The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) has unveiled the nine finalists for the 2026 European Sustainable Energy Awards, confirming its role as a key platform for recognising excellence in energy efficiency and renewable innovation. Organised by the European Commission, the initiative highlights pioneering contributions across three categories: SMEs Driving Energy Efficiency, Local Energy Action, and Women in Energy.
The winners will be determined through an online public vote open until 31 May, with the official announcement scheduled during the awards ceremony in Brussels on 9 June 2026. This participatory approach reflects the EU’s broader strategy to engage citizens in the clean energy transition, at a time when the bloc aims to accelerate decarbonisation and reduce energy consumption by at least 11.7% by 2030 under current policy frameworks.
Innovative SMEs driving efficiency
The newly introduced SMEs Driving Energy Efficiency category focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises that are reshaping business and financing models to scale up efficiency solutions, particularly in buildings and industrial processes.
Among the finalists, Italy’s Ener2Crowd has mobilised millions of euros through crowdfunding to support energy efficiency investments, demonstrating how citizen finance can unlock capital for decarbonisation. France-based Water Horizon is advancing low-carbon cooling by capturing waste heat and redistributing it through mobile storage systems, a solution with significant potential in urban environments where cooling demand is rising. Meanwhile, Belgium’s RE-LEAF is addressing energy poverty by integrating mortgage financing with renovation advisory services, linking financial instruments with tangible efficiency improvements.
Local initiatives scaling up impact
The Local Energy Action category emphasises community-driven solutions capable of generating measurable environmental and economic benefits. These initiatives illustrate how decentralised approaches can contribute to the EU’s climate neutrality target by 2050.
Vienna’s “100 Projects Phasing Out Gas” programme represents a structured effort to eliminate fossil gas in existing buildings, supporting the city’s transition towards fully renewable heating systems. In Bulgaria, MultiHome has established a collaborative platform to facilitate building renovations in Plovdiv, enhancing local capacity for energy upgrades. Spain’s Nova Energia Osona, based on cooperation between municipalities and energy communities, exemplifies integrated governance models that can be replicated across Europe.
Women shaping the energy sector
The Women in Energy category recognises leadership that combines technical expertise with a commitment to inclusivity and systemic change. The finalists demonstrate how gender equality and innovation can reinforce each other within the energy transition.
Suzanne Renard in France is leading a nationwide network supporting citizen-led renewable projects while promoting the participation of women and gender minorities. In Germany, Dr. Nadia Horstmann contributes to regulatory development at the Bundesnetzagentur while advocating for greater representation at the European level. Ireland’s Donna Gartland is advancing low-carbon heating solutions alongside organisational practices that foster equality in the workplace.
A hybrid event with global reach
The 20th edition of EUSEW will take place from 9 to 11 June 2026 in a hybrid format, combining in-person sessions in Brussels with online participation. The programme includes a policy conference featuring around 50 sessions, the awards ceremony, an energy fair and initiatives dedicated to young professionals.
In addition, the Sustainable Energy Days initiative will extend the event’s reach globally, with hundreds of independently organised activities showcasing practical solutions. Applications to host these events remain open until 24 May, further reinforcing EUSEW’s role as a catalyst for knowledge exchange and innovation dissemination across the energy sector.
Cover: the finalists of the 2025 edition