The start of 2026 brings a wave of fresh initiatives supporting energy communities across Europe, including three appealing awards aimed to promote and scale up citizen-led renewable energy projects.

Could your project benefit from one of these opportunities?

Governance Innovations in Energy Communities Prize

This prize, organised by the European Commission, recognises ten outstanding energy communities that have developed creative, inclusive, and effective governance models. These may include new participatory decision-making processes, equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms, or innovative collaborations between citizens, local authorities, and local enterprises. 

Award: The winners will be awarded as follows:

  • 1st place: €350,000
  • 2nd place: €200,000
  • 3rd place: €100,000
  • 4th place to 10th place: €50,000

Eligibility criteria: Energy communities with up to 10,000 members.

Timeline: Registrations open from 20 January to 25 June 2026.

Organiser: European Commission – Directorate-General Research and Innovation.

RTD Prize

European Sustainable Energy Awards

The European Sustainable Energy Awards (EUSEW Awards) recognise the people, projects, and initiatives that advance Europe’s transition to clean energy. Among the three award categories, two are suited for energy communities: Local Energy Action and Women in Energy.

Award: Winners and finalists of the EUSEW Awards will benefit from visibility support:

  • A high-quality video promoted through EUSEW’s own and partner channels.
  • A press package, including a feature story, distributed to pan-European and local media outlets.
  • Attendance at the Awards ceremony in Brussels.

Eligibility criteria: Projects, activities or actions carried out in the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA) for the Local Energy Action category; and women actively carrying out activities in the EU or the EEA for the Women in Energy category.

Timeline: Applications open until 29 January 2026.

Organiser: European Commission – Directorate-General Energy.

EUSEW awards

Fast and Fair Renewables Award

This award from the Fast & Fair Renewables & Grids Initiative recognises wind energy projects that are reimagining how wind energy can be planned, built, and implemented. The initiative advocates for an accelerated energy transition that goes hand-in-hand with social justice, environmental stewardship, and genuine community engagement.

Award: Winners will have the opportunity to gain broad visibility through the Fast and Fair initiative's channels, stakeholder channels, and a media feature. Additionally, all shortlisted projects will receive funding support to attend WindEurope's annual conference.

Eligibility criteria: Recently accomplished (in the past 3 years) multi-stakeholder wind energy projects in Europe.

Timeline: 20 February 2026.

Organiser: Fast & Fair Renewables & Grids Initiative.

Fast And Fair