As part of the Interreg NWE SmartCORE project, important first steps have been taken to boost flexibility within renewable energy communities in Luxembourg. In Beckerich, a municipality on the border with Belgium, a new energy community operates a wind turbine together with several local photovoltaic systems and three central batteries. This setup enables the produced energy to be consumed locally in real time, making Beckerich a pioneer in Luxembourg’s energy transition, enhancing self-sufficiency and energy independence from international markets.
Leveraging this setup, the SmartCORE project will develop energy management software to better align local energy consumption with production, optimise the use of renewables, and maximise investment benefits for citizens.
A new energy community takes shape
The Beckerich energy community has been supported by the SmartCORE partners of Luxembourg: the service company Energiepark Réiden (Epark) and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). This energy community brings together citizens and the municipality of Beckerich, driven by the aim to contribute to a more sustainable energy future for their local community.
Since its creation in April 2025more than 140 residents have already joined the energy community, underlining the project’s momentum. After months of dialogue, coordination, and dedication, the energy community took shape.
A successful kick-off: Information session – April 3, 2025
At the local cultural center Biekerecher Millen, Energiepark Réiden presented the project to the community. After an introduction by the Mayor of Beckerich, attendees received a detailed presentation of the energy community and how to become part of it. The session was very well attended and gave citizens first-hand insights into the project’s goals and next steps.
A national milestone: Press Conference – April 25, 2025
Three weeks after the presentation, Energiepark Réider held a press conference at the same Biekerecher Millen, marking a true milestone for the country: the Beckerich energy community integrates not only the first wind turbine of its kind, but also local photovoltaic installations and three central batteries. The strong turnout reflected once again the wide interest in this innovative model.
Direct dialogue: Information stand – May 1, 2025
During this event, Energiepark Réiden engaged directly with citizens and explained the community model in more detail. The lively exchanges and strong participation highlighted the growing enthusiasm around the project
An impressive sight: Transport of the wind turbine blades
One of the most remarkable moments was the
arrival and transport of the wind turbine blades – a unique event that drew a
large audience. Energiepark Réiden used this opportunity to inform and answer
questions. The event was also covered by RTL, Luxembourg’s largest broadcaster,
further amplifying its visibility.
Next steps
Currently, around 140 residential households and nearly 60 municipal buildings have joined the Energy Community Beckerich, reflecting the strong local commitment to a more flexible and optimised renewable energy system.
In the next development phase, the focus will be on deploying large-scale community batteries to further increase local self-consumption of electricity from the community wind turbine. These batteries will also operate within local energy communities (CELs) of less than 300 meters, where they will be charged primarily with solar energy and discharged during evening hours to better match local demand. Any remaining electricity demand will then be met by the wind turbine.
With the combined generation from solar installations and the wind turbine, additional flexibility options will be explored through the following scenarios:
- Flexible charging of electric vehicles at an office building.
- Power-to-heat through an electric heating rod in the municipal district heating network.
- Cooling production in summer via a cooling tower.
- Residual electricity supply for a residential block of 16 housing units with a central battery.
All scenarios will be integrated into the forecasting system of the Balance Responsible Party (BRP) of the electricity supplier Energy Revolt, to enable optimised balance group management.
A key aspect of the project will be to analyse the extent to which the wind turbine can continue operating, even in periods of negative market prices, made possible through local energy buffering and consumption. This approach enhances system resilience, strengthens both the economic and ecological value of local renewable production, and increases independence from external market fluctuations.
