Welcome to SHAREs Germany
SHAREs in Germany-
from neighborhood ideas to national power
The German government has only fulfilled a small part of the definitions for renewable energy communities and citizens’ energy communities set out in RED II. Since 2023, energy projects from local communities in Germany have been given a special role with special regulations under the term “Bürgerenergiegesellschaft” (citizens’ energy community). However, it is still not possible for members to share self-generated electricity via the public grid. The essence of the underlying idea is therefore missing. In addition, many of the long-established energy cooperatives often do not fall under this definition, although they represent the energy transition in the hands of citizens like no other player. The SHAREs partners have constantly pointed out these problems and advocated for an improvement in this area.
The SHAREs effect
Some of the pilot municipalities were able to use the momentum created by SHAREs and established ongoing support for renewable energy-related activities and civic participation – beyond the project duration. For example, Göttingen initiated a biannual roundtable for energy communities. These cities and districts had already been interested in promoting and expanding renewable energies with civic participation. The SHAREs project gave them the final impulse to establish long-term structures that bring together energy communities and other stakeholders to collaborate and share their knowledge.
Special features of the gateways
erneuerbare-energie-gemeinschaften.de
The German gateway covers a wide range of topics that are important for the establishment and specialisation of energy communities. Particular focus is placed on demonstrating business models that work, such as the tenant electricity model and photovoltaic systems on the roofs of public buildings. Finally, there is a section specifically dedicated to attracting new members with various ready-made flyers and posters that are freely available for use to energy cooperatives.
Key takeaways
Although the legal framework for renewable energy communities has now been transposed into German law, the local heroes are less interested in the special opportunities for action that arise from the definition than in the positive ideas of implementing projects together. The bureaucratic requirements and the highly regulated electricity market are often a deterrent. As a result, projects are mostly based on simple business models that already existed within the framework of the previous implementation options. For existing energy cooperatives, the framework set out in the definition for renewable energy communities is often too narrow, so they also rely on tried and tested models. Therefore, the European regulations have provided new impetus mainly through discussion, rather than through actual implementation.
This could change if renewable energy communities also had the opportunity to economically realise projects for supplying members via the public electricity grid. Mandatory heat planning could also encourage new projects. The need for information on establishing and implementing community projects will therefore continue beyond the project’s lifetime.
German SHAREs pilots
In the frame of the SHAREs project, two new energy communities were founded, while five were able to expand –in terms of both the number of members and the installed kWh capacity. Additionally, two more pilot municipalities joined the project at the end of 2023. They have since been included in SHAREs mentoring events and provided with information and support to further assist and enable energy communities in their regions.
German project partners
The German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Confederation is the national apex organization and top-level auditing confederation of the cooperative sector in Germany. It represents the concerns and interests of all cooperative sectors in the area of economy, energy, law and tax policy, and advices these cooperatives on topics of management organization and data processing. For more than 40 years, DGRV has built up valuable know-how in setting up cooperative systems and structures. The association carries out its activities in more than 30 partner countries and hence contributes to sustainable development in the cooperative sector worldwide.
Your contact-person: Benjamin Dannemann
Located in Berlin, the consulting company B.&S.U. provides clients with various services, research and development with the focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy, climate protection and adaptation in municipalities, sustainable urban development, mobility and European funding programmes. B.&S.U. has successfully completed more than 6,000 local, regional and international projects for its clients.
Your contact-person: Thekla Heinel
The goal of the private company WIP Renewable Energies is to transform the current energy infrastructure. Renewable energy systems are at the heart of WIP’s work. Their integration in the energy market is facilitated through research, project work and collaborative actions across all sectors of society. WIP has deep links to the photovoltaic sector as it is actively involved in several PV-related organisations.
Your contact-person: Dominik Rutz
last updated: 06/2025