Germany has adopted a comprehensive amendment to its Energy Industry Act (EnWG), marking an important step forward for the energy transition. At its core is the introduction of Energy Sharing under §42c EnWG.
For the first time, final consumers – including legal entities such as energy cooperatives – can jointly use renewable electricity generated from shared installations via the public grid. The law clarifies that such models are possible for associations of consumers and allows metering via intelligent metering systems. Distribution system operators will be required to technically enable Energy Sharing from June 2026, with a phased extension to neighbouring grid areas by 2028.
This is a significant milestone for decentralized renewable energy and citizen participation. Energy Sharing is now formally anchored in German law.
However, the current framework remains legally and economically restrictive. It is primarily designed around active customers and households, while key elements of a broader community-based approach were not fully reflected. High administrative requirements – including complex supplier obligations, metering rules and market communication processes – are likely to create substantial bureaucratic and financial burdens. Without further adjustments, economic viability and large-scale uptake remain uncertain.
Beyond Energy Sharing, the EnWG reform also includes measures to strengthen consumer protection, accelerate grid expansion and digitalisation, and improve conditions for storage and existing customer installations.
For HERCULES-CE, this is an encouraging signal for community-based energy across Europe. At the same time, continued regulatory refinement will be essential to unlock the full potential of Energy Sharing in practice.
More information in the following video: Webinar zu EnWG-Novelle, Energy Sharing, Kundenanlage und Wärmepolitik – DGRV