A comprehensive Guide to launching Community Energy Projects

Welcome to the DISCOVER Guidebook, your essential resource for initiating and managing Community Energy Projects (CEPs). As part of the DISCOVER project, this series of guidebooks empowers energy community initiators with tools, strategies, and a step-by-step framework to successfully bring their visions to life, with a special focus on photovoltaic (PV) projects.

The DISCOVER Mission

The DISCOVER project aims to foster the development of CEPs by offering integrated support services. Whether you are embarking on a new community energy initiative, working on an ongoing project, or planning for the future, DISCOVER provides a structured approach to streamline your journey. Its services and resources are encapsulated in a comprehensive framework designed to make the complex process of launching and managing a CEP more accessible.

A Family of Guidebooks

The DISCOVER Guidebook series consists of three key components:

1. The General Guidebook – A universally applicable manual that outlines the steps for CEP creation, regardless of location.
2. The Specific Guidebook – A tailored version for individual pilot regions, enriched with localized content.
3. The Interactive Guidebook – A web-based adaptation of the specific guidebook, accessible through an interactive platform, ideal for a broader audience.

A Lifecycle Approach

The General Guidebook structures the entire lifecycle of a CEP into three distinct phases:

1. Planning Phase – Conceptualization, feasibility assessment, planning, and meeting regulatory requirements.
2. Realization Phase – Construction and implementation of the CEP, including the PV plant.
3. Operation Phase – Managing and sustaining the energy community over the long term.

Within these phases, the guidebook is categorized into three main areas:

• PV Plant Construction – From site selection to technical implementation.
• Renewable Energy Community (REC) or Citizen Energy Community (CEC) Setup – Establishing the legal and operational framework for energy trading.
• Community Engagement – Building a collaborative environment, fostering team morale, and ensuring long-term participation.

Navigating Challenges with Practical Solutions

The guidebook addresses the multifaceted dimensions of CEP development, including bureaucracy, economics, technology, and legal requirements. These topics will be addressed specifically for each pilot region and are summarized in the country specific guidebooks.  By consolidating contextualized information, stakeholder roles, potential hurdles, and practical tools, it simplifies decision-making and reduces complexity. The specific guidebook also provides references to local technology providers, further easing the path for project initiators.

Why Choose the DISCOVER Guidebook?

The General Guidebook will soon be built out into specific and interactive guidebooks. This guidebook series is a powerful resource on:

• Reducing Barriers: By addressing and simplifying bureaucratic, technical, and legal challenges.
• Promoting Collaboration: Through community engagement and team-building strategies.
• Streamlining Processes: By providing a clear roadmap, from concept to operation.

Let’s Discover Together

The DISCOVER General Guidebook is just the beginning. By guiding CEP initiators through every step of their projects, it paves the way for a more sustainable and collaborative energy future.

Stay tuned for the Specific Guidebook and the Interactive Online Platform, which will offer localized and easily accessible resources to further enhance the success of your energy community initiatives!