Policy roadmaps – Facilitating the development of community-based bioenergy initiatives throughout the EU

BECoop aimed at providing the necessary conditions, technical as well as business support tools, for unlocking the underlying market potential of community bioenergy.
A key project output was the development of 5 policy roadmaps, one for each pilot and one at EU level, drawing from insights obtained through decisionmakers, expert surveys, and policy document reviews.

The roadmaps provide practical policy suggestions, along with a schedule and sequence of recommended measures. These measures recognise the intricacy of transitioning towards bioenergy communities and underscore the significance of appropriate legislation and support for local ventures. Customised frameworks, strategies to mitigate financial risks, and awareness campaigns are deemed essential to stimulate the expansion of bioenergy communities in Europe.

Specific emphasis was put on the analysis of Member States National Renewable Energy Action Plans (NREAPs) and 2030 National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) regarding their provisions on bioenergy, community energy and the heating, to identify issues that should be tackled. The roadmaps encompass an overview of the initial context and obstacles towards bioenergy communities. They also review relevant policy objectives and regulatory frameworks. The project findings and results were crystallized into practical and applicable policy recommendations for regional authorities, policymakers and bioenergy community actors, and to open the policy debate around the regulatory promotion of community bioenergy. National and EU level policy workshops were organised to discuss and validate the roadmaps.

All recommendations also aim to provide feedback for updating existing EU policy initiatives (e.g. EC 2050 long-term strategy, Energy Roadmap 2050, etc.) as well as regional and national plans for renewable energy.