How far along are Local Energy Markets in the DACH plus Region? A Comparative Market Engineering Approach

Local energy markets (LEMs) allow localized energy trading between actors within a community. Academic research has actively investigated the LEM concept to support the European energy transition since the turn of the millennium. However, the actual implementation of LEMs in real-life projects has only begun in 2016. We provide a market engineering comparison of the currently most developed LEM projects in the DACH+ region, analyzing and comparing nine LEM implementation projects. So far, LEM projects are in the early stages of development, e.g. proof-of-concept stage, and focus on electricity trading between few residential participants. Regulatory obstacles are evident in all projects.