The rural regions of Baden-Württemberg (DE), North Brabant and Gelderland (NL), Flanders (BE), Redon Agglomeration (FR), and Munster (IE) share a common challenge of achieving energy resilience and self-sufficiency. This is crucial for the overall EU energy transition and for addressing the specific energy supply issues faced by rural communities. These regions are located at the end of outdated electricity grids, making them vulnerable to energy shortages, especially with increasing electrification and limited capacity. Additionally, spatial constraints pose difficulties in selecting appropriate production systems.
CIRCUS aims for the uptake of previously developed tools, shaping them in a transnational, accessible method. Implementation will occur in 6 rural communities in each country, leading to 30 more robust E-communities. 150 advisors will be trained in using the method.
The project outputs benefit rural communities all over the NWE area, empowering rural citizens, entrepreneurs (farmers) and local authorities to collaborate to increase their energy efficiency, expanded local RE production, realized and managed within E-communities.
Partners: Rural Association (BE), Innovation Support Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development (BE), Citizen energy in Pays de Vilaine (FR), Munster Technological University (IE), University of Twente (NL), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (DE), Southern agricultural and horticultural organisation (NL), Active South Kerry Development Partnership (IE), LochemEnergy Nederland (NL), Regional federation of citizen energy cooperatives (FR).