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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 facilitate the transition to green energy by promoting the active participation of citizens in the energy market across four municipalities: Kostinbrod, Panagyurishte, Tryavna, and Dryanovo.
The approach is centered on social innovation, enabling inclusive electricity consumer initiatives that accommodate households with varying income levels. By doing so, the project ensures that the benefits of energy decentralization are equitably distributed, including to those who might otherwise be unable to participate.
The project implemented trainings on existing EU practices for energy cooperatives, highlighting their impact on citizens’ incomes and well-being, as well as good practices from Norway for the sustainable development of local communities.
To ensure a tailored approach, the specific context and public opinion in each target municipality were studied in advance. Additionally, delegations from the local administration visited Norway, where they gained practical insights and explored real-world examples of sustainable energy solutions.
Beyond engaging the general public and local administrations, the project actively involved businesses and civil society organizations from the four municipalities. As a result, municipal strategies and specific roadmaps were developed to engage citizens in the energy transition, aligning with the objectives of the National Energy and Climate Plan.
In addition to raising public awareness about energy democracy, the project enhanced the capacity of municipalities to accelerate the transition to green energy and foster collaboration with citizens, businesses, and NGOs on the topic.
A pilot model for the creation and development of energy communities was designed for each of the four municipalities, providing a practical framework for local implementation.
Furthermore, the project compiled policy recommendations for accelerating the transition to green energy into a comprehensive report on legislative changes. These proposals will be used by project partners in their advocacy efforts to influence policy reforms and promote a more inclusive and sustainable energy transition.
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.