Energy communities are among the most dynamic tools for accelerating the energy transition in Greece, as they enable citizens, municipalities, SMEs and local actors to produce, consume and manage clean energy collectively. This model strengthens the decentralisation of the energy system, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, and strengthens links between society and green technologies.
In Greece, energy communities can serve as a catalyst for harnessing the country’s substantial renewable energy potential—particularly solar and wind—while strengthening energy democracy. Through instruments such as virtual net metering, vulnerable households and local entities can reduce their energy costs, thereby reducing energy poverty. In parallel, these communities can boost local economies by creating new jobs and development opportunities.
What the data show
According to recent data, there are approximately 1,703 active energy communities of all legal forms operating in Greece (including community cooperatives, limited liability companies, etc.). The vast majority of these were established under the previous institutional framework (Law 4513/2018), while a smaller—but growing—share, including those created under Law 5037/2023, has been formed as Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) or Citizen Energy Communities (CECs)—approximately 140 communities in this new category (plus some additional legal forms).
In terms of capacity, the projects that have already been connected to the grid (and are entering operation) correspond to a total installed capacity exceeding 1,335.7 MW—i.e., more than 1.3 GW. A key point of attention, however, is that most of this capacity comes from commercial RES projects (i.e., projects that sell electricity), whereas only a relatively small share concerns self-consumption/prosumer projects serving the direct needs of community members.
Energy communities as a lever for regional cooperation in Southeast Europe
At the level of Southeast Europe, energy communities can serve as a driver of regional cooperation and exchange of good practices. In many countries in the region, the energy transition faces barriers due to outdated infrastructure, bureaucratic constraints, and limited financing. Energy communities offer a flexible and socially fair framework that can unlock investments in clean energy, while simultaneously strengthening social acceptance of projects.
Ultimately, the growth of energy communities in Greece and Southeast Europe can contribute to building a more resilient, sustainable and participatory energy future. With better-informed local societies, improved financing tools and stronger political support, energy communities can become a key pillar of the green transition at the regional level.
Proposed Targets for Energy Communities in Greece by 2030
- Number of active energy communities
- Target: Increase from around 1,700 today to 3,000 active communities by 2030.
- Rationale: Doubling within 6–7 years through simplified procedures, incentives and new schemes (RECs/CECs).
- Total installed capacity from community RES projects
- Target: From ~1.3 GW today to 3.5–4 GW of community capacity by 2030.
- Focus: At least 40% of the new capacity should be generated by self-consumption projects.
- Self-consumption / net metering projects
- Target: At least 1.2 GW from community projects that directly cover the needs of members (households, municipalities, agricultural actors).
- Social target: Serve 150,000 households, including 40,000 vulnerable households.
- Participation of local authorities and public entities
- Target: Active participation of at least 300 municipalities in energy communities (either as founding members or partnering actors).
- Priority: Schools, hospitals and municipal infrastructure to be supplied 50% from community RES projects.
- Regional diversification
- Target: Establish at least one energy community per island aiming at energy autonomy, and create 150 new rural energy communities to reduce production costs.
- Contribution to emissions reduction
- Target: Community RES projects to contribute to an annual reduction of 3–4 million tonnes of CO₂ by 2030.