Energy Communities I: The role of local authorities in enabling Energy Communities

On 20 November 2025, Interreg Europe's Policy Learning Platform will launch its new Energy Communities webinar series with an opening session dedicated to exploring how local authorities can enable and support Energy Communities. A second webinar in the series will take place on 27 November. 

Energy communities represent a cornerstone of the European Union’s ambition to create a decentralised, clean, and participatory energy system. By placing citizens and local stakeholders at the centre of the transition, these initiatives contribute to energy independence, carbon reduction, and social resilience across regions.

However, while the policy framework at the EU level provides strong backing, communities often encounter regulatory, financial, and technical challenges when trying to turn ideas into action. Limited expertise, administrative hurdles, and a lack of awareness can hinder progress on the ground.

Building upon insights gathered during the Budapest Workshop (December 2024), this two-part webinar series aims to dive deeper into specific areas where further exchange and learning are needed, with a second webinar scheduled for 27 November 2025. In this first webinar, participants will gain concrete insights into how municipalities can drive forward Renewable Energy Communitiesand help shape a more inclusive and sustainable energy future.

Local and regional governments play a pivotal role in shaping the success of energy communities. Whether acting as facilitators, partners, or initiators, they can provide the political mandate, resources, and strategic direction necessary for projects to thrive.

What to Expect

This first episode will highlight practical examples, policy tools, and governance models that demonstrate how local authorities can:

• Engage and mobilise citizens;
• Support access to finance and funding;
• Integrate renewable energy projects into broader local development plans;
• Create the right conditions for community-led energy transitions.

The webinar will also include presentations on the community energy best practices, including the following: 

• Experiences from LEEWAY in establishing energy communities - by Giulia Righetti, Ferrara Development Agency (SIPRO), Italy (LEEWAY)
• Karlshamn Community Solar Park - by Pierre Ståhl, Energy Agency Southern Sweden (SIreNERGY)
• Slovenia’s First Democratic Solar Energy Cooperative for Local Sharing - by Bostjan Remic, NGO Focus & Helena Cvenkel, Energetska zadruga Zeleni Hrastnik, Slovenia (ShareRES)

After the presentations, the event will conclude with a panel discussion and a quiz! 

Learn more

Source: Interreg Europe