21-02-2025
The team led by researcher João Pedro Gouveia, from the Centre for Environmental and Sustainability Research (CENSE) at NOVA FCT, is part of the winning consortium of a European competition that ensures the continuation of the Energy Poverty Advisory Hub (EPAH) project. This European Union initiative, focused on eradicating energy poverty and promoting a fair energy transition, will be extended for another four years.
The main goal of EPAH is to support local communities across Europe, ensuring that efforts to combat energy poverty are intensified and that all citizens of the European Union have access to essential energy services. The consortium, consisting of five partner organisations, includes CENSE NOVA FCT, which will play a central role in scientific coordination. Other involved entities include Climate Alliance (Belgium and Germany), AISFOR (Italy), software development company Akaryon (Austria), and the organisation Ecoserveis (Spain).
According to researcher João Pedro Gouveia, "In the past four years, we started a process of supporting local governments in the fight against energy poverty, promoting the recognition of the issue across different EU Member States. In the coming years, we aim to consolidate EPAH as a knowledge hub and experience-sharing platform, integrating even more the scientific community, national and local governments, and all stakeholders in the fight against energy poverty."
With the project renewal, the consortium will expand its efforts to support local and regional authorities, developing tools, guidelines, and specific projects. Some of the main initiatives include continuing the expansion of the global ATLAS of inspiring energy poverty projects, which now includes more than 300 projects, supporting the diagnosis and monitoring of the various dimensions of the problem in Europe through the analysis of indicators at different scales, and providing specialised technical support to over 100 vulnerable communities in the European Union.
Additionally, the project will promote knowledge-sharing activities through events such as monthly "lunch talks," international conferences, and national workshops.
This project reflects the European Union's strong commitment to a fair energy transition, ensuring that no community is left behind. NOVA FCT, together with its partners, will continue working to ensure a more sustainable and inclusive future.
