EU project Every1Empowering Energy Communities, Municipalities, and Industry in the Digital Energy Transition - Steinbeis Europa Zentrum presents results as communication partner in the project Every1

A global energy transition is underway, incorporating more renewables and digital technologies. The European Green Deal identified digitalisation as a vital component of realising its ambitious goal towards achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

Despite 92% of the EU population having internet access in 2023, a digital divide persists. This is particularly highlighted by challenges understanding digitalisation in the energy system, which is becoming more relevant with technological innovations.

A study of 3,843 European citizens by the Horizon Europe Every1 Project, where Steinbeis Europa Zentrum is a partner, found strong interest in energy topics but significant knowledge gaps. Addressing these through targeted education is essential to consumer engagement, ensuring they can navigate and contribute to a sustainable energy transition.

Bridging the knowledge gap is essential as the energy market shifts from a producer-driven model to one where consumers play a more active role. No longer just passive users, individual consumers can now make informed decisions—often with the help of digital energy management systems—such as knowing when and how to charge electric vehicles when prices are low. Many consumers even take on the role of producers, contributing to energy communities and reshaping the market’s structure.

Steinbeis Europa Zentrum is involved in multiple projects supporting digitalisation in the energy sector, empowering energy communities and initiatives supporting citizen-led transformation. In the Every1 Project, this approach involves close collaboration with and support of energy communities, citizens, policymakers and industry across Europe. These local organisations and authorities play an important role reaching a diverse range of citizens, bridging digital gaps so that digital energy solutions are accessible to all.

In the Every1 project, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum leads communication activities and the dissemination of project results, building stakeholder networks and promoting inclusive participation in the digital energy transition. Through both online and in-person outreach and engagement activities, the approach involves identifying knowledge gaps, developing accessible learning pathways, and strengthening stakeholder collaboration. Through capacity-building and knowledge sharing, Every1 aims to empower everyone to navigate and shape the evolving energy landscape.

Why the digital energy transition needs collective action - how the Every1 project supports energy communities and individuals

Every1 has released its first set of learning materials, free to use and publicly available. These resources are designed to empower individuals, communities, and organisations to actively engage in the digital energy transition. Covering a range of topics, the materials cater to diverse audiences, from young learners to energy professionals.

Every1 aims to showcase how energy communities like the Hindelang Energy Cooperative, from Bad Hindelang, a municipality in the Bavarian Alps of Germany, are empowering its citizens in the digital energy transition by leveraging smart digital tools to enhance community-led renewable energy initiatives.

Energiegenossenschaft Hindelang, Foto EW Hindelang

Through the Hindelang Energy Cooperative, a historic energy community, residents play an important role in the planning, monitoring, and optimisation of local energy production using digital platforms. These tools allow for real-time tracking of solar and hydropower generation, as well as data-driven decision-making to improve efficiency and sustainability. By integrating digital solutions, Bad Hindelang ensures that energy consumers become active participants in the transition, fostering local engagement and self-sufficiency.

Along with case studies on energy cooperatives, Every1 also offers online courses, information booklets, and engaging multimedia content for individuals of all backgrounds and ages.

• Online Courses available on OpenLearnCreate : Short 30min-1hr sessions covering key aspects of energy digitalisation, such as:
• What is the Digital Energy Transition?
• Why Digitalise Energy?
• Energy Use
• Information Booklets: Explore foundational topics like the digital energy transition and the benefits of joining energy communities. These resources provide clear, actionable insights for anyone looking to better understand the evolving energy landscape.
• Case Studies: Dive into real-world examples that showcase innovative approaches to the digital energy transition, including:
• The Hindelang Cooperative in Germany, a century-old success story of local energy generation and democratic decision-making.
• European Islands of Innovation, highlighting how smart grids and digital solutions are transforming energy systems on islands across Europe.
• Videos: Accessible presentations that unpack essential topics, such as an introduction to the digital energy transition and the importance of digital inclusion. Explore why and how Every1 learning materials can be reused and gain insights on open licensing with our video on Getting Started with Reusing Every1 Learning Materials.
• Interactive Game: Peak and Off-Peak Peacock offers an engaging way for young learners, especially those aged 6-14, to understand renewable energy planning through strategic gameplay.

2Peak and Off-Peak Peacock Game

As digital technologies rapidly shift our world, we need to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society are not left behind. Employing an inclusive approach to digitalisation in the energy sector ensures that those especially affected by energy poverty or the digital divide can be both empowered and supported.

Would you like to be involved in similar ambitious projects? We support you in your search for funding programmes, search for partners and help you writing the EU proposal.

As experts in European funding, we support interested organisations in selecting funding programmes, formulating proposals and applying for funding. With our 35 years of experience in proposal design and project management, we are ideally equipped to guide our clients through the complex application process and maximise their chances of success. In addition, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum plays also itself a role as a partner in projects where it takes on project management, innovation management, communication, dissemination and exploitation activities.

Read more about our projects supporting the Digital Energy Transition:

SMARTeeSTORY - Transforming historical buildings into climate neutral landmarks (SMARTeeSTORY) - Steinbeis EN

STUNNED - Energy management systems for residential, industrial and tertiary energy flexibility services (STUNNED) - Steinbeis EN

ISLANDER - Steinbeis Europa Zentrum supports the establishment of an energy community on Borkum - Steinbeis EN

Flex4Fact - An end-to-end solution for industrial sites and stakeholders (FLEX4FACT) - Steinbeis EN

Smart Cities Marketplace - Smart Cities Marketplace - Steinbeis EN

Every1 project site: Home | every1