Solarization of institutions of the City of Karlovac

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 in the City of Karlovac" project aimed to tackle key energy-related challenges that affect public institutions and their operational efficiency. These challenges included:

• Rising Global Electricity Costs: The increasing cost of electricity has placed financial pressure on public institutions, limiting resources that could otherwise be allocated to enhancing their services. With limited control over market fluctuations, these institutions were vulnerable to budget instability.

• Dependence on the Electrical Grid: Public institutions in Karlovac were reliant on electricity supplied through the national grid. This dependence left them unable to mitigate risks associated with price volatility and potential disruptions in energy supply. Ensuring energy stability and reliability was therefore a priority.

• Environmental Concerns: High carbon emissions from traditional energy sources contributed to climate change. The project aimed to support the transition to renewable energy, which aligns with broader goals under the "Energy and Climate Change" program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development.

In addressing these issues, the project emphasized energy independence, operational cost reduction, and environmental sustainability to benefit the community and align with national and international climate goals.

The project involved the comprehensive implementation of 14 solar power plants on public institutions in the City of Karlovac, such as kindergartens, schools, and a hostel. Key activities included:

1. Feasibility Analysis and Planning:

   • Conducted an analysis of existing energy needs and the technical requirements for installing solar panels.
   • Collaborated with Norwegian partners to incorporate best practices in renewable energy solutions.

2. Solar Panel Installation:

   • Procured and installed solar power systems with a total capacity of 0.45 MW across 14 public institutions. These systems are designed to provide 62% of the institutions'' annual electricity needs.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Oversight:

   • Coordinated with stakeholders, including Croatia’s national energy provider (HEP), to ensure successful integration into the energy grid.
   • Engaged expert supervision to ensure installations met all technical and safety standards.

4. Awareness-Raising and Education:

   • Conducted 12 workshops—6 in schools and 6 in kindergartens—to educate children about the benefits of renewable energy.
   • Published brochures tailored for different audiences: children, citizens, and stakeholders, highlighting the importance of transitioning to renewable energy.
   • Created a promotional film documenting the project, which served as a communication tool to inspire further adoption of renewable energy solutions.

5. Bilateral Collaboration:

   • Organized 3 workshops in collaboration with the Norwegian partner, Energy Farm International Foundation, to exchange knowledge about renewable energy technologies and implementation strategies.

6. Public Outreach and Communication:

   • Hosted 3 press conferences and a final project conference.
   • Launched a project-specific webpage and disseminated information through social media and local media outlets.

By implementing these activities, the project demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of solar energy solutions in public institutions, creating a replicable model for other cities and municipalities.

Outcomes and Impacts:

The project achieved significant results, both tangible and intangible, in addressing energy, environmental, and financial challenges:

• Energy Independence: The institutions can now self-generate 62% of their annual electricity needs, significantly reducing reliance on grid-supplied energy.

• Environmental Benefits:

  • The installations contribute to a reduction of approximately 72.38 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
  • The total energy production capacity of 0.45 MW generates an estimated 456.35 MWh annually from renewable sources, contributing to a greener local energy mix.

• Financial Savings: Public institutions have significantly lowered their energy costs, enabling them to redirect financial resources toward improving their services and infrastructure.

• Educational Benefits: Through workshops and informational materials, the project raised awareness about the importance of renewable energy among young generations. This is a critical step in building a culture of sustainability.

• Community Engagement: Local citizens gained greater awareness of renewable energy solutions and their role in reducing environmental impact, fostering a community-wide commitment to sustainability.

Beneficiaries:

1. Public Institutions in Karlovac: Schools, kindergartens, and a hostel benefitted from improved energy efficiency, reduced costs, and a more sustainable operational model.
2. The City of Karlovac: The local government saw reduced budgetary pressure from energy costs, allowing more funds to be allocated to other public services and development projects.
3. Students and Staff: Children and employees in the institutions now experience the direct benefits of sustainable energy solutions, such as a cleaner environment and educational opportunities.
4. The Broader Community: The project benefits all citizens by lowering local carbon emissions and demonstrating the feasibility of renewable energy adoption.

By addressing critical energy challenges, implementing innovative solar solutions, and creating long-term benefits for the City of Karlovac and its people, the project serves as a powerful example of how local and international collaboration can drive sustainable development.

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.