The SHAREN Protocol: Driving Energy Transition in Mediterranean Historic Centers

The SHAREN Protocol provides a practical framework to implement Energy Sharing Solutions and Renewable Energy Communities in Mediterranean historic centers, balancing heritage conservation with a fair and sustainable energy transition.

Publication Date
12/06/2026
Reading Time
2 minutes

The SHAREN project introduces the SHAREN Protocol, a comprehensive guide for implementing Energy Sharing Solutions (ESS) and Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) in Mediterranean historic centers. ​This protocol aims to reconcile heritage protection with the technical, organizational, and social conditions required for a successful and inclusive energy transition. ​

Mediterranean historic centers face unique challenges, including strict conservation requirements, dense urban morphology, socioeconomic vulnerability, and complex property ownership patterns. ​The SHAREN Protocol offers a practical and adaptable approach, enabling municipalities, cooperatives, citizens, and technical partners to implement collective energy solutions while respecting cultural and architectural heritage. ​

What Does the SHAREN Protocol Offer? ​

  1. Contextual and Heritage-Aware Feasibility Assessment: Identifies heritage restrictions, energy demand patterns, and available renewable resources to ensure solutions compatible with heritage conservation. ​
  2. Community Formation and Governance: Promotes democratic and transparent models that prioritize environmental, social, and economic benefits for local communities. ​
  3. Technical Design and Deployment: Provides detailed guidance for technical design, permitting processes, and the installation of renewable energy systems in sensitive urban environments. ​
  4. Long-Term Management and Monitoring: Establishes operational, administrative, and monitoring practices to ensure the sustainability, transparency, and continuous improvement of ESS and RECs. ​

Benefits of ESS and RECs ​

Energy Sharing Solutions and Renewable Energy Communities offer numerous advantages:

  • Socioeconomic: Creation of local jobs, reduction of energy poverty, and strengthening of the community economy. ​
  • Environmental: Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint through the use of renewable energy sources. ​
  • Technical: Improved energy efficiency and reduced transmission and distribution losses. ​
  • Cultural: Integration of energy management in historic centers, promoting sustainable revitalization and heritage conservation. ​

A Flexible and Adaptable Approach ​

The SHAREN Protocol recognizes the diversity of Mediterranean historic centers and the need for tailored solutions. ​ Its structure allows local actors to adapt the development phases to the specific realities of each context, ensuring alignment with energy transition goals and heritage conservation priorities. ​

A Sustainable Future for Mediterranean Historic Centers

The SHAREN Protocol is a living tool that evolves with technological advancements, regulatory changes, and local needs. ​ Its successful implementation depends on the commitment of local stakeholders, sensitivity to historic environments, and a long-term vision. ​ By applying this protocol, Mediterranean historic centers can become pillars of local resilience, cultural identity, and energy sustainability. ​

👉 Read the full SHAREN Protocol at this link: https://zenodo.org/records/18985792

👉 For more information about the SHAREN project, visit our website: www.interregnextmed.eu/project-page/sharen/ or follow us on LinkedIn. ​

Last Update

12/06/2026