Kicking Off the Final Year of StartSun project in Helsinki, Finland

On November 5–6, 2025, the StartSun partners gathered in Helsinki for an inspiring meeting and study visit hosted by Green Net Finland (GNF). This event marked the beginning of the project’s final year and set the tone for ambitious goals ahead.

The first day focused on shaping the future of energy communities through workshops and strategic planning. Indrek Kuusk from UTARTU led a thought-provoking workshop on sustainability plans, with a special emphasis on securing sustainable funding for energy communities.

Later, Elis Vollmer from EMU guided partners through a collaborative session to design our flagship final output: the StartSun Start-Up Package. This resource will empower communities to launch their own renewable energy initiatives.

The day concluded with exciting decision: the StartSun Replication Conference is scheduled for 22-24 September 2026 in Tartu, Estonia, a key milestone for sharing knowledge and scaling impact.

The second day was all about hands-on learning from Finnish experiences. StartSun partners visited HSY Viikinmäki wastewater treatment plant, gaining insights into energy efficiency, process optimization, and solar energy integration.

Next, we explored Martinlaakso School, where a newly installed solar park is paving the way for an energy community that will include nearby apartment buildings – a great example of local collaboration for sustainability.

The afternoon brought us to Helsinki’s iconic Oodi Library, where StartSun pilot teams shared their progress and plans for the third year. Together, we brainstormed creative solutions to overcome challenges and ensure success.

This meeting was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve through collaboration and innovation. As we enter the final year of StartSun, we are more committed than ever to building a sustainable future powered by community-driven energy solutions.

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