Rural Energy Communities: Bridging Local Action and the Clean Energy Transition

On 1 October 2025, the city of Vigo, Spain, will host a dedicated conference on Rural Energy Communities: Bridging Local Action and the Clean Energy Transition, organised by the EC4RURAL project with support from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).

This timely event will shine a spotlight on how rural areas are turning energy transition into a local opportunity—from energy self-sufficiency and social cohesion to community investment and sustainable jobs. In regions where infrastructure and political visibility can be limited, energy communities offer a way to take control of energy futures, tailored to local needs.

The conference will also offer a platform for sharing good practices, funding instruments, and legal frameworks that can strengthen rural initiatives. It aims to inspire replication and support across Europe, contributing to a fairer and more decentralised energy system.

Key topics on the agenda include:

• The potential of rural energy communities to combat energy poverty
• Financing and governance models for rural collective energy ownership
• Policy tools to support local energy actors and unlock regional potential
• Success stories and case studies from across the EU
• Technical assistance and EU support schemes

Explore the full agenda and register here