CLR goes EUSEW - Housing for Resilient Cities: empowering citizens for a clean energy transition

Our joint session titled “Housing for Resilient Cities: Empowering Citizens for a Clean Energy Transition” brought together policymakers, local leaders, and innovators to explore how citizen-led initiatives can drive the decarbonisation of urban housing and tackle energy poverty.

The session, held on 10 June, focused on actionable policy tools, community-driven projects, and innovative financing models that ensure affordable, sustainable housing across European cities. A key highlight was the presentation by Carlo Tacconelli, representing the Suport service for Citizen-led Renovation, who showcased the Antrodoco Pilot as a compelling example of grassroots energy transformation.

Located in central Italy, the small municipality of Antrodoco (population: 2,000) has faced high public lighting costs despite its rich solar and biomass resources. In 2021, a local youth association took the initiative to promote clean energy, laying the groundwork for a Citizens Energy Community.

Tacconelli detailed the challenges faced by the community, including:

• A complex and evolving regulatory framework for energy incentives,
• Technical barriers due to users being spread across different MV/LV substations,
• Low public awareness and engagement,
• The need to optimize shared energy consumption among members.

Despite these hurdles, the Municipality of Antrodoco stepped up as a frontrunner, building trust and actively supporting the project.

CLR’s Role: From Vision to Reality

The CLR is supporting in turning the community’s vision into a functioning energy initiative. Its contributions included:

• Assisting in the creation of a citizens' association,
• Facilitating investment in residential solar systems,
• Engaging local authorities and securing their endorsement.

The results speak volumes:

• 10 residential photovoltaic systems installed, totaling over 50 kW,
• 80 citizens registered as members of the energy community,
• €100,000 in public funding secured,
• Full backing and participation from the municipality.

Tacconelli emphasised that CLR’s support was instrumental in navigating regulatory complexities, mobilising local actors, and unlocking funding opportunities.

The Antrodoco Pilot exemplifies how rural communities can lead the clean energy transition when empowered with the right tools and support. As cities across Europe seek resilient, citizen-driven solutions to energy challenges, initiatives like CLR offer a replicable model for inclusive, sustainable development.