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Description
The project aims to involve rural citizens in the development of community energy, to help them realize and take responsibility for their own lives in connection with the transfer of competencies from large and significant companies to local communities, recognize and strengthen their voices, and use current opportunities of energy transition and rural resources for renewable energy. NSMAS (National Network of LAGs of Czech Republic) will train 13 leaders from member LAGs to be ready to facilitate the discussion, the ideal goal of which is to set up energy communities and outline their governance principles. But crucial is also the process itself, as it will include information campaigns, public debates and advisory and consulting, generally increasing the ability of rural people to control their lives. Each leader draws up a citizen involvement plan and initiates a process in 2 communities. Joint meetings and sharing of experiences are planned in the project, so the experience and results will be spread across the network, which covers the rural territory of a whole state. NSMAS will strengthen its capabilities and the position of a competent actor in rural areas and the theme of community energy, increase staff competencies and create a set of examples of good practice. A Norwegian partner with innovative know-how will be actively involved in the training. Min. 1030 citizens from 26 rural municipalities will participate in the discussions, emphasis will be placed on the involvement of marginalized groups (seniors, low-income people and families). Local authorities and small businesses will also be involved, so the project helps to strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation at local level, supported by LAGs.
Summary of project results
The project was focused on addressing the lack of active involvement of rural communities in the establishment and operation of energy communities (associations). The main issues included:
1. Perception of community energy as a complex and difficult to influence issue.
2. Lack of basic awareness and low motivation of residents.
3. Historical social habits of passive acceptance of energy without a perception of energy as a tool for local economic development.
4. Topic of energy decentralisation has been so far communicated mainly in professional circles and large cities, not in rural areas.
5. Lack of trained facilitators to promote community energy in rural areas.
The project implemented the following activities and achieved significant outputs:
1. Strengthening the capacity of NS MAS CR and training 13 facilitators in various skills,
2. Selection and motivation of 26 municipalities suitable for the implementation of the project objectives and activities,
3. Development of 26 Community Energy Plans,
4. Involvement of local communities in the process of community energy plan development using participatory methods.
The project achieved significant results that had a positive impact on the target groups, especially rural communities:
- Increased awareness and motivation to be engaged in community energy.
- Strengthening the capacity of local action groups and their ability to disseminate good practice in the communities,
- Developing community energy plans to enable communities to better plan, manage and implement their energy needs,
- Empowering citizens to actively participate in decision-making processes and the development of energy communities, contributing to the democratisation of the energy sector and the prevention of energy poverty.
The project has also contributed to increase the credibility of the NS MAS CR as a partner for public administration and professional bodies, including businesses.