· EU-funded projects join forces to address the social, technological and environmental challenges facing Renewable Energy Communities
· The webinar marks the launch of the SOLHUB Cluster as a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and citizen-centered energy renovation
Brussels, 22 June 2026. SOCIAREM, together with the Horizon Europe projects INNOTREC and PVSMILE, will host the SOLHUB Cluster’s first joint webinar, “Scaling Solar Energy Communities in Europe: Innovation and Citizen Engagement”, taking place online on Monday 22 June 2026 from 11:00 to 13:00 CEST. The event marks the official launch of the SOLHUB Cluster and brings together three EU‑funded projects to explore how innovation, governance and citizen participation can accelerate the development of solar energy communities across Europe. The webinar aims to address why solar energy communities matter, who is driving their development, what solutions are being created, when and where these innovations are being presented, and how they can support a more inclusive and environmentally responsible energy transition.
As Europe accelerates its transition towards climate neutrality, Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) are increasingly recognized as a key instrument for strengthening energy resilience, increasing citizen participation and expanding access to locally generated renewable energy. However, despite growing political support and technological progress, significant regulatory, social and environmental barriers continue to limit their large-scale deployment.
Co‑funded under the Horizon Europe programme, SOCIAREM, INNO-TRECand PVSMILE tackle some of the most persistent challenges of Europe’s clean energy transition. Although photovoltaic technologies are increasingly mature, regulatory complexity, social barriers, environmental constraints and administrative burdens continue to limit the widespread adoption of Renewable Energy Communities. The SOLHUB Cluster responds to these challenges by fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange and coordinated communication among projects working to make solar energy communities more accessible, scalable and nature‑conscious.
Showcasing complementary approaches to strengthen Solar Energy Communities
SOCIAREM will present its work on citizen engagement, governance models, and digital tools for energy communities. The project develops open, user‑centred instruments that help citizens, municipalities and local actors plan, manage and optimize Renewable Energy Communities. The project places particular emphasis on socially responsible deployment, inclusive participation, and the simplification of regulatory and administrative processes, ensuring that community energy models remain accessible across diverse territories.
INNO‑TREC will outline its approach to technical innovation and scalability. The project addresses the legal, technical and economic barriers that often hinder the development of Renewable Energy Communities. The project is creating free web-based tools that support community creation and operation, while also developing an innovative energy credits platform that enables secure and decentralised energy exchanges between members. By simplifying community management and promoting social inclusion, INNO-TREC seeks to make Renewable Energy Communities more accessible, autonomous and economically sustainable.
PVSMILE will present its technological solutions and optimization tools for solar adoption. The project focuses on modernizing photovoltaic systems and energy communities through the integration of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and innovative governance models. By enabling PV systems to actively contribute to grid stability, flexibility services and community energy initiatives, the project is developing scalable solutions that support energy sovereignty, citizen participation and a more resilient energy transition.
The programme will feature a high-level roundtable titled “Solar Energy Communities and Nature: Towards Environmentally Responsible Energy Systems”. The discussion will explore how environmental considerations can be integrated into the development of solar energy communities, addressing sustainable land use, biodiversity protection, responsible deployment practices, citizen participation in environmental decision‑making and governance approaches that balance renewable expansion with nature conservation.
Strengthening Collaboration for Europe’s Energy Transition From project results to collective impact
The programme offers a concise overview of how SOCIAREM, INNO‑TREC and PVSMILE are advancing solar energy communities through innovation, citizen participation and environmentally responsible planning. It creates a focused space for dialogue among researchers, policymakers and local actors, highlighting the need to align social, technical and environmental perspectives in the development of Renewable Energy Communities.
This first joint event marks an important milestone for the SOLHUB Cluster, strengthening cooperation between EU‑funded projects and enhancing their collective contribution to Europe’s clean energy transition. By bringing together research, innovation and community engagement, the cluster aims to accelerate the deployment of solar energy communities that are inclusive, scalable and environmentally responsible. The webinar opens the door to long‑term collaboration that will continue supporting Europe’s shift towards a more democratic and sustainable energy system.