Chapter 01 · Climate & transitionEnergy & Transition
Community energy
Definition
Community energy refers to renewable-energy and energy-efficiency projects in which local people hold meaningful ownership, participation or benefit — for example energy cooperatives, community shares in wind farms, or municipal schemes. Participants act as 'prosumers', both producing and consuming energy, and revenues are typically reinvested locally.
References
definition; prosumer model; just-transition role
IRENA components of community ownership
Overview
What it means
It redistributes the financial returns and decision power of the energy transition from distant investors to localities.
How it is used
Recognised in EU law (citizen and renewable energy communities) and promoted by IRENA and civil-society networks as a vehicle for a just transition and local acceptance of renewables.
Why it matters
Community ownership increases social acceptance, keeps value local and broadens participation in decarbonisation.