Citizens’ Energy Convention 2026

“Strong communities, strong regions – for a crisis-resilient future.” Under this motto, more than 260 representatives from citizens’ energy initiatives, municipalities, businesses and civil society gathered in Bamberg in early May for the twelfth Citizens’ Energy Convention organised by Bündnis Bürgerenergie e.V. (BBEn).

The various keynote speeches, workshops and expert discussions highlighted that citizens’ energy does more than contribute to the expansion of renewable energy. It also creates spaces in which people can actively shape the energy transition, take responsibility and retain economic benefits within their regions. In light of political setbacks and increasing social polarisation, participants agreed that an energy transition driven by municipalities and citizens remains a key pillar of democratic resilience and sustainable regional development.