European Sustainable Energy Awards winners announced
European Commission honours changemakers taking bold action on energy and climate goals
Today in Brussels, four of the best European clean energy projects and leaders won European Sustainable Energy Awards 2022 in their respective categories – Innovation, Local Energy Action, Woman in Energy and Young Energy Trailblazer. Finalists were chosen by a high-level jury from a shortlist of the year’s most successful projects and actions for clean, secure and efficient energy. The winners were decided by an online public vote. European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, met with the four award winners to congratulate them at the awards ceremony on the first day of the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), the biggest annual event dedicated to renewables and energy efficiency in Europe.
European Sustainable Energy Awards 2022 Winners
MUSE GRIDS won the award in the Innovation category for increasing the use of renewable energy sources at the local level, by creating synergies between different energy systems and networks to form energy communities.
The Innovation category recognises outstanding ongoing or recently completed EU-funded projects that show an original and innovative path toward the clean energy transition.
‘MUSE GRIDS, validates solutions for the decarbonisation of the local energy system while ensuring a positive impact on the centralised energy infrastructure, local economy and local social aspects, and air quality,’ says Fabiola Roccatagliata, Project Coordinator of MUSE GRIDS.
Minoan Energy Community collected the award in the Local Energy Action category for initiating an energy community in Crete, triggering renewable energy projects to bring clean and free energy to the island.
The Local Energy Action category recognises an implemented sustainable energy action, driven by a group of citizens or consumers, which contributes to the clean energy transition at the community or local level.
‘We wanted to take Crete’s energy transition into our own hands. We started with this small-sized and realistic project to go through the process, also taking into account that energy consumers are currently suffering from very high prices. With this project we can provide members with free electricity,’ says Minoan Energy Community ’s Dimitris Katsaprakakis.
Andreia Carreiro took home the award in the Woman in Energy category for advancing energy transition policies, projects and technologies in the Azores.
The Woman in Energy category recognises women who lead outstanding activities that, if replicated, help to advance the clean energy transition in Europe. Particular attention is placed on efforts in driving the gender mainstreaming agenda and supporting equality and equal opportunities in the energy sector.
‘I had the opportunity to put energy on the public agenda. We developed the first legislation that introduced electric mobility, for example. Now, we can see electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on the islands or take advantage of government incentives to buy an EV,’ says Andreia Carreiro, a pioneer in technology uptake and public policies in the Azores.
Timea Farkas was awarded in the Young Energy Trailblazer category for bringing energy efficiency to SMEs
The Young Energy Trailblazer category recognises people under the age of 35 carrying out outstanding activities that advance the clean energy transition in Europe and inspire ambitious climate and energy action.
‘My aim is to meet the needs of individual SMEs by clustering them together, so that they can motivate each other in achieving short, medium and long-term climate ambitions,’ explains Timea. ‘I am encouraging companies to enhance their energy efficiency by conducting energy analyses in their facilities and training decision makers and employees. Using this approach, SMEs gain knowledge on the multiple benefits of implementing energy efficiency measures.’
About the European Sustainable Energy Awards
The European Sustainable Energy Awards recognise outstanding individuals and projects for their innovation and efforts in energy efficiency and renewables. Prizes are awarded following a public vote in four categories: Innovation, Local Energy Action, Woman in Energy, and Young Energy Trailblazer. Finalists are chosen by a high-level jury from a shortlist of the year’s most successful projects and actions for clean, secure and efficient energy.
EUSEW 2022
The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) takes place on 26 to 30 September 2022 under the theme ‘Going green and digital for Europe’s energy transition’. EUSEW brings thousands of sustainable energy stakeholders together both in Brussels and online to discuss Europe’s energy independence ambitions and climate goals through the REPowerEU Plan’s measures of energy savings, digitalisation, diversification of energy supplies and an accelerated roll-out of renewables.
There is still time to attend EUSEW 2022. Media and participants can access the event online until 30 September.
For interview requests with the European Sustainable Energy Awards 2022 winners or additional media information, please contact media@eusew.eu.