Energy Communities – State of Play in Research and Beyond

Across Europe, energy communities are rapidly evolving, supported by the European Union’s framework which encourages the integration of renewable energy, increased energy efficiency, and active community participation.

In the Nordic region, digital innovations play a key role, with tools such as the Energy Community digital planner aiming to optimize energy management. Efforts are also underway to design tariffs that better connect local and urban energy systems.

The seminar will feature expert presentations from leading researchers and practitioners representing Sweden, Germany, and Austria.

Program

Welcome. Moderator: Prof. Holger Wallbaum Chalmers University of Technology Opening remarks and introduction to the topic of energy communities in Europe and the Nordic region. 

13:05 – Presentations by invited speakers

• Lena Rainer – Founder, Sveriges Energigemenskaper
• Mats Balkö – Head of Development and Sustainability, Varberg Energi
• Elena Malakhatka – Project Leader, Urban Analytics, Chalmers Next Labs 
• David Steen – Researcher in Electric Power Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology.  
• Prof. Dr. Rita Streblow – Chief Engineer, RWTH Aachen University, 
• DI Martin Mayr – Technical Consultant, e7 energy innovation & engineering,
• 14:45 Fika 
• 15:15 – Panel Discussion and Q&A Moderator: Prof. Holger Wallbaum Interactive session with all speakers. Questions and comments from the audience are encouraged.
• 15:50 – Closing Remarks