The study advocates for a qualitative research design to address knowledge gaps regarding Collective Energy Initiatives (CEIs), utilising evidence-based research and a maximum variation principle. Focused on EU countries, the study employs desk research and surveys to identify stages of CEI development and explore impactful practices. It examines initiatives aligned with EU Directives and broader energy transition efforts, categorising them by complexity. Through surveys, the study identifies drivers and barriers to coalition phenomena, aiming to enhance understanding of energy policies’ impact. This approach responds to the need for comprehensive investigations into energy initiatives’ impediments and facilitators, aligning with recent calls for research in this area.