Rural regions across Europe face a pressing challenge: achieving energy resilience and self-sufficiency. This goal is pivotal for the EU's broader energy transition and addressing the unique energy supply issues confronting rural communities.

Many of these regions are situated at the periphery of outdated electricity grids, rendering them susceptible to energy shortages, especially as electrification increases and grid capacity remains limited. Furthermore, spatial constraints complicate the adoption of suitable production systems.

While EU policies advocate a logical framework for developing Energy Communities (E-communities), fragmented policies, short-term political measures, and varying speeds of EU directive adoption have led to disjointed approaches. This has resulted in fragmented knowledge and territorial disparities.

In response, innovative individuals have pioneered initiatives to promote local renewable energy (RE) production and E-communities. Previous tools developed primarily targeted these innovators. However, adapting and making these tools accessible to rural regions remains a crucial need.

Enter CIRCUS: "Connecting Initiatives for Rural Communities, Upscaling their Sustainable energy." This project focuses on facilitating the uptake of existing tools and refining them into a transnational, accessible methodology.

Transnational cooperation is essential in overcoming these challenges and unlocking the full potential of rural areas for local renewable energy products. By fostering knowledge sharing, transferring expertise, and implementing transnational development strategies, CIRCUS aims to bridge territorial gaps and support rural communities in achieving energy independence.

Our goal is clear: to empower rural communities across the North-West Europe (NWE) region to become energy independent. By fostering collaborations among rural citizens, entrepreneurs (including farmers), and local authorities, we aim to boost energy efficiency, expand local renewable energy production, and ultimately create more vibrant E-communities.

Join us in this transformative journey towards a sustainable future!