In politics at the EU, national, and local levels, an important and recurring ambition is that energy communities can contribute to more active and creative energy consumers. Thus, there are social benefit ambitions associated with energy communities.

This project aims to increase knowledge about the ability of energy communities to fulfill this ambition: to create social benefits and avoid negative impacts in a Swedish context. The goal is to contribute to policy development and the practical implementation of socially sustainable energy communities.

By analyzing how different actors are affected by and influence energy communities, the project will identify organizational, social, technical, and political conditions for inclusive and socially sustainable energy communities. Four project objectives contribute to this purpose.

The work is carried out in six work packages and combines data collection, action research, and dialogue with stakeholders. The results are directed at policy and implementation actors as well as academia through policy briefs, workshops, education, and scientific publications.