The “Handbook on Cross-border Energy Communities” features some good practices and examples of cross-border energy initiatives. They can serve as inspiration for communities with similar settings and problems.
The example presented today shows the probably most highly developed initiative with respect to cross-border energy cooperation. Based on the long-standing, trustful and intense cooperation, the idea emerged in both municipalities to work more closely together on the joint use of locally available renewable energy sources (RES). The two municipalities are planning to create a “borderless energy region” (Grenzenlose Energieregion) by 2025, with the aim of achieving an independent energy supply based on 100% local RES. The “nucleus” around the municipalities of Ralingen and Rosport-Mompach will be the starting point of the initiative, which aims to use local RES (sun, wind and water) on a cross-border basis.
Direct and active cross-border participation of citizens is emphasised in the development of the borderless energy region. Through a multi-year citizens' participation process (2023-2025) with workshops, specialist presentations and the adoption of a strategy, the inhabitants of the two municipalities will be actively involved in the development and organisation of the emerging energy region.
On the technical side, the initiative is supported by the “Transfer Centre for Rational and Renewable Energy Use Bingen” (Transferstelle für rationelle und regenerative Energienutzung Bingen, TSB) in Rhineland-Palatinate, which accompanies energy projects from the initial on-site consultation through the preparation of tailor-made energy concepts and feasibility studies to implementation-oriented planning. The multi-year citizens' participation process and the technical support are both funded by the Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH in Germany as part of the programme “Common Ground - co-designing across borders”.
In a further step, the various renewable energy producers in the two municipalities will be bundled across the border by setting up a “virtual power plant” that combines small renewable energy plants in a separate balancing group for participation in electricity trading.
For more information see: https://grenzenlose-energieregion.eu/
Access the handbook here: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/information-sources/publications/studies/2025/handbook-on-cross-border-energy-communities_en