In April 2026, the partners of the E2-CUTIES project gathered in Denmark to draw inspiration from the Danish experience in developing energy communities. During three days in Copenhagen, representatives from the four participating cities and the seven pilot sites came together to exchange experiences, strengthen collaboration, and explore practical examples of citizen-led energy initiatives.
The partners’ meeting combined workshops, peer learning sessions, and field visits to pioneering Danish energy communities.
Visiting Danish Energy Communities
Participants visited three Danish energy communities that demonstrate different approaches to citizen-led renewable energy projects. These site visits offered practical insight into how energy cooperatives can take shape in different local contexts and provided concrete inspiration that partners can adapt and replicate in their own territories.
The three communities visited were Avedøre, Skårup, and Middelgrunden.
Over the three days of visits and exchanges, one central lesson emerged clearly: the strength of Denmark’s energy system does not lie in a single technology, but in the way energy infrastructure is approached as a common good. Across the projects visited, energy is collectively shaped and owned by citizens, municipalities, and organisations sharing the same territory. This collaborative model not only supports the rapid deployment of decentralised renewable energy projects, but also contributes to stronger local resilience, social cohesion, and community wellbeing.
For the
E2-CUTIES partners, the Danish experience offered both inspiration and
practical lessons that can help local energy communities across Europe go the
extra mile.
Avedøre: Denmark’s First Energy Community
The Avedøre energy community was the first initiative of its kind in Denmark. What makes this project particularly inspiring is that it was initiated by highly motivated local stakeholders who initially had little knowledge of renewable energy systems. Their success was made possible through close collaboration with the municipality and the guidance provided by the independent energy community experts of EBO Consult.
Skårup: Local leadership driving change
In Skårup, participants discovered a smaller-scale initiative showing how strong local leadership can accelerate implementation. The project relies on a simple cooperative model supported by an active local network and municipal backing. One of the key lessons from Skårup is that engaging important local asset owners, alongside citizens and municipal actors, can often have a greater impact than beginning with highly advanced technical solutions.
Read the full story of Skårup:
Middelgrunden: Citizen Ownership at Large Scale
Middelgrunden offered a different perspective by illustrating how large-scale renewable energy infrastructure can gain strong public acceptance through citizen ownership. Today considered an iconic example of community energy, Middelgrunden shows that when citizens are directly involved in ownership and decision-making, renewable energy projects can become a source of local pride rather than opposition. Combined with thoughtful design and political support, the project demonstrates the potential of participatory approaches to accelerate the energy transition while strengthening community identity.
