European Sustainable Energy Awards 2024 reward clean energy champions

The winners were chosen by an online public vote in three categories: Innovation, Local Energy Action, and Woman in Energy. They received their awards from European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson and members of the high-level jury at the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) awards ceremony on 11 June in Brussels. 

Portuguese architect Rita Gomes won the award in the Woman in Energy category, for her Seenergy start-up, which pioneers the use of renewable energy solutions integrated into household objects. The company uses coloured solar cells that mimic the process of photosynthesis in plants, converting light into electricity without direct sunlight. Once collected, the energy is stored in a battery integrated in the furniture and can be used to charge devices or power lights through USB ports.  

The Association des Centrales Villageoises, a network of French local cooperatives bringing together citizens, municipalities and local businesses to develop renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, came first in the Local Energy Action category.  The network, supported by the LIFE programme of the European Union, brings together citizens, municipalities and local businesses to develop projects on a local scale, offering technical, economic, and legal assistance to community-driven energy initiatives.  

PHOTORAMA, a project funded by the EU Horizon 2020 programme, is working to improve the recycling of photovoltaic panels was the winner in the Innovation category. The project brings together partners from across Europe to improve the recycling of photovoltaic (PV) panels and the recovery of raw materials, developing a circular model that can bridge the gap between the manufacturing and recycling industries. 

The ​ European Sustainable Energy Awards ​ (EUSEW Awards) recognise outstanding individuals and projects for their innovation and efforts in energy efficiency and renewables. The three winners were chosen by an online public vote from among nine finalists selected by a high-level jury in three categories –  Innovation, Local Energy Action, and Woman in Energy. ​   ​ 

The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), the​ biggest annual event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe, takes place on 11-13 June under the theme ‘Net- zero solutions for a competitive Europe’. The event brings together public authorities, private companies, NGOs and consumers to promote initiatives accelerating decarbonisation through green technologies and solutions towards a fair and just transition for people and competitive businesses. 

For interview requests with the EUSEW Awards finalists or additional media information, please contact ​ mediaeusew [dot] eu (media[at]eusew[dot]eu)