Join us as we turn the spotlight on the finalists of the EUSEW Awards 2024. Selected by a high-level jury, they represent projects and individuals that stand out for their unique contributions to energy efficiency and renewables. Celebrate their achievements during the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2024, taking place 11-13 June in Brussels and online.
These remarkable projects and women exemplify the core values driving the energy sector forward: inclusivity, innovation, collaboration and community engagement across various European regions.
This year, nine finalists have been selected in three categories: Innovation, Local Energy Action, and Woman in Energy. Here is everything you need to know about them and how you can support them through your votes.
Innovation
Airborne Wind Energy
Kitemill’s pioneer Airborne Wind Energy project, located in Norway, uses kites to harness stronger winds at higher altitudes. This technology offers a significant reduction in material use and CO2 emissions compared to traditional wind turbines and promises to transform the use of wind energy.
Photorama
Photorama addresses the critical need for sustainable practices in the solar industry by advancing solar panel recycling. This pan-European project aims to recover valuable materials from end-of-life solar panels, promoting a circular economy in the photovoltaic sector.
outPHit
Focusing on energy efficiency in buildings, the outPHit project enhances renovation practices across Europe to meet the EnerPHit standard. This project has set out to transform Europe’s building stock, contributing significantly to the continent’s climate neutrality goals.
Local Energy Action
Centrales Villageoises
This initiative aids local communities in France to develop renewable energy projects that respect both the cultural landscape and the built environment. Local authorities and citizen groups enjoy green, locally sourced energy and reduced energy bills.
PEAR
Through its project Piano Energetico AUSL Romagna (PEAR), the local health unit authority of Italy’s Romagna region has implemented a comprehensive strategy across its facilities portfolio, which includes hospitals as well as a kindergarten, to significantly reduce emissions through combined efforts in energy efficiency, renewable energy integration and sustainable mobility.
De Energiecentrale
From Ghent, Belgium, De Energiecentrale has been instrumental in providing support for home energy renovations, assisting over 17 000 households and significantly reducing annual CO2 emissions in the process.
Woman in Energy
Karolina Attspodina
As the founder of WeDoSolar, Karolina Attspodina promotes solar energy solutions for flat balconies, making sustainable energy more accessible to urban residents while advocating for gender diversity in the energy sector.
Rita Gomes
Rita Gomes transforms everyday household objects into sources of renewable energy through her start-up, Seenergy, based in Portugal. Her innovations push the boundaries of traditional energy applications, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Françoise Réfabert
With a background in banking, Françoise Réfabert has developed accessible financing models for home energy renovations, aiming to make energy efficiency upgrades more achievable for homeowners across Europe.
How to vote
Each of the above finalists has shown exceptional dedication and innovation in their fields. Now, you have the power to help choose the winners by casting your vote for one finalist in each category. Voting is open until 2 June 2024, with each person allowed to cast three votes – one for each category. The winners will be revealed at the EUSEW Awards Ceremony on 11 June 2024.
To vote, simply visit the EUSEW Awards voting page and indicate your preferred finalist in each category.
Join us in Brussels or online to see the outcome and celebrate the advancements in Europe’s energy sector.
Details
- Publication date
- 7 May 2024
- Author
- European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency