Green Sustainable Solutions recently participated in the “Sparkle School” event in Poreč, an intensive knowledge-sharing and capacity-building programme focused on energy communities and their growing role in Europe’s energy transition. The event provided valuable insights into operational models, governance approaches, and practical lessons from established energy communities across Europe, including examples from Strasbourg and Getafe, as well as Croatian initiatives such as the Energy Community Northern Adriatic and the Energy Community Špičkovina.
A key takeaway from the event was the evolving European regulatory landscape for energy communities. Particular attention was given to the upcoming legal framework that will enable electricity sharing among community members, a development expected to significantly strengthen the practical implementation of citizen-led energy models. This represents an important shift for local energy systems and creates new opportunities for communities, municipalities, and other local stakeholders.
The programme also presented current funding and co-financing opportunities that can support the establishment and scaling of new energy communities. These discussions reinforced the strategic importance of wider citizen engagement in the energy transition and highlighted the role of municipalities as key enablers. Active municipal involvement can accelerate the development of local energy communities, retain economic value within the region, and contribute to tackling energy poverty through more resilient and inclusive energy systems.
Participation in Sparkle School further strengthened GSS expertise in citizen energy models and provided practical knowledge that can be directly applied in project development, stakeholder engagement, and the promotion of community-driven energy solutions. The experience confirmed that energy communities are not only a policy concept, but a viable mechanism for delivering local ownership, social impact and long-term energy resilience.
