The Interactive Guidebook
for Community Energy
A practical tool for energy agency managers supporting initiators of Community Energy Projects (CEPs) through every stage — from first idea to long-term operation.
The DISCOVER project (funded under EU Horizon) helps local energy agencies across Europe support citizens who want to start or join a Community Energy Project (CEP). These projects — from solar cooperatives to renewable energy communities — play a key role in the clean energy transition.
Initiating a CEP is complex. Founders face technical, legal, financial, and social challenges that require expertise across many disciplines. Energy agency managers — the intermediaries — are uniquely positioned to guide initiators through this journey, but they need structured tools to do so effectively.
This interactive guidebook translates the DISCOVER methodology into a practical day-to-day tool: a searchable service catalog, project tracking, and phase-based guidance — all in one place.
Planning, Realisation, Operation
Planning
From first idea to ready-to-build. Initiators assess feasibility, form the legal entity, secure financing, and obtain permits. This is the most demanding phase — 14 structured steps guide initiators from concept to approved project.
- Idea generation & community mapping
- Site assessment & technical pre-feasibility
- Legal structure selection & registration
- Business plan & financial modelling
- Grid connection & permit applications
- Member recruitment & share offering
- Final investment decision
Realisation
From approved project to operational installation. Procurement, construction, grid connection, and commissioning. The focus shifts from planning documents to physical delivery — 8 steps take the project through to handover.
- Procurement & contractor selection
- Construction management & supervision
- Grid connection execution
- Technical commissioning & testing
- Metering & monitoring setup
- Handover & documentation
Operation
Long-term management of the running CEP. Technical maintenance, financial reporting, member engagement, and regulatory compliance. Five ongoing tasks keep the community energy project healthy and growing.
- Asset operation & maintenance
- Financial management & member distributions
- Regulatory reporting & compliance
- Community engagement & governance
- Growth planning & reinvestment
Service Catalog
Browse and search all support services available to CEP initiators, filtered by lifecycle phase or discipline. Know exactly what help is available at each step.
Initiator Profiles
Maintain records for each initiator — contact details, project history, and the services they have received — so nothing falls through the cracks.
Project Tracking
Track every project through its phase journey. Record phase transitions, note decisions, and log which services have been applied and with what outcomes.
Sign in to manage initiators and projects
The service catalog is publicly browsable. Sign in to access initiator records and project tracking.