Energy sharing will be a key factor in increasing local public acceptance of the energy transition, which is why it should be implemented more successfully, according to a group of energy companies led by the German Renewable Energy Federation (German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE)). The group has developed a corresponding model for Germany, a task the government should have completed by mid-2021 in accordance with EU energy sharing requirements. Energy sharing allows regional consumers to join together and collectively produce, use (at a lower price), and sell renewable energy. The proposed model provides for a state subsidy for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity consumed directly from shared power plants. This process should promote the use of regional 'green' electricity when it is widely available, by increasing the subsidy in proportion to its share of total consumption.

Citizens should be encouraged to use renewable energy sources and derive financial benefit from doing so, says Malte Zieher (Malte Zieher) from Bündnis Bürgerenergie, which represents citizens' energy cooperatives. “To allow people and communities who do not own property or land to participate in the energy transition and benefit from cheap renewable energy, the German government should follow Brussels' guidelines and create the widest possible opportunities for energy sharing in Germany,” said BEE CEO Simone Peter. “This would accelerate the energy transition and strengthen support for the expansion of sharing,” she added. Currently, under German law, citizens can collectively produce electricity, but cannot collectively use it themselves.