Fostering local engagement for Clean Energy Transition in Rural Areas through Energy Communities

Introduction

The central idea of EC4RURAL is to change the paradigm of local relations to boost Energy Communities in rural municipalities. Despite their wealth of resources, these areas in Europe are in a disadvantaged situation characterized by rural shrinking, less access to basic services and employment. This often translates into energy poverty for inhabitants due to the current high energy prices.

Objectives

EC4RURAL will help to deepen and transform the relationships between local and regional authorities and Local Action Groups. The goal is to contribute to the Clean Energy Transition (CET) in Europe while ensuring the participation of all stakeholders, making sure they are not left behind.

Key Aims

The project aims to:

• Enable citizens and local actors to be part of or benefit from the CET processes led by Rural Energy Communities.
• Promote renewable energy production and the sale of surplus energy.

Approach

EC4RURAL's action is placed in the orbit of changes in consumer and business behaviors. It aims to facilitate increased dialogue and joint investment by public and private actors, which is often unattainable on an individual level. This aligns with the objectives established by the European Green Deal.

Contributions

EC4RURAL will also contribute to:

1. Rural development within the new Common Agricultural Policy.
2. The European Rural Pact.
3. The Territorial Cohesion Policy.

Implementation

EC4RURAL will implement this new paradigm shift through two pilots in Estonia and Spain.

Case Studies

The project will include a total of 34 case studies in different rural municipalities, aiming to:

• Sow the seed of replicability in the participating regions.
• Extend the impact at the European level through communication, dissemination, and exploitation activities of the network of external partners and collaborators.