EC4RURAL
Fostering local engagement for Clean Energy Transition in Rural Areas through Energy Communities
EC4RURAL summary
Fostering local engagement for Clean Energy Transition in Rural Areas through Energy Communities
Ten organizations from Spain, Estonia, and Belgium collaborate in the European project EC4RURAL to promote the clean energy transition in rural Europe.
The EC4RURAL project, co-funded by the Life Programme, has a budget of 1.6 million euros and will run from 2023 to 2027.
Pilot Initiatives and Replicability
EC4RURAL’s transformative journey is guided by two pilot initiatives in Estonia and Spain. These pilot projects, alongside 34 case studies in rural municipalities, are poised to initiate a paradigm shift towards clean energy practices. The project will widely disseminate its results across Europe, leveraging a network of partners to promote replicability in various regions.
Key Objectives and Impact
EC4RURAL is committed to addressing energy poverty and fostering clean energy transitions in European rural areas. Its central goal is to establish Energy Communities (RECs) in rural municipalities, mitigating energy challenges and driving sustainable energy practices. By deepening collaboration between local authorities, rural communities, and regional bodies, EC4RURAL aims to ensure the active participation of rural areas in clean energy transition processes. This endeavor aligns with the European Green Deal, contributing significantly to rural development, the European Rural Pact, and Territorial Cohesion Policy. Integral to its methodology is close cooperation with Local Action Groups (LAGs).