Spread the seeds for a resilient city
When conflicts disrupt supply chains, energy prices spike, supply becomes uncertain, and local communities lose control. Municipal leadership can change that.
The Homegrown Energy campaign, in collaboration with the Covenant of Mayors, brings together ten stories of cities and regions that are redefining what municipal leadership in energy can look like. It is an invitation to let go of myths and to look at the experiences of numerous local governments for insights and solutions. Each month from April to December, you will discover a new inspiring city story.
Why homegrown energy matters
Every gardener has made the experience of getting all geared up to try something new and exciting—a zucchini, or a very particular type of apple—only to find the seeds don’t even sprout. This is not a reason to not try it again! And it’s exactly the same for municipalities.
Energy that is generated in and with communities, helps us
- Protect your community from energy shocks
- Strengthen energy independence
- Advance together towards climate neutrality by building strong local alliances
- Build trust in your city’s vision and <in public support for your climate action
Your city council can act in different ways
We are often drawn to spectacular cases, but these are not always replicable and worse, they are used as excuses not to try. Municipal leadership can start with one single building or in a street.
There are many creative ways in which municipalities are providing high quality public services while anticipating a more secure and affordable energy provision in the future:
- Finance and operate own renewable energy services
- Act as market agents by facilitating, hosting, or participating in citizen-led renewable generation and community energy schemes
- Provide material and immaterial support to citizens and renewable energy communities
- Regulate in favor of just and renewable energy implementation
- Influence permitting, planning, incentives and access to grid connections, which are key barriers for local clean energy deployment
Removing bad weeds: 10 cities & towns debunking common myths
1 – “Rolling back on (environmental) regulation will help fast-track work on energy security.”
Valencia shows procurement is actually one of the most powerful levers to address individual and collective vulnerabilities.
2 – “Local renewable energy is too unstable to rely on for public buildings.”
With the right framework (PPA + mix), Malaunay creates predictable and resilient supply.
3 – “Once you bring in private partners, the city loses control.”
Bristol proves shared governance with benefits that strengthen the community.
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Click here to view all 10 campaign stories
Three first steps for increasing your own homegrown energy:
Pick a story that inspires you
Skill up if needed
Secure your city’s
energy future — locally.
One of the most powerful ways to provide energy that benefits everyone is through community energy projects, where citizens, municipalities and local businesses produce, co-own and manage renewable energy together.
Explore community energy stories from across Europe on eumayors.eu and unlock your power!
See the other debunking stories to come
4 – “100% renewable energy at local level? That’s unrealistic.”
Aradippou in Cyprus shows it’s not only possible — it’s affordable.
5 – “Grid congestion blocks electrification. Let’s wait for the DSO to act.”
Utrecht’s grid-smart solutions prove the contrary and can also work beyond The Netherlands.
6 – “Energy systems are too unpredictable to optimise locally or regionally.”
Smart forecasting by Mälardalen Energy Agency in Sweden turns uncertainty into a strategic advantage.
7 – “Energy communities only work within one city or country.”
An initiative between Croatian and Serbian towns shows cooperation can cross borders and still thrive.
8 – “Heating is too complex to involve citizens in its management.”
Ghent in Belgium turns wastewater into a valuable energy source.
9 – “Energy security can only be guaranteed at national level.”
Ispaster in Spain proves resilience can be built locally, by design.
10 – “Renovation is too technical and time-consuming — people won’t engage.”
The municipality of Namur in Belgium simplifies renovation by creating small renovation communities and guiding groups of neighbours in their journey.
