Renewables Archives - Energy Cities

In Utrecht, panels have already been installed on around 35% of the city’s roofs. But rapid electrification. The city had to find a solution. And they did.

News

When public solar roofs turn into a flexible and collective regional resource

Austrian rural municipalities are pooling solar electricity across public buildings - without building a new organisation from scratch.

Renewables

Community energy

08/09/2026

This very first 100% municipal energy community powering very different types of public buildings is a great example on how to collectively reduce public spending and increase energy resilience of a wider area.

News

Heating Besançon beyond gas

Anthony Nappez on Besançon’s transition away from fossil fuels towards cleaner heating

Energy efficiency & Buildings

Heating & Cooling

Renewables

Fossil-free cities

21/07/2026

Across Europe, cities are rethinking the way they heat homes and buildings to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, strengthen energy resilience, and provide more […]

News

When prices rise, the lights stay steady thanks to solar

Aradippou in Cyprus is increasing energy independence by investing in a second photovoltaic park

Renewables

Community energy

09/07/2026

In Cyprus, the municipality of Aradippou has already shown that local governments, especially in the South of Europe, should tap into the solar potential as much as they can. A year ago, we shared how the municipality became the country's first to cover the electricity needs of its public buildings and street lighting with renewable energy, thanks to a municipal photovoltaic park. Today, Aradippou is taking the next step.

News

How Bristol City Leap is using private finance to empower citizens

The story behind the EUR 1.7 millions fund for community energy projects

Participative governance

Finance & Divest

Renewables

Community energy

03/07/2026

If your municipality is wondering how to finance the energy transition while delivering visible benefits for residents, you're in good company. Across Europe, local governments are experimenting with new ways to attract investment, strengthen communities and build more resilient energy systems. Bristol's Community Energy Fund is one example. It has already unlocked more than EUR 690k for 43 local projects.

News

Heating Brussels Capital Region beyond gas

Vincent Vandernoot on Brussels’ new clean heat project in the city’s Northern District

Energy efficiency & Buildings

24/06/2026

Across Europe, cities are working to replace fossil gas with cleaner heating systems. This shift makes our heating independent from external markets and less vulnerable […]

News

Energy as a common good: the Danish model

Presentation of three iconic danish energy communities: Avedøre, Skårup, and Middelgrunden

Renewables

Local energy

Community energy

09/06/2026

The energy transition is not only a technical challenge but also a social and democratic process.

Publications

Best Practices on Renewable Energy Communities across Europe

Have a look at the new LocalRES collection of good practices, showcasing Energy Communities all over Europe

Renewables

Community energy

01/06/2026

The objective of this publication is twofold. First, it seeks to document concrete, replicable experiences that illustrate how RECs can be designed, implemented and scaled in different local contexts, in several countries both in rural and urban areas. Second, it aims to provide inspiration to local authorities, practitioners and community actors interested in developing similar initiatives.

News

A new course to facilitate inclusive decision-making and equitable benefit-sharing in renewable energy projects

Participative governance

Renewables

Tools & Capacity building

Local governments

Local governance

Community energy

01/06/2026

Energy Cities is launching a course to promote a common dialogue framework for inclusive decision-making and equitable benefit-sharing in renewable energy projects’ development