In February, we explored Warsaw's proactive stance against energy poverty through strategic renewable energy initiatives. Now, as the capital city of Poland continues its journey towards sustainable development, it remains steadfast in its commitment to combatting energy poverty. In a nation where 12% of the population grapples with this issue, Warsaw's efforts align with the broader Energy Policy of Poland until 2040 (EPP2040), which aims to reduce energy poverty and expand renewable energy capacity significantly by 2030 and 2040.

The participation of Warsaw in Sun4All Community of Practice focused on analysing conditions for establishing energy communities in Poland, particularly in Warsaw, to alleviate energy poverty. Warsaw, with 1.8 million residents and 1,000,000 apartments across 88,000 buildings, faces challenges due to outdated infrastructure, leading to high energy consumption and energy poverty affecting 15% of residents. Factors contributing to this include high living costs, legal constraints on building modernisation, and inefficient heating systems, with some municipal buildings in poor condition.

With the support of the Institute for Structural Research, the City of Warsaw proposed two legal frameworks: a collective prosumer model for city-owned buildings and a virtual prosumer model for others, set to be available in Poland from June 2025. Administrative data was used to identify beneficiaries based on technical and social criteria. Two implementation approaches were suggested: a top-down model involving initial selection based on criteria and subsequent community dialogue, and a bottom-up approach starting with pilot projects in energy poverty hotspots.

Challenges included gathering detailed data on building conditions and legal statuses, crucial for effective implementation. The outcomes of this work highlighted the role of Polish cities, particularly Warsaw, in enabling energy-poor citizens to participate in energy communities. Recommendations included establishing a repository of best practices for future projects and utilising the system for long-term city planning and monitoring of energy poverty mitigation.

In conclusion, implementing the Sun4All model in Polish cities, including Warsaw, holds promise for fostering energy communities. By leveraging administrative data to pinpoint beneficiaries and integrating both technical and social criteria, this approach not only aims to boost energy efficiency but also aims to provide crucial support to vulnerable households. Moreover, it represents a significant step towards sharing valuable insights and best practices nationwide, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future in Poland.