EnPoweR

The project was designed to develop tailored solutions to energy poverty alleviation in order to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions in Romania. The goal of the project, through innovative research focusing on the links between energy poverty and emission mitigation, was  to deliver new insights and provide guidance on how to effectively integrate sustainable development strategies in local policy frameworks. The research, data analysis, and findings were presented to the local government in a policy paper and were used to train the stakeholders at several workshops. These workshops brought together representatives from energy suppliers, local governments and academia to explore policy options and provide capacity building training. An interactive online map of the Cluj region was developed and published to raise awareness of energy poverty among public, private and regional stakeholders. The map is available past the project end and can be used as an information tool for energy-saving measures and for accurate targeting of energy-efficiency and energy poverty alleviation projects and policy. With a budget of over 1 million €, it gave precise recommendations for public administrations, energy suppliers and citizens.

The project started in 2019 and was completed in 2021. It benefited national/local authorities, policymakers and practitioners and addressed the topics of information and awareness and equity and justice (gender equality, socio-economic gaps).