As part of EUSEW 2024, this session is to discuss the pivotal role of local renewable energy initiatives in contributing to net zero solutions fostering a just and faster energy transition. This is especially important now that the EU's dependence on imported energy sources and implications of this on energy prices have become even more visible in light of the energy crisis.

The session will focus on how the active participation of citizens and local governments in the energy market can be empowered through the implementation of the Clean Energy Package and the Fit for 55 Package provisions for energy communities and be impacted by the revised Electricity Market Design and National Energy and Climate Plans.

Speakers

• Achille Hannoset - Policy Officer at Directorate-General for Energy, European Commission

• Sara Giovannini - Director at Energy Cities

• Sara Gollessi - EU and national project manager, board member of Enostra energy cooperative at Enostra

• Stavroula Pappa - Policy Advisor at REScoop.eu

• Marco Sideri - Mayor at Municipality of Ussaramanna (Italy)

• Michal Svoboda - Sustainable Energy & Environmental Responsibility Programme Director at Association of Small Municipalities of the Czech Republic

• Bert Van Loon - Advisor European affairs & Renewable Energy at Federal Minister of Energy, Tinne Van der Straeten