Recent geopolitical crises have highlighted the risks of relying on imported fossil fuels, leading to price spikes and supply uncertainty. Local & regional energy agencies can drive change by supporting community energy projects, where citizens, municipalities, and businesses co-own and manage renewable energy. This approach not only strengthens energy independence but also keeps financial benefits within the community.
The EU Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy launched its latest engagement action to support the creation of energy communities and homegrown energy projects across Europe.
Why support homegrown energy?
- Resilience: Protect communities from price shocks and reduce dependence on imported fuels.
- Control: Build local energy systems that prioritise community needs.
- Climate action: Accelerate progress toward climate goals through local partnerships.
- Trust: Make the energy transition tangible, visible, and meaningful for residents.
- Local value: Keep energy profits in the community, reducing energy poverty and boosting local economies.
How can you advance energy communities?
- Simplify: Support local authorities in setting local energy targets, facilitate dialogue among citizens, businesses and municipalities, and create one-stop shops for advice and permits.
- Support: Provide rooftops/land, administrative help, and support the establishment of municipal guarantees for financing.
- Engage: Join or start an energy community, co-invest in projects, and lead by example.
Beyond community energy:
Explore complementary approaches like:
- Microgrids for neighbourhood-level energy systems.
- Municipal partnerships to fund citizen energy.
- Flexibility arrangements with DSOs for stable electricity.
- Digitalisation to optimise energy use.
- Demand reduction through building efficiency.
What can you do?
Are you a member of the EU Covenant of Mayors’ Community? Did you successfully lead or supported the creation of energy communities or other homegrown energy projects in your territory? Share your story with the EU Covenant of Mayors!
Are you part of a EU project/initiative supporting local authorities in creating / engaging with energy communities? Does your agency have developed toolboxes, capacity building material, etc. in support of citizen-led projects? Become partner of the engagement action!
