The EU-funded SOCIAREM project aims to empower citizens and communities to take an active role in the energy transition by developing digital tools and open-source models to make the adoption of photovoltaic systems easier and more inclusive.
The transition to renewable energy, particularly through the widespread adoption of distributed solar PV systems, is hindered by significant technical, social, financial, and regulatory barriers. Key challenges include energy poverty and inequality, especially in Mediterranean regions where inefficient housing and rental systems exacerbate the issue. Limited awareness, bureaucratic hurdles, and inadequate financial incentives are further slow adoption, while integrating decentralized renewable energy into existing communities remains complex.
Through innovation and collaboration with policymakers and citizens, SOCIAREM seeks to overcome the barriers that limit the growth of renewable energy communities. The project will develop advanced tools tailored to diverse socio-economic and geographical contexts, enhancing efficiency, minimizing energy losses, and maximizing renewable energy use. Blockchain-enabled platforms will facilitate secure, decentralized peer-to-peer energy sharing, improving energy autonomy and resilience. Inclusive social data spaces will ensure fair energy distribution while safeguarding privacy, addressing energy vulnerability, and promoting social equity. Citizen engagement will be fostered through gamification and educational tools, ensuring participation across different cultural and behavioural profiles.
SOCIAREM brings together a multidisciplinary consortium of 15 organizations from eight countries, coordinated by Comillas Pontifical University (Spain). The partnership includes universities, research centers, innovative SMEs and social organizations with expertise in renewable energy, data analytics, gamification, citizen engagement and community energy models. Together, the partners develop and validate digital tools, methodologies and technical solutions to support the adoption of photovoltaic systems and strengthen more inclusive, efficient and sustainable energy communities across Europe.
Project’s website: https://sociarem.eu/
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
