Understanding how intertwined barriers and drivers shape energy community value propositions: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Value propositions, the reason for investment and involvement in certain projects, play a crucial role in attracting different actor groups to get involved in Energy Community (EC) projects. However, the lack of comprehensive operational frameworks to effectively define value propositions for the adoption of EC projects and long-term feasibility makes EC to be perceived as a single-beneficiary solution overlooking its multi-sided potential. This study, through a systematic literature review, analyzed most common value propositions, involved actors, drivers, and barriers in existing EC projects. Results showed saving costs, social and environmental benefits as most common drivers, while regulatory frameworks, economic situation, and lack of communication as predominant barriers. Further qualitative analysis was conducted to investigate how drivers and barriers may interact between each other to positively or negatively influence value proposition creation. Findings unveil a dynamic ecosystem where multiple actor groups are involved in the creation process from the planning and design to the maintain phase. This study contributes to existing theoretical and practical gaps by uniquely proposing an analytical framework to guide the creation of value propositions in EC projects. It provides a simple decision-making tool to define feasible value propositions, manage expectations within EC members and foresee potential impacts during the implementation process.