Friends of the Earth Europe is looking for a researcher/consultant to provide a report that takes a deep dive into the corporate capture of energy communities in Europe.
Objective and Role of the researcher
The objective of this research report is to analyse and provide case studies of corporate capture within the energy community movement across Europe. Building on data from a survey conducted by Friends of the Earth Europe, the researcher will investigate how corporations misuse energy concepts to disrupt the development of energy communities. The study will focus on selected case studies from various countries, chosen by Friends of the Earth Europe based on the survey data. This selection will ensure a diverse range of examples and geographical perspectives, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the factors enabling corporate capture in these countries.
The report will detail specific ways in which corporations exploit energy community concepts, identify the factors facilitating this misuse, and assess its impact on energy community development. The researcher will analyse the existing data, conduct any additional research needed to address gaps or clarify information, and produce a detailed report. Based on the findings, the researcher will offer recommendations for national and EU-level policies to prevent corporate capture of energy communities.
Friends of the Earth Europe will provide guidance and ongoing support throughout the analysis phase, assist with additional data collection, and review the draft report, offering written feedback to the researcher.
Time line
- Start date: as early as possible
- First submission: 11 October 2024
- Final draft: 31 October 2024
- Publication: November/December TBC
- Launch event: November/December TBC
Skills and competencies
We are looking for a skilled researcher who is experienced in writing about energy, corporate capture, community energy and/or the energy transition.
Budget
EUR 9.000 flat fee/VAT-included
Number of pages:
+/- 15-25
Further context
Energy communities offer a democratic, just and sustainable alternative to the current energy system’s pitfalls, allowing citizens to meet their energy needs while reclaiming control over renewable energy production. A renewable energy community (REC) is a non-profit legal entity based on open and voluntary participation, autonomy, and local control. Its members, who can be individuals, local authorities, or small enterprises, work together to produce, consume, and distribute renewable energy, prioritizing environmental, economic, and social benefits over financial profits. Recognizing the vital role of energy communities in a just energy transition, the European Union’s Clean Energy for All Europeans Package includes specific provisions to enable citizens, local authorities, and SMEs to actively participate in the energy transition by owning renewable energy production and establishing their own initiatives.
However, corporations are increasingly drawn to the financial incentives and growing consumer interest in this model. Across Europe, these corporations exploit vague legal definitions and inadequate regulatory frameworks to hijack the concept of energy communities for their own benefit. Several countries are already witnessing such cases. In Portugal, some corporate companies are engaging in social washing by marketing self-consumption projects as energy communities. In Spain, subsidiaries of REPSOL and other companies have received funds intended for the development of renewable energy communities. In Belgium, due to a lack of oversight by the National Regulatory Agency, companies such as waste incinerators and gas stations that do not comply with legal definitions are registered as energy communities in the national registry.
We refer to this misuse and takeover by corporations as corporate capture of energy communities. This ultimately creates an unequal playing field and diverts resources from the people and local communities who wish to participate in the renewable energy transition. Considering the limited nature of resources available to citizens as of yet, we consider corporate capture in this context to be hindering the development of citizen and community led initiatives, and a problematic barrier for a just energy transition.
Aim
This report aims to map and detail the forms of corporate capture within the energy community model across selected case studies in Europe. It investigates the underlying conditions that enable such capture, including improper transposition of specific provisions for energy communities, issues with the legal definition of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), lack of oversight and accountability, and other potential factors. Finally, the report will offer recommendations at both national and EU levels to address this issue.
Target audience
The target audience for this report includes national and EU policymakers, as well as campaigners and advocates across Europe.
Application process
Please express you interest by sending proposal to maria.santos@foeeurope.org, with a short description of your suitability to carry out this work, a concise description of your approach to the work as well as a financial offer including specification of a number of days to be worked.
Deadline
9 September 2024
Contact
Maria Santos is the Community Energy & Renewables campaigner for Friends of the Earth Europe and the coordinator of the European Community Power Coalition.
About Friends of the Earth Europe
Since its creation in 1986, Friends of the Earth Europe has grown into a strong network of over 30 member groups across the continent, and a vibrant office of 35 staff engaged in campaigning, communications, fundraising, network coordination, capacity building and support for youth activism as part of Young Friends of the Earth Europe. We are the European arm of the biggest grassroots environmental and social justice federation, Friends of the Earth International (FoEI).
