| Abstract [eng] |
Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) are considered one of the key instruments for achieving a socially justice, inclusive and democratic energy transition. They allow citizens to actively participate in energy production, consumption, and decision-making, strengthen local communities, and contribute to climate change mitigation. As noted by López et al. (2024), the activities of RECs are closely linked to principles of energy justice, citizen empowerment, and participation in public governance. The concept of RECs is enshrined in European Union legislation—specifically, the Renewable Energy Directive (2018/2001) and the Internal Electricity Market Directive (2019/944), which oblige Member States to establish a favorable legal, institutional and financial environment for the establishment and operation of such communities (Europos Parlamentas ir Taryba, 2018, 2019). According to Bouzarovski (2022), the progress of community initiatives depends directly on the consistency of public policy, while their integration into national energy systems often encounters structural barriers. Ahmed et al. (2024) emphasize that an effective REC model requires coordinated legal, social, and financial support. Nevertheless, in many countries, the practical implementation of RECs remains fragmented. Guetlein and Schleich (2024) point out that the main barriers to REC development include regulatory ambiguity, lack of information, and poor coordination. Vecchi et al. (2024) additionally highlight the inapplicability of financial instruments to collective action models. Research problem: what are the development opportunities and barriers for renewable energy communities in Lithuania? Research object: the development opportunities of renewable energy communities in Lithuania. Project aim: to determine the development opportunities of renewable energy communities in Lithuania within the context of the European Union. Project objectives: 1) to carry out a theoretical analysis of renewable energy community development; 2) to examine the legal framework of renewable energy communities; 3) to conduct a study on the development of renewable energy communities in Lithuania; 4) to perform a comparative analysis of renewable energy community practices in Scandinavian countries. To explore the development potential of RECs in Lithuania, the research applied a combination of scientific literature review, legal and strategic document analysis, secondary statistical data analysis, semi-structured expert interviews and comparative analysis. Eleven informants were interviewed, including REC founders and members, representatives of municipal administrations, and non-governmental organizations. The findings revealed that REC development in Lithuania is hindered by a lack of regulatory clarity, complex establishment procedures, insufficient regulation of collective consumption, a lack of municipal competence and motivation, infrastructural limitations, and low public awareness. However, several enabling factors were identified, such as residents’ motivation for energy independence, EU financial incentives, technological preparedness, and growing civic engagement. The comparative analysis of Scandinavian countries showed that REC success depends on the interplay of multiple factors: legal clarity, local and state-level partnerships, coordinated financial instruments, and strong social capital. Based on the study findings, a REC development promotion model was proposed, highlighting four key dimensions: legal regulation, institutional and municipal support, financial mechanisms, and community empowerment. The final project consists of: an introduction, three main chapters, conclusions, recommendations, a list of 83 academic sources, 38 informational sources, 34 tables, 15 figures, and one appendix. The main body of the thesis comprises 96 pages (excluding appendices). |
