Call for Entries for the 6th National Competition for Local Government Units for the Most Energy-Innovative Local Government

Applications are now being accepted for the 6th National Competition for Local Government Units for the Most Energy-Innovative Local Government – 2026 Edition

The Ignacy Łukasiewicz Institute of Energy Policy has announced the 6th edition of the National Competition for Local Government Units for the Most Energy-Innovative Local Government. The aim is to recognize municipalities that implement measures for energy transition in a systematic, innovative, and sustainable manner and strengthen local energy security.

The competition is open to municipalities and—starting with this edition—entities affiliated with municipal governments. The goal of the competition is to showcase the best examples of both investments and community initiatives. The competition organizers interpret the concept of innovation very broadly. This includes product, process, organizational, environmental, marketing, and social innovations, as well as innovations in the field of public policy.

As every year, participation in the competition is free of charge. A jury composed of experts will evaluate projects, initiatives, and tasks completed in 2025. The jury’s composition can be viewed here: https://www.instytutpe.pl/konkurs-jst-2026/kapitula-konkursu/

For the second time, the National Association of Local Government Organizations is serving as the honorary patron of the competition.

For local governments, participation in the competition is an opportunity to showcase their achievements, receive an impartial evaluation by experts, and gain exposure on a national and industry-specific level (through the competition’s media partners and among participants at the Rzeszów energy conference).

Entries will be evaluated in the following categories:

• Construction Project of the Year;
• Transportation Project of the Year;
• District Heating Project of the Year;
• Community Initiative of the Year;
• Innovation of the Year – Local and Community Energy.

The last of these categories (Innovation – Local and Community Energy) is a new addition introduced this year. It includes, for example, energy cooperatives, energy communities, energy clusters, and distributed energy models involving municipalities.

A well-organized energy community is an important tool for local governments committed to the energy transition. It is worth promoting such examples and rewarding the best ones. The Łukasiewicz Institute of Energy Policy has experience in the fields of local and community-based energy, primarily through its collaboration with municipalities in establishing energy cooperatives.

SUMMARY OF 5 YEARS OF THE COMPETITION – see the winners of previous editions

In this year’s edition, for the first time, municipalities may submit projects carried out by municipal companies and other entities affiliated with local governments.

The call for entries will remain open until September 11, 2026. The official award ceremony will take place during the 11th Conference “Energy Security – Pillars and Development Prospects” in Rzeszów on September 28, 2026. The conference itself is the largest gathering of the energy sector in the region and one of the most significant in the country. In recent years, energy issues from a local government perspective have taken on increasing prominence at the event.

The honorary patrons include:
Zygmunt Frankiewicz, Chair of the Senate’s Committee on Local Government and State Administration
The Presidium of the Sejm’s Committee on Energy, Climate, and State Assets (ESK)
The National Alliance of Local Government Organizations
Renata Janik, Marshal of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship
Olgierd Geblewicz, Marshal of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship
Paweł Gancarz, Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship
Władysław Ortyl, Marshal of the Subcarpathian Voivodeship
Adam Struzik, Marshal of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship
Jarosław Stawiarski, Marshal of the Lubelskie Voivodeship
Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot Metropolitan Area

Details and the application form are available on the organizer’s website: https://www.instytutpe.pl/konkurs-jst-2026/.

Regulamin-Konkurs (PDF) - Contest Rules

Zal-1-Formularz-zgłoszenia (PDF) - Attachment 1-Application Form

Zal-2-Kryteria-merytoryczne (PDF) - Attachment 2-Substantive Criteria

Zal-3-Karta-oceny-merytorycznej (PDF) Attachment 3-Substantive Evaluation Form

The Ignacy Łukasiewicz Institute of Energy Policy in Rzeszów is an independent think tank founded in 2015 that brings together experts in the field of energy. The Institute conducts scientific and research activities, provides expert analysis, and promotes science and knowledge about energy policy. It also publishes analyses, reports, books, and the English-language academic journal Energy Policy Studies.

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

The conference “Energy Security—Pillars and Prospects for Development” is being held for the eleventh time. Participants include government officials, energy company executives, members of parliament, local government officials, industry experts, and researchers. In addition to panel discussions, the event features workshops, business meetings, and company presentations.