As we approach the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2025, we are proud to introduce the finalists of this year's EUSEW Awards. These innovators have been selected by the high-level jury for their significant contributions to sustainability, energy efficiency, and clean energy. From energy cooperatives to academic leaders and community-driven projects, they are shaping Europe’s energy future.
The nine finalists selected each tackle pressing challenges, empower communities, and promote collaboration across Europe. Join us in celebrating their achievements and the important impact of their work. Get to know the finalists in all three categories and learn how you can support their efforts with your vote!
Innovation Award
LIFE4GREENBROADBAND
The LIFE4GREENBROADBAND in Croatia is working to cut emissions in the telecoms sector by implementing cooling and solar power solutions at telecom base stations around the country. The project implemented solar plants and free cooling systems at telecom base stations across the country, saving over 1.2 million kWh of energy annually and reducing CO₂ emissions by 404 tonnes. It demonstrates how renewable energy and energy efficiency measures can be integrated into broadband operations, offering a model for other Mediterranean and European regions as 5G and fibre networks expand.
LIFE TURBINES
LIFE TURBINES is a Spanish-Italian project that generates electricity from excess pressure in domestic water supplies using micro-turbines. This supports smart cities and decarbonises urban water systems. With 13 pilot sites, the project produces nearly one million kWh of renewable energy annually and cuts emissions by over 250 tonnes of CO₂. A digital tool will help local authorities optimise turbine placement, facilitating the adoption of this solution in both drinking water and wastewater networks, supporting smart energy management and decarbonisation goals.
AQUABATTERY
AQUABATTERY’s saltwater flow battery uses table salt and water to create a safe, scalable, and sustainable long duration energy storage solution, helping to reduce dependence on critical raw materials. The system works by converting saltwater into acid and base during charging, and recombining them during discharge to store and release electricity, without relying on critical raw materials or introducing fire and toxicity risks. This technology supports the EU’s energy transition by making it easier to use renewables and boosting energy independence.
Local Energy Action Award
Amiestas
In Vilnius, where most apartment buildings date back to before 1993, the public NGO Amiestas has been transforming urban living with large-scale energy renovations. Since 2020, the initiative simplifies retrofits for residents, integrating insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable energy. With annual groundbreaking savings and emissions cuts equivalent to removing over 4,000 cars, Amiestas addresses climate change and energy poverty. The project now serves as a model for community-driven energy efficiency across the EU.
Community Energy for Social Housing in Otterbeek
In Mechelen’s Otterbeek district, the Community Energy for Social Housing initiative makes the clean energy transition inclusive and strengthens support for the energy transition. The initiative is making renewable energy accessible to vulnerable tenants by installing solar panels on 200 social housing units and offering clean energy at below-market rates. Their model is now expanding through new partnerships, with lessons being shared to inspire similar efforts across Europe.
proKlima
The enercity fund proKlima in Germany has financed nearly 40,000 clean energy projects, avoiding 2.3 million tonnes of CO₂. Founded in 1998, it operates independently of municipal budgets, using proceeds from gas sales and energy profits to support clean energy and awareness initiatives. Supporting projects like passive houses, photovoltaics, and heat pumps, proKlima has modernised residential buildings, cutting energy bills and emissions. Its open-source model, strong focus on training, and local engagement offer a replicable path for climate action and social inclusion across Europe.
Woman in Energy Award
Carmen Sánchez-Guevara
Spanish architect and professor Carmen Sánchez-Guevara is tackling summer energy poverty, where vulnerable households in older, heat-unfriendly buildings struggle with extreme temperatures. Through projects like COOLTORISE, which helped over 8,000 people across five countries, Carmen empowers communities with practical tools, like workshops and urban cooling strategies, to adapt to heatwaves. As a professor and policy advisor, she’s shaping future architects and national energy strategies, calling for inclusive, climate-resilient design across Europe.
Sophie Loots
Sophie Loots, a passionate advocate for grassroots energy initiatives, is committed to empowering citizens to take ownership of their energy future, offering services like renovation coaching, solar panel installations and heat networks. Through partnerships with municipalities and European projects, ZuidtrAnt has supported hundreds of households with renovations, solar panels, and now even heat networks. Sophie brings heart to a field often dominated by numbers, proving that empathy and community action can power a just energy transition.
Dr Stella Tsani
Dr Stella Tsani is bridging academic research and policy to support Greece’s clean energy transition. As Associate Professor at the University of Athens, she focuses on aligning economic systems with low-carbon energy practices and shaping evidence-based policies. She promotes sustainable solutions across Europe and the Mediterranean. Committed to youth empowerment, especially of young women, she mentors future energy leaders to drive innovation and inclusion.
The outstanding finalists you have read about are shaping the future of Europe's energy landscape through their innovative work. Now, you have the opportunity to help determine who will be honoured for their contributions. Voting is open until 1 June! Visit the EUSEW Awards voting page and select your preferred finalist from each category. Remember, you can submit a vote for one finalist in each category. Your vote matters.
We encourage you to be part of the EUSEW Awards experience by joining us either in Brussels or online on 10 June 2025, where we will celebrate the exceptional efforts driving the clean energy transition in Europe.
Details
- Publication date
- 29 April 2025
- Author
- European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency