POSEIDON IN CASCAIS: Driving the Local Energy Transition
In the recent months, POSEIDON, working closely with fellow European initiatives such as WE GENERATE and COMMUNITAS and in strong coordination with municipal teams, developed activities in Cascais and demonstrated how collaborative, community-driven approaches can accelerate the energy transition at local level, the activities combined innovation, citizen engagement and real-world implementation.
Building an Inclusive Energy Community
One of the key milestones of the year was the advancement of the Inclusive Energy Community concept through social engagement, awareness-raising, and capacity-building activities
These included door-to-door information campaigns, an Energy Café with local stakeholders and residents, and the installation of a 36 kWp photovoltaic system at Alto da Peça School. The process culminated in the official presentation of the Inclusive Energy Community and the inauguration of the solar panels on June 30, 2026.
Gamification: Engaging the Next GeneratioN
Engaging younger audiences remained a priority in 2026.
Between September 2025 and June 2026, 15 gamification activities were carried out in collaboration with the PESA programme (Cascais Environmental Education and Awareness Programme), reaching over 300 students and school communities.
These activities transformed complex energy topics into interactive and accessible experiences, strengthening awareness and fostering long-term behavioural shifts among younger generations.
ENERGY CAFÉS: Empowering Citizens through Knowledge
Energy Cafés continued to play a central role in improving energy literacy across Cascais. Held in several parish councils, these sessions introduced participants to key concepts such as Energy Communities, Collective Self-Consumption, and Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), while also providing updates on ongoing European projects and local initiatives.
More than 200 participants received energy-saving kits, including LED bulbs, smart sockets, timers, and accessible information materials. By combining practical tools with knowledge-sharing, the initiative helped empower citizens to adopt more sustainable energy practices in their daily lives.
Expanding Reach through Knowledge Exchange
POSEIDON’s work in Cascais also contributed to wider European discussions on the energy transition. The team participated in the webinar “Energia Local em Ação” (May 21, 2026), promoted by the Re-Value Cities Project and the DUT Conference 2026 (June 10, 2026). These moments allowed sharing insights, exchanging experiences and reinforcing synergies with other initiatives working toward similar goals.
Looking Ahead
The activities implemented in 2026 illustrate how integrated approaches — combining infrastructure, citizen engagement, education and communication — can deliver meaningful progress toward more inclusive and sustainable energy systems.
POSEIDON in Cascais continues to evolve as a living laboratory, where collaboration between European projects, local authorities and communities transforms ambitious goals into concrete results.