Lisbon neighbourhood energy community wins €100,000 third prize in European Commission contest

The Telheiras/Lumiar Renewable Energy Community in Lisbon took third place in the European Commission's "Governance Innovations in Energy Communities" award, worth €100,000. Announced in Brussels, the result was chosen from ten communities across the EU for its citizen participation, shared benefits and social inclusion. Seventy members, including families, small businesses, condominiums and the parish council, share solar power from two sites. The group has produced a 10-step guide to help others set up similar communities, and a third phase will add panels at a local primary school.