The European Energy Communities Facility is an EU-funded project that aims to empower and support the development of energy communities across Europe. It will support at least 140 energy communities in developing solid business plans through lump sum grants and a tailored capacity-building programme. The project covers the 27 EU Member States, Iceland, Moldova, North Macedonia and Ukraine.
Managed by an international consortium of experienced organisations, the European Energy Communities Facility is supported by a network of 29 national experts. These experts actively promote the initiative and guide energy communities through the various stages of the project in their respective countries.
The European Energy Communities Facility contributes to the ambitious EU climate goals by fostering local and collective action towards a fair, inclusive and sustainable energy transition.
This initiative, funded by the European Union under the Life Programme, was launched in September 2024 and will last until February 2028.
Capacity BuildingA hands-on, tailored learning programme equipping energy communities with the knowledge and skills needed to develop and implement business plans and make their projects a reality.
Financial SupportThe European Energy Community Facility provides financial assistance through lump-sum grants, enabling energy communities to develop robust business plans to secure the capital needed for their projects.
ResourcesThe project gathers and maps national legal frameworks, financial opportunities and One Stop Shops in all targeted countries, providing essential tools and information to help energy communities thrive.
Project partners
The European Energy Communities Facility is managed by a consortium of seven experienced partners from the renewable energy sector, finance, capacity building, and more. Learn about us!
National experts
A European network of national experts ensures that the European Energy Communities Facility effectively reaches energy communities in the field and supports them throughout the application process.
What are energy communities?
Energy communities are citizen-driven legal entities operating in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Officially recognised in the EU’s Clean Energy Package as ‘citizen’ and ‘renewable’ energy communities, energy communities are typically owned by their members and generally operate according to the cooperative principles and values, such as open membership and democratic control. They distinguish themselves from traditional energy providers by the way they do business - they put environmental, economic or social community benefits over profit.
By harnessing collective and local action, energy communities unlock transformative opportunities for Europe’s energy future. They contribute to creating a more secure, affordable, and cleaner energy system by:
- Empowering citizens to take ownership of the energy transition and, thus, fostering social acceptance of renewable energy
- Reducing energy poverty and ensuring affordable energy prices for renewable energy
- Boosting energy efficiency
- Creating green jobs and generating investment opportunities for the local community, among others