) – a regulation that sets out rules for the operation of electricity markets in the EU, including rules on Energy Communities.