Unlocking Investment for Energy Communities: Scaling Up Local Energy Solutions in the EU

The European Energy Communities Facility is set to take centre stage at a high-level event in the European Parliament on 26 March 2025, bringing together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to explore new opportunities for financing energy communities. Co-hosted by Anna Stürgkh (Renew Europe), Bruno Tobback (S&D), Dario Tamburrano (GUE/NGL), and Michael Bloss (Greens/EFA), the event will introduce the Facility, assess the current state of energy communities in the EU, and address financial and regulatory challenges.

Empowering Energy Communities Across Europe

Energy communities play a critical role in Europe’s clean energy transition, enabling citizens, municipalities, and cooperatives to take ownership of sustainable energy projects. The European Energy Communities Facility builds upon previous initiatives like the Energy Communities Repository and the Rural Energy Communities Advisory Hub, aiming to provide direct financial and technical support to local energy communities.

With its launch scheduled for September 2024, the Facility will distribute at least 140 small grants to emerging energy communities to help them develop viable business models. It will also offer tailored training, resources on national legislation and funding opportunities, and connections to one-stop shops to facilitate energy transition efforts across the EU, Iceland, and Ukraine.

Key Discussions: Financing the Energy Transition from the Ground Up

The event will delve into the challenges and opportunities of financing energy communities, focusing on regulatory and financial bottlenecks, as well as the role of EU policies in fostering community-led energy initiatives. Key sessions include:

🔹 Introduction to the European Energy Communities Facility – led by Sofia Corsi, the coordinator of the initiative.
🔹 Panel discussions with EU institutions and energy experts, featuring representatives from DG ENER, DG REGIO, EIB, REScoop.eu, and national energy federations.
🔹 Exploring financial barriers and solutions, including the impact of the upcoming Citizen Energy Package and how the Facility can serve as a model for future long-term support.

Looking Ahead: Next Steps for Energy Communities

As the EU intensifies efforts to achieve its climate and energy targets, the European Energy Communities Facility represents a significant step toward empowering grassroots energy projects and unlocking investment for community-led initiatives. The event will serve as a platform to engage with policymakers, learn from successful models, and shape the future of decentralised energy production in Europe.

📅 Join the discussion on 26 March 2025, from 14:00 to 16:00 at the European Parliament, Room PHS5B1, Spaak Building. A networking session will follow to foster collaboration and further engagement with the European Energy Communities Facility.

For more information, stay updated with the latest developments on the European Energy Communities Facility.

Register here