The REFORMERS project in the Netherlands is at the forefront of establishing a self-sufficient, renewable energy valley in the industrial region of Alkmaar. This initiative, funded by the EU, is not just limited to renewable energy but also integrates other carriers like hydrogen, biomethane, and heat. With a focus on combining social, legal, and business perspectives, the project aims to enable local businesses to generate and consume renewable energy locally, with the ultimate goal of becoming energy-positive and carbon-neutral. The project's impact extends to approximately 3,000 people within the region, with plans to work on six replication valleys across Europe. Professor Thierry Coosemans, the project coordinator, highlights the importance of scaling up such projects to achieve energy self-sufficiency, emphasizing the need for larger-scale implementations. While the technological aspects are largely available, the real challenge lies in optimizing the integration of different systems to work harmoniously. Countries like Belgium are also playing a significant role in promoting hydrogen as an energy source. The project not only focuses on the technological feasibility but also emphasizes the societal shift towards sustainability and self-sufficiency, underlining the essential role of energy valleys in achieving European decarbonization targets.