This benchmark recognition, presented in close partnership with the International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN), highlights the project’s exceptional contributions to the global advancement of smart grids and clean energy systems. Funded under the EU’s highly competitive Horizon Europe program, MASTERPIECE focuses on accelerating the deployment and sustainable operation of energy communities across Europe. By developing innovative technical, social, and economic frameworks, the initiative empowers ordinary citizens, local businesses, and municipal authorities to actively participate in the green transition as proactive “prosumers.”

What truly sets MASTERPIECE apart—and earned it this global accolade—is its profound emphasis on scalability and replicability. The project successfully moved beyond theoretical frameworks by establishing diverse pilot programs across several European countries. These real-world testbeds demonstrated how decentralized energy sharing, local storage solutions, and community-driven demand response can be successfully adapted to different regional regulatory landscapes and cultural contexts. By synthesizing these pilot experiences, the consortium created highly actionable toolkits and advanced tools like the Recomme tool, which streamline the creation of new energy cooperatives. Furthermore, the project has delivered robust policy recommendations aimed at removing bureaucratic barriers and harmonizing energy community legislation across the continent. By proving that its localized energy models can be seamlessly replicated worldwide, MASTERPIECE has established a definitive blueprint for community-led decarbonization, making it a highly deserving recipient of the 2026 GSEF Award of Excellence.