Empowering Communities: 15 Learners Selected for the Citizen-Led Renovation Initiative

The Citizen-led Renovation initiative continues its efforts to increase demand for residential energy renovations by engaging citizens across Europe. In Phase II, one focus is on gathering practical insights through selected pilot projects. Yet this phase will also provide a structured development environment for Learners and Followers and involve a broad network of energy communities. The initiative aims to establish a framework that supports community-driven energy renovations, contributing to energy efficiency in residential sectors across the EU.

Fifteen Learners have been selected to participate in this phase. These Learners are working to implement the Citizen-led Renovation concept but represent less developed initiatives or those with more limited resources. They will receive support through a combination of one-on-one consultancy, a self-learning offer, and a community package that includes webinars, peer exchanges, and discussion groups. This approach is designed to assist the Learners in applying energy renovation practices within their communities, aligned with the broader goals of the project.

Selected Learners:

Gmina Miasto Ustka, Poland | Region: Słupsk County, Middle Pomerania

Ustka is a local government community, tourist destination, and spa resort, is focusing on energy transformation to achieve Climate Neutrality (NetZero) as outlined in the “Fit for 55” climate package. The project involves deep thermo-modernisation, transitioning to low-temperature heating systems, and integrating renewable heat sources in up to 190 buildings, with an estimated investment of €6.78 million.

RISEC (Ringsend Sustainable Energy Community), Ireland | Region: Dublin 

Established in 2018, RISEC promotes sustainable energy and supports homeowners and organisations in transitioning to a more sustainable energy future. The initiative targets 191 houses, aiming for an average energy saving of 30% per household through various efficiency upgrades. The estimated total investment is approximately €950,000.

Municipality of Alsómocsolád, Hungary | Region: Southern Transdanubia 

The Community Energy Consortium in Alsómocsolád plans to renovate and modernise 51 public buildings and municipal rental apartments, with an overall investment of €34.1 million. Activities include energy audits, promoting energy awareness, and implementing a “home exchange” programme to encourage the renovation of unoccupied houses.

Collectif de La Roue (asbl), Belgium | Region: Anderlecht, Brussels-Capital Region 

As part of the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) program, Collectif de La Roue aims to renovate 38 houses with thermal insulation, photovoltaic panels, heat pumps, and eco-renovations. The total planned investment is €5.69 million, with €4.75 million expected from the FEDER subsidy.

ASOCIACIÓN COMUNIDAD DE ENERGÍAS RENOVABLES SAN JERÓNIMO-ALAMILLO, Spain | Region: Seville, Andalucia 

Jalea Luz plans to renovate the San Jeronimo neighbourhood by training individuals experiencing energy poverty to carry out renovations, supporting their social and labour integration. The project includes creating a workers’ cooperative and a training program, with an estimated investment of €8.2 million.

Tiszamente Energy Community, Hungary | Great Plain and North Region 

This initiative aims to address energy poverty through microgrids in nine municipalities, potentially impacting 25,000 residents. The project focuses on energy efficiency improvements in residential and non-residential buildings and fostering collaboration among local stakeholders.

La Société Civile Immobilière d’Attribution (SCIA) – La Pointerie Habitation, France | Region: Chamesson, Côte-d’Or, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté 

The La Pointerie site, a historic industrial area, is being revitalised by the local community. The project includes renovating three residential buildings and one tertiary building for workshops and public events, with a focus on roof insulation and window replacement. The estimated investment is €700,000.

Triple SEC (Connecting Cabra, Phibsboro Village SEC & Cosybatter SEC), Ireland | Region: Dublin 

Triple SEC is a coalition of three sustainable energy communities in Dublin, aiming to engage volunteers in facilitating the energy transition. The project involves using an Energy Master Plan to educate the community about energy efficiency and guide related projects, with an estimated investment of €67,500.

BLU GREEN ENERGY, Italy | Region: Palermo Province

Sicilia Blue Green Energy, part of the Action Plan for Sustainable Energy of the Municipality of Blufi, aims to renovate 30% of residential buildings with PV installations and energy efficiency improvements. The project also targets non-residential buildings, with an estimated investment of €1 million.

Le Moulin Bleu, France | Region: Loir-et-Cher, Centre-Val de Loire 

Le Moulin Bleu, located on 13 hectares of land, focuses on implementing renewable energy and energy efficiency measures such as solar hot water and self-built earth-straw insulation. The project includes restoring a hydroelectric turbine and thermally renovating residential buildings, with an estimated investment of €1.2 million.

Cape Clear Energy Group, Ireland | Region: Cape Clear Island, County Cork 

The Cape Clear Energy Group aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 for Cape Clear Island. The initiative involves retrofitting approximately 50 residential buildings and integrating renewable energy technologies like wind turbines and solar panels.

Spółdzielnia Otwarty Jazdów, Poland | Region: Warsaw 

The Jazdów Open Partnership aims to establish the first urban energy cooperative in Poland, producing and procuring renewable energy for its members. The project involves refurbishing 30 houses and has an estimated budget of €700,000.

Future Tense Alliance, Italy | Region: Padova, Veneto 

Future Tense Alliance, composed of professionals in various fields, aims to establish Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) and provide training and management support. The project involves installing photovoltaic systems on buildings, with an estimated investment of €30 million.

Heliotec, Portugal | Region: Sintra 

Heliotec, an energy community, plans to combine renovation with energy generation using technologies such as PV, thermal window membranes, heat pumps, and smart controls. The project aims to showcase the best local approach for decarbonisation.

Selva Media Group (SMG) Studios Abel14, France | Region: Indre department, Centre-Val de Loire and Paris 

Selva Media Group aims to raise awareness within the communication and advertising industry by implementing a successful energy efficiency project. The project involves renovating four buildings around a historic mill, with an estimated investment of €330,000.

These Learners are paving the way for a more sustainable future by implementing innovative energy solutions and engaging their communities. Their efforts are crucial in achieving the broader goals of the Citizen-led Renovation initiative, contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability across Europe.

Find out about the six selected Pilots here.   

Learn more about the Followers here.