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Description
Energy communities as a social innovation for collective energy actions provide for an open, democratic participation and governance and provide advantages to the members and the local community. The main goal of the project is to raise public awareness in the municipalities of Kostinbrod, Panagyurishte, Tryavna and Dryanovo and energy democracy by means of collective actions to support the energy transition. The project has the following specific objectives: 1) raise public awareness about energy transition; 2) apply social innovation for the sustainable development of resources in the target municipalities; 3) develop strategies for future green citizen initiatives and projects for regional development. The project will provide information about existing EU practices of functioning energy cooperatives and their impact on the income and well-being of citizens as well as about good practices from Norway for sustainable development of local communities. The planned activities are specific, measurable and targeted at changing the attitudes to transition to green energy in the communities. Adding to the efforts of administrations to attract financing and energy efficiency measures, the proactive behaviour of citizens is of particular importance to ensure sustainable development of local communities and improve the quality of life of their citizens. The project is implemented in partnership ensuring a combination of proven expert capacity for its implementation: management and dissemination of the outcomes among 50 Bulgarian municipalities (Association of Bulgarian Cities and Regions), carrying out studies and information campaigns (Institute for Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development and Innovation) and development of legislative initiatives and training sessions (Bulgarian Energy and Mining Forum). The Norwegian partner B16 presents innovation.
Summary of project results
The project aims to support the transition to green energy through the active participation of citizens in the energy market in four municipalities: Kostinbrod, Panagyurishte, Tryavna, and Dryanovo. The approach is based on social innovations for electricity consumer initiatives with varying incomes, ensuring that the benefits of decentralization are shared with those who cannot participate.
Trainings were conducted on existing EU practices for functioning energy cooperatives and their impact on citizens'' incomes and well-being, as well as good practices from Norway for the sustainable development of local communities. The specifics of each municipality and public opinion were studied in advance, and visits by local administration representatives to Norway enriched the knowledge gained from the trainings with practical examples and solutions.
In addition to the general public and representatives of the local administration, the project also involved business and civil organizations from the four target municipalities. Municipal strategies and specific roadmaps for involving citizens in the energy transition were developed, aligning with the goals of the National Energy and Climate Plan.
Besides raising public awareness about energy democracy, the project strengthened the capacity of municipalities to accelerate the transition to green energy and to collaborate with citizens, businesses, and NGOs on the topic. A pilot model for the creation and development of energy communities was developed for each municipality. The proposals for accelerating the transition to green energy were compiled into a report on legislative changes, which the project partners will use in their advocacy efforts.
Summary of bilateral results
Trainings were conducted on existing EU practices for functioning energy cooperatives and their impact on citizens'' incomes and well-being, as well as good practices from Norway for the sustainable development of local communities.