Belgian social housing energy initiative named as finalist in 2025 European Sustainable Energy Awards

The Community Energy for Social Housing in Otterbeek, Mechelen, provides renewable energy access to vulnerable tenants. It is working with the community to equip 200 housing units with solar panels and deliver clean energy at below-market rates in Belgium.

'We noticed that many citizens disengage from climate change initiatives because they struggle to see the benefits of green economies in their own lives,' explains Bart De Bruyne, Energy Sharing Expert at the City of Mechelen, warning: 'If vulnerable groups are excluded from the energy transition, it risks widening social inequalities and generating resistance to necessary climate measures.'

The Otterbeek initiative, which received EU support under the TANDEMS project, therefore prioritised community engagement. Tailored strategies included multilingual communications, cultural sensitivity training, and a neighbourhood ambassadors’ network to foster community. 

The initiative relied on a EUR 1 million investment model funded through citizen contributions, showcasing the power of community-driven financing. It was powered by collaboration between the municipality of Mechelen, the citizen renewable energy cooperative Klimaan, and local stakeholders.

'By installing solar panels on all 200 social housing units of the neighbourhood, the project maximises rooftop potential,' De Bruyne explains, 'ensuring that renewable energy is delivered at an affordable, fixed below-market price for social tenants.'

The installations produce an estimated 683,000 kWh of renewable energy annually, avoiding around 130 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year.

Looking ahead, the project has paved the way for further expansion by fostering a strong collaboration between the public social housing company Woonland and the Klimaan energy cooperative, working together on new initiatives. These include energy renovations of private buildings on condition they are made available for social rental, a new district heating network, the development of energy storage solutions to optimise solar energy usage, and a shared electric vehicle (EV) mobility project for social renters.

Participation in the TANDEMS project provided valuable insights into effective cooperation and stakeholder engagement in other parts of Europe, experience which is now being shared back with European partners, De Bruyne explained: 

'Workshops, study visits, and knowledge exchange sessions enable other communities to learn from the Otterbeek pilot, adapt the approach to their own contexts, and avoid common pitfalls.'

'We plan to leverage the experience gained from Otterbeek to provide concrete recommendations to the Flemish government,' he added. 'By demonstrating how social inclusion can accelerate the clean energy transition, we advocate policies that support energy sharing, community-driven renewable projects, and affordable access to clean energy for low-income households.'

One of the key insights of the Otterbeek pilot is that promoting energy justice not only strengthens community cohesion but also mitigates resistance to climate policies. De Bruyne warns that if vulnerable groups are not actively included, social tensions between more affluent and less privileged populations might slow down the transition. 

Our initiative serves as a practical example of how inclusive energy policies can boost public acceptance and accelerate progress towards EU targets.'

EUSEW Awards ​celebrate Europe’s best clean energy projects and leaders 

Community Energy for Social Housing is one of three finalists shortlisted for the European Sustainable Energy Awards 2025 in the Local Energy Action category. The award recognises implemented sustainable energy actions, driven by a group of citizens or consumers, which contribute to the clean energy transition at the community or local level. It also inspires and motivates others to implement similar steps for an EU-wide deployment, resulting in economic and environmental benefits. The other finalists in this category are Amiestas in Lithuania and proKlima in Germany. ​ ​

Amiestas is a public non-profit institution operating a one-stop-shop (OSS) for energy-efficient renovations in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. proKlima is a public-private partnership funding clean energy projects around Hanover.

The European Sustainable Energy Awards ​(EUSEW Awards) recognise outstanding individuals and projects for their innovation and efforts in energy efficiency and renewables. The nine finalists have been selected by a high-level jury in three categories: Innovation, Local Energy Action, and Woman in Energy. The finalists will be submitted to an online public vote, which is open until 1 June, and the winners will be announced during the EUSEW Awards Ceremony on 10 June 2025. ​ 

EUSEW 2025 

European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), the​ biggest annual event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe, takes place on 10-12 June under the theme of ‘Powering a fair and competitive green transition’. The event will bring together public authorities, industry, NGOs and consumers to promote initiatives accelerating decarbonisation through clean technologies and solutions towards a competitive, fair and just transition both for people and businesses.

Registrations for onsite attendance in Brussels and online participation are  now open.  

For interview requests with the EUSEW Awards finalists or additional media information, please contact ​ mediaeusew [dot] eu