Bridging the Gaps: A Comparative Analysis of Ukrainian and European Experiences in Municipal Energy Development
Khaustova V. Y., Hubarieva I. O., Salashenko T. I.

Khaustova, Viktoriia Ye., Hubarieva, Iryna O., and Salashenko, Tetiana I. (2026) “Bridging the Gaps: A Comparative Analysis of Ukrainian and European Experiences in Municipal Energy Development.” The Problems of Economy 2:26–38.
https://doi.org/10.32983/2222-0712-2026-2-26-38

Section: World economy and international relations

UDC 338.242:620.9

Abstract:
The full-scale war and the destruction of energy infrastructure have turned the development of local energy systems into a key prerequisite for the resilience of Ukrainian communities. At the same time, European integration requires aligning national decisions with the acquis communautaire in the energy sector, which highlights the need to define the regulatory and operational compliance of Ukraine’s models of municipal energy development. The aim of the study is a comparative analysis of models of municipal energy development in the EU and Ukraine to identify points of functional alignment, key gaps, and priority areas for harmonization. The methodology is based on functional, comparative-legal, and systems analyses of EU and Ukrainian regulations, typology of models of municipal energy development, and the construction of a compliance matrix. The study systematized 12 European and 9 Ukrainian models of municipal energy development. Based on functional criteria, the models were identified as individual and collective participation, spatial integration, market coordination, and social distribution; by levels, the models were classified according to the legal status of the entity, network and organizational integration, and market monetization. A high correspondence was found between Ukrainian active consumer and aggregation models and the overall European ones; partial correspondence was seen in direct line models, small distribution systems, and flexible connection; low correspondence was found in the public energy association model. The main gaps are related to the lack of energy sharing, renewables acceleration areas, digital permitting processes, a municipal long-term contracting model, and proper protection of energy-poor consumers. The scientific novelty lies in the development of a functional typology and a correspondence matrix for models of municipal energy development. The practical value is in identifying priorities for the development of the municipal energy cycle — from spatial planning and connection to joint use, market energy sales, and social benefit distribution.

Keywords: models of municipal energy development; territorial communities; energy sustainability; local energy systems; energy communities; energy sharing; European integration.

Tabl.: 3. Bibl.: 28.

Khaustova Viktoriia Ye. – Doctor of Sciences (Economics), Professor, Director, Research Centre for Industrial Problems of Development of NAS of Ukraine (2 floor 1-a Inzhenernyi Ln., Kharkіv, 61166, Ukraine)
Email: v.khaust@gmail.com
Hubarieva Iryna O. – Doctor of Sciences (Economics), Professor, Deputy Director, Research Centre for Industrial Problems of Development of NAS of Ukraine (2 floor 1-a Inzhenernyi Ln., Kharkіv, 61166, Ukraine)
Email: gubarievairyna@gmail.com
Salashenko Tetiana I. – Doctor of Sciences (Economics), Head of Department, Department of Industrial Policy and Energy Security, Research Centre for Industrial Problems of Development of NAS of Ukraine (2 floor 1-a Inzhenernyi Ln., Kharkіv, 61166, Ukraine)
Email: tisandch@gmail.com

List of references in article

Barabino E. (2023). Energy Communities: A review on trends, energy system modelling, business models, and optimisation objectives. Sustainable Energy, Grids and Networks, 36, 101187. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352467723001959
Baza danykh «Zakonodavstvo Ukrainy» / Verkhovna Rada Ukrainy. (2018, March 14). Pro zatverdzhennia Kodeksu komertsiinoho obliku elektrychnoi enerhii: postanova NKREKP vid 14.03.2018 № 311 [On Approval of Commercial Metering Code of Electricity: Resolution of NEURC dated 14.03.2018 No. 311]. https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/go/v0311874-18
Baza danykh «Zakonodavstvo Ukrainy» / Verkhovna Rada Ukrainy. (2023, June 30). Pro vnesennia zmin do deiakykh zakoniv Ukrainy shchodo vidnovlennia ta «zelenoi» transformatsii enerhetychnoi systemy Ukrainy: Zakon Ukrainy vid 30.06.2023 № 3220-IX [On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding Restoration and «Green» Transformation of the Energy System of Ukraine: Law of Ukraine dated 30.06.2023 No. 3220-IX]. https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/go/3220-20
Baza danykh «Zakonodavstvo Ukrainy» / Verkhovna Rada Ukrainy. (2017, April 13). Pro rynok elektrychnoi enerhii: Zakon Ukrainy vid 13.04.2017 № 2019-VIII [On the Electricity Market: Law of Ukraine dated 13.04.2017 No. 2019-VIII]. https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/go/2019-19
Baza danykh «Zakonodavstvo Ukrainy» / Verkhovna Rada Ukrainy. (2026, April 7). Pro vnesennia zmin do deiakykh zakoniv Ukrainy shchodo implementatsii norm yevropeiskoho prava z intehratsii enerhetychnykh rynkiv, pidvyshchennia bezpeky postachannia ta konkurentospromozhnosti u sferi enerhetyky: Zakon Ukrainy vid 07.04.2026 № 4834-IX [On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Implementation of European Law Norms on the Integration of Energy Markets, Increasing Security of Supply and Competitiveness in the Energy Sector: Law of Ukraine dated 07.04.2026 No. 4834-IX]. https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/go/4834-20
Baza danykh «Zakonodavstvo Ukrainy» / Verkhovna Rada Ukrainy. (2018, March 14). Pro zatverdzhennia Kodeksu system rozpodilu: postanova NKREKP vid 14.03.2018 № 310 [On Approval of the Distribution Systems Code: Resolution of NEURC dated 14.03.2018 No. 310]. https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/go/v0310874-18
Baza danykh «Zakonodavstvo Ukrainy» / Verkhovna Rada Ukrainy. (2018, March 14). Pro zatverdzhennia Pravyl rozdribnoho rynku elektrychnoi enerhii: postanova NKREKP vid 14.03.2018 № 312 [On Approval of the Retail Electricity Market Rules: Resolution of NEURC dated 14.03.2018 No. 312]. https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/go/v0312874-18
Baza danykh «Zakonodavstvo Ukrainy» / Verkhovna Rada Ukrainy. (2018, March 14). Pro zatverdzhennia Kodeksu systemy peredachi: postanova NKREKP vid 14.03.2018 № 309 [On Approval of the Transmission System Code: Resolution of NEURC dated 14.03.2018 No. 309]. https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/go/v0309874-18
Baza danykh «Zakonodavstvo Ukrainy» / Verkhovna Rada Ukrainy. (2024, July 18). Pro skhvalennia Stratehii rozvytku rozpodilenoi heneratsii na period do 2035 roku i zatverdzhennia operatsiinoho planu zakhodiv z yii realizatsii u 2024–2026 rokakh: rozporiadzhennia Kabinetu Ministriv Ukrainy vid 18.07.2024 № 713-r [On Approval of the Strategy for the Development of Distributed Generation for the Period up to 2035 and Approval of the Operational Action Plan for Its Implementation in 2024–2026: Order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 18.07.2024 No. 713-r]. https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/go/713-2024-%D1%80
Baza danykh «Zakonodavstvo Ukrainy» / Verkhovna Rada Ukrainy. (2003, February 20). Pro alternatyvni dzherela enerhii: Zakon Ukrainy vid 20.02.2003 № 555-IV [On Alternative Energy Sources: Law of Ukraine dated 20.02.2003 No. 555-IV]. https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/go/555-15
Baza danykh «Zakonodavstvo Ukrainy» / Verkhovna Rada Ukrainy. (2026, March 24). Pro zatverdzhennia Zmin do Kodeksu system rozpodilu: postanova NKREKP vid 24.03.2026 № 441 [On Approval of Amendments to the Distribution Systems Code: Resolution of NEURC dated 24.03.2026 No. 441]. https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/go/v0441874-26
Baza danykh «Zakonodavstvo Ukrainy» / Verkhovna Rada Ukrainy. (2023, October 18). Pro zatverdzhennia Litsenziinykh umov provadzhennia hospodarskoi diialnosti z ahrehatsii na rynku elektrychnoi enerhii ta vnesennia zmin do deiakykh postanov NKREKP: postanova NKREKP vid 18.10.2023 № 1909 [On Approval of Licensing Conditions for Conducting Business Activities in Aggregation on the Electricity Market and Amendments to Certain Resolutions of NEURC: Resolution of NEURC dated 18.10.2023 No. 1909]. https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/go/v1909874-23
Baza danykh «Zakonodavstvo Ukrainy» / Verkhovna Rada Ukrainy. (2018, March 14). Pro zatverdzhennia Pravyl rynku: postanova NKREKP vid 14.03.2018 № 307 [On Approval of Market Rules: Resolution of NEURC dated 14.03.2018 No. 307]. https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/go/v0307874-18
Diachenko O. (2024). Investytsii v soniachnu enerhetyku v detsentralizovanii enerhosystemi yak chynnyk zmitsnennia enerhetychnoi bezpeky Ukrainy pid chas viiny [Investments in solar energy in a decentralized power system as a factor in strengthening the energy security of Ukraine during the war]. Vidnovliuvana enerhetyka, 2 (77), 73–78. https://doi.org/10.36296/1819-8058.2024.2(77).73-78
Gianaroli F., Preziosi M., Ricci M., Sdringola P., Ancona M. A. & Melino F. (2024). Exploring the academic landscape of energy communities in Europe: A systematic literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 451, 141932. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.141932
Hrytsenko A. A. & Lypov V. V. (2024). Orhanizatsiini zasady funktsionuvannia mikromerezh VDE: inkliuzyvnyi pidkhid [Organizational principles of RES microgrids functioning: inclusive approach]. Vidnovliuvana enerhetyka, 3(78), 6–16. https://doi.org/10.36296/1819-8058.2024.3(78).6-16
Khorrami S. (2025). A Review on Energy Communities Development, Opportunities and Challenges in Germany, Spain, and Italy. IEEE Access. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3579336
Koltunov M., Pezzutto S., Bisello A., Lettner G., Hiesl A., van Sark W., Louwen A. & Wilczynski E. (2023). Mapping of Energy Communities in Europe: Status Quo and Review of Existing Classifications. Sustainability, 10(15), 8201. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15108201
Kovalenko Yu., Lazarenko D. & Marchenko O. (2024). Enerhetychna bezpeka krainy pid chas viiny: bariery ta perspektyvy podolannia [Energy security of the country during the war: barriers and prospects for overcoming]. Visnyk Khmelnytskoho natsionalnoho universytetu. Ekonomichni nauky, 1, 262–266. https://doi.org/10.31891/2307-5740-2024-326-41
Lypov V. & Ushenkova N. (2023). Vplyv platformizatsii na rozvytok rynku vidnovliuvalnoi enerhetyky v Ukraini: ryzyky ta perspektyvy rozvytku [The impact of platformization on the development of the renewable energy market in Ukraine: risks and development prospects]. Modeling the Development of the Economic Systems, 4, 244–251. https://doi.org/10.31891/mdes/2023-10-33
Lypov V. (2024). Kontseptsiia kooperatyvu-lokalnoi mikromerezhi VDE yak instrument inkliuzyvnoho rozvytku i pidtrymky enerhetychnoi bezpeky Ukrainy [The concept of a cooperative-local RES microgrid as a tool for inclusive development and support of energy security of Ukraine]. Visnyk Khmelnytskoho natsionalnoho universytetu. Ekonomichni nauky, 1, 254–261. https://doi.org/10.31891/2307-5740-2024-326-40
Official Journal of the European Union. (2018, December 11). Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (recast). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2018/2001/oj
Official Journal of the European Union. (2019, June 5). Regulation (EU) 2019/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the internal market for electricity (recast). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/943/oj
Official Journal of the European Union. (2019, June 5). Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (recast). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj
Official Journal of the European Union. (2023, October 18). Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 October 2023 amending Directive (EU) 2018/2001, Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and Directive 98/70/EC as regards the promotion of energy from renewable sources, and repealing Council Directive (EU) 2015/652. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2023/2413/oj
Official Journal of the European Union. (2024, June 13). Regulation (EU) 2024/1747 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 amending Regulations (EU) 2019/942 and (EU) 2019/943 as regards improving the Union's electricity market design. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1747/oj
Official Journal of the European Union. (2024, June 13). Directive (EU) 2024/1711 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 amending Directives (EU) 2018/2001 and (EU) 2019/944 as regards improving the Union's electricity market design. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1711/oj
Urban S., Herttinga N., Palm K. & Aberg M. (2025). The social perspectives of energy communities in EU policy and research – a scoping review. Local Environment. https://doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2025.2486296