Data plays a pivotal role in advancing citizen-led renewable energy projects, enabling communities to optimize their efforts and scale their impact. Énergie Partagée, a French cooperative dedicated to fostering renewable energy communities, has embraced a comprehensive data strategy to support its mission: Centralising Data for Decentralised Energy. 

Énergie Partagée addresses the inherent challenges of collecting and managing data from highly distributed energy projects. With 362 projects supported as of mid-2024—240 of which collectively generate 1498.3 GWh annually—the need for structured, transparent, and accessible data has grown significantly. To meet this demand, Énergie Partagée launched a centralised data collection platform. Representatives from local energy communities input detailed project information, which is visualised on the organisation’s website for stakeholders.

To facilitate seamless data sharing, Énergie Partagée is developing a Solid-compatible application programming interface (API) that automates exchanges between its platform and partners. This API enables energy communities to share data directly from their servers while maintaining control and sovereignty.

A notable innovation is the creation of an open-source and interoperable map that displays regional energy data. Partners can deploy localised versions of this map on their own platforms, pulling real-time data from Énergie Partagée’s servers. Transparency and trust through open-source solutions are fundamental: Énergie Partagée’s commitment to cooperative values extends to its data strategy. By leveraging open-source technologies and collaborating with social economy IT providers, the organization ensures that data remains transparent, accessible, and aligned with the democratic principles of energy communities. Local storage and interoperability standards further reinforce trust by guaranteeing control over data.

As stakeholders demand more detailed insights, Énergie Partagée’s strategy prioritizes granularity. Communities and partners can assess the performance of specific projects, regions, or production sites, empowering them to make informed decisions that enhance sustainability and efficiency. Life-centered impact is one notable value guiding social economy organization in data sharing since data is not merely a tool for efficiency - it serves broader societal goals. By making renewable energy data accessible, Énergie Partagée enables stakeholders to align their choices with environmental and community well-being, reinforcing the life-centered ethos of the energy transition.

Énergie Partagée’s innovative use of data exemplifies how citizen-led energy initiatives can overcome logistical and technical barriers. By centralising data collection, fostering interoperability, and maintaining transparency, the organisation empowers communities to actively participate in the renewable energy transition while ensuring local ownership and long-term sustainability.