The Citizen Energy Advisory Hub (CEAH) is a pioneering Commission initiative designed to promote a bottom-up approach to the energy transition across the European Union (EU) to enhance citizen participation in the energy transition and strengthen the social dimension of the Energy Union.
As Europe moves towards a more decentralised and decarbonised energy system, the Advisory Hub will serve as a key resource to help local communities, citizens, municipalities, NGOs and small businesses to better understand how to self-consume renewable energy and reduce or shift their energy demand to control their energy bills.
CEAH’s activities will support the development of citizen energy projects within the EU, aid local actors in creating enabling conditions for the democratisation of the local energy system, and build capacity for different stakeholders, including energy communities.
This is epitomised by the delivery of direct technical assistance to 120 selected citizen energy initiatives to help them plan, develop or scale sustainable energy projects. Other activities will include developing resources, providing networking opportunities and facilitating local dialogues with citizens around the energy transition.
This infographic outlines seven common barriers to citizen energy participation in the EU, each represented by a coloured arrow and label. These include trust and participation, inconsistent national transposition, lack of enabling legal framework, lack of information on citizen energy participation options, financing and economic barriers, capacity and expertise shortages, and inclusion of vulnerable groups.
Key challenges for citizen energy initiatives:
Citizen energy initiatives face several critical barriers, from a lack of trust and awareness to regulatory and financial obstacles. Many national authorities struggle to fully implement EU frameworks or provide enabling conditions. At the same time, citizens often lack access to clear information, technical expertise, or financial support — particularly vulnerable groups. Overcoming these challenges is essential to unlock the potential of community-driven energy projects and ensure an inclusive, fair, and sustainable energy transition across Europe.
The Citizen Energy Advisory Hub addresses these issues by offering direct technical assistance, resources, and capacity-building activities tailored to empower local actors and support the development of citizen-led energy initiatives.
CEAH's main activities:
CEAH supports citizen energy initiatives through technical assistance, capacity building, peer-to-peer exchanges, and practical resources. Its activities include public events, networking opportunities, tailored guidance, and tools to help local actors take climate action.
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