About the Pilot
The municipality of Alsómocsolád, located in Hungary, is a forward-thinking rural community committed to sustainable development and energy independence. With a population of just 300, the village has leveraged its close-knit character to implement innovative governance and energy strategies that serve as a model for other small municipalities across Europe.
At the heart of Alsómocsolád’s energy transition is a dedicated Action Group that advises the mayor and coordinates all energy-related initiatives. This team bridges technical expertise with local governance, ensuring that community needs align with available funding opportunities. Despite limited internal staffing, the municipality overcomes operational challenges by engaging external consultants when grant conditions allow—demonstrating a flexible and adaptive governance model.
Alsómocsolád’s primary goal is to achieve energy self-sufficiency for its municipal buildings and services. This ambition is part of a broader strategy to enhance sustainability, reduce external dependencies, and reinvest savings into community services—particularly in the area of elderly care, which the municipality plans to expand. Energy independence is not just a technical goal but a cornerstone of their long-term vision for a resilient and developmentally capable municipality.
The municipality places strong emphasis on citizen participation. Through regular surveys, planning sessions like “Future Locally!” and “Mocsolád Evenings,” and programs such as “Clean Yard, Energy Conscious House,” residents are actively involved in shaping local energy policy. Communication is maintained through a bi-weekly newsletter, Facebook, LED displays, and mobile apps like HolMiApp and Munipolis.
Our support
The Support service for Citizen-led renovation is supporting the municipality in developing a robust energy community business plan, enabling them to apply for necessary permits, expected to be finalised by August 2025. CLR’s support is instrumental in helping Alsómocsolád navigate regulatory requirements and build a viable technical and financial framework for their local energy initiatives.