Intra-country energy community developments : what are policy implications for the energy transition?

Recent EU legislation recognizes energy communities (ECs) as central actors in the energy system. Despite a growing literature on ECs, intra-country studies have been lacking. However, regional polarization can pose an urgent challenge to accomplish energy goals. We aim to shed light on this, and investigate it via a spatial analysis of ECs, projects and policies in the Netherlands from 1986 to 2020. Substantial and persistent differences are found. Especially northern regions and part of South Holland have a higher EC concentration, while those neighboring Rotterdam/The Hague make up a significant high-low cluster which among key findings correlate with a lack of policy use. Insights from this paper can also be germane for other countries contemplating or already translating national targets to regional strategies.