EUSALP Energy Prize 2026 honors innovations for the energy transition in the Alpine region

14.04.2026

Source: Alpine Region

The EUSALP Energy Award is entering the next round: in 2026, the theme of the award is "Energy transition in the Alps: from innovation to concrete impact".

The aim is to recognize projects that make a measurable contribution to the transformation of the energy supply in the Alpine region.

The initiative is part of Action Group 9 of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP). It aims to develop the region into a model region for energy efficiency and renewable energies. Since its introduction in 2022, the prize has been awarded under changing themes in order to reflect different facets of the energy transition.

While the 2022 prize focused in particular on citizen participation and activation and 2024 addressed energy efficiency in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the focus in 2026 is on the concrete implementation of innovative approaches.

The international jury of experts is looking for entries from three key categories

• technological innovations,
• organizational, social and regulatory approaches as well as
• new business models.

Projects and initiatives that are already having a practical impact and can serve as a model for other regions will be recognized. The competition is aimed at a broad target group - from municipalities and companies to research institutions and civil society actors.

With the award, EUSALP wants to make successful examples visible and strengthen the transfer of knowledge within the Alpine region. At the same time, the award is intended to help accelerate the implementation of innovative solutions and drive forward the energy transition across borders.

Further information can be found here: EUSALP Energy Award - EUSALP