Breakfast Expert Roundtable: “From Access to Ownership: Energy Communities & Social Inclusion in the EU’s energy transition”

Thursday, 16 October 08.30 – 10.30
Venue: FEPS (Avenue des Arts – 46, 1000 Bruxelles)

Please register here

How can low-income households be effectively included in the ownership of renewable energy projects —and what does this mean for the future of a socially just energy transition in Europe? This is the core question of the upcoming breakfast discussion organised by the FES Competence Centre for Climate and Social Justice.

As the EU advances toward climate neutrality, it is clear that the energy transition must be not only technologically sound but also socially equitable. Recent research demonstrates that when households—particularly those with limited financial means—are given the opportunity to co-own renewable energy projects, they are more likely to adopt energy-saving behaviours and invest in clean technologies.

This highlights a structural gap when it comes to inclusivity within the energy transition framework. The current policy design tends to benefit mostly financially advantaged citizens, while lacking effective mechanisms to enable active participation by low-income households. At the same time, this also points to a significant, yet underutilised, potential to engage these households more prominently in renewable energy ownership.

Together with policymakers, experts and trade unions, we will explore how citizen involvement—particularly through co-ownership of renewable energy projects—can accelerate the energy transition, with a focus on the untapped potential of low-income households. During this discussion, FES Competence Centre for Climate and Social Justice will also present its latest publication, authored by the Kelso Institute, which analyses the best-case examples across the EU and outlines actionable policy recommendations for enabling low-income households to participate in the production and ownership of renewable energy.

Programme

08.30 – 08.40 – Welcome by Claudia Detsch, Director of FES Competence Centre for Climate and Social Justice

08.40 – 09.00 – presentation of Kelso Institute’s policy paper and key recommendations by Prof. Dr. iur. Jens Lowitzsch, Director of Kelso Institute

09.00 – 10.00 Comments by:

• Nicolás González Casares, Member of the European Parliament, S&D Group
• Alejandro Ulzurrun de Asanza y Munoz, Head of Unit for Consumers, Local Initiatives, and Just Transition, DG ENER, European Commission - tbc
• Heleen Schockaert, Project Manager at Rescoop.eu
• Laurens Rutten, Senior Policy Officerat BEUC (the European Consumer Organisation)

10.00 – 10.30 Q&A with the audience

You can register here.