European Sustainable Energy Awards 2025

Three pioneers in sustainable energy were honoured at the 2025 European Sustainable Energy Awards during the EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) on 10 June in Brussels.

The awards are celebrating innovation, community action and leadership in the clean energy transition. The winners, chosen by public vote from nine finalists, were recognised across three categories: Innovation, Local Energy Action, and Woman in Energy.

Woman in energy

Dr Stella Tsani, an academic from Greece, took home the Woman in Energy award.

Known for bridging the gap between academic research and practical policy, Dr Tsani has been instrumental in advancing evidence-based approaches to clean energy and environmental policy.

Her work also places strong emphasis on empowering the next generation of energy leaders, particularly young women, through education and mentorship.

Local energy action

In the Local Energy Action category, the Community Energy for Social Housing project in Otterbeek, Belgium, received the award for its inclusive approach to renewable energy access.

By equipping 200 social housing units with solar panels, the initiative provides clean electricity at below-market rates.

Funded partly through citizen contributions under the EU-supported TANDEMS project, the effort highlights how community-driven investment can promote both sustainability and social equity.

Innovation

The Innovation award went to Dutch startup AQUABATTERY, whose groundbreaking project in Delft uses just water and table salt to develop a long-duration energy storage solution.

This environmentally friendly and scalable technology could offer a vital alternative to conventional batteries that rely on scarce raw materials.

The pilot’s success may pave the way for a new generation of affordable, sustainable energy storage systems essential to Europe’s renewable energy infrastructure.

About EUSEW

The awards were presented during European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), held this year from 10 to 12 June. Under the theme 'Powering a fair and competitive green transition', EUSEW gathered policymakers, industry leaders, NGOs, and citizens to spotlight solutions that support Europe’s shift to a decarbonised and equitable energy future.