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Description
Project Solarization of institutions of the City of Karlovac (in short: SolariKA) aims to increase the use of renewable energy sources in public institutions founded by the City of Karlovac. The increase in the use of renewable energy sources will be achieved through the implementation of 14 pilot projects where solar power plants with a total capacity of 0,45 MW will be built for the purpose of self-consumption. The implementation of the pilot projects will increase the use of renewable energy sources by 456,35 MWh while reducing CO2 emissions by 72,38 t / year. The target groups of the SolariKA project are the owners and users of real estate on which infrastructure activities are carried out, City of Karlovac and citizens in general. The City of Karlovac acts as the Applicant, while the project partner is an institution from the donor country (Norway), Energy Farm International Foundation, EFIF.
Summary of project results
The "Solarization of institutions of the City of Karlovac" project aimed to tackle two main challenges: rising electricity prices and dependency on the energy distribution network. Rising global electricity prices increased the operational costs for public institutions, which made it difficult to maintain financial sustainability. Additionally, dependency on the distribution network limited the institutions'' ability to mitigate risks related to market price fluctuations while ensuring stable electricity supply. These issues were particularly significant in the context of reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy, as promoted by the "Energy and Climate Change" Program. The project identified these problems during a detailed analysis, highlighting the urgent need for energy self-sufficiency through renewable sources. It was crucial to improve energy efficiency in public institutions to address environmental and financial risks effectively. The project also had a broader goal of fostering a sustainable approach to energy use in the community.
The project implemented 14 pilot solar power plants with a total installed capacity of 0.45 MW on public institutions in Karlovac. Activities included procurement processes, contractor selection, coordination among stakeholders, and collaboration with the national electricity provider (HEP) to operationalize the systems. To ensure technical compliance, professional supervision was engaged during the installation process. The project also included public awareness campaigns, such as publishing four articles, designing brochures for schoolchildren, and creating leaflets for citizens. Twelve workshops were conducted to disseminate project results, split equally between kindergartens and primary schools, emphasizing education on renewable energy. The project developed a dedicated web page and produced a promotional film highlighting its achievements. Additionally, three bilateral workshops were organized with the Norwegian partner, "Energy Farm International Foundation," to exchange knowledge and best practices.
The project successfully installed 14 solar power systems, achieving an estimated annual production of 456.35 MWh of solar energy and reducing CO2 emissions by 72.38 tons per year. It covered 62% of the annual energy consumption of the included institutions. The primary beneficiaries were the institutions themselves, including schools and kindergartens, which gained energy cost savings and increased self-sufficiency. The City of Karlovac also benefited from reduced public expenditures on energy, allowing resources to be redirected to other services. The project raised environmental awareness among children and citizens through workshops and communication efforts. The promotional materials and educational activities contributed to a long-term understanding of renewable energy benefits.
Summary of bilateral results
Through this partnership, valuable experiences were exchanged between Norway and Croatia on implementing renewable energy projects. The Norwegian partner shared insights into their approach to similar initiatives, including methods for financing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Three bilateral workshops were conducted, meeting the target for study visits and collaborative events.Additionally, best practices from Norway introduced the project team to advanced renewable energy technologies, demonstrating their impact on local communities. This exchange not only enhanced the technical and strategic implementation of the project but also fostered a deeper understanding of sustainable energy solutions across different contexts. This collaboration highlights the importance of international partnerships in addressing shared challenges and advancing the use of renewable energy technologies.