GEA - joint generation plant
Energy from your own roof for everyone in the house? A GEA makes it possible. Curious? Find out more about the benefits and possibilities of a GEA here!
What are joint generation plants?
In a GEA, self-generated electricity (e.g. PV system on the roof of a residential complex) is used by several participants. All participants and the system itself must be connected to the same main supply line. The public electricity grid is not used. A GEA therefore makes it possible for residents of apartment buildings, users of office buildings or shopping centers to join forces to generate and use electricity collectively.
GEAs have been available in Austria since 2017. This makes them pioneers and forerunners of Energy Communities.
GEA Overview
number of participants
at least 2 participants
types of participants
natural & legal persons
type of energy
Focus on electricity as an energy source
legal form required?
No
Legal requirements
Installation and Operation Contract pursuant to § 16a (4) (ElWOG)
Financial matters
100% elimination of network fees and charges
Geographic Boundaries
Within a building
GEA in detail
01
Local
The GEA enables several parties in a building to use the electricity generated on site directly, without using the public grid. This makes the use of renewable energy sources particularly efficient.
02
Shared use
The participants share a common generation system, which is installed on the roof of the building or on the property. The same main line is used and everyone is connected via an internal network.
03
Diverse
The GEA can include various renewable technologies. This enables flexible and sustainable energy generation. There are also many options for the operating model and financing.
04
Cooperation
In contrast to the EEG or BEG, a GEA does not require its own legal form. This makes the joint use and management of the generation plant even easier.
The benefits
Cost savings
In a GEA, electricity is generated and consumed directly on site. The public grid is not used, so savings are made on energy costs, grid fees and taxes.
Optimize Consumption
Sharing the electricity within the building increases self-consumption and thus also the economic efficiency and profitability of the system.
Enhance buildings
The possibility of using inexpensive electricity from your own PV system makes residential buildings more attractive for their residents. For office buildings or shopping centers, the use of self-generated, green electricity also underlines the environmentally conscious image.
Independence and flexibility
Every party in buildings with a GEA has the free choice of joining the community. In addition to the electricity that comes from the PEA, the energy supply via the public electricity grid continues to exist. Each end consumer can then choose their electricity supplier freely and independently of the others.
Operation
There are various operating options for a GEA. Which one suits best depends on the ownership structure of the building and the financial possibilities of those involved.
01
Prooerty Owner
The GEA is operated by the building owners or the property management. The electricity generated is made available to the residents. A contract is required between the operators and participants for the installation, operation and maintenance of the system.
02
Diverse
Both private individuals and legal entities can be members of a BEG. In contrast to an EEG, electricity companies and large companies can also participate, as long as they do not hold a controlling majority in the community.
03
Condominium Association
Individual owners have the opportunity to come together and establish and operate a communal generation plant. If all owners are given the chance to participate and invest, a majority vote may be sufficient for implementation.
04
External service provider
The roof is leased from an external service provider or energy supplier. The service provider or energy supplier installs and operates the generation system there. The residents have the option of purchasing the electricity at a predetermined price or acquiring a right to purchase electricity in return for a fixed payment, either through a lease or a supply contracting model. Liability and the guarantee of smooth operation lie with the external service provider.
Finanzierung
Auch in Sachen Finanzierung gibt es bei einer GEA verschiedene Möglichkeiten
01
Finanzierung durch Gebäudeeigentümer:in
The property owner makes the investment in the generation plant. Financing can also be done through reserves.
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In cooperative apartments, it is possible to finance through the maintenance and improvement contribution (EVB).
In a condominium owners' association, financing from reserves is feasible if the plant benefits all owners.
If the existing reserves are insufficient, additional financing by the participating owners is required.
02
Diverse
Both private individuals and legal entities can be members of a BEG. In contrast to an EEG, electricity companies and large companies can also participate, as long as they do not hold a controlling majority in the community.
03
Finanzierung durch Dritte
Hier tätigt der externe Dienstleister bzw. Energieversorger die Investition in die Erzeugungsanlage und verpachtet sie dann oder vermarktet den Strom an die Teilnehmenden. Es besteht auch die Möglichkeit, dass sich Teilnehmer:innen an der Finanzierung beteiligen.
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Your path to GEA
Convinced by the benefits? Then let's get started! Our intuitive platform guides you step-by-step on your way to a community generation system. Automated processes, pre-filled forms, and lots of explanations and information make it as easy as possible. Here is a quick overview of what you need to do to get started.
We support you with our intuitive checklist and our advice step by step in setting up your GEA.
01
Initial considerations, identification of participants, and approval from property management and owner
03
Select system installer or resolve ownership of existing system
04
Close deals & activate market communications
Interested or have questions?
Contact us!
energyfamily GmbH
Eggersdorfer Straße 10, 3300 Amstetten
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+â€43 681 84136920‬