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.

How one Czech town is bringing solar energy to social housing

In Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, a town of 17,000 in eastern Czechia, the POWER UP project is piloting a simple but ambitious idea: install rooftop solar panels on a block of 85 social housing flats and share the electricity directly with the residents. These households are among the 9.2% of Czech citizens estimated to live in energy poverty. This pilot offers them locally produced, low-cost power—and a new way to take part in the energy transition.

Webinar “More Than Just Renewables: The Social Impact of Energy Sharing”  

This webinar will be showcasing how local governments in Valencia (Spain) and Rožnov pod Radhoštěm (Czech Republic) are turning renewable energy projects into tools for social justice and fighting energy poverty. Beyond technical innovation, both pilots show that fighting energy poverty starts with trust: in institutions, in local actors, and between citizens.

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.