The COMMUNITAS project took the stage at this year’s Sustainable Places Conference 2024 in Luxembourg, during the Energy Communities 2050 Workshop. Represented by Łukasz Wilczyński from ASM – Market Research and Analysis Centre, COMMUNITAS showcased its innovative solutions designed to empower citizens in the renewable energy sector. This workshop, which took place on the event’s first day, brought together key projects and experts to explore the technologies and strategies that are driving user engagement in energy communities.
Empowering Citizens in Energy Communities
During the workshop’s first session, COMMUNITAS stood alongside other impactful projects like LocalRES, DE-RISK, MASTERPIECE, and Reschool, presenting their approaches that enable citizens to become active participants in renewable energy production. The session highlighted several key technologies and tools – ranging from Social and Policy Labs to Best Practices and Stakeholder Engagement Strategies – that are designed to boost citizen involvement in energy generation.
COMMUNITAS emphasized its innovative methods that allow communities to lead the way in the energy transition, making use of digital platforms, smart energy management systems, and citizen-driven renewable initiatives. The project’s mission is to foster more inclusive energy communities by equipping citizens with the knowledge and resources needed to engage in renewable energy projects.
Driving Innovation and Participation
This session was focusing on the technologies and strategies that are essential to increasing user engagement in energy communities. As Łukasz Wilczyński explained, the goal of COMMUNITAS is to break down barriers, enabling more citizens to play a vital role in the production and management of renewable energy. By promoting best practices and fostering collaborative efforts, COMMUNITAS aims to ensure that citizens are at the heart of the energy transition.
Addressing Policy and Regulatory Challenges
In the workshop’s second session, attention shifted towards the regulatory frameworks and barriers that energy communities face. Projects like COMANAGE, SUSTENANCE, BECKON, ACCEPT, and FEDECOM explored the policy challenges and economic constraints that must be addressed to scale up the operations of energy communities across Europe. Discussions revolved around aligning national and EU-level regulations, creating incentives for citizen-led initiatives, and ensuring that the energy transition is both just and inclusive.
The COMMUNITAS project continues to play a critical role in shaping the future of energy communities by advocating for more accessible and citizen-focused renewable energy systems.
Want to Learn More?
For more information about how COMMUNITAS is empowering citizens and transforming energy communities, visit the project’s website: COMMUNITAS Project.