On 16 and 17 May, the German partner of the AquaCOM project, the University of Oldenburg - represented by Lea Blasey and Catherina Saftig - attended the Citizens' Energy Convention (Bürgerenergie-Konvent) in Berlin.
Organised by the German federation of energy communities, Bündnis Bürgerenergie (BBEn), the event brought together community energy pioneers, experts, and cooperatives from across Germany, dedicated to advancing the transition to renewable energy and sustainable heating.
During
the event, the University of Oldenburg presented our AquaCOM project to a range of interested stakeholders, promoting
aquathermal energy as a viable and sustainable alternative for heating. They
demonstrated how this technology integrates smart water systems with renewable
energy sources to empower local communities, lower carbon emissions, and
enhance regional climate resilience. The presentation sparked interest among
participants, many of whom expressed a desire to explore similar initiatives in
their own region.
The University of Oldenburg was joined by the German AquaCOM Early Adopter, Bürgerenergie Hattingen - a young and dynamic association committed to promoting the local energy and heat transition. For them, the Bürgerenergie-Konvent provided a valuable platform to explore innovative citizen energy approaches, connect with like-minded initiatives, and gain practical insights. These learnings will support their ongoing efforts to implement aquathermal energy (AQE) technologies in the nearby River Ruhr, aligned with the tailored mentoring and technical support offered by the AquaCOM project.
Lea and Catherina returned from Berlin with valuable insights, new connections and a clear vision of a future in which energy is local, participatory and innovative. Experiencing the collaborative spirit and shared purpose of the citizen energy movement was truly inspiring - and AquaCOM is proud to help drive this transformation.
