Photo: EUSEW
Applications are now open for the European Sustainable Energy Awards (EUSEW) 2026. They recognise individuals, initiatives, and projects that promote best practices and raise awareness of the importance of sustainable energy solutions across Europe.
EUSEW is Europe’s largest event dedicated to renewable energy and energy efficiency. It features a wide range of activities, including the European Sustainable Energy Awards ceremony.
The EUSEW Awards recognise and celebrate people, projects, and initiatives that contribute to Europe’s transition to clean energy. They highlight achievements that support the goals of the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal and encourage others to adopt best practices in building a sustainable energy future.
The awards are presented in three categories: Local Energy Action, Women in Energy, and, for the first time, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) as Energy Efficiency Leaders.
The competition showcases innovative approaches to shaping Europe’s energy future and culminates in an awards ceremony held during the EUSEW conference, which will take place from June 9 to 11 next year in a hybrid format. Participants and speakers will be able to attend both online and in person in Brussels. The slogan of this year’s edition, 20th EUSEW, is ‘A clean, secure and competitive Energy Union’.
Finalists will be selected by an expert jury, which will assess applications based on three criteria: concept, implementation, and impact. Each criterion carries a maximum of ten points. The winners will be chosen through a public vote.
Interested applicants may apply directly by January 29 or nominate someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the energy transition.
SMEs as energy efficiency leaders
This year, a new award category has been introduced to recognise the creativity and impact of small and medium-sized enterprises developing innovative business or financing models to improve energy efficiency.
Eligible applicants include SMEs operating in at least one EU member state that have a pilot or commercial project representing an innovation in energy efficiency or financing.
The European Commission and the European Investment Bank have announced a EUR 17.5 billion financing initiative aimed at improving energy efficiency among SMEs, which is expected to benefit around 350,000 businesses across the EU.
Local Energy Action Award
This category recognises clean energy initiatives that demonstrate the strength of community action. It includes associations, organisations, and groups of citizens delivering long-term, real-scale sustainable energy solutions through local and regional projects, with wider social, economic, and environmental benefits.
Last year’s winner was the Community Energy for Social Housing in Otterbeek. The project provides vulnerable residents with access to renewable energy in the Belgian city of Mechelen. Around 200 households in the Otterbeek social housing district have been equipped with solar panels and receive green electricity at a fixed price below market rates.
Women in Energy: leadership that transforms
The Women in Energy Award celebrates women who are shaping Europe’s clean energy transition and redefining leadership in the energy sector, with a particular focus on gender equality and equal opportunities.
Last year’s winner in this category was Stella Tsani, a scientist and associate professor at the University of Athens.
She was recognised for her work linking economics, sustainability, and social wellbeing to help shape fair and effective energy policies across Europe and the Mediterranean. In addition to her influential research, Tsani is a dedicated mentor to young women in the energy sector, contributing to an inclusive and future-oriented clean energy transition.
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