The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2026, an annual European Union event dedicated to renewable energy and energy efficiency, has opened the call for the European Sustainable Energy Awards to recognise individuals, projects and initiatives that are driving the transition towards a cleaner, more efficient and competitive energy system in Europe.
📆 Application deadline: until 29 January 2026
📍 Awards ceremony: 9 June 2026 in Brussels, as part of EUSEW 2026 (9–11 June, held in a hybrid format, both in person and online).
The European Sustainable Energy Awards are promoted by the European Commission and the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) to highlight the most impactful contributions to energy efficiency and renewable energy across Europe.
The awards aim to showcase inspiring models, actions and leadership that can serve as examples and be replicated in other countries, regions or sectors.
📌 Categories open for nomination or application
In the 2026 edition, the awards are structured around three main categories:
🔹 SMEs Driving Energy Efficiency — Recognises European SMEs that have developed and implemented innovative business or financing models to advance energy efficiency solutions, particularly in buildings or industry.
🔹 Local Energy Action — Highlights sustainable actions implemented at local or community level, driven by citizen groups, municipal authorities or other stakeholders contributing to the energy transition in their territories.
🔹 Women in Energy — Rewards women leaders whose outstanding activities are advancing the energy transition in Europe and promoting equal opportunities within the sector.
A high-level jury will select finalists from the most relevant applications of the year in each category. The winners will then be chosen through an online public vote, to be held in spring 2026 ahead of the awards ceremony in Brussels.
In addition, finalists will receive audiovisual coverage as part of EUSEW’s official communications, including visits by filming teams to document their projects and stories.
Participating in the EUSEW Awards 2026 offers:
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International visibility among key stakeholders in the energy and technology sectors.
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Support to replicate and scale impactful solutions in other markets or regions.
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Positioning as a European benchmark for innovation in sustainable energy.
Source: https://sustainable-energy-week.ec.europa.eu/awards/guidelines-awards-2026_en