FEDECOM Advances Towards Scalable, Interoperable European Energy Communities
The FEDECOM project (FEDErated -system of systems- approach for flexible and interoperable energy COMmunities), a groundbreaking initiative funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, is entering a crucial implementation phase. This marks a pivotal moment in its mission to empower local energy communities throughout Europe. As the project embarks on its third year, all pilot sites are being equipped with the infrastructure needed to facilitate comprehensive data flow and real-time communication via the FEDECOM Platform, which will be operational by 2025.
Technical Progress and Future Roadmap
FEDECOM has already made substantial strides across its three large-scale pilots: (i) Spanish Virtual Green Hydrogen Federation, (ii) Swiss Residential Hydropower Federation, and (iii) BE-NL Cross-country E-Mobility Federation. These pilots will validate FEDECOM’s approach and drive real-world scalability. The FEDECOM Platform, once operational, will act as a hub for data analysis, energy management, and coordination between federated energy communities. This innovative platform will enable:
- Enhanced Sector Coupling: Seamless integration of electricity, heat, gas, and mobility, optimising energy resource allocation, especially by leveraging energy communities.
- Cooperative Demand Response: Real-time strategies empowering energy communities to adjust consumption in response to grid conditions and market signals, thus promoting grid stability and facilitating renewable energy integration.
Policy and Implementation Recommendations to Foster Energy Community Growth
Drawing from progress of the pilots and technical development of the FEDECOM Platform, the project is on its way towards offering key policy and implementation recommendations for policymakers, regulators, standards bodies, and existing energy communities:
- Early Identification of Barriers: Engaging regulatory experts early and maintaining ongoing dialogue with policymakers and regulators is critical. This will ensure potential legal obstacles are identified and addressed in a timely manner.
- Advocacy for Policy Change: Actively advocate for favourable regulatory conditions, particularly in the realms of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) energy trading and sector coupling.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Inclusive and continuous stakeholder engagement is vital. Clear communication and decision-making participation by local communities and grid operators will foster trust and support wider adoption.
- Data Management: Prioritise robust data management systems, ensuring secure, interoperable data exchanges that safeguard privacy and promote standardisation.
Call to Action
FEDECOM urges policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to embrace the project’s findings and to contribute to a regulatory framework that supports the growth of energy communities, including by exploring inter-community trading. A favourable regulatory environment is essential to achieving Europe’s decarbonization goals and realising a more sustainable, resilient, and fair energy future with the support of energy citizens and communities.
About FEDECOM
Funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, FEDECOM aims to empower local energy communities to drive Europe’s energy transition. The FEDECOM project, which will last 48 months, began in September 2022 involving 17 European partners from 7 countries. By implementing its innovative cloud-based platform,running three large-scale pilots and engaging follower communities, the project demonstrates the potential of federated energy communities to decarbonize the energy system, enhance grid stability, and deliver economic benefits to citizens.
Follow and contact us:
FEDECOM Project Coordinator: Ivan SANCHEZ PASARIN, Veolia Giroa
ivan.sanchez-pasarin@veolia.com
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