Empowering Communities: Six Pilot Projects Selected

The Citizen-led renovation (CLR) initiative, an EU-funded support service, empowers energy communities to lead energy renovation projects. Designed to strengthen community buildings and facilitate the replication of energy renovations, CLR helps communities overcome financial, legal, technical, and informational barriers. In order to facilitate this goal, an Open Call was launched in April 2024.

The Call concluded on 17 June 2024, and we are proud to announce the selection of six pilot projects for Phase II. These pilots will receive comprehensive support in project development, implementation, and replication, providing a blueprint for other communities to follow.

The Selected Pilots:

1. Castello Green House (Italy): A cooperative renewable energy community (REC) focusing on energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy systems (RES) for residential buildings. 
2. Comunità Energetica Rinnovabile di Antrodoco (Italy): Established in 2019, this REC focuses on improving energy efficiency in 12 residential buildings, targeting a 30-40% energy saving. 
3. REC of Postua and Guardabosone (Italy): Aiming to improve EE in 15 residential buildings, including those of families facing energy poverty.
4. Girona Provincial Council (Spain): Through its Environmental Service, the council promotes energy transition and efficiency enhancement. Their application includes five energy communities aiming to understand citizen needs, set up local ecosystems, and enhance knowledge on legal aspects and monitoring.
5. ZuidtrAnt (Belgium): This cooperative works with solar roofs, renovation coaching, and energy-positive hubs. Their Burenwerf project aims to renovate more residential buildings and expand their heat network.
6. Wohnungseigentümergemeinschaft der Liegenschaft 1020 Wien Ybbsstraße 6 (Austria): Focused on renovating 31 apartments with deep renovations and PV panel installations. They seek support for creating an energy community, communication, procurement, and legal aspects.

Expanding the Community

The Call targeted established and prospective energy communities, inviting citizen groups, local authorities, NGOs, and other organisations to lead renovation projects. By participating, these entities gain access to tailored support in administrative, technical, and communication aspects, ensuring effective project implementation and replication.

Commitment to Collaboration

Selected communities commit to sharing information, mobilising citizens, hosting events, and demonstrating replication potential. This collaboration aims to create a dynamic platform for mutual learning and exchange among communities of varying experience levels.