Leudal launches energy community to secure affordable local power
Residents and businesses in Leudal, Limburg, are taking control of their energy future with a new community-driven initiative. The Leudal Energy Community aims to provide reliable, affordable, and locally generated renewable energy, ensuring profits stay within the community.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Partners | Municipality of Leudal, Leudal Energie, Zuidenwind, Development Company Midden-Limburg, Limburg Farmers' and Horticulturists' Association, Enexis |
| Signing Date | March 17, 2026 |
| Goal | Reliable, affordable, and locally generated renewable energy |
| Pilot Villages | Ell and Heibloem (since April 2025) |
| Legal Framework | New Energy Act (effective January 1, 2026) |
| Establishment Planned | First quarter of 2027 |
| Province Recognition | Designated as exemplary projects by the Province of Limburg (2026) |
The municipality of Leudal plays a facilitating role in this initiative, aligning with its 2022-2026 coalition agreement to enhance local control over energy supply. By partnering with cooperatives and businesses, the municipality aims to create a sustainable and self-sufficient energy system for its residents.
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Together we take steps toward the Leudal Energy Community
On March 17, the municipality of Leudal, along with the energy cooperatives Leudal Energie and Zuidenwind, Development Company Midden-Limburg, the Limburg Farmers' and Horticulturists' Association, and grid operator Enexis, signed the cooperation agreement for the Leudal Energy Community.
This marks an important step toward a local and future-proof energy system for residents and businesses. Municipal councillor Michel Graef signed the agreement on behalf of the mayor and aldermen.
The 2022-2026 coalition agreement stipulates that the municipality will explore how it can take greater control of local energy supply. The energy community is a concrete implementation of this. The goal is clear: reliable and affordable renewable energy for residents and businesses in Leudal. Energy that is generated and used as locally as possible.
Profits for the community
Municipal councillor Michel Graef:
With this collaboration, we take an important step toward greater local control over our energy. We are doing this together with our partners and our residents. This ensures that sustainable energy remains affordable and that the profits benefit our own community.
What is an energy community?
An energy community is a collaboration between residents, local organizations, and, where appropriate, the municipality. Together, they generate sustainable energy, for example through solar, wind, or green gas. This energy can then be shared locally. This is done on a non-profit basis. The price is based on cost price and is fair and transparent for members. Since January 1, 2026, the new Energy Act has also provided the legal opportunity to share energy locally with one another.
Experience in Ell and Heibloem
In the villages of Ell and Heibloem, pilot projects have been underway since April 2025. Residents are actively involved in project groups, working alongside energy cooperatives such as Leudal Energie and Zuidenwind. The ambition is to use locally generated energy locally and to work toward future-proof, natural gas-free villages. In January 2026, these projects were also designated as exemplary projects by the Province of Limburg.
Building the future together
By signing the cooperation agreement, the involved parties affirm that they will jointly build the Leudal Energy Community. At a later stage, residents and businesses will also be invited to join. The formal establishment of the Leudal Energy Community is planned for the first quarter of 2027. Until then, further work will continue on concrete projects in the pilot villages.