ICLEI Members Almada (Portugal), Barcelona (Spain), Rome (Italy) and a community of communes Cœur de Savoie (France) have demonstrated the potential of solar technology to alleviate energy poverty while fostering community engagement. Within the Sun4All project, of which ICLEI was a partner, innovative models such as collective self-consumption and profit redistribution from municipal photovoltaic plants, benefiting over 500 vulnerable households. More than 100 awareness-raising activities were conducted, equipping communities with knowledge on energy efficiency and encouraging participation in the energy transition. Read more about the four pilots and their different financial schemes in the Final Report on implementation.

Sun4All’s Community of Practice further expanded its impact, with nine European municipalities adapting the project’s financial schemes to their contexts. This collaborative effort underscored the importance of local governance in implementing socially inclusive energy initiatives. Find out more about their activities and achievements in the Observer Group Activities Report.

ICLEI Europe led several key components of the project, particularly in replication, transferability, and communication work. We developed training and capacity-building modules as well as a guidebook that offers practical guidance for local and regional authorities on integrating solar energy projects into their sustainable energy and climate action plans.

Despite its successes, the project identified challenges, particularly in national-level advocacy, where stronger partnerships could enhance policy influence. Nevertheless, Sun4All has positioned itself as a pioneer in energy-sharing initiatives prioritising social inclusion, aligning with the European Union’s evolving narrative on renewable energy. Read more in the Policy Action Report.

As a testament to its accomplishments, Sun4All received an award at the Community Energy Olympics organised by Friends of the Earth Europe, celebrating its commitment to tackling energy poverty and empowering vulnerable communities through sustainable solutions. The project’s legacy will inform future efforts in fostering an inclusive energy landscape across Europe.

ICLEI Europe recently concluded its activities within Sun4All. Over its three years, this Horizon Europe project aimed to address the social and environmental disparities faced by low-income households, inspired by New York's "Solar for All." The project’s primary objectives included promoting solar adoption, reducing energy costs, and ensuring equitable access to renewable energy across various socio-economic layers.

For more details on the project's outcomes and methodologies, you can visit the Sun4All website.