Established in 2021, CommonEn is the first energy community in the city of Ioannina, bringing together citizens and small and medium-sized enterprises with a common goal: to generate clean and affordable energy. Ioanna shared that what began as a financial attempt has blossomed into a mission driven by social justice and solidarity economy.
“Initially, our motivation was to save money,” Ioanna explains. “But very soon, we found ourselves setting broader goals, like fighting energy poverty and meeting the needs of our city's residents. It became about more than just energy – it became about community.”
Through the innovative use of virtual net metering, CommonEn members co-invest in clean energy projects. Already, two projects near Ioannina with a capacity of 100kW each, power the homes and businesses of all 60 community members.
“CommonEn is energy democracy in practice.” says Ioanna proudly. To ensure inclusive participation, particularly for women and single-parent households, CommonEn offers childcare during community meetings, allowing everyone to engage equally in decision-making processes.
Their vision is both ambitious and inspiring. CommonEn has plans for hydro-solar and agrivoltaic projects owned by community members– the latter being the first of its kind in Greece. These projects aim to give back to the community, while providing free electricity to energy-vulnerable households and promoting sustainable practices.
Educational workshops are also foreseen, designed to raise awareness and showcase the minimal environmental footprint initiatives like CommonEn have, and to encourage citizen participation in the energy transition. “It's about fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and social responsibility,” Ioanna says.
The community's impact extends beyond solely energy production. Ioanna describes a growing sense of social acceptance of solar power and renewables due to projects facilitated by energy communities.
“Energy communities create a foundation for direct interaction between citizens,” she explains. “They transform what collective effort and mutual support means. Protecting the environment and ensuring access to energy are common goods, and everyone should have a say. This framework fosters social change.”
However, the path has not been without challenges. Bureaucratic hurdles and unstable legislation pose many obstacles and create a sense of insecurity that can hinder growth.
Ioanna emphasises the need for policies that recognise “the inseparable link between environmental and social issues, promoting direct participation and ensuring that local projects give back to local communities.”
Learn more about the energy community CommonEn here.
