Planning and Operation of Renewable Energy Community Using Multi-Energy Systems: A systematic review

Abstract

Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), especially when integrated with Multi-Energy Systems (MES), hold significant potential to support the global energy transition. Yet, their planning and operation remain fragmented, with limited methodological standardization and scarce attention to social dimensions. This study aims to systematically review the scientific literature (2010–2024) on the integration of MES in RECs to identify prevailing practices, reported benefits, and research gaps. A Systematic Review (SR) was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and selected grey literature sources, resulting in 78 relevant publications. The results show that MES-enabled RECs can deliver environmental (e.g., CO₂ emissions reduction), economic (e.g., cost savings), and social (e.g., improved energy equity) benefits. However, significant challenges remain, particularly in consistently quantifying the impacts of decarbonization and modeling governance and social arrangements. To address this, we propose a conceptual classification that organizes the literature into four analytical dimensions: Approaches, Environment, Decarbonization, and MES. Each dimension captures technical, operational, environmental, and social aspects, offering a structured perspective on the field. This classification helps synthesize fragmented knowledge and inform future investigations. In conclusion, while RECs integrated with MES present promising pathways for decarbonization and improved community well-being, the field would benefit from more critical, inclusive, and methodologically robust studies that better capture social complexity and long-term sustainability.