European Commission launches prize for energy communities

The European Commission has announced a €1 million prize for Innovative Governance in Energy Communities. The goal of the prize is to reward communities that are "pioneering new ways of organising and governing their collective energy future", the European Commission said on 10/12/2025.

The prize will be awarded to up to ten winners, with first place earning €350,000, second earning €200,000 and third earning €100,000. Fourth to tenth places will earn €50,000 each. The prize aims to spotlight governance models that unite people, local authorities, and businesses in order to create and manage renewable energy. These communities include associations, partnerships and non-profit organisations.

Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said, "By rewarding the most innovative energy communities in Europe, this new prize aims to place European citizens at the heart of the energy transition."

Applications for the prize are open from 20/01 to 25/06/2026.