For the fifth time, the Ignacy Łukasiewicz Institute for Energy Policy is organizing the Competition for the Most Energy-Innovative Local Government. Participation is free of charge – municipalities do not pay to submit or have their projects evaluated. Winners will be selected by a jury composed of experts in the fields of energy and local governance.

Konferencja – Bezpieczeństwo Energetyczne 2022

The competition is addressed to local governments at the municipal level – including both rural and urban municipalities. Its purpose is to encourage not only mayors, city presidents, and village heads but also residents to seek and implement energy innovations and to take responsibility for the direction of the country’s energy transition.

“Energy transition is no longer a future prospect but an urgent necessity – especially at the local level,” says Prof. Wawrzyniec Rudolf, Ph.D., of the University of Łódź and jury member, expert in public administration management. “In the era of climate crisis and rising energy costs, local governments have become key actors in change. The competition promotes activity, innovation, and courage in implementing energy solutions that can bring tangible benefits to local and regional communities. More than ever, we need inspiring examples and healthy competition to improve the quality of life for residents.”

The strategic partner of the competition is the PGE Foundation, established by PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna.

“Innovative local governments play a vital role in ensuring the country’s energy security and future,” says Katarzyna Wasilewska, President of the PGE Foundation and jury member. “They are closer to local communities, understand their needs, and can respond effectively. This enables more efficient implementation of the national transition at the local level and promotes education on ecology and responsible energy use, contributing to climate awareness in society. In addition, they support regional competitiveness and attract investors focused on sustainable development.”

Competition Categories

Projects may be submitted in the following categories:

  • Energy Construction Investment of the Year (e.g., improving energy efficiency in public and residential buildings, reducing air pollution, investments in renewable energy sources, development of distributed energy systems),
  • Energy Transport Investment of the Year (including both public and private transport, such as fleet replacement with electric or gas-powered vehicles, implementation of innovative traffic management systems, promotion of sustainable mobility, clean transport zones, and low-emission transport initiatives),
  • District Heating Energy Investment of the Year (e.g., reducing heat losses, using waste heat, using renewable energy sources, cooperation with private and academic sectors),
  • Energy Social Campaign of the Year (educational and promotional campaigns, creation of energy advisory points, and other community-oriented initiatives).

Award Ceremony During Energy Conference

As in previous years, the winners will be announced and awarded during the energy conference “Energy Security – Pillars and Development Perspective”, which will take place at the Conference Center of the Rzeszów University of Technology on September 8–9, 2025.

“The conference will also feature panels and workshops on energy transformation from the local government perspective – we warmly invite everyone to attend,” says Dr. Anna Bałamut, expert at the Ignacy Łukasiewicz Institute for Energy Policy and competition coordinator.

The call for entries remains open until August 24, 2025.

More details, including the competition rules:

https://www.instytutpe.pl/konkurs-jst-2025/

 

Fot. Archiwum IPE

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Statement by Zbigniew Włodkowski, Mayor of Orzysz and winner of the 2024 edition:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcNZooOYWjI

 

 

Strategic Partner:

PGE Foundation

Honorary Patrons:

Committee on Energy, Climate and State Assets of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland
Committee on Local Government and State Administration of the Senate of the Republic of Poland
Marshals of the Voivodeships: Pomeranian, Podkarpackie, Lower Silesian, West Pomeranian, Łódź, Lesser Poland, Świętokrzyskie, Greater Poland, Lublin, Masovian, Podlaskie, Warmian-Masurian, Lubusz, Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Silesian, and Opole
National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management

 

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The Ignacy Łukasiewicz Institute for Energy Policy in Rzeszów, established in 2015, is an independent think tank bringing together energy experts. The Institute conducts scientific research, offers expert analysis, and promotes knowledge of energy policy. It publishes reports, books, and the English-language scientific journal Energy Policy Studies.

This year’s edition will take place on September 8–9, 2025, at the Conference Center of the Rzeszów University of Technology.

Institute website: https://www.instytutpe.pl/