Energy Communities Excellence Hubs: Catalyzing Energy Innovation Ecosystems (ECHO) is a project funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe Programme within the framework of the Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area (WIDERA) component, and specifically under the “Excellence Hubs” call.
The project aims to establish Excellence Hubs in Türkiye, Greece, and Portugal, supporting the energy transition and fostering strong Research & Innovation ecosystems in these countries. The project is coordinated by Yıldız Technical University, and the consortium brings together 24 stakeholders from 6 different countries.
The project’s online kick-off event will take place on 25 February 2026, between 13:00 and 15:00 (TR time). During the opening session, the Excellence Hubs in all three countries will be introduced, and the operational focus of each hub will be presented in detail. The session will also provide a platform for discussion around broader questions, such as: How do community-based energy initiatives engage with public authorities? How can participation turn into real influence in decision-making processes? How can the energy transition be shaped without reproducing existing inequalities?
All stakeholders working in the fields of governance, municipal policies, energy systems, research, civil society engagement, or market practices are invited to attend the event and take part in the energy community process.
You may register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTSVQQvUrr_Uth0sxNv5xZJ3z9K85ibZMc49B0Rbnirz2zpA/viewform