At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to accelerating the energy transition and bolstering the resilience of rural communities across the North-West Europe (NWE) region. Through the Interreg NWE program, we’re dedicated to providing the tools and expertise needed to empower local groups to take charge of their energy future by establishing their own energy communities.
Following our successful initial meeting in Leuven, we continued our journey with a hands-on workshop in Redon, France, hosted by Énergies citoyennes en Pays de Vilaine (EPV). This workshop marked the official launch of our first work package, where we began the process of integrating four essential tools into the CIRCUS method. Each tool is being carefully tailored to meet the specific needs of rural areas, ensuring that they are practical and effective for local implementation.
Key Tools We’re Developing:
- Community Energy Profiling: Helping communities understand their energy needs and potential.
- GIS Mapping for Local Renewable Energy Opportunities: Identifying optimal locations for renewable energy projects.
- Business Model Development for Energy Communities: Creating sustainable financial frameworks for local energy initiatives.
- Participatory Practice to Adapt Tools Locally: Engaging communities to customize and implement tools that best suit their unique circumstances.
Our time in Redon was not only productive but also deeply inspiring, especially during our visit to the Bégawatts windfarm in Béganne. This remarkable project, France's first cooperative windfarm, stands as a testament to what communities can achieve when they come together. Funded by over 1,000 local residents, the windfarm generates an impressive 18,000 MWh annually, powering the future of the region.
Together, through collaboration and innovation, we are shaping a sustainable future for rural communities across North-West Europe. The journey has just begun, and we’re excited to continue making strides towards energy independence. Stay connected with us for more updates on our progress and the tools we’re developing to empower local energy communities. 🏡💚
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