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Description
The cities of Good Energy gathered in a project with the Istrian County, are led by the common goal to increase the production of energy from renewable sources through coordinated action on their territory. By realizing investments in 22 integrated FNE that will be used as a promotional tool, PP will send a strong message about the importance of investing in OIE. Good energy SEET focuses on energy independence and seeks to encourage target groups to play an active role in the energy transition that they will achieve by investing in solar power plants. The project pays special attention to citizens by bringing them closer to the possibility of investing in their own FNE. Due to the small number of installers of FN systems on the market, Good Energy SEET promotes this occupation with special education aimed at stimulating interest in this profession. . As public entities have a diverse portfolio of different types of buildings, Good Energy SEET will define recommendations for optimising future investments in order to achieve returns in the FNE as soon as possible, thus enabling a new wave of FNE investments on the rooftops of public buildings. The project will support the transfer of experience of Croatian and Norwegian partners, specially designed to strengthen capacity and promote investments in solar energy with a vision of developing a photovoltaic market in the Republic of Croatia. By installing 22 FNE on the roofs of public buildings, Partners of the Good energy SEET want to highlight the importance of solarization of the cities and Croatian islands and accelerate the path towards the energy transition of Croatia.
Summary of project results
The "Good Energy – Solar Energy for Energy Transition" project aimed to tackle several critical issues, primarily the growing need for energy independence and sustainability in the public sector. Rising electricity costs placed significant financial burdens on public institutions, while heavy reliance on non-renewable energy sources contributed to higher greenhouse gas emissions. The lack of capacity and specialized labor in the renewable energy sector presented additional challenges, as there was insufficient expertise in installing and maintaining solar power systems. Another major issue was limited public awareness of the benefits of renewable energy, which hindered investments in solar technology. These challenges were significant in the context of the EU’s Green Deal goals and the Energy and Climate Change Program, which emphasize a transition to renewable energy and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The project also addressed the need to strengthen collaboration between Croatian stakeholders and donor partners from Norway to share knowledge and expertise.
The project implemented 22 solar power plants on the rooftops of public buildings, including schools, kindergartens, nursing homes, and municipal offices, achieving a combined installed capacity of 993 kW. These solar systems were designed to generate 1,163.7 MWh of electricity annually, significantly reducing CO2 emissions by an estimated 233.5 tons per year. The project conducted 24 capacity-building workshops for various stakeholders, including public institutions, citizens, and private sector representatives, covering topics such as "How to Build Your Own Solar Power Plant" and "Becoming a Solar Installer." Additionally, eight "Good Energy Places" events were organized to promote the benefits of solar energy, with targeted educational activities for children and young professionals. The project included bilateral activities with Norwegian partners, such as webinars and workshops, to share best practices and introduce advanced technologies, including green hydrogen production. Communication efforts involved producing promotional materials, creating a website, and organizing public events to ensure broad dissemination of project results.
The project successfully installed 22 solar power systems with a total capacity of 993 kW, generating approximately 1,163.7 MWh of electricity annually and reducing CO2 emissions by 233.5 tons per year. Public institutions, such as schools and municipal offices, directly benefited from reduced energy costs and increased energy independence. Citizens and professionals gained valuable knowledge through 24 workshops and eight promotional events, raising awareness of the financial and environmental benefits of solar energy. The project also provided hands-on training for students and professionals, equipping them with skills needed for careers in renewable energy. Local governments, including Istria County and partner municipalities, benefited by establishing frameworks for future investments in solar power. Additionally, the broader community gained through improved environmental sustainability and a model for renewable energy adoption that can inspire similar initiatives.
Summary of bilateral results
The donor partners from Norway brought significant expertise in renewable energy, particularly in solar energy technologies and green hydrogen production. Their knowledge-sharing through webinars and workshops enabled Croatian stakeholders to adopt best practices and advanced methodologies in project implementation. The collaboration resulted in three webinars and a knowledge-sharing workshop that facilitated the transfer of Norwegian expertise to Croatian participants. Topics included local solar energy development and innovative technologies like green hydrogen production. The partnership strengthened capacities in the public and private sectors in Croatia. There are plans to sustain and expand bilateral cooperation in renewable energy projects, leveraging the strong foundation established during the project. Both sides aim to explore further opportunities for knowledge exchange and joint initiatives in sustainable energy.