11 Dec 2025
EC launches Prize for Innovative Governance in Energy Communities
The European Commission (EC) has announced a €1 million prize for Innovative Governance in Energy Communities. The prize aims to reward communities that are pioneering new ways of organising and governing their collective energy future.
The prize will be awarded to up to ten winners as follows:
- 1st place: € 350,000
- 2nd place: € 200,000
- 3rd place: € 100,000
- 4th place to 10th place: € 50,000
The goal of this prize is to spotlight best practices that make community energy cleaner, fairer and more democratic. By showcasing governance models that strengthen trust, empower citizens, and accelerate the energy transition, the winners will act as European champions of citizen-led energy innovation. They will inspire others to build resilient, socially inclusive energy communities across the European Union.
Applications are open from 20 January to 25 June 2026 (final submission deadline to be confirmed) and must be sent through the Funding & Tenders Portal (link soon available).
For more information:
Learn more about eligibility, application forms and overall objectives of the prize