As an advisory board member of Community Energy for Energy Solidarity (CEES), an innovative initiative committed to empowering energy communities across Europe and eradicating energy poverty, I am honoured to be part of such an important project.
CEES partners with organizations from various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and emergency services, to equip them with the most effective tools to tackle energy poverty head-on. During the meeting, we discussed practical examples from all around Europe, brainstormed, and shared feedback from old and new friends and colleagues. The Energy Community Partners, including ALIenergy, Coopérnico, Enercoop, SCIC Les 7 Vents, Repowering London, REScoop.eu, Zelena energetska zadruga (ZEZ), University of Birmingham, The ENERGY ACTION Project & SNAP Solutions, are all at the forefront of transitioning to a just and sustainable energy system while creating outstanding advocacy and awareness.
Scaling up community energy projects to tackle energy poverty is a complex task. We identified two critical avenues that hold the key: consolidating local networks and securing funding streams that are not tied to specific projects or actions. Building trust and engagement takes much longer than a pilot’s lifespan, and partnering with the right people and organizations is key to success.
People are at the heart of community energy – the social aspect is central to everything we do. As we work towards our goal of building a just and inclusive energy transition that empowers communities and addresses energy poverty, we must remember that context matters, and one size does not fit all. By continuing to work together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
I am proud to be part of this groundbreaking initiative and extend my congratulations to everyone involved. Let’s keep working together to tackle energy poverty and positively impact communities across Europe.
