Energy Agencies: Incubators of sustainable energy solutions

Across Europe, energy agencies play a crucial role as independent market facilitators, developing tailored, community-driven solutions to accelerate the energy transition in cities and regions. Tasked with public mandates, these agencies foster innovation, support local initiatives, and ensure that sustainable energy practices become a part of everyday life. By offering technical expertise, engaging local stakeholders, and designing initiatives that adapt to unique regional needs, energy agencies provide a blueprint for scalable, impactful projects.

To illustrate how this approach unfolds, we’ll explore three standout examples: AURA-EE’s Centrales Villageoises initiative in France, TEA’s SuperHomes project in Ireland, and EVE’s work in Spain with Aixeindar. Each of these projects highlights how energy agencies leverage their unique positioning to drive meaningful change at the local level, showcasing the transformative potential of community-focused energy solutions.

Centrales Villageoises: A Local Citizen-Owned Energy Communities’ Success Story

In 2010, AURA-EE (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Energy Environment Agency) and five regional parks launched the Centrales Villageoises project to empower local entities, primarily composed of citizens, local authorities, and companies, to develop renewable energy projects that benefit rural areas in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Region. AURA-EE played a pivotal role in providing technical expertise, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and securing initial funding.

The project initially piloted at eight sites, leading to the creation of citizen-owned companies that financed and developed photovoltaic (PV) plants. By 2018, the success of these projects led to the formation of the Association of Centrales Villageoises, which provides comprehensive support services through agreements with insurers, banks, engineering firms, and DSOs. Each Centrales Villageoises company adheres to a charter emphasising citizen governance, local alignment, and economic and social benefits.

Through a structured framework for establishing cooperatives, AURA-EE enabled residents to become active stakeholders in their energy future, allowing them to own and benefit from renewable energy installations. This model not only bolstered local energy independence but also strengthened community bonds and fostered a culture of sustainability.

Today, this initiative includes 72 territories with over 500 PV installations run by 47 local companies, representing an 11 MWp capacity. More than €15 million has been invested by 7,250 shareholders, including 290 communities. The model’s success has led to national and international expansion and recognition, recently receiving the Local Energy Action Award at the 2024 EU Sustainable Energy Week. AURA-EE continues to work with the Association of Centrales Villageoises to scale the model across Europe through projects like the EU LIFE project EU LIFE project Ecoempower.

SuperHomes: A One Stop Shop for Irish Home Energy Retrofits

Across the Irish Sea, Tipperary Energy Agency (TEA) has pioneered the One-Stop Shop model for home retrofits since 2015. The agency’s SuperHomes initiative offers a comprehensive solution for homeowners to reduce energy bills and emissions.

Initially, SuperHomes targeted 20 homes across Ireland, funded through the National Energy Agency Better Energy Homes Scheme and partnerships with Allied Irish Banks (AIB) and Electric Ireland. The project targeted cost-efficient upgrades, such as insulation, radiator replacement, LED lighting, heat pumps, solar PV, and advanced ventilation systems.

By 2018, SuperHomes had expanded significantly, supported by a €1.5 million ELENA grant which enhanced audits and feasibility studies, while also supporting low-energy street lighting and energy efficiency plans for public facilities and businesses. This success led to its nationwide expansion in 2021 in a joint venture with Electric Ireland (Electric Ireland Superhomes), with a goal of 35,000 deep energy upgrades by 2030 and 200 new jobs. 

 “SuperHomes exemplifies the transformative impact of energy agencies, showcasing how local expertise and strategic partnerships can be scaled to significantly enhance energy efficiency efforts at a regional/national level.” 

Seamus Hoyne – TEA Chair & ManagEnergy Coordinator

Aixeindar: Revitalizing Wind Energy in the Basque Country 

In 2019, the Basque Energy Agency (EVE) partnered with Iberdrola to establish Aixeindar, a public-private company focused on advancing wind energy in the Basque Country. Aixeindar’s approach integrates community participation, innovative funding, and sustainable practices.

Its portfolio includes three wind projects — Labraza, Azaceta, and Laminoria. Labraza and Azaceta, each with 40 MW capacity, are the first wind farms in nearly two decades in the region, collectively powering over 107,000 households. The Laminoria project, a unique hybrid of wind and solar, maximises land use and marks a milestone in Basque renewable energy.

Aixeindar’s economic impact has also been substantial, engaging over 470 professionals during peak construction phases and revitalising the local wind energy industry. Beyond energy generation, Aixeindar also supports a circular economy initiative through quarry restoration, reinforcing environmental stewardship.

By promoting community involvement through a “wind energy cooperativism” model, Aixeindar allows citizens to invest in renewable projects, reducing energy costs while ensuring a just transition. This model reflects EVE’s commitment to sustainable development that prioritises local economic and environmental needs.

Transforming Energy Systems: The Vital Role of Energy Agencies

These three cases illustrate the unique role of local and regional energy agencies in advancing sustainable energy transitions. Each initiative showcases how these agencies, as market facilitators, provide critical expertise, initial funding, and stakeholder mobilisation to propel impactful, community-driven projects. These examples underscore how energy agencies are incubators of innovation—crafting scalable, community-centered solutions that inspire further transformation across Europe.