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Course summary
Welcome to the virtual space for SPARKLE's "Community energy for locally owned renewable energy production” pillar. This space is a living laboratory where European Local Authorities come together to learn and show how municipalities across Europe are moving beyond simple "interest" to become active architects of the local energy transition supporting in multiple ways and becoming direct members of energy communities. Energy communities are not just about kilowatt-hours; they are about building local resilience. When a community owns its energy, it reinvests in its own future. This is the transition towards Energy Democracy: a shift of power (literally and figuratively) from large utilities to local people. Decisions are made democratically, ensuring that the benefits of the energy transition stay within the community.
What you'll learn
- The global energy landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift. We are moving away from a centralised system—where a few large corporations produce power in distant plants—toward a decentralised, democratic model. An energy community is more than just a collection of solar panels or wind turbines. It is a social and economic framework where citizens, small businesses, and local authorities come together to produce, manage, and consume their own locally produced renewable energy.
- For an energy community to thrive, it needs more than just committed and enthusiastic citizens; it needs a supportive local ecosystem. This is where local authorities play a transformative role. A municipality acts as the "bridge" that turns a grassroots idea into a professional, scalable utility. Whether a city provides political endorsement, financial guarantees, or public rooftops, the local authority is often the most important ally a citizen-led initiative can have.
Requirements
- To enrol in the Future‑Proof Local Governance pillar you need to be part of the SPARKLE learning community.
Educational team
| Start | 09/03/2026 |
| End | open end |
| Language | English |