Increasing benefit sharing of renewable energy projects

Europe’s clean energy transition is accelerating – but so is public resistance in some regions. While most Europeans support renewables, projects often face local opposition when communities feel excluded or see few direct benefits. This brief explores how renewable energy projects can strengthen trust and public acceptance by sharing value locally, creating jobs, and showing that the transition is not only green, but fair.

Expert contributions from: Helena Borst (Cool Heating Coalition); Esteban Gas (Solar Heat Europe); Morgan Henley (CEE Bankwatch); Rainer Hinrichs-Rahlwes (European Renewable Energies Federation / Bundesverband Erneuerbare Energie e.V.); Jamie Kendrick (European Green Party); Felix Kriedemann (REScoop.eu); Pedro Narro (Committee of the Regions); Simona Suardi (Greens/EFA).

Check out our web dossier A fair participation in the EU's energy transition.

Over the past 18 months, the Green European Foundation and the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung EU | Global Dialogue have worked with experts in energy and social policy to identify key areas where the EU could act to ensure that citizens and households are able to fully experience the benefits of the energy transition, in their homes, communities and pockets.

A Knowledge Community of experts from EU institutions, local government, industry, consumer organisations, trade unions and think tanks have examined several existing and new tools in EU legislation to facilitate citizens’ engagement in the energy transition. This work has focused on three actionable areas: affordable and energy efficient housing; benefit sharing of renewable energy projects; and fair allocation of network costs.