The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) Awards recognise individuals and projects driving Europe’s clean energy transition. These Awards shine a spotlight on the people and actions in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors in three different categories: Innovation, Local Energy Action and Woman in Energy.
The 19th edition of the EUSEW Awards, under the theme ‘Powering a fair and competitive green transition’ will celebrate these achievements during the Awards Ceremony on 10 June 2025 in Brussels.
From cutting-edge technologies to pioneering renewable energy solutions, the Innovation Award highlights the transformative potential of innovative ideas in accelerating the sustainable energy transition. The award aims to inspire others to adopt similar approaches, fostering the implementation of impactful initiatives across the EU while delivering social, economic, and environmental benefits.
The call for applications is open until 30 January 2024.
Learn from our previous finalists
These EUSEW Innovation Award finalists from past years showcase creative solutions driving the clean energy transition. These inspiring examples demonstrate the significant impact of small-scale efforts. Explore these outstanding initiatives and see whether your own work aligns with the innovative solutions celebrated.
ENVISION (2022)
ENVISION developed an innovative approach to building renovations by transforming facades into energy generators. Their EU-funded project allows thermal and electric energy to be harvested from a building’s surface without compromising its aesthetics or functionality. By leveraging advanced facade technologies, ENVISION enables energy-positive buildings, reducing energy demand and contributing to Europe’s renewable energy goals. This solution is setting a new standard for integrating sustainability into architecture.
'We want to implement these kinds of technologies for every house all over Europe. With a payback period of under 15 years, the installation is cost efficient and easy - it takes less than two days during the renovation process. To-date, they have been installed at demo sites throughout Europe, in places with very different climate conditions, such as in the Netherlands, Austria and Italy.' says Christian Eibl of NSG Pilkington, Partner in ENVISION.
Alqueva Floating Solar Farm (2023)
The Alqueva Floating Solar Farm in Portugal represents a milestone in hybrid renewable energy projects and showcases how sustainability, innovation, and local collaboration can drive the green transition efficiently. This innovative park combines solar, hydropower, and battery storage at a single grid access point, creating a reliable and efficient energy source. By installing solar panels on a reservoir, the project avoids land use conflicts while minimising visual impact. By using recycled plastic and cork composites for its floaters, the project cut manufacturing emissions by 30%, demonstrating an environmentally conscious approach to large-scale renewable energy. Alqueva’s hybrid model is a blueprint for cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions.
‘[...] the panels protect the water from solar radiation, reducing algae formation, giving fish a place to shelter from the heat, and limiting water evaporation, all of which are key in the region where the effects of climate change are already being felt and water management is a very central part of life’ explains Miguel Patena, Innovation Manager at EDP.
Airborne Wind Energy (2024)
The Airborne Wind Energy project by Kitemill is revolutionising wind energy technology. Located in Norway, it uses kites to capture stronger, more consistent winds at high altitudes. This approach significantly reduces material use and CO₂ emissions compared to traditional wind turbines while unlocking new potential for wind energy. By exploring untapped resources, Kitemill is reshaping how we think about wind power’s role in the energy transition.
Feeling inspired? Apply now!
If you are part of an EU-funded project transforming the energy landscape, do not miss the chance to be recognised. By submitting your project for consideration, you will bring your achievements into the spotlight, inspire others to take action, and create valuable connections across the energy sector.
Applications for the EUSEW Innovation Award are open until 30 January 2025.
Learn more about the Awards, read the guidelines and check out the previous years’ finalists in all three categories to find out more.
Details
- Publication date
- 10 January 2025
- Author
- European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency