At the beginning of the 1980’s Beckerich, a small town of 2,100 inhabitants in Luxembourg started on the path towards energy self-sufficiency and has thus developed from a rural town plagued with structural problems into a regional “centre for climate protection”.

In 1995 Beckerich joined the international Climate Alliance and adopted the goal of cutting its CO₂ emissions by 2010 by 50% as against 1990. To achieve this target many projects have since been realised, such as the construction of two biogas factories, the newer of which was financed by a cooperative of regional farmers. Together both factories supply electricity to 740 households and heat to 120 households through a local heating grid. A further 100 inhabitants receive the heat from a wood shavings facility. Moreover, numerous inhabitants have installed solar panels on top of their roofs. Thanks to both a professional advice on energy efficiency and an energy-saving campaign, the per capita consumption of electricity was reduced to a noteworthy degree as well, contrary to the general trend in Luxembourg.

Today Beckerich produces 90% of its electricity and 40% of its heat from its own renewable sources. Besides local activities, among other things, Beckerich supports the construction of small biogas factories in India. The town’s model projects and targeted work with the public have led to the development of true ecotourism that encourages the town’s inhabitants in their actions. The many benefits of energy conservation and local renewable energy expansion have been shown to the citizens of Beckerich.

Congratulations to Beckerich, Winner of the European Solar Prize 2008.

Contact address:
Maison communale Beckerich
6, Dikrecherstrooss
8523 Beckerich
Luxembourg