SPARKLE POREČ SCHOOL – Community Energy
From Renewables to Resilience: Building Stronger Communities and Cities – Thriving together
Community energyAbout
When a community of citizens starts working together to produce, share, and benefit from renewable energy, they not only strengthen social cohesion and lower their bills, but they also foster local economic value. Indeed, for every euro invested in community energy projects, 2 to 8 euros are generated for local economies.
Would you like to better understand and take action in the development of energy communities? Then don’t miss the opportunity to join the SPARKLE School From Renewables to Resilience: Building Stronger Communities and Cities – Thriving together, happening on 18-19 March 2026 in Poreč, Croatia. Scroll down to discover the agenda and how to apply for the fully funded scholarship.
Day 1 — Learning from leaders: what works and why
On 18 March, we will showcase proven models and practical experience from across Europe. You will:
- Explore current and emerging financing mechanisms, from EU-level tools to municipal models and funding approaches for energy communities.
- Navigate the legal and public procurement landscape, with insights from Strasbourg and other municipalities shaping enabling environments for citizen-led projects.
- Dive into community engagement strategies, including concrete examples such as the Špičkovina fire department in Croatia and the North Adriatic Energy Community.
Day 2 — From strategy to action: building municipal–community partnerships
On 19 March, we will focus on translating knowledge into local implementation. You will:
- Examine effective collaboration models between municipalities and energy communities, and identify strategies to scale them.
- Gain practical insights from Poreč’s Sunny Office and other One-Stop Shops on how local administrations can support citizens.
- Visit a local energy community initiative and real community energy solutions in action.
The programme will also include the opportunity to connect with Croatia’s Energy Communities Forum, meeting local actors who are pioneering community energy on the ground.
Across both days, the programme emphasises peer learning, exchange, and the practical tools you need to initiate or strengthen local community energy projects.
How to apply
To join us, you need to apply by 7 January 2026. You can either join as a self-funded participant, or – if you are a local/regional authority that meets all the eligibility criteria – we will cover your travel expenses up to € 1.400. To apply for the fully funded programme, you need to:
- Complete the SPARKLE free e-learning Integrated energy and climate transition planning course and at least one among Data for a clean energy transition and Transition management.
- Fill out the application form and indicate the school (first and second choice) you would like to attend.
- Provide a Letter of Commitment demonstrating your municipality’s ambition to develop or improve a SECAP or similar plans and to participate in the chosen SPARKLE school.
- Indicate 2 representatives (one technical and one political delegate) to join the selected school.
Selected participants will be notified by 27 January 2026.
Click on the button below to discover the selection process and learn more about the other schools!
