Energy Days – putting energy transition into hands of all Europeans

Across Europe throughout May and June the Energy Days events are sparking Europe’s transition to clean, secure and efficient energy as part of EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW).

Organised by citizens and stakeholders across Europe, these events inspire private consumers, businesses, investors and future leaders to save energy and promote energy efficiency and renewables.

Almost any activity can be an Energy Day – this year’s events range from information sessions and conferences to competitions, open days and guided tours – and are expected to spread the word on supporting Europe’s energy transition to thousands of visitors. All take place throughout May and June, with many in Brussels timed to complement the 20-22 June EUSEW Policy Conference.

Organisers can register their Energy Day on the EUSEW website for maximum publicity. Some of the activities are already online like hybrid and electric bus tours through Barcelona to raise awareness of local clean air actions.

More information about the events can be found at the EUSEW Energy Days map.

The EUSEW website also provides plenty of support for all those interested in organizing its own Energy Day. The website provide guidelines and promotional materials to make Energy Day a success, along with an easy-to-use online registration form.

Energy Days

Held around Europe throughout May and June 2017 to complement EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), these are activities organised by private citizens, consumer associations, public bodies, city networks, energy agencies, trade and industry organisations, businesses and NGOs to promote energy efficiency and renewables. They are targeted at diverse audiences, from families interested in saving energy to industries keen to green their technology.

Any activity can be an Energy Day, as long as it engages citizens and energy stakeholders in building the Energy Union. Events can be in any region in the European Union or country eligible for Horizon 2020 funding. Events can take place over any length of time, from a few hours to several weeks.

Clean Energy for All Europeans

The theme for the EUSEW 2017 is ‘Clean Energy for All Europeans’, inspired by the European Commission’s package of proposals to put consumers and growth at the heart of the sustainable energy transition.

Measures in the package cover energy markets, eco-design and energy labelling, buildings, transport, innovation and investment, to implement the goals of the Energy Union. They aim to put energy efficiency first, make the EU a global leader in renewable energies and provide a fair deal for consumers so that they can benefit from reliable, uninterrupted and affordable clean energy.

EU Sustainable Energy Week

Energy Days are a major part of European Sustainable Energy Week, a month-long series of activities to build a secure energy future for Europe. It includes the EUSEW Policy Conference, Energy Days and Networking Village and the EU Sustainable Energy Awards. Launched in 2006, EUSEW is organised by the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME) in close cooperation with Directorate-General for Energy. It brings together public authorities, private companies, NGOs and consumers to promote initiatives to save energy and move towards renewables for clean, secure and efficient power.

This year’s Policy Conference will take place in Brussels 20-22 June, to debate new policy developments, best practices, initiatives and ideas concerning sustainable energy, with a focus on the power of consumers and citizens. The Networking Village complements the Policy Conference, to explore policies and projects with stakeholder and EU institution representatives, and meet likeminded participants for future cooperation.

The Sustainable Energy Awards take place on day one of the Conference. These recognise outstanding innovation in energy efficiency and renewables. Winners will be chosen from a shortlist of the year’s most successful projects for clean, secure and efficient energy, with prizes from an expert jury in four categories (Businesses, Public Sector, Consumers and Energy Islands) and a further prize from European citizens through a public vote.