From Bulgaria to Ireland, local citizens, businesses, and municipalities are coming together to take control of their energy future. Six European countries—Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Ireland, Slovenia, and Spain—each representing different stages of legislative readiness and community engagement.

Across Europe, a quiet revolution is taking place. Citizens are joining forces to create energy communities—initiatives where locals collectively produce, share, and manage renewable energy. These grassroots movements are not only empowering people but also accelerating Europe’s green transition.

 

The EU-funded LIFE project POWER‑E‑COM is at the forefront of this change, supporting six diverse pilot regions to develop, test, and scale up community-led renewable energy solutions. These initiatives show how collaboration, innovation, and local leadership can build a cleaner, fairer energy future.

See Community Energy in Action and Hear Their Voices!

To bring six countries local success stories to life, short videos from each pilot region are available on the POWER‑E‑COM website. These inspiring clips capture the spirit, innovation, and determination of communities taking control of their energy futures. The videos capture participants exchanging insights on replicable tools, successes in Spain and Ireland, and how emerging regions—like Slovenia and Bulgaria—can bridge gaps through collaboration.

 

Watch the videos and be inspired: https://power-e-com.eu/

A European Movement, Powered by People

Whether you’re a policymaker, a local leader, or simply a citizen interested in sustainable living, these stories show what’s possible when communities come together.

 

POWER E COM is more than a project—it’s a platform enabling real energy transformation. By connecting diverse experiences, from established energy models to emerging community initiatives, it supports the growth of inclusive and collaborative energy solutions across Europe.

The energy transition starts locally—and grows through people-powered collaboration.

Pilot Regions in focus

Slovenia – Podravje & broader initiatives

Slovenia is taking meaningful steps toward community energy in the Podravje region. Building on growing public interest in energy self-sufficiency, local municipalities, energy providers, and residents are coming together to design practical, shared renewable energy solutions. POWER‑E‑COM plays a key role by analysing community needs and helping to transform scattered efforts into structured, community-driven initiatives.

 

Spain – Villarrobledo

In rural Villarrobledo, Spain, inclusive ene rgy models are giving residents the tools to co-produce renewable energy. With a focus on accessibility and community ownership, even remote areas are showing their potential to lead in the green transition. The project showcases inspiring local examples—like Montilla Renovable—that prove sustainable solutions thrive outside of major urban centres.

 

Austria – Upper Austria

Upper Austria is already a European frontrunner, with over 1,000 active energy communities. The region offers a wealth of experience, providing municipalities and citizens with tools, training, and expert guidance. Through POWER‑E‑COM, these best practices are being shared widely, inspiring others to replicate the success and scale up renewable energy efforts across Europe.

 

Bulgaria – Gabrovo

Gabrovo is home to one of Bulgaria’s first energy communities, made possible through close collaboration between the municipality and citizens. Together, they are building a 100 kWp community-funded solar plant, overcoming regulatory and technical barriers. This pioneering project supports similar developments in both mainland and island regions, offering replicable models for other local initiatives.

 

Ireland – Templederry

Templederry hosts Ireland’s first community-owned wind farm, a landmark in rural renewable energy. The project is powered by local investment and strong municipal support, ensuring that the economic and environmental benefits stay within the community. It exemplifies rural energy independence and serves as a blueprint for community wind energy across the country.

 

Germany – Oberland Region

In the Bavarian villages of Schwabsoien and Schwabbruck, citizens are working through the Dorfenergie Schwabsoien initiative to create a climate-neutral future. A district heating network developed by the association supplies local households with sustainable, climate-friendly heat, boosting energy independence and reinvesting benefits directly into the region. In this way the region is reducing CO₂ emissions, boosting energy independence, and reinvesting benefits directly into the community.

 

For more information and to follow progress visit https://power-e-com.eu/, https://www.linkedin.com/company/power-e-com  and subscribe to the POWER‑E‑COM YouTube channel.

 

Communication media contact:

The POWER‑E‑COM Communications Team

Email: power-e-com@energiewende-oberland.de

 

POWER-E-COM is a LIFE project, co-funded by the European Union under contract n°101120998