Success Factors of an Energy Community in an Urban Area

Abstract

As electrification progresses, marked by the increasing adoption of heat pumps, electric vehicles (EVs), and electric cooking, household electricity consumption is surging. This rise is pushing low voltage electricity networks to their capacity limits. Expanding and enhancing the grid to be more adaptable and intelligent is crucial, yet such transformations require substantial investment and time and cannot be achieved overnight. A practical interim solution to this challenge involves optimizing electricity consumption within residential areas through the formation of energy communities. These communities allow households to collectively manage their energy use, especially during peak load periods, thereby reducing strain on the electricity network.

An energy community typically comprises a designated area or neighborhood where households aim to produce and consume electricity locally as much as possible. Additionally, these communities actively adjust their energy consumption patterns to avoid peak loads, significantly reducing the need for extensive investments in electrical infrastructure. To encourage participation, a demand response program is implemented that financially rewards households for adjusting their usage during peak times. This strategy not only facilitates more efficient grid management but also provides incentives for participating stakeholders.

This research presents a case study from the Sporenburg neighborhood in Amsterdam, where an energy community model is being tested. The study aims to identify the factors that contribute to the success of such communities. Sporenburg is an ideal case study due to its equipped smart meters and Amsterdam's ambitious climate goals, which necessitate a higher rate of electrification. Although currently stable, projections suggest that by 2050, Amsterdam’s electricity demand could increase threefold to fivefold compared to 2022 levels. The primary research question this study addresses is: What are the critical factors, categorized into distinct groups, that contribute to the success of the energy community?

The research is structured into three sections focusing on different aspects of the energy community: the technical system, organizational structure, and individual perspectives. It identifies critical success factors, differentiated into essential conditions for success and contributory factors. The study employs various analytical methods, including a technical analysis of Sporenburg, stakeholder analysis, and a survey.