The Benefit of Shared Benefits – Energy Communities in the Energy System
The project examines how energy communities can contribute to a cost-effective and resilient energy transition by reducing the need for extensive investments in concession-requiring electricity grids. By developing digital twins, KPIs, and scenario-based system analyses based on two real pilot projects (Lund and Örebro/Tamarinden), the project evaluates technical solutions, economic benefits, grid relief potential, and the role of new technologies such as energy routers. Results will provide evidence-based guidance for property owners and grid operators on optimal investment strategies.
Background
Sweden’s electrification is expected to significantly increase electricity demand, requiring grid investments of up to 1 000 billion SEK by 2045. These estimates largely overlook the potential of smart energy communities to locally balance production and consumption, reduce peak loads, and decrease the need for grid reinforcement. The EU’s EPBD directive further drives local solar production, making energy communities increasingly relevant. Two ongoing pilots, one in Lund with existing multi-family buildings and one in new-build Tamarinden in Örebro, provide real data for evaluating how energy communities, combined with technologies such as energy routers, can deliver system-level benefits.
Aim and Objectives
The project aims to generate knowledge that enables objective investment decisions between energy communities and traditional grid reinforcement. The objectives are:
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Development and evaluation of KPIs for assessing energy communities’ interaction with and relief of concession-requiring electricity grids
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Creation of digital twins and time-resolved energy balance models for pilot sites, including calibration against measured data
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Scenario-based analysis of large-scale deployment of energy communities and their system-level impact on grid investments and operation
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Techno-economic evaluation of new technologies (e.g. energy routers) and optimization strategies to maximise local benefits and grid support
KTH leads the modelling and simulation work package, including development of digital twins, scenario analysis, and assessment of grid impacts and new technology integration.
Project Partners
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Sveriges Allmännytta, Sweden (Coordinator)
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Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH), Sweden
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RISE, Sweden • Solarequity, Sweden
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ViaEuropa, Sweden
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Lunds Kommunala Fastighets AB (LKF), Sweden
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Örebro Bostäder (ÖBO), Sweden
Funding is provided by the Swedish Energy Agency (Energimyndigheten).
Timeframe: February 2026 - August 2027
Keytags: Energy Communities, System-Level Impact, Grid Flexibility, Grid-impact, National Energy System Model, Sweden
Researchers
