At TANDEMS, we believe that energy communities are central to Europe’s just and sustainable energy transition. Today, we are proud to announce that both the Otterbeek Social Housing Project and Sophie Loots, two initiatives closely connected to TANDEMS, have been nominated for the 2025 European Sustainable Energy Awards! Bothnominations embody the spirit of TANDEMS — community-driven innovation, social inclusion, and tangible action on the ground.
In the Otterbeek district of Mechelen, a pioneering initiative is showing how the energy transition can be made truly inclusive. The Energy Community Co-operative Klimaan has teamed up with the City of Mechelen to equip 200 social housing units with solar panels, providing clean energy at stable, affordable prices to vulnerable households. The cooperation has been intensified in the TANDEMS project and their visionary project is now a finalist for the Local Energy Action Award.
Building a Model for the Future
The vision of the project unfolded in two phases. Solar panels will be installed on 70 homes in 2022, with a further 129 homes to follow in 2024. The €1,000,000 investment model, based on citizen contributions, demonstrates how collective action can drive local change. The close collaboration between Klimaan, the city of Mechelen and local residents has created a scalable blueprint for inclusive energy communities across Europe.
The results are impressive: nearly 1,800 solar panels generate around 700 megawatt hours of renewable electricity per year, avoiding more than 130 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. But the real success of Otterbeek lies in its wider social impact. The project has stabilised energy costs for low-income households, created local jobs and strengthened social cohesion. It has also inspired new initiatives such as volunteer-run e-bike schemes and shared electric vehicles for residents.
Real Impact: Clean Energy, Social Inclusion, and Economic Resilience
Otterbeek’s achievement goes far beyond technology. At its heart, the project is about empowering communities, combating energy poverty, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to clean energy. Through citizen financing, community engagement, and multilingual outreach, residents have become active participants in shaping their own energy future. Tailored strategies — like neighborhood ambassadors and door-to-door outreach — built trust and strengthened local ownership. Otterbeek shows that a just energy transition is not only possible, but that it can serve as a catalyst for stronger, more resilient societies.
Your vote can make the difference!
Both the Otterbeek project but also Sophie Loots are now in the running for the final EUSEW Awards. Voting is open until 1 June 2025, and the winners will be announced on 10 June 2025 during the EUSEW Awards Ceremony.
Support our partners and vote here:
https://interactive.eusew.eu/awards/local-energy-action/otterbeek
