The Comergy Network's Motto: The transition that works for some, won't last for long!

Comergy Network is an emerging platform dedicated to advancing the role of community energy in shaping a more sustainable, inclusive and locally driven energy future. It brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, industry partners and community organisations who share a common interest in transforming how energy systems are designed, governed and experienced at the local level.

At its core, Comergy Network recognises that the energy transition is not only a technical challenge but also a social and institutional one. As energy systems become increasingly decentralised and participatory, communities are playing a more active role in energy generation, management and decision-making. Comergy aims to support this shift by fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange and practical innovation across disciplines and sectors.

The network focuses particularly on small to medium-scale community energy initiatives, including neighbourhood microgrids, shared renewable systems and local energy markets. These initiatives demonstrate how communities can enhance resilience, reduce emissions and create local economic value while strengthening social cohesion and collective agency.

A key intention of Comergy Network is to bridge the gap between research and practice. By connecting academic insights with real-world applications, the network promotes evidence-based solutions that are both technically robust and socially grounded. It also provides a space for dialogue between diverse stakeholders, enabling co-design approaches and partnerships that can accelerate implementation.

Central to Comergy Network’s vision is a commitment to systems justice, recognising that energy challenges are embedded within broader social, political and economic structures. Traditional approaches to justice have often reflected the priorities of more privileged groups, overlooking the experiences and needs of marginalised communities. In contrast, a systems justice perspective acknowledges that inequities in energy access, affordability and participation are shaped by interconnected systems rather than isolated decisions.

Building on the concept of structural injustice, Comergy Network emphasises the importance of collective responsibility in addressing these challenges. This includes strengthening community participation in decision-making, supporting inclusive governance models, and fostering accountability across institutions. By foregrounding community involvement, the network seeks to ensure that energy transitions are not only technically effective, but also equitable, participatory and responsive to those most affected.

Comergy Network is also committed to supporting emerging voices in the field, including students, early-career researchers and community leaders. Through conferences, workshops and collaborative projects, it aims to build capacity, nurture new ideas and expand the global community of practice around community energy.

Ultimately, Comergy Network seeks to contribute to a future where energy systems are not only low-carbon and efficient, but also fair, participatory and responsive to the needs of local communities.