News | 10 Apr 2025
Renewables for rural areas: policy brief
Rural areas will be key to the roll-out of renewable energy in the EU, however their specific energy transition challenges should be taken into account. A new policy brief explores the necessary elements to establish rural areas as leaders in the energy transition.
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The policy brief, produced by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), argues that careful land-use planning, community empowerment, strategic use of revenues from renewables, and local administrative support are essential to unleash and maximise potential.
The publication explores the wide range of benefits from rolling out renewables in rural areas, including:
- Competitive local economies: competitive energy access for rural communities; diversified income sources; and reduced costs and emissions for agricultural activity;
- Social cohesion: improved public infrastructure and services; empowered citizens and businesses through energy communities;
- Nature: better protected biodiversity and natural carbon sinks.
Explore the latest Rural Pact resources on energy and climate.