Red Cross Évora Renewable Energy Community crowdfunding was announced

The University of Évora, through project AURORA, has partnered with the Red Cross Évora to establish a Renewable Energy Community.

The Red Cross Renewable Energy Community will consist of a 30,51 kWp photovoltaic installation on the rooftop of the Red Cross Évora building. The photovoltaic installation of this project will be financed by the local community through a crowdfunding process.

The AURORA team in Évora has been cooperating with Red Cross Évora to develop the business model for the community in such a way that it is beneficial for the crowdfunders, the Red Cross and the developing Renewable Energy Community. This project is focusing on tackling energy poverty in Évora, with actions being developed by the Red Cross and the AURORA teams to engage specifically with local families and support them in accessing funds for energy efficiency measures and to promote energy and economic savings through energy efficiency.

On the 18th of April 2024 there was a first session at the University of Évora to announce the launch of the crowdfunding campaign, and a second session took place on the 16th of May 2024. The team is currently planning with Red Cross Évora to announce a city wide public session on the 18th of June 2024.

The Red Cross Évora Renewable Energy Community initiative will create a great social and environmental impact in the city with the participation of the local citizens in this initiative. The model being adopted is already being shared across the Red Cross network and has great potential to be replicated across Portugal. It is putting into practical action the call from the Secretary General of the UN for communities to come together to tackle climate change, to not only to drive the energy transition but to ensure no one is left behind.