TANDEMS recognised as a flagship example of Europe’s clean energy transition

Launched by Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen, the publication brings together inspiring projects funded under the LIFE Clean Energy Transition programme, showcasing how local action is translating into tangible progress on the ground. Against this backdrop, TANDEMS stands out as a compelling example of how collaboration can unlock the full potential of energy communities.

Collaboration as a catalyst

At its core, TANDEMS demonstrates that the energy transition is not only a technical challenge, but a societal one. By developing and testing an open collaboration model between cities, regions and energy cooperatives, the project has shown how partnerships can create region-wide support frameworks that empower citizens to actively participate in the transition. 

Building on its Nexus Learn platform and tools, VITO created the innovative open collaboration model at the heart of TANDEMS, turning complex actor networks into a practical and scalable blueprint for energy communities. 

Across three diverse European regions, TANDEMS combined real-world pilot projects with knowledge sharing and co-creation. This approach enabled partners to move beyond theory and deliver practical solutions that make energy communities more inclusive, faster to deploy and easier to replicate.

Key lessons for scaling community energy in Europe

The final results of TANDEMS — now gaining wider visibility through this European recognition — underline a clear set of principles for building a region-wide support framework for community energy:

• Keep citizens in the driver’s seat
• Support municipalities as facilitators rather than controllers
• Make justice the standard, not an afterthought
• Replicate with adaptation, not copy-paste
• Invest in long-term support, learning and policy alignment 

These insights reflect three years of real-world experimentation and collaboration, offering a practical roadmap for regions aiming to accelerate the uptake of renewable and citizen-led energy initiatives.

From results to replication

Importantly, the story of TANDEMS does not end with the project’s completion. The tested models — including VITO’s open collaboration framework and value-centred approach (beyond purely financial values) — are now ready to be replicated and adapted across Europe, extending their impact well beyond the initial pilot regions.

This continuation aligns closely with the broader ambition of the LIFE CET programme: turning local success stories into scalable solutions that contribute to Europe’s journey towards a competitive, inclusive and climate-neutral energy system.