Kicking Off OCTOPUS: First Partner Meeting in Lyon
The OCTOPUS project is officially in motion! With a clear mission to accelerate the local energy transition, OCTOPUS is setting the stage for systemic change through the collaboration of key regional partners across Europe.
Illustration : Octopus
In mid-January, partners gathered in Lyon for the first in-person meeting, hosted by AURA-EE. This milestone reinforced the project’s core mission: empowering local and regional authorities to implement ambitious climate and energy actions through the creation and strengthening of seven Enabling Organisational Networks (EONs).
Enabling Organisational Networks: Driving Local Action
At the core of the OCTOPUS project are the Enabling Organisational Networks (EONs)—collaborative frameworks designed to turn climate and energy strategies into concrete local actions. By fostering cooperation among regional and local stakeholders, these networks create a structured space for peer learning, knowledge exchange, and coordinated implementation of Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs).
A key driver of this effort is the role of energy agencies. As intermediaries, facilitators, and technical experts, they bridge the gap between high-level policy ambitions and real-world implementation. With deep-rooted expertise and strong ties to local communities, energy agencies are uniquely positioned to help municipalities navigate the complexities of energy and climate action.
Each of the seven OCTOPUS EONs is tailored to its region’s unique challenges and opportunities, ensuring that the energy transition is not only effective but also inclusive. By bringing together diverse partners—each contributing expertise, networks, and experimental actions—OCTOPUS is building the foundations for systemic change at the regional level.
First Steps Toward Impact
During the meeting, partners presented their respective regional networks, participated in interactive workshops, and explored key topics such as network coordination, energy efficiency and sufficiency, stakeholder needs assessment, and communication strategies.
Beyond structured discussions, the gathering provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen connections, exchange insights, and set the foundation for the next phases of the project.
By fostering collaboration, mobilising local expertise, and reinforcing regional engagement, OCTOPUS is poised to become a driving force in supporting municipalities as they implement large-scale climate and energy actions.
Partners and Regions Involved
The OCTOPUS project brings together six regions across Europe, each contributing to the project through their own unique energy planning contexts. These regions will establish and reinforce seven Enabling Organisational Networks (EONs) for coordinated action on sustainable energy and climate transition:
- Ústí Region, Czech Republic
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
- Isère, France
- Basque Country, Spain
- Extremadura, Spain
- Cyprus, Republic of Cyprus
- Mazovian Voivodeship, Poland
The project is supported by a diverse group of 10 partners, each bringing their expertise to work across these regions.
To stay updated and learn more about the progress of OCTOPUS, visit the project website:
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