Power of Participation: Advancing public engagement in grid planning

23 October 2025

09:30 – 18:00 CEST

Rue Théodore Verhaegen 158, La Tricoterie, Brussels

Organised by: RGI, DG Energy and ACER

The “Power of Participation” workshop invites energy stakeholders to explore the future of public engagement in electricity grid infrastructure projects. Organised by the Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI), the European Commission (DG ENER) and the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER).

Introduction

As the energy transition accelerates, it becomes ever more essential to involve the public and other stakeholders in shaping Europe’s electricity grid infrastructure. To that end, the Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI), the European Commission (DG ENER) and the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) are hosting “Power of Participation” — a full-day, in-person workshop in Brussels on 23 October 2025.

This workshop advances the Pact for Engagement, a cross-sectoral commitment launched in 2023 to embed early, regular and meaningful stakeholder engagement in electricity grid projects across Europe.The workshop will spotlight the progress in developing Public Engagement Plans (PEPs) — emerging tools designed to embed structured public involvement in electricity grid development across voltage levels.

Attendees will hear insights from policymakers, regulators, grid operators and academics on how these plans are taking shape, which challenges they face, and discuss the way forward. The workshop’s agenda includes panel debates, hands-on exchanges, and discussions on measuring engagement effectiveness and enhancing local benefit schemes.

Participants will also explore a dedicated Best Practice Fair, featuring a dozen innovative approaches to community engagement and benefit sharing. Pitched by practitioners and showcased throughout the day, these initiatives will highlight practical, replicable ways to connect grid development with local values and interests — going beyond financial compensation to build lasting trust.

Whether you are a policymaker, regulator, civil society representative, researcher or representative of electricity grid operator, this workshop is your opportunity to shape the future of stakeholder engagement in Europe’s electricity system and contribute to the progress of the Pact for Engagement.

Event Agenda

The need for public engagement in grid development and its impacts on social acceptability, local benefit creation and regulatory frameworks

Best practices for local and community benefit schemes

Steps taken and guiding ideas behind the roadmap for Public Engagement Plans (PEPs)

What’s strong, what’s weak, and what’s missing from the current roadmap towards Public Engagement Plans (PEPs)

Best practices for local and community benefit schemes

Measuring the effectiveness of public engagement activities.

Integrating insights from today into principles for local and community benefit schemes

Call for Fair Presenters (Deadline Extended)

We invite you to showcase your innovative approaches to community engagement at the Best Practice Fair during the “Power of Participation” workshop, taking place on 23 October 2025 in Brussels. If your organisation has developed a meaningful Local or Community Benefit Scheme that fosters public trust, strengthens stakeholder involvement, or delivers lasting local impact beyond financial compensation, we want to hear from you.

Submit your best practice by 19 September 2025 to Anaïs Picart at anais@renewables-grid.eu and Ira Shefer at ira@renewables-grid.eu. Submissions should be no more than 600 words and include relevant links (e.g., webpages, videos, or photos) that illustrate your work.

To guide your submission, please answer the following questions:

What is the objective of your practice and how does it address stakeholder needs or concerns?

How is the practice implemented and who are the key actors involved?

What outcomes or impacts has the practice generated to date, and what lessons have you learned?

Selected practices will be invited to present at the fair through short pitches and dedicated booth displays, offering a valuable opportunity to connect with a wide network of energy and public engagement professionals.