Renewables Archives - Energy Cities

Citizen initiatives often struggle to get timely support from municipal administrations. This is a gap that often links to a lack of local expertise. That gap, cities can close it themselves through targeted training. The free Espresso online course is both short and efficient - just like a shot of coffee is.

News

Europe sets the rules, Heat Heroes make them work

The European Union has set the course for fossil-free heating and cooling. Now cities and towns need the means to deliver.

Energy efficiency & Buildings

Heating & Cooling

Renewables

Decarbonisation

Fossil-free cities HUB

Fossil-free cities

05/10/2026

No directive will heat a single home on its own. That work happens in cities and towns, led by local authorities and the people we […]

News

Local flexibility: Utrecht’s shared cars become batteries for the city

The Dutch city is combining solar and V2G car-sharing to make better use of local renewable energy

23/09/2026

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 […]

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