Sharing Approaches to Combat Energy Poverty

The Green Metropolitan Region recently published an article about our involvement in the Scaling up the Energy Poverty Approach (SCEPA) project. Initiated by the City of Arnhem and HAN University of Applied Sciences, this European initiative tackles the pressing issue of energy poverty. Partnering with municipalities in Arnhe​m and Leeuwarden, HAN collaborates with five international organizations to find effective solutions.

A Growing Awareness

"I first heard of terms like 'energy poverty' and 'fuel poverty' in 2017," recalls Hans van Ammers, Strategic Advisor on Energy Transition for the City of Arnhem. "At the time, Arnhem participated in another European project addressing energy poverty. I wondered, 'Do we have this issue too?' It became clear that we did, and I grew curious about how others tackle it globally."

Van Ammers’ curiosity led to Arnhem's first pilot project within that initiative, eventually shaping the city's energy poverty strategy, adopted in 2021. Today, Van Ammers leads SCEPA, funded through the Interreg Northwest Europe program, as a continuation of those early efforts.

Collaborative Efforts

Thijn de Voogd, EU Project Manager for Arnhem, joined the SCEPA team earlier this year. "My role focuses on managing collaboration among partners and ensuring we meet Europe's expectations," he explains.

Erik Jansen, Professor of Social Sustainable Practices at HAN, highlights the university's role as a knowledge partner. "Our research explores ways to reshape daily practices more sustainably and equitably. In SCEPA, we provide literature reviews, develop action strategies, and support partners with AI tools," Jansen notes.

Learning from Experience

The team emphasizes the value of shared knowledge. "There’s a wealth of information about reducing energy poverty, both locally and internationally," says De Voogd. "We gather insights into what works—and what doesn’t—and scale these solutions across Europe." Jansen adds, "The challenge is using existing knowledge to address the complexities of energy poverty effectively." Van Ammers underscores the importance of learning from others: "Belgium and Ireland approach this issue differently than the Netherlands, and we can benefit from their experiences."

Pilot Projects in Action

HAN recently developed a framework to guide project activities, such as identifying target groups. Six of SCEPA's eight partners are now launching pilots to refine these strategies. In Arnhem, efforts focus on four neighborhoods to expand current approaches. Meanwhile, Leeuwarden experiments with energy coaches and appliance replacement programs, and a pilot in Liège, Belgium, deploys a "repair bus" for small in-home energy-saving improvements.

De Voogd highlights the value of international collaboration: "Our partners bring fresh perspectives to the table, and climate issues know no borders."

The Community of Interest

A standout feature of SCEPA is the Community of Interest—a digital platform for municipalities and organizations tackling energy poverty. "Participants can access knowledge, share experiences, and contribute to the collective resource pool," De Voogd explains. Jansen adds, "The more input we receive, the better the outcomes for everyone involved." To streamline access to this wealth of information, HAN is developing a secure AI-powered system. This tool will analyze and organize data, allowing users to retrieve tailored recommendations for specific situations. 

Van Ammers sees immense potential: "Imagine a platform preserving years of best practices and enabling municipalities to make informed decisions about what works for particular households or neighborhoods."

International Recognition

SCEPA is already garnering international attention. The team has been invited to pitch at Interreg Northwest Europe’s annual event in Dublin, offering a platform to expand the Community of Interest further.Looking ahead, Jansen envisions broader applications: "Perhaps our approach can serve as a model for other complex challenges across Europe, using data science to drive smarter solutions. The SCEPA project runs until mid-2027. 

Interested in joining the Community of Interest? Feel free to apply.