Network of French local communities for renewable energy production wins 2024 European Sustainable Energy Award

The Association des Centrales Villageoises, a network of French local cooperatives bringing together citizens, municipalities and local businesses to develop renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, has won the 2024 European Sustainable Energy Award in the Local Energy Action category. 

The network came first in an online public vote, receiving the award at the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) awards ceremony on 11 June in Brussels. 

The Centrales Villageoises bring together citizens, municipalities and local businesses to develop projects on a local scale, offering technical, economic, and legal assistance. 

‘The model is implemented in over 70 territories … which have expedited the energy transition by establishing over 500 photovoltaic power plants on private and public rooftops (totalling more than 11 MWp installed, equivalent to powering 3,500 homes),’ says Juliette Rasse, development officer of the Association des Centrales Villageoises.  

The initiative has crafted a step-by-step approach that allows anyone interested to lead a community-driven energy initiative. The association offers support to volunteers, and experienced local companies provide expertise to assist emerging citizen collectives.  

The Association des Centrales Villageoises was one of three finalists shortlisted for the European Sustainable Energy Awards 2024 in the Local Energy Action category. The award recognises sustainable energy actions, driven by a group of citizens or consumers, which contribute to the clean energy transition at the community or local level.  

The other finalists in this category were the AUSL Romagna Energy Action Plan in Italy, which pursues a comprehensive approach to energy efficiency across 13 hospitals, and De Energiecentrale, which offers a one-stop-shop for advice and support on improving the energy efficiency of homes in the Belgian city of Ghent. ​ ​ 

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

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 were selected by a high-level jury in three categories –  Innovation, Local Energy Action, and Woman in Energy – before being submitted to an online public vote. ​  

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EUSEW 2024  

The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), the​ biggest annual event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe, takes place on 11-13 June under the theme ‘Net- zero solutions for a competitive Europe’. The event brings together public authorities, private companies, NGOs and consumers to promote initiatives accelerating decarbonisation through green technologies and solutions towards a fair and just transition for people and competitive businesses. 

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