NEWS

The WeGenerate project was recently featured in an interview published by a Portuguese online publication, highlighting how inclusive energy communities can help address energy poverty while strengthening social cohesion in urban neighbourhoods.

 

In the interview, Margarida Ortigão, researcher at the Nova SBE Environmental Economics Knowledge Center and partner in the WeGenerate project, explains how the project’s pilot in Alcabideche, Cascais, is testing an innovative model that combines renewable energy, urban regeneration, and social inclusion.

 

The initiative uses surplus solar energy generated by public buildings — including schools, social centres, and municipal facilities — to support vulnerable households living in social housing. By redistributing excess energy through an inclusive community energy model, the project aims to reduce energy costs while improving quality of life and thermal comfort for residents.

 

The conversation also explores broader challenges linked to energy poverty in Portugal and Southern Europe, including rising living costs, inefficient housing, and unequal access to energy resources. Margarida Ortigão highlights the importance of combining climate action with social justice and stresses the role local authorities and public investment can play in scaling up similar solutions.

 

Beyond the technical dimension, the interview reflects on how community energy projects can help rebuild local connections and participation within cities.

 

As Margarida Ortigão notes, “energy can become a point of connection between neighbours.”

 

The full interview is available in Portuguese here.