Governing European Energy Commons: Rules and Local Conditions in Spain

Abstract

This paper analyzes Local Energ y Communities within the paradigm of the commons and explores their key aspects of collective governance. Utilizing 18 in-depth semi-structured interviews with Spanish Energ y Communities, this study examines their internal dynamics and their context interactions. The findings contribute to the understanding of Energ y Communities, informing the development of more effective policies. The study reveals the adoption of diverse legal forms by Energ y Communities, characterized by decentralized and democratic structures aimed at facilitating a fair energ y transition. Moreover, they incorporate social inclusion mechanisms to mitigate economic exclusion. Finally, the commitment of these communities to reshaping the energ y model is underscored, which involves defining both the material and spatial boundaries of production and consumption.

Keywords

• local energ y communities
• paradigm of the commons
• collective governance
• just energ y transition
• spain