Addressing the specific energy supply problems of rural communities is crucial for the energy transition across the EU. Rural regions of Baden-Württemberg (DE), North Brabant and Gelderland (NL), Flanders (BE), Redon Agglomération (FR), and Munster (IE) share the common challenge of achieving energy resilience and self-sufficiency. Being located at the end of outdated electricity grids, these regions are vulnerable to energy shortages, especially with increasing electrification and limited capacity. In addition, spatial constraints pose difficulties in selecting suitable production systems. Transnational cooperation is essential to overcome these challenges and unlock the potential of rural areas for local renewable energy production.

CIRCUS will bridge territorial knowledge gaps through the exchange and transfer of knowledge and through transnational development and implementation. The project aims to accelerate the energy transition by promoting and supporting energy communities in the European Union, thereby strengthening rural regions. To achieve this goal, existing instruments will be further developed and translated into a transnational, freely accessible toolbox and information platform to support decision-making. The tool will be used in six rural communities in each of the participating countries and will support 30 energy communities in Flanders, the Netherlands, France, Ireland, and Germany in installing the equivalent of 30,000 additional PV panels. In addition, 150 advisors will be trained in using the method to ensure that it continues to be used after the end of the project.

ITAS’s role in CIRCUS

ITAS develops a socio-technical GIS tool for the transnational and transregional assessment of agricultural land use for local energy production, considering both ground-mounted photovoltaics and agrivoltaics. The tool is used to develop participatory scenarios that show alternative developments in land use for energy supply. The open-access GIS tool will be part of the CIRCUS toolbox. This includes other tools for energy profiling, business plan development, and participatory approaches. The implementation of the project in 30 communities across Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Ireland will be monitored by the University of Twente. Their feedback will be instrumental in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the GIS tool and improving its applicability and user-friendliness. The development of the CIRCUS toolbox will empower communities to become energy communities – an important step toward climate neutrality. ITAS will support rural communities in transforming their energy systems and achieving climate neutrality by providing expert training in the use of the tool and implementing CIRCUS solutions in six German communities.