Khalid lives in a building that pioneered energy sharing for social housing tenants. Before installing solar panels on the rooftop of the building, the housing association wanted to know how they could ensure the tenants would benefit from them.

They involved CITY MINE(d), an organisation dedicated to improving urban living, to launch a project that would pilot energy sharing in Belgium. The residents engaged in workshops and meetings to gain knowledge and skills to produce, manage and share the solar energy they would obtain from the panels on their roof.

Khalid was part of the project from the start and has experienced the benefits of sharing energy first hand, including a significant reduction in energy bills. The environmental impact is important to him, such as lowering pollution, but he enjoys the social aspect most. There is a real sense of community amongst the residents who continue to meet and raise awareness about the benefits of solar energy to others in the neighbourhood.

Khalid urges policymakers to promote and invest in advanced solar panels, energy storage methods and ensure the public has access to information on the optimal use of (solar) energy. He emphasises the benefits of clean, renewable energy over polluting gas and oil, and believes the shift to renewable energy is the only way to achieve energy sufficiency, reduced bills, and a solution to the ongoing energy crisis.

What is needed for change?

Foster community engagement and empower local initiatives to address energy poverty at the grassroots level. Encourage collaboration between local governments, NGOs, and other actors to develop tailored solutions that reflect the unique challenges faced by the community. Regulatory frameworks must be developed to support the scaling up of successful initiatives.