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Energy communities (ECs) are an important tool towards a fair energy transition. Hence, the European Union (EU) has positioned ECs at the centre of its energy strategy and the foreseen transformation of its energy system. This paper aims to give an overview of key aspects and challenges for the implementation of the EC concept. Firstly, the regulatory framework is examined with a focus on the new definitions for ECs introduced by the EU, Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) and Citizen Energy Communities (CECs). Secondly, examples of established ECs and their main objectives are mentioned. Additionally, based on the identified challenges and requirements of establishing ECs, the key technologies that are implemented or have the potential to be deployed in an EC are examined, as well as innovative cross-cutting services that are optimally suited to be integrated in an EC. Moreover, the data management challenges linked to some of these technologies are considered. Finally, an overview of actual or potential financing schemes to support the EC development is given. Overall, the analysis highlighted the regulatory, technical and financial aspects and challenges that ECs are facing and the need to address them so that the EC concept is effective and successful. The main challenges identified for each of these aspects are the regulatory compliance with the legal framework, the data management dimension when innovative technological concepts are adopted and the financing of new projects.

A new approach for the control of the life cycle of rolling bearings in machine tools is presented. The approach is based on a new simulation tool that has been developed using the well-known ISO 281 standard as a reference. This new tool improves the accuracy of the estimations in two fields: model-based and feature-based prognostics. The tool provides accurate end-of-life estimations, thanks to the determination of more realistic component loads for a defined manufacturing cycle. In addition, it can be embedded in monitoring devices using real machine tool usage data and calculate remaining useful life (RUL) of the analyzed component. Experimental tests confirm that the ISO 281 standard overestimates end-of-life of bearings under controlled conditions and presents vibration analysis as a key tool for an early detection of bearing failure. Indeed, the application of the module for remaining useful life calculation should be combined with vibration-based condition monitoring in order to detect unexpected component degradation.