A typology of business models for energy communities

Abstract

In the European energy transition, energy communities have gained an increasing amount of attention. To support widespread diffusion, academic and practice-oriented studies have called for a business model perspective on energy communities. This study presents a morphological analysis of 90 energy communities and pioneering companies that apply business model design options that can be adopted in energy communities. The sample was selected based on implementation examples focusing on community solutions, a multivector energy approach, or a combination of both. Based on this analysis, we have identified 25 emerging business model design options for energy communities. The presented typology allows users to configure tailor-made business models for energy communities, hence supporting community facilitators in the development process. The presented frequency analysis of the design options shows the potential for the further development of energy communities. The typology contributes to the literature on energy communities by offering one of the first studies to adopt a business model perspective. Through a morphological approach, the typology can be used as a tool for developers of energy communities, offering a robust set of business model design options.