Mission Statement and Policy Positions

The FREE initiative aims to promote the use of sustainable energy within rural communities through the following core activities:

RESEARCH

To constantly research the energy usage profile and needs of the rural community within the EU.

ENERGY ADVICE

To provide accurate and clear information on lower carbon energy options available to EU domestic and commercial energy consumers living beyond the natural gas grid. This includes specific energy efficiency measures appropriate to rural buildings.

ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Identifying and promoting lower carbon, high efficiency energy solutions – including renewable partnership technologies – to rural consumers. A special focus is given to decentralised, efficient and modern energy solutions thereby facilitating greater energy security and a lower carbon footprint.

RURAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT

To support rural energy initiatives where practical that benefit rural communities within the EU.

ADVOCACY

To engage with policymakers and influencers throughout the EU to ensure that the specific sustainable energy needs of the EU rural population are considered when legislation is proposed.

Policy Positions

The European Union has ambitious energy and climate targets for cleaner use and less energy consumption – rural communities have a decisive role to play in reaching these targets. The FREE initiative promotes policies and activities that encourage the use of clean, lower-carbon energy within rural areas of the European Union.

The supporters of the FREE initiative will work towards achieving this by:

RURAL ENERGY POLICY

Ensuring that energy, regional, business or environmental legislation in the European Union and its Member States is fair and takes into account the specific needs of rural energy users.
Encouraging energy efficiency in rural areas as the most effective way to reduce energy consumption and harmful emissions.

RURAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Promoting decentralised, local, cleaner energy production for the benefit of rural citizens and businesses.
Gaining recognition in legislation for innovative technologies that provide clean, lower- carbon energy solutions for European rural communities.
Seeking cost-effective governmental support to encourage the uptake of cleaner energy solutions in rural areas.

RURAL ENERGY COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Emphasising the potential of agriculture and modern sustainable practices as part of the solution to climate change mitigation in rural areas, as well as its potential to provide an additional source of revenues to farmers.
Involving future generations in the debate on sustainable rural communities.