The finalists of the 2026 European Sustainable Energy Awards (EUSEW Awards) have officially been announced, and FEDARENE is proud to see two of its members recognised among Europe’s leading clean energy initiatives and changemakers.
The European Sustainable Energy Awards celebrate outstanding individuals, projects, and innovations advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency across Europe. Each year, the competition showcases inspiring solutions helping shape a cleaner, more resilient and more inclusive energy future.
Finalists are selected by a high-level jury across three categories: SMEs Driving Energy Efficiency, Local Energy Action, and Women in Energy. The final winners will be chosen through a public vote open until 31 May 2026, with the awards ceremony taking place on 9 June 2026 in Brussels and online.
This year, two FEDARENE members have been shortlisted in two different categories.
Local Energy Action: Energy Agency of Plovdiv’s MultiHome Initiative
The Energy Agency of Plovdiv (EAP) has been selected as a finalist in the Local Energy Action Award category for its pioneering MultiHome Service Hub and Platform.
Developed together with the Municipality of Plovdiv and supported by the EU LIFE programme, MultiHome tackles one of Bulgaria’s most pressing challenges: the extremely low rate of residential energy renovation. Despite significant needs, fewer than 2% of dwellings had undergone renovation since 2012 under the national programme.
Since its launch in 2024, MultiHome has already provided more than 250 homeowner consultations and delivered over 125 complementary renovation services, including technical assistance, administrative guidance, and financial engineering support.
The project has already helped 22 multi-family residential buildings move towards high-standard renovation, expected to reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions by more than 60% while improving comfort and affordability for nearly 1,900 households.
“We have demonstrated that the biggest obstacle to renovations is not technology or funding – it’s market fragmentation.”
— Ina Karova, Project Coordinator at Energy Agency of Plovdiv
By bringing municipalities, regional Energy Agency experts, financial institutions, and local renovation businesses together into a single cooperation framework, the initiative demonstrates how integrated One-Stop-Shop approaches can unlock large-scale renovation across Europe.
As project coordinator Ina Karova explains, the real challenge is not the lack of technology or funding, but market fragmentation. MultiHome’s collaborative model creates trust and simplifies the renovation journey for homeowners while simultaneously supporting local businesses and public climate goals.
Women in Energy: Donna Gartland Leading the Way
In the Women in Energy Award category, Donna Gartland, CEO of Codema – Dublin’s Energy Agency, has been recognised for her outstanding leadership in advancing sustainable heating solutions and gender equality within the energy sector.
Under her leadership, Codema has spearheaded Ireland’s first large-scale district heating scheme using waste heat from local data centres to provide heating to public and residential buildings. The initiative is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 1,500 tonnes annually.
Donna Gartland also stands out as a strong advocate for gender mainstreaming and inclusive workplace practices. Through initiatives such as a four-day working week and gender-neutral family leave policies, Codema has built a diverse organisation where women represent 53% of employees and 58% of senior leadership positions.
Her nomination recognises not only technical innovation in the clean energy transition, but also the importance of building a more equitable and inclusive energy sector across Europe.
“The main attributes you need to make a change in this sector are passion and belief that align with your own values – and I think many women have the core values that are needed to make that change, fairness, equality, teamwork, vision, strength and courage.”
— Donna Gartland, CEO of Codema
Vote for the EUSEW Awards Finalists
The EUSEW Awards highlight the people and projects transforming Europe’s energy future at local level. FEDARENE warmly congratulates the Energy Agency of Plovdiv and Donna Gartland on this well-deserved recognition.
Public voting is now open until 31 May 2026. Winners will be announced during the EUSEW Awards Ceremony on 9 June 2026 in Brussels and online.
The presence of local and regional Energy Agencies among this year’s finalists is no coincidence. Across Europe, these organisations are turning climate ambition into concrete local action, supporting citizens, municipalities, and businesses in delivering the clean energy transition on the ground.
