Rural Energy Community Advisory Hub
Challenge
The European Commission’s Rural Energy Community Advisory Hub (RECAH) was launched in 2022 as part of the ‘Green Deal’, a package of policies targeted at making the EU climate neutral by 2050.
The energy communities - typically led by local citizens - advocate for an inclusive and decentralised approach to energy. They emphasize local involvement in developing and implementing sustainable energy solutions tailored to their specific environmental and resource conditions, such as solar power in Mediterranean climates and wind power or energy efficiency initiatives in more temperate locales.
Selected as a key member of a consortium of expert advisors, Ricardo was appointed to help establish and manage RECAH as a central resource for EU communities aspiring to initiate their own sustainable energy projects.
Approach
The overarching aim of the Hub was to encourage self-sufficiency, and nurture local environmental, economic, social and environmental benefits, such as cheaper energy costs, employment opportunities or assistance to vulnerable households. The initiative also helped communities develop schemes to utilise locally generated renewable energy.
For example, in the Energia Del Pallars Jussà community, in north east Spain, an expert helped devise a comprehensive roadmap outlining legal, technical, and risk management strategies for founding and managing an energy cooperative. Meanwhile, the Circular AgroBio community in Portugal explored innovative business models and funding avenues.
RECAH also collated 20 best practice advisories from various EU Member States to produce a series of detailed guidance documents designed to help others navigate the complexities of managing rural energy initiatives. These resources address critical aspects such as citizen engagement, technology options, legal frameworks, democratic governance, and the roles of local stakeholders, including municipalities, farmers and neighbouring businesses.
Results
Over two years, RECAH provided technical support to 90 initiatives across 28 rural energy communities, covering areas like investment opportunities, technological and legal advice, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building.
The innovative projects supported by the Hub demonstrated the benefits of active citizen engagement, underlining that with the right support communities can become self-sufficient in energy whilst gaining wider economic and social paybacks. Following the conclusion of the project, the examples, experiences and best practices captured by the Hub team remain available to other communities looking to pursue their own sustainable energy goals.