Energy Communities workshop in Budapest

On December 4, 2024, several of Renewat's partners attended the Interreg Energy Communities Workshop in Budapest, an event focused on fostering the development and support of energy communities across Europe.

The workshop emphaised the importance of energy communities in achieving sustainable development and energy independence; participants had the opportunity to discuss on strategies to raise awareness, inspire action, and foster collaboration among citizens and stakeholders.

One of the highlights of the event was hearing about the story of the Rotselaar mill, the birthplace of Ecopower, a pioneering citizen cooperative founded in 1991. This story exemplified the power of collective action: through cooperative shares, the mill’s turbine was restored in 1995, providing electricity for 120 Flemish households. Till 2024 Ecopower has grown to include over 70,000 participants, each actively contributing to renewable energy projects and promoting sustainable energy practices in Belgium.

This remarkable membership reflects the success of the citizen-led energy cooperative model. From the revival of the Rotselaar mill to its current initiatives, Ecopower continues to inspire and empower communities across Europe, showing how renewable energy and local engagement can drive the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

Learning about this experience was a great inspiration for our project, and we are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this event, learn from and connect with numerous projects fostering sustainable energy solutions.