Communication as a gateway to trust: learning from local POWER UP approaches
In regions grappling with energy poverty from the North to South of Europe, information on access to energy or support to energy retrofitting isn’t just helpful—it’s transformative. The municipalities involved in the POWER UP project recognised this early on.
Renewables for a really good cause
It dates back to 2021, when four cities in Italy, Spain, Czech Republic and Belgium set off to produce renewable energy. Social equity was built in each of the business models as of day one. Initial dreams turned into reality thanks to very pragmatic approaches.
Webinar summary: Impact through Trust – Co-designing Energy Communities with Vulnerable Households
The session, moderated by Marine Cornelis, focused on two pilots from Campania (Italy) and Eeklo (Belgium); both developed in complex local contexts but united by a common goal: ensuring renewable energy benefits reach those most in need.
“It won’t be our wind turbines – it will be yours” Eeklo creates a gateway to cheaper energy for vulnerable households
In Eeklo, a Belgian town of 21,500 inhabitants, the POWER UP pilot team wanted its municipal investment in a citizen-owned wind turbine to have a true social impact. That is why, a few years ago, it turned its membership share in the Ecopower cooperative into 100 “social shares”. We wanted to understand how this idea has come to life.
Webinar: “Impact through trust: Co-designing energy communities with vulnerable households”
This last webinar in the POWER UP series will feature the experiences of the pilots in Campania (Italy) and Eeklo (Belgium), showing how local energy communities can become credible and trusted actors in fighting energy poverty.
Community-driven solutions – country by country
Across Europe, energy poverty limits access to affordable and sustainable energy, disproportionately affecting vulnerable households. The POWER UP National Guides provide a practical roadmap for municipalities, cooperatives, and local organisations to develop inclusive, community-led renewable energy solutions.
Practical guidance for tenants and landlords with PV appetite
The landlord sees it as a stranded asset as he is not benefitting from the electricity her-/himself. As for the tenant, he may have neither the money to pay for upfront costs nor the power to install new infrastructure on the building. Good information and advice may help getting safely through the jungle.
Power to the People: policy changes for inclusive energy communities
The latest POWER UP report presents key policy recommendations to support inclusive energy communities across different contexts, ensuring they benefit vulnerable households and contribute to a just energy transition.
Energy poverty is not a fatality! Renewables are one solution.
Since the start of POWER UP co-designing activities, a selected group of people struggling with energy poverty were actively involved in collective decisions around renewable energy production. But awareness-raising and support should not be limited to a few. That is why, over the past months, the four pilots of POWER UP engaged a broader group of residents in activities whereby they learned how to have control over their energy consumption.
Report on funding options for energy efficiency and energy community projects involving vulnerable people
This report outlines financial opportunities for renewable energy projects focused on reducing energy poverty. It is intended for municipalities and other entities looking to implement socially oriented initiatives. The report covers public grants, private financing, and crowdfunding, showing how these can benefit vulnerable populations.
