Decentralized Energy Generation for Sustainable Energy Development in EU

Abstract

Human history has been the story of the constant search for energy, e.g., in terms of food conversion to energy. Early on in its origins, humankind has had to satisfy its energy demand through available energy resources. Although the use of non-renewable energy sources has been perpetuated over time, there are currently many strategies implemented by states to develop energy transition for sustainable development. An example of this is the emergence of decentralization initiatives such as prosumers and energy communities. Within the European Union, the Directives 2018/2001 and 2019/944 open a broad regulatory framework for this type of practice. In the face of the challenges imposed by the so-called energy transition towards more environmentally friendly forms of energy (= ‘green energy’) and climate change, energy democracy plays a key role. These initiatives have currently yielded important results where individuals and communities have become increasingly empowered and have become important actors in energy generation from renewable energy sources. The general objective of this research is to substantiate the need for decentralized energy generation transitions. The main results of the research are the assessment of the legal framework for initiatives in decentralized energy generation in the European Union and the identification of good practices in the European context. energy decentralization initiatives, sustainable energy development, European Union, Energy Law, Energy Policy, energy prosumerism, energy communities, EU Law, energy market, energy consumer empowerment