The finalists of the 2026 European Sustainable Energy Awards (EUSEW Awards) have been announced, and Energy Agencies are strongly represented among Europe’s leading clean energy initiatives.
Each year, the EUSEW Awards celebrate outstanding projects, individuals, and innovations advancing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and local energy action across Europe. Finalists are selected by a high-level jury across three categories: SMEs Driving Energy Efficiency, Local Energy Action, and Women in Energy.
This year, all three finalists in the Local Energy Action category are linked to the work of Energy Agencies, underlining their key role in supporting citizens, municipalities, and local stakeholders to deliver the clean energy transition on the ground.
Local Energy Action: Energy Agencies turning ambition into delivery
In Bulgaria, the Energy Agency of Plovdiv (EAP) has been shortlisted for its MultiHome Service Hub and Platform, developed with the Municipality of Plovdiv and supported by the EU LIFE programme. The initiative tackles low residential renovation rates by bringing together municipalities, Energy Agency experts, financial institutions, and local renovation businesses into one cooperation framework.
Since its launch, MultiHome has supported homeowners with consultations, technical assistance, administrative guidance, and financial engineering support. The initiative shows how integrated One-Stop-Shop models can simplify the renovation journey and unlock large-scale renovation.
In Catalonia, Nova Energia Osona has been shortlisted for its public-community energy model developed across the counties of Osona and Lluçanès. Representing 50 municipalities and 175,000 inhabitants, the initiative is built on cooperation between local governments, energy communities, and the Osona Local Energy Agency (ALEO).
Through this model, municipalities and energy communities jointly develop renewable energy projects and share the benefits locally. The initiative has already helped reduce municipal energy consumption by 15 percent, supported more than 200 photovoltaic installations, and involved over 2,000 households through local energy communities.
In Austria, Vienna’s 100 Projects Phasing Out Gas initiative has been shortlisted for its work accelerating the transition towards 100 percent renewable heating and, where needed, cooling by 2040. Implemented by UIV Urban Innovation Vienna, the climate and innovation agency of the City of Vienna, the initiative turns individual building conversions into a structured learning programme.
Over two years, participants replaced more than 1,000 gas boilers with local renewable energy systems, achieving annual CO₂ savings of over 2,300 tonnes. By translating lessons into checklists, templates, and decision-making tools, the initiative helps make future implementation faster and easier for public authorities, the construction sector, and building owners.
Women in Energy: Donna Gartland, CEO of Codema
Energy Agency leadership is also recognised in the Women in Energy category, where Donna Gartland, CEO of Codema - Dublin’s Energy Agency, has been shortlisted for her work advancing sustainable heating and promoting a more inclusive energy sector.
Under her leadership, Codema has played a key role in developing Ireland’s first large-scale district heating scheme using waste heat from local data centres to heat public and residential buildings. The project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 1,500 tonnes per year.
Her nomination also recognises her commitment to gender equality and inclusive workplace practices in the energy sector, demonstrating that the transition is not only technical, but also social and organisational.
Vote for the EUSEW Awards finalists
The strong presence of Energy Agencies among this year’s finalists is no coincidence. Across Europe, these organisations are helping local authorities, citizens, and businesses move from ambition to implementation, whether through building renovation, renewable heating, energy communities, technical assistance, or inclusive leadership.
Public voting is open until 31 May 2026. Winners will be announced during the EUSEW Awards Ceremony on 9 June 2026 in Brussels and online.
Details
- Publication date
- 11 May 2026
- Author
- European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency