New Handbook Supports Cross-Border Energy Communities in the EU

Empowering Energy Cooperation Across Borders

The Handbook on Cross-Border Energy Communities, published by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), provides a step-by-step methodology for establishing and operating cross-border energy communities (CBECs). It serves as a key resource for citizens, municipalities, and regional authorities looking to cooperate on sustainable energy projects that span national boundaries.

Cross-border energy communities play a vital role in enhancing energy independence, reducing carbon emissions, and strengthening EU territorial cohesion. However, they face challenges such as regulatory misalignment, technical barriers, and administrative complexities. The handbook addresses these obstacles, offering concrete solutions to harmonise governance structures, access financing, and integrate renewable energy across borders.

Key Findings & Recommendations

📌 Legal and Regulatory Challenges
CBECs must navigate complex legal frameworks that differ between Member States. The handbook highlights the need for harmonising national energy laws and leveraging existing EU cooperation mechanisms, such as the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC).

📌 Funding & Investment
Access to sustainable financing is crucial for cross-border energy initiatives. The handbook identifies key EU funding sources, including Interreg, LIFE, and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF-E), and recommends new financial models to support long-term viability.

📌 Successful Case Studies
The handbook features real-world examples of CBECs, such as:
✔ Calorie Kehl-Strasbourg (France-Germany) – A cross-border waste heat transport initiative supplying energy to communities.
✔ Zusamme Solar! Colmar (France-Germany) – A Franco-German energy cooperative leveraging joint solar power generation.
✔ Energy Park Herzogenrath-Kerkrade (Germany-Netherlands) – A cross-border district heating and solar energy initiative.

Building a Future of Cross-Border Energy Cooperation

The handbook underlines the economic, environmental, and social benefits of CBECs, positioning them as key drivers of the EU’s clean energy transition. By following its recommendations, local authorities and energy stakeholders can transform border regions into energy hubs that boost sustainability, innovation, and European integration.

 Source: European Commission