The substantive part of the conference featured the presentation of research results on the development of energy communities in Poland by Dr. hab. Sylwia Mrozowska, Prof. UG, and Dr. Barbara Kijewska, Prof. UG. The presentation was based on analyses carried out as part of the BALTICBEAT project, which allowed for the assessment of the potential, barriers, and opportunities for the development of energy communities. The current legal framework was discussed, available European programs supporting the creation and functioning of energy communities were identified, and the characteristics of their operation in the European Union were presented. Attention was drawn to the democratic nature of the communities, their social and environmental goals, and their diverse organizational models. The presentation included the results of research conducted in local government units that are members of energy cooperatives. The research shows that local government units establish cooperatives based on their existing resources, gradually developing the capabilities and competencies of their members. Among the difficulties in development, they point to infrastructure limitations and a lack of energy management tools. It was emphasized that the main barriers remain connection conditions, a shortage of specialized staff, and the financial limitations of municipalities, especially in the context of their own contribution to investment projects.