Despite the legal progress embodied by the acknowledgement of RECs and CECs at the EU level, many Member States have yet to establish robust enabling frameworks for energy communities. The potential of energy communities, particularly in pursuing social inclusion (e.g., engaging disadvantaged households) and providing equal opportunities across diverse territorial contexts (e.g., urban versus rural), remains unevenly realised. The ESPON TANDEM project aims to address this implementation gap by investigating the conditions under which energy communities can thrive, focusing on social inclusiveness, territorial development, and the integration of market services.

This research shows that energy communities have the potential to drive a just and sustainable energy transition; however, their emergence and inclusiveness are not automatic. Their success depends on a combination of enabling conditions (such as financial support, institutional strength, social trust, and renewable infrastructure) as well as deliberate efforts to align governance and funding with social objectives. With the proper support, energy communities can evolve into resilient, community-driven models that strike a balance between equity, participation, and market realities.