New category: finding your place in the EUSEW Awards

This year, we are proud to introduce a new Award category: SMEs Driving Energy Efficiency Award. It is a recognition designed to celebrate the creativity and impact of SMEs that develop business or financing models to accelerate the uptake of energy efficiency solutions in the EU. Through this Award, EUSEW aims to reward small and medium sized-enterprises pioneering new approaches to make energy upgrades more accessible, affordable and scalable.

The perfect finalist is:

• An EU-defined SME operating in at least one EU Member State;
• With either a pilot project or a commercially active initiative; and
• Featuring an innovative dimension related to energy efficiency business or financing models.

Do you want to be the very first to win this Award? Read the guidelines and apply now.

The launch of this new Award also arrives at a turning point for European SMEs. This year, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group announced a €17.5 billion financing initiative dedicated entirely to energy efficiency in SMEs, one of the largest commitments of its kind.

More than 350 000 companies across Europe are expected to improve their energy efficiency thanks to this initiative. This new programme will almost double current support between 2025 and 2027, helping SMEs cut energy use and reduce emissions. As part of the initiative, the EIB will work with private partners through dedicated investment platforms to support SME energy efficiency projects. This approach will also help attract more investors and bring additional capital into the European energy efficiency sector. 

Overall, these measures show the strong commitment of the EIB Group and the European Commission to helping SMEs in their clean energy transition, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and supporting decarbonisation under the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal and Action Plan for Affordable Energy. 

Local Energy Action: the power of community

The Local Energy Action Award honours clean energy initiatives that demonstrate the strength of a community, whether they are associations, organisations or groups of people. The Award highlights local and regional projects that provide long-term, real-scale sustainable energy solutions with wider social, economic and environmental benefits.

The perfect finalist:

• A local or regional initiative;
• Led by a community, municipality, cooperative, NGO or group of citizens; and
• Delivering clean energy solutions with long-term impact to transform the energy landscape in their community.

Last year’s winner, Community Energy for Social Housing in Otterbeek, demonstrated how a community-led energy project can deliver social, economic and environmental benefits. In Mechelen’s Otterbeek district, 200 social housing units now run on solar power through a fairness-driven initiative that built partnerships, trust and a replicable model for an inclusive energy transition.

If you are part of a local initiative driving the clean energy transition, apply for the Local Energy Action Award. 

Read the guidelines and explore previous finalists to learn more.

Women in Energy: leadership that transforms 

The Women in Energy Award celebrates the women who are not only shaping Europe’s clean energy transition but reshaping what leadership looks like in the sector. Their initiatives inspire and motivate others to implement similar solutions across the EU, resulting in wider social, economic and environmental benefits. Special attention is given to those driving gender equality and equal opportunities within the energy sector, helping to open doors for the next generation. 

The perfect finalist:

• A woman leading impactful long-term and real-scale work in clean energy;
• Actively carrying out activities in an EU Member State or EEA country, and resident there; and
• Inspiring others through her leadership, achievements and commitment to equality.

Last year’s Women in Energy winner, Dr Stella Tsani, an Associate Professor at the University of Athens, was recognised for her work linking economics, sustainability and social wellbeing to shape fair and effective energy policies across Europe and the Mediterranean. Beyond her influential research, she is a committed mentor to young women in the energy field, working towards an inclusive, future-focused clean energy transition.

If you know someone whose work deserves the spotlight or if that person might just be you, this is the moment to apply.

Read the guidelines and explore previous finalists to learn more.

Why EUSEW Awards matter

As Europe advances towards a clean, secure and competitive Energy Union, EUSEW Awards are reflecting back the stories, ambitions and achievements that move Europe closer to its climate and energy goals. They honour change makers, give visibility to pioneering professionals and inspire thousands across the continent.

The Awards also connect finalists with the wider EUSEW community, including Young Energy Ambassadors, policymakers, experts, and practitioners committed to accelerating change. EUSEW Awards are open to both individual and organisational applications, and we also welcome nominations, so if you know someone who would be a great fit, we encourage you to put their name forward.

Save these dates*:

• Closing of the call: 29 January ​202​6
• Communication of results: 19 March 2026
• Public vote: 5 May to 31 May 2026
• Awards Ceremony: 9​ June 202​6​ 

*Dates are indicative and subject to change

More ways to join the EUSEW community

Stay tuned because in addition to the Awards, several other participation opportunities will open in January and February 2026. These include calls to become an exhibitor at the Energy Fair, join the new cohort of Young Energy Ambassadors, or organise a Sustainable Energy Day anywhere in the world. These activities help extend the reach of EUSEW beyond Brussels, engaging citizens locally and fostering connections across Europe and beyond. The call to submit your session for the Policy Conference is currently open.

A detailed timeline, Q&A and the recording of the EUSEW information session will be available on the EUSEW 2026 information page, offering further guidance for all prospective applicants.