New digital map showcases creative energy solutions across Europe

The examples, compiled by Beyond Fossil Fuels, can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition

The green energy transition, as it happens in Europe, is both an exciting and a complex process that can leave many confused, even if they are eager to take part in it. From coal miners feeling anxious about the prospect of losing their traditional livelihood to urban district communities wishing to implement an autonomous source of income while clearing the air, and everyone between, sustainable transformation has an effect on everyone.

Earlier this month, Beyond Fossil Fuels (BFF), a civil society, multi-partner initiative, launched its interactive Local Energy Solutions Map, precisely with the goal of presenting a ‘bird-eye’ view of this transformation as it happens across the continent. It represents a welcome respite for the uninitiated and for the experts in the noisy and hard-to-follow hubbub of news headlines, bureaucratic jargon and reports on the subject.

The map highlights hot spots of new energy models

The map currently features 250 examples of local renewable energy solutions, covering a diverse range of technologies, sites and actors: from solar rooftops to wind farms, from railways to car parks innovative projects, from industrial site reuse to public buildings’ energy efficiency applications, and more.

“We would like to inspire and support communities, local leaders, businesses, and civil society to replicate and scale up renewable energy projects that prioritize people and the environment,” Duygu Kutluay, a BFF campaigner and project leader, told TheMayor.EU.

The digital map is easy to use. On one hand, users can simply click on different locations in Europe where creative energy projects have been implanted. But the tool also allows viewers to filter examples according to four main search categories: technology, sites, actors and key features.

The “key features” category is particularly noteworthy. It contributes to highlighting the tangible benefits that future energy transition actors can expect to enjoy if they decide to replicate one of the solutions.

Does a European picture emerge?

We were curious to find out whether the Local Energy Solutions Map provided any insight into the emergence of particular European features that characterized the green energy transformation.

“For instance, coastal and rural areas often focus on wind energy (both onshore and offshore), while urban areas prioritize solar installations on rooftops, public buildings, and even innovative sites like car parks and railways. There's also a growing trend in repurposing former industrial and fossil fuel sites for renewable energy projects,” explains Duygu Kutluay.

Given the varied topography and climate variations across the continent, it is only logical that not every solution could apply equally well everywhere – hence the need for a map like that.

Europe, however, is not only a geographically varied space. There is a socio-economic diversity that is something that needs to be taken into consideration when planning out and implementing energy initiatives.

“Projects that emphasize community ownership and benefit-sharing models are proving successful, ensuring local support and maximizing social impact. These solutions are effective because they address multiple challenges simultaneously, such as reducing energy costs, increasing energy security, creating jobs, and improving environmental quality,” adds the BFF campaigner.

The energy transition means a paradigm shift that people will eventually adapt to but meanwhile, they will need support and good, trusted information sources.

Miss Kutluay pointed out how we may need to acquire skills in order to follow that trend and benefit from it fully. There are already job opportunities for those who are unemployed as they can become energy auditors, for example. More affordable electricity also gives vulnerable communities a chance to pull ahead in a variety of new, previously unexplored ways.

From interaction to participation

The map is a dynamic tool. All categories can be refined and expanded as BFF continues to add examples and update the map. And best of all, you can do your part in that, too.

You can do this by filling in the contact form below the map on the Beyond Fossil Fuels website, or by emailing the project lead Duygu Kutluay directly at duygu@bff.earth