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Description
The goal of the project "Sun over Vukovar" (abbreviated: SunNyVuk) is to promote the use of renewable energy sources and contribute to the city''s transformation into a "carbon neutral" city by raising public awareness for the renewable energy sources. The goals will be achieved through the implementation of pilot projects within the SunNyVuk project and communication and dissemination activities during the implementation of the project and its results. The project plans to implement a total of twelve different pilot projects in buildings of schools, kindergartens, city administration and city institutions. By investing in the construction of solar power plants on the buildings of the city''s educational institutions, the aim is primarily to target the youngest population of the city in order to influence children''s awareness of the importance of preserving and caring for the environment and climate.
By investing in the construction of solar power plants on the buildings of the city administration and city institutions, we want to further emphasize the commitment of the city administration to the transformation into the "Carbon zero" city. The whole project represents the first stage in the transformation of public buildings where investing in solar power plants will increase the capacity of self-sufficiency in electricity production, which would eventually increase in the coming period by applying the experience gained. This would have a direct impact on reducing dependence on electricity and later heat supply chains. The implementation of the SunNyVUK project will lead to a reduction in electricity costs through the construction of solar power plants with a total capacity of 863.1 kWp and, consequently, a reduction in CO2 emissions by 147.8 t / year. The goal of the project is to increase the annual production of electricity from solar energy by 931.796,51 kWh in city’s public buildings.
Summary of project results
The "Sun over Vukovar" project aimed to address critical issues in energy sustainability, particularly reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources and mitigating high operational energy costs for public institutions. Rising energy prices posed a significant challenge to financial stability, while dependence on traditional energy networks left the City of Vukovar vulnerable to market fluctuations. The project also targeted the need for increased use of renewable energy sources (RES) to align with Croatia''s and the European Economic Area (EEA) Program''s goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This was essential for ensuring long-term energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in public sector operations. Additionally, there was a need to raise public awareness about renewable energy, emphasizing its economic and ecological benefits.
The project installed 12 solar power plants with a total capacity of 863.1 kWp on buildings used by public institutions in Vukovar. These include schools, kindergartens, sports facilities, and administrative buildings. Key activities included designing and constructing solar power systems, conducting expert supervision, and ensuring compliance with technical standards. A project management team was established, comprising four key members responsible for financial management, project administration, and communication. To promote renewable energy use, the project organized three workshops for the general public and eight for children in kindergartens and schools. Additional outreach efforts included publishing 18 articles, creating brochures for children, leaflets, and producing a promotional video. A dedicated website was launched to increase project visibility.
The project achieved several significant results, which benefited various stakeholders in the community. The installation of 12 solar power plants with a total capacity of 863.1 kWp resulted in an estimated annual production of 932 MWh of clean energy, thereby reducing annual CO2 emissions by approximately 148 tons. These outcomes contributed to covering a significant portion of the energy needs for public buildings, such as schools, kindergartens, and sports facilities, leading to substantial cost savings and increased energy independence. The project also had an educational component, where 11 workshops were organized—three for the general public and eight for children in kindergartens and schools—raising awareness and promoting the importance of renewable energy sources among younger generations. Furthermore, through promotional activities the project reached a broader audience and highlighted the economic and ecological benefits of solar energy. Ultimately, the primary beneficiaries of the project were the City of Vukovar, which reduced its operational costs and carbon footprint, the public institutions that gained access to sustainable energy sources, and the local community, which now has a model for green energy initiatives and increased awareness of the value of renewable energy.
Summary of bilateral results
The project benefited from the partnership with Energy Farm International Foundation through knowledge exchange and sharing of best practices in renewable energy, particularly solar power, which strengthened the project’s technical capacity and increased its visibility. The donor partner actively participated in two public workshops, contributing expertise from Norway and raising awareness among local stakeholders. This collaboration sparked broader interest in renewable energy among citizens, companies, and stakeholders in Vukovar. Although no specific continuation of collaboration is mentioned, the shared vision and EFIF’s global network suggest potential for future bilateral cooperation.