As energy communities continue to play an important role in the energy transition, public procurement offers opportunities to generate wider social benefits, including citizen participation, local economic development, energy affordability, and social inclusion. However, translating these ambitions into procurement processes requires a clear understanding of available legal frameworks, practical approaches, and lessons from implementation.
The Public Buyers Platform serves as a knowledge-sharing and networking space for public buyers and other stakeholders working on energy communities. It supports experience exchange, promotes peer learning, and helps identify innovative procurement approaches that can accelerate the deployment of fair, inclusive, and community-driven energy initiatives.
This webinar will give participants an opportunity to learn about the Platform, connect with peers across Europe, and contribute to discussions on the role of social award criteria in procurement for energy communities.
During the webinar, participants will explore:
• Perspectives on Social Award Criteria
Understanding the role of social considerations in public procurement and their relevance for energy communities.
• Lessons Learned from Procurement Practice
Insights from public authorities and practitioners on designing and implementing socially oriented procurement approaches.
• Navigating the Legislative Framework
An overview of relevant European and national procurement provisions and how they can support social value objectives.
• Interactive Discussion and Exchange
An opportunity for participants to share experiences, raise challenges, and discuss emerging good practices.
Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions, engage directly with experts and project partners, and help shape future activities of the Energy Community of Practice Public Buyers Platform.
Renewed Call for Evidence
Stakeholders are invited to share:
- Experiences using social award criteria in energy-related procurement
- Case studies and examples from practice
- Barriers and challenges encountered
- Guidance, tools and resources that would support implementation
- Suggestions for future Platform activities and topics
The evidence collected will help shape future Platform resources, case studies and knowledge-sharing activities.
Join the Community of Practice
The webinar and call for evidence are part of the Energy Communities Public Buyers Platform Community of Practice, which brings together public authorities, energy communities, and supporting organisations from across Europe to exchange knowledge, resources, and practical experiences.