29 May 2023 - Brussels, Belgium

On 19 June 2023, the DECIDE project will convene for a final event in Brussels to offer a path forward for collective energy actions (CEAs) and an inclusive energy transition. The conference will feature energy experts, SMEs and policymakers from across Europe, including Adela Tesarova, Head of Unit, DG ENER; Miloslav Franěk, Senior Project Manager, City of Prague; Hélène Chraye, Head of Unit, DG RTD; Carsten Rasmussen, Head of Unit, DG REGIO; Maria Santos, Coordinator of the Community Power Coalition; Dirk Hendricks, Secretary General, European Renewable Energy Federation;  and Fréderic-Michael Foeteler, Course Director of CEER training on the Energy Communities.

Since June 2021, the Horizon2020 project DECIDE has been tracking the different directions taken by energy communities and, more generally, collective energy actions in Europe. From citizen engagement and potential business models to the various legal forms of energy communities in EU Member States, the DECIDE team has investigated the drivers and barriers encountered by actors as they participate, and pioneer, local energy transitions.

The DECIDE conference will take place from 08:30 to 18:00 CEST at the Sparks Meeting Centre, The event will mix plenary discussions and interactive sessions and aims to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including energy experts, regulators and policymakers, energy communities representatives and facilitators as well as researchers.

To unlock the potential of renewable energy sources as a reliable alternative to fossil fuels, Europe needs structural change that enables new technologies, new players and forms of cooperation. The launch of the European Green Deal opened a new chapter toward building a sustainable society in a more inclusive manner. To align with more ambitious climate targets, EU directives on renewable energy and electricity market created the first legal framework for individuals to join forces and actively participate in the energy market. Since this time, individuals, local governments and private companies boosted their participation in decentralising the energy system, in accordance with the possibilities offered by relevant national regulation.

As outlined in the REPowerEU Plan, green energy sources, alongside energy efficiency and energy savings measures, are pivotal to our response to the energy crisis. They will also help to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the consequences of environmental pollution and global warming. Beyond emergency measures to the ongoing crisis, Europe must reimagine its energy landscape and provide sustainable solutions that allow everyone to contribute to and benefit from them. 

The DECIDE event is free of charge. Register here by Monday 12 June.

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About DECIDE

The focus of DECIDE is to gain a better understanding in how to set up and roll out energy communities and energy efficiency services. The project builds on the knowledge and work within the EU Bridge initiative, ETIP SNET and others. In order to deliver this project successfully, the consortium includes a complementary group of experts on social science, policy and regulation, implementation, energy aggregation and energy service developers. The project focuses on three levels of Energy Communities: those existing at the start of the project and included in the work plan as such; those that will be initiated throughout the project, and those not directly partnering in the project, but benefiting from the exchange and expertise of DECIDE.

Press contact:

Valeria Eirin  

Senior Officer, Media & Outreach

ICLEI Europe

Email: valeria.eirin@iclei.org

Tel: +49 761 368920