(L-R) Mayor Alfred Wirtz of Ralingen; Mayor Stéphanie Weydert of Rosport-Mompach; Credit: OXYGEN & PARTNER SA

On Monday 16 October 2023, Ralingen and Rosport-Mompach, neighbouring municipalities in Germany and Luxembourg, announced they are working together towards achieving a self-sustained electricity supply, fully sourced from local and renewable energy resources.

Under the banner of the "Energy Region without Borders" project, these municipalities aim to jointly establish the necessary infrastructure. This endeavour emphasised the inclusion of local residents' ideas, offering them a two-year platform for citizen dialogue. The project was officially launched on Thursday 12 October 2023.

The primary goal is to create an "energy core" in both municipalities by 2025, which involves setting up infrastructure for independent energy generation, such as photovoltaic installations. This project aligns with climate protection as it completely avoids the use of fossil energy sources. Additionally, it aims to ensure a reliable energy supply with stable and predictable prices, responding to the current ecological and political challenges.

The Energy Region project is geared towards fostering innovation and promoting a shift in perspectives and engagement. Central to this initiative is a two-year process that invites participation from all citizens, local businesses and partners, with the aim of facilitating an equitable exchange. Discussions will encompass priorities, contributions and avenues for collective progress through various formats like workshops, specialised conferences and energy-related walks. Topics will range from energy conservation to intelligent and flexible electricity use, as well as encouraging individuals to invest in local businesses for their energy supply. Local electricity generation forms a pivotal part of this endeavour, as highlighted during the presentation meeting, with plans for a ground photovoltaic installation in Ralingen that will allow for financial participation.

Mayors Stéphanie Weydert and Alfred Wirtz of Rosport-Mompach and Ralingen, respectively, emphasised the natural collaboration across the Sûre River's borders. “Collaborating across the borders of the Sûre seems completely natural to us. We already interact closely in many areas and we share the same values. Addressing the topic of energy together is the next logical step. By joining forces, we go further – and we take control of our future!”

This international collaboration is part of the "Common Ground" programme initiated by the Robert Bosch Foundation, which encourages cross-border citizen participation in regional development. Currently, eight projects are supported within this framework. The Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, established in 1964, is a European foundation dedicated to addressing vital societal issues and developing exemplary solutions through its public service initiatives or in collaboration with its support partners. The municipalities expressed their belief that this "borderless energy region" initiative holds the potential to inspire neighbouring municipalities to join, expanding the concept into an even more extensive energy region.

The project's steering group includes participants from both municipalities, and technical expertise is provided by Transferstelle Bingen and Professor Ralf Simon with SIPE (participation and energy). Collaboration with other partners, such as energy sector players from Germany and Luxembourg, as well as public administration institutions, is crucial for effective project implementation, the two municipalities stressed.