June 12, 2025
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Brussels to Croatia: Boost renewables, flexibility for cheaper industrial electricity

The European Commission advised Croatia to speed up the installation of renewable energy capacities and add non-fossil flexibility solutions, to reduce electricity prices for businesses.

Electricity prices for the corporate sector in Croatia in the first half of 2024 were the third-highest in the European Union, according to the European Commission.

At about EUR 0.244 per kWh, only Cyprus and Ireland had higher prices – EUR 0.2578 per kWh and EUR 0.256 per kWh, respectively.

“In the first half of 2024, Croatia had the third-highest electricity price in the EU for business/industrial consumers. This continues to hold back the cost competitiveness of Croatian companies,” the commission said in its Country Specific Recommendations under the 2025 European Semester: Spring Package.

Despite a record increase in solar capacity in 2024, by 397 MW, its share in electricity generation remains low, at less than 6%.

An increase in the uptake of large-scale renewables, including solar, is hampered by an uncertain regulatory framework

Against this background, faster roll-out of new renewable energy capacity, especially solar, and non-fossil flexibility solutions could help reduce price levels, the update reads.

The commission said an increase in the uptake of large-scale renewables, including solar, is hampered by an uncertain regulatory framework as the national energy regulator HERA is yet to adopt updated grid connection fees. The situation creates uncertainty for potential investors and has effectively prevented projects from securing financing, the European Union’s executive arm stressed.

Increased investment in the electricity grid, beyond what’s in Croatia’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), would be crucial for an uptake of renewable energy, according to the commission. In the short term, it would imply incentives for hybrid storage and renewable energy projects, the document reads.

Speed up rollout of smart meters

In 2023, only 24% of household consumers had smart meters installed, which is significantly less than the EU target of 80%.

To be able to fully capitalize on an increased uptake of renewable energy, significant funding for the rollout of smart meters – beyond the measures in the NRRP – and dynamic contracts will be needed to empower consumers and foster demand response, the commission noted.

It advised Croatia to review and simplify administrative procedures for installing renewable energy facilities, including in multi-apartment buildings, and for setting up energy communities.

The measures would help reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and increase the low number of registered energy communities, according to the commission.

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May 16, 2025
by in News

North Macedonia adopts Law on Energy

With a majority of votes, 62 out of 120, the Assembly of North Macedonia adopted the Law on Energy. The government’s representatives say it is systemic, comprehensive, and reform-oriented legislation laying the foundation for the country’s new energy policy. The act aligns the country’s legal framework with the European Union.

The new Law on Energy will bring numerous benefits to the country and its energy future, according to the Government of North Macedonia. They include a liberalized, transparent and competitive electricity market ensuring fairer prices and more choice for consumers, the introduction of smart meters for more accurate consumption measurement, and daily insight for consumers into their electricity usage.

The law is compatible with the reform agenda for the Western Balkans and with EU directives. Its pillars are:

  • A significant increase in the share of renewable energy sources in final consumption;
  • Greater energy efficiency and reduction of losses;
  • An open energy market in which citizens become active participants – producers, sellers, and members of energy communities.

The law supports new concepts such as citizen energy communities and demand-side management models, increased market liquidity, and broader access to energy sources for the economy, along with equal investment opportunities.

It addresses infrastructure stability through investments in storage systems and their digitalization, as well as providing a stable, transparent, and predictable framework for domestic and foreign investors. The law strengthens the capacities of regulators and operators, creates conditions for greater integration with regional and European energy networks, and enables new investments in solar, wind and other renewable sources, district heating, gasification, storage and digitalized grid infrastructure.

Božinovska: New law paving way for energy sovereignty for Macedonia

Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Božinovska said in parliament ahead of the vote that the Law on Energy is the foundation of the national transformation toward a clean, sustainable and fair energy future.

„This is a law that creates opportunities but also demands responsibility. Energy is not just the engine of the economy; it is the basis for a quality life. With this law, we are opening the door to an energy sovereign, green and European Macedonia. This law is more than a normative act – it is a signpost for the future. A chance we must not miss,” she said.

Transparent, predictable investment framework

The law includes provisions for protecting vulnerable groups, supporting the fight against energy poverty and ensuring fair access to energy for all.

According to the ministry, the law provides a stable, transparent and predictable framework for domestic and foreign investors.

All EU energy directives have been implemented, said President of the Energy, Water Services and Municipal Waste Management Services Regulatory Commission (ERC or RKE) Marko Bislimoski. Of note, yesterday he spoke at the Belgrade Energy Forum – BEF 2025, organized by Balkan Green Energy News.

The drafting process involved institutions, experts, the business community, operators and the national regulator. A total of 61 amendments were adopted.

Unlike the ruling majority, the Left (Levica), an opposition party, claimed the Law on Energy does not protect consumers or national interests. Out of 11 amendments that it submitted, only four were adopted. They include provisions aimed at protecting consumers from unrealistically high electricity bills.

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May 13, 2025
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Significant step for citizen energy in BiH – Republic of Srpska enables establishment of first renewable energy communities in region

The recent adoption of the rulebook on renewable energy communities in the Republic of Srpska is a big step in enabling citizens, local authorities, and businesspeople in Bosnia and Herzegovina to join forces and produce electricity for their own needs. It was a key step in introducing citizen energy. The concept is a great opportunity for the Balkans, because it can provide many benefits like lowering bills for consumers, and a sustainable energy transition, according to Damir Miljević, a member of the Regional Center for Sustainable Energy Transition (RESET) from BiH.

The new rulebook on renewable energy communities in the Republic of Srpska, one of the two entities making up Bosnia and Herzegovina, defines the activities of renewable energy communities (REC).

Energy transition consultant Damir Miljević explained to Balkan Green Energy News that REC refers to the production of electricity from renewables, while citizen energy communities (CEC) include all types of energy. The rulebook adopted by the Republic of Srpska, in his words, is the first in the region. It is focused on enabling the production of electricity for self-consumption (prosumers) primarily from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro energy.

Energy communities are an opportunity for citizens and businesspeople lacking suitable roofs for photovoltaics

He says the rulebook finally created the conditions at the local level – where the energy transition is supposed to be conducted in the first place – for citizens, local authorities, and businesspeople to join forces and produce electricity by installing a facility together. They can use some of the produced electricity for their own needs and inject the rest into the grid.

Citizens and small entrepreneurs who don’t have suitable roofs for solar power plants and municipal authorities with many roofs at their disposal as well as their own land can jointly finance and use such facilities. They will benefit both on the individual and collective level, Miljević pointed out. Without the communities framework, it wouldn’t be possible, in his opinion.

“In addition, conditions are created through RES communities to cede a part of the energy that the community’s facility generates, if the members of the community agree, to vulnerable categories of the population, contributing to the fight against energy poverty that way,” said Miljević, who is among the speakers at the upcoming Belgrade Energy Forum 2025 (BEF 2025).

Miljević: Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske needs to do its part

The rulebook’s entry into force enabled citizens, local firms and local communities to establish renewable energy communities, Miljević said and added that the only serious remaining obstacle is the refusal of government-owned power utility Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske (ERS) to sign new supply contracts.

Prosumers in the entity can’t fully exercise their rights, despite an order from the Regulatory Commission for Energy of the Republic of Srpska, as they haven’t yet received the new supply contracts from ERS, he pointed out.

Citizen energy is a great opportunity for Balkan states

Damir Miljević (photo: Balkan Green Energy News)

Miljević stressed that rulebooks are among the steps in introducing citizen energy. Miljević noted that the other parts of BiH haven’t established regulatory frameworks. The Brčko District has no bylaws, while the Federation of BiH has adopted the rules for renewable energy communities, but hasn’t simplified its rules for connecting prosumers and the communities to the grid.

Production onsite for consumption should become priority in energy policies and for decarbonization efforts in the Western Balkans

In Miljević’s opinion, the resistance is enormous and partly caused by the lack of recognition of the importance and role of citizen energy in countries such as the Balkans.

In contrast to developed countries – for instance, household consumption in the European Union has a 25% share in total final electricity consumption – in BiH and Serbia it is 42%, and in Montenegro it amounts to around 50%, he noted.

It means the concept of producing for consumption onsite should be a priority in energy policy and for decarbonization efforts in the Western Balkans, Miljević stressed. It implies putting solar panels on roofs on a significant scale, which is the essence of citizen energy, he added.

Citizen energy isn’t a priority in domestic and international policies implemented in the region

In addition to reducing electricity bills for customers, the concept contributes to reducing distribution and transmission losses and required investments in new grid capacities and new large power plants, and improves the security of supply and energy independence of a country, according to Miljević.

Citizen energy, in his words, is the only solution for a safe and sustainable energy transition and decarbonization of domestic power consumption, but unfortunately it isn’t a priority in domestic and international policies implemented in the region.

The lobbying effect of investors in the market shouldn’t be underestimated either, nor the fear and resistance within the politics and state-owned power utilities to the decentralization, democratization, and demonopolization of power generation that citizen energy brings, Miljević concluded.

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May 2, 2025
by in News

Public voting open for EUSEW Awards

EUSEW Awards will be presented on June 10, within the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), to outstanding individuals and organisations driving Europe’s energy transition. A jury has selected nine finalists across three categories: Innovation, Local Energy Action, and Woman in Energy. The public now gets to decide the winners.

Online public voting for EUSEW Awards is open until June 1. Voters can support one finalist in each category.

The winners will be announced during the official awards ceremony in Brussels on June 10.

Innovation category

The Innovation Award recognises outstanding projects funded by the European Union that are ongoing or recently completed, demonstrating original and innovative approaches to the energy transition and delivering tangible results.

Dutch company AquaBattery has launched a pilot project in Delft for a long-duration energy storage (LDES) battery system that uses only salt and water as storage medium.

During charging, renewable electricity converts saltwater into acid and base, which are stored in separate tanks, effectively storing the electricity. During discharge, the acid and base are recombined into saltwater, generating electricity. This enables a stable power supply even when there is no sun or wind, without relying on critical raw materials like lithium.

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The LIFE4GreenBroadband project in Croatia, led by telecom operator A1 Hrvatska, is the second finalist in the Innovation category. It aims to reduce emissions in the telecommunications sector by introducing solar panels and passive cooling systems to mobile base stations.

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The third finalist is the Spanish-Italian project LIFE Turbines, focused on developing smart cities and generating green electricity by using surplus pressure in water pipelines. By integrating microturbines directly into existing infrastructure, the project demonstrates how to harness urban hydropower without affecting water quality or supply.

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Local Energy Action

The Local Energy Action Award celebrates implemented sustainable energy initiatives carried out by citizens or consumers at the local level, contributing to their community’s energy transition. It also aims to inspire similar efforts across the EU by showcasing economic and environmental benefits. This year’s finalists are: Amiestas, proKlima, and Shared Energy for Social Housing in Otterbeek.

Amiestas is a public, non-profit organisation managing a centre for energy-efficient renovation of residential buildings in Vilnius, Lithuania. It streamlines processes for residents and provides technical and financial support to improve building energy efficiency by 50% to 60%.

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ProKlima is a public-private partnership funding clean energy projects in and around Hanover. It brings together municipal utility enercity, local authorities, and NGOs. Nearly 40,000 clean energy projects were funded so far within the endeavor.

The partners created a fundraising instrument independent of municipal budgets. The money, sourced from gas sales, profit sharing from the said energy supplier and from concession fees, is distributed to local projects addressing climate change and raising awareness about global warming.

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Shared Energy for Social Housing in Otterbeek, Belgium, gives access to renewable energy to residents in vulnerable groups. Two hundred social housing units have been equipped with solar panels, allowing residents to receive green electricity at a fixed, lower-than-market rate.

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Woman in Energy

The Woman in Energy Award recognises the efforts of women whose actions, if replicated, can accelerate the transition to clean energy in Europe. Special attention is given to promoting gender equality and equal opportunities in the energy sector.

This year’s finalists are Carmen Sánchez-Guevara, Sofie Loots, and Stella Tsani.

Spanish architect and professor Carmen Sánchez-Guevara is a leading voice in the fight against summer energy poverty, which affects vulnerable households exposed to extreme heat. Through projects like Cooltorise, she has helped people in five countries protect themselves through education, greening initiatives, and improved public spaces.

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Sofie Loots advocates for local energy cooperatives in Belgium. For 16 years, she worked as a sustainability advisor in the Municipality of Edegem near Antwerp, focusing on climate action through energy efficiency and building renovation.

In 2016, Sophie co-founded the energy cooperative ZuidtrAnt with a group of other volunteers. Their goal was to prioritise citizens’ interests in the energy transition and to make renewable energy more affordable.

[wpcc-iframe title=”EUSEW2025 Finalist | Pioneer of Flemish energy cooperatives” width=”500″ height=”281″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-uyBKLxXPU?list=PLMKHMvnaraHMd4y5rZuvjnnW1veToA8qm” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen=””]

Stella Tsani, an associate professor at the University of Athens, links academic research with real-world energy policy, focusing on economic incentives for a sustainable energy transition.

Through work with organisations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), her research informs policies that balance economic growth with environmental protection. She is also dedicated to empowering young women in the energy sector through mentorship and education, believing that future female leaders are key to achieving the EU’s climate goals.

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April 28, 2025
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An EU budget that works for the people: unlocking finance for energy communities

Authors: Dirk Vansintjan, President of REScoop.eu, EUSEW’s digital ambassador; Sara Tachelet, ACCE project coordinator and Chris Vrettos, policy advisor finance, also EUSEW’s young energy ambassador.

Europe’s transition to a clean energy system requires unprecedented investment, but today’s financing tools fail to unlock the full potential of citizen-led energy initiatives. Energy communities can mobilise billions of euros in renewable energy investments, yet their potential remains untapped due to complex state aid rules, inaccessible funding mechanisms, and burdensome regulations. Considering the broader policy landscape of the Clean Industrial Deal and the ongoing negotiations around the Multiannual Financial Framework, how can Europe close this gap and ensure fair access to finance for energy communities?

Financing the future: the role of citizens’ investments

Europe needs major investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and grids to meet its decarbonisation goals. The European Commission estimates an annual €400 billion shortfall by 2030. While the Action Plan for Affordable Energy Prices acknowledges the potential of energy communities in stabilising and lowering energy prices, the Clean Industrial Deal (CID) ignores their potential in mobilising investment.

A study shows that citizens could contribute €176 billion to wind energy alone by 2030. These citizens’ investments boost local economies while helping to democratise the energy system and stabilise prices. Every euro invested in citizen energy projects generates two to eight euros locally.

In contrast, up to 75% of the profits from investments in energy projects by large energy companies are distributed as shareholder dividends, limiting their local impact. Interestingly, energy communities are increasingly investing in industrial-scale projects such as offshore wind and large-scale district heating, demonstrating their ability to contribute to Europe’s reindustrialisation objectives. However, without tailored financial support, their expansion remains constrained.

Foto: Dirk Vansintjan, President of REScoop.eu, EUSEW’s digital ambassador and Chris Vrettos, policy advisor finance, also EUSEW’s young energy ambassador

Breaking barriers: state aid rules and public funding gaps

Energy communities face financial and regulatory barriers, particularly restrictive state aid regulations and a lack of investment mechanisms tailored to their needs. Many Member States fail to use EU funds effectively to support energy communities, while commercial banks often hesitate to lend, disregarding the social and economic benefits these communities can bring.

To fill this gap, national federations of energy communities in countries such as the Netherlands, France, and Spain have created ‘Community Energy Financing Schemes’ (CEFS), designed to support and finance energy community projects. These schemes effectively pool investments from citizens, public institutions, and private investors. Experience from the Netherlands and France shows their impact: every euro of public funding in the early stages can attract up to 60 euros in private investment for project implementation.

While revised EU State aid Guidelines have improved conditions for renewable energy communities, the framework remains difficult to navigate. Member States need clearer guidance on designing support schemes that are accessible to energy communities. Additionally, administrative and regulatory hurdles, such as grid connection fees and complex licensing processes, continue to slow down community-led projects.

Foto: Sara Tachelet, ACCE project coordinator

A call to action: targeted financial support for energy communities:

To fully unlock energy communities’ potential, the EU should support the creation of dedicated financial instruments tailored to their needs. This includes:

  • An EU Guarantee Facility, similar to InvestEU’s SME window
  • Simplified State Aid procedures for energy communities
  • Stable financing mechanisms for energy communities in the next Multiannual Financial Framework
  • Technical assistance for Member States to help ensure that energy communities can access the Social Climate Fund and Just Transition Fund
  • Support for national federations in scaling up financing models like CEFS can also help advance and professionalise community-led energy projects across Europe

Unlocking community potential in the energy transition

The EU’s energy transition cannot be left solely in the hands of large corporations and institutional investors. Energy communities have shown they can drive the shift to renewables, help citizens access affordable local production, and invest in industrial-scale projects like offshore wind and district heating. However, the right financial and policy tools are needed to help scale up. By improving these tools, policymakers can empower energy communities to become a cornerstone of Europe’s clean energy future.

This opinion editorial is produced in co-operation with the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2025. See ec.europa.eu/eusew for open calls.

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April 15, 2025
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Croatia changing law on renewables – new rules for prosumers, decentralized power production

The Government of Croatia has adopted the amendments to the law on renewable energy sources and high-efficiency cogeneration. They change rules for consumers producing electricity for self-consumption, facilitate the establishment of citizen energy communities and regulate decentralized energy production.

The amendments align the Croatian legislation with the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive and bring benefits to citizens, entrepreneurs, and investors, the Ministry of Economy said.

One of important innovations is a new scheme for the production of energy for self-consumption. Instead of the current net metering mechanism, the new law introduces net billing. It values more fairly the surplus electricity that prosumers deliver to the grid, according to the ministry.

The grid costs charged to prosumers will be aligned with the actual amount of electricity that they take from the grid

Consumers – citizens and entrepreneurs that produce energy for their own needs, will pay grid costs matching the amount of electricity they actually take from it, enabling a sustainable and fair system for all users, the ministry added.

Existing prosumers will have ten years for the transition to the new scheme.

The bill enables the production of electricity for self-consumption in remote locations, provided that all metering points are registered with the same consumer. The ministry expects the measure to pave the way for greater investments, flexibility, and decentralized energy production.

Waste separation is a condition for granting incentives for waste incineration

The rules for establishing citizen energy communities have been simplified, to further strengthen their role in the energy transition. The amendments stricten the criteria for the sustainability of biofuels and they prohibit incentivizing the incineration of waste not from a system of separate collection.

The upcoming law sets the basis for a plan for the development of electricity infrastructure and storage capacities. It will create the conditions for greater integration of renewable energy sources into the grid, the ministry stressed.

“With this law we are taking an important step forward in the energy transition, ensuring a balance between the interests of citizens, the economy, and the energy system, and creating the foundations for a sustainable development of the Croatian energy sector in the long term,” Minister Ante Šušnjar stated.

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April 6, 2025
by in News

Kosovo* adopts Law on the Promotion of the Use of Renewable Energy Sources

Only after the first auction was held, lawmakers in Prishtina enabled subsidizing renewable electricity plants through contracts for difference (CfDs). Passing the Law on the Promotion of the Use of Renewable Energy Sources, they also cleared the way for the introduction of guarantees of origin, a renewable energy operator and support fund, energy communities and energy storage in Kosovo*. The legislation includes provisions on self-consumption.

Kosovo’s parliament adopted the Law on the Promotion of the Use of Renewable Energy Sources. It won praise from the Energy Community Secretariat for aligning the legal framework with the Renewable Energy Directive. The international organization based in Vienna also commended the move toward sustainable energy development.

“This law will bring benefits to the private sector, through new concepts of consumer involvement in the energy sector and through the definition of procedures that must be done competitively. In this way, all enterprises are treated equally, benefiting from their competition which leads to lower prices and affordable costs for citizens,” the Ministry of Energy said.

Provisions for green heating, cooling, transportation

Among the objectives are increasing the security of supply and protecting the environment. The Law on the Promotion of the Use of Renewable Energy Sources includes provisions on the combined generation of heat and power (CHP or cogeneration).

The legislation covers the electricity sector, heating and cooling and transportation. The law cleared the way for incentivizing consumers to produce, store and sell the surplus of renewable electricity.

A system for guarantees of origin of electricity is envisaged to be rolled out as well. Notably, the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) expects to establish a registry in June. The law stipulates that a renewable energy operator would be founded. The entity would manage a renewable energy support fund.

Liquid day-ahead market was necessary to have reference prices for CfDs

In addition, the legislation defines energy communities, energy storage activities and behind-the-meter installations for renewables self-consumers. Such units wouldn’t be able to inject electricity into the grid.

The adoption of the law was apparently on hold until the Albanian Power Exchange (ALPEX) set up a liquid day-ahead market. Kosovo* and Albania jointly launched the bourse. The reference price set in trading is necessary for obligations determined in contracts for difference (CfDs). The subsidies are awarded in renewable energy auctions.

On the other hand, the first such competitive bidding process was completed late last month, before the Law on the Promotion of the Use of Renewable Energy Sources was passed.

The Government of North Macedonia sent a similar bill to the national assembly a month ago.

Post Views:973
* This designation is without prejudice to positions onstatus and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
April 6, 2025
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Montenegro adopts new energy law

Montenegro has adopted a new law on energy, which will allow citizens to become active participants in the electricity market and establish energy communities. The new law will also accelerate digitalization and the development of smart grids and flexibility services.

The Law on Energy represents a modern, European framework for a sustainable energy future, according to the Ministry of Energy.

The law brings a series of systemic innovations, including strengthening the position of consumers through greater transparency and protection of their rights.

Citizens are getting the opportunity to become active participants in the electricity market by producing, storing, and selling energy, the ministry said.

The law introduces citizens’ energy communities

The document also defines the concept of energy poverty and ways to reduce it, in line with European priorities of social justice.

The law supports the digitalization of the electricity system and the development of smart grids and flexibility services, enabling more efficient use of the electricity infrastructure, the ministry noted.

It introduces the energy community of citizens to strengthen local energy resilience. The law also creates conditions for dynamic electricity tariffs, as well as tools for comparing offers and consumption management.

Admir Šahmanović, Minister of Mining, Oil and Gas, said that the adoption of the law is not just the fulfillment of international obligations.

Šahmanović: We are introducing a new vision for Montenegro’s development as a modern, energy-efficient, and competitive country

“This is a law that introduces European standards into our legislation, creates conditions for new investments, safeguards citizens, and encourages innovation, digitization, and sustainability, but also guarantees the security of supply and a fair energy transition for everyone,” Šahmanović stressed.

In his words, the law introduces a new vision for the development of Montenegro as a modern, energy-efficient, and competitive country.

Of note, Šahmanović is also the coordinator of the Ministry of Energy. Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić nominated him for the position of Minister of Mining and Energy.

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April 3, 2025
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Bulgaria aims to make Europe’s biggest energy community

The Ministry of Energy, Electricity System Operator (ESO) and the Bulgarian Development Bank (BDB) are launching a solar power program for municipalities, schools, kindergartens, hospitals and small businesses. There are no upfront costs and the installations become the beneficiary’s ownership within eight years.

Minister Zhecho Stankov said the goal is to create the largest energy community in Europe and hinted that the government would finance the scheme with a green bond. He also declared the start of the regional Vertical Gas Corridor project in Bulgaria as the first pipes were delivered.

Every school and hospital in Bulgaria can become an electricity producer, Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov stressed as he presented a financial support mechanism designed with the ambition to create the largest energy community in Europe. The model will benefit both the public sector and private business, he pointed out in the port city of Burgas at a ceremony marking the arrival of the first 4,000 pipes for the Bulgarian sections of the regional Vertical Gas Corridor.

The joint initiative with the country’s power transmission system operator ESO and the Bulgarian Development Bank is for the installation of solar panels with no upfront costs. Beneficiaries – municipalities, schools, kindergartens, hospitals and small businesses – would pay through energy savings and become owners in six to eight years, Stankov claimed.

Bulgaria mulls issuing green bond to finance sustainable energy

The minister also said the project could lead to the government’s first green bond to finance clean and locally produced energy available to a wide range of consumers.

For example, Burgas Municipality can equip all schools, hospitals, kindergartens and other facilities with photovoltaic panels without spending a penny from the local budget, Stankov explained.

Government to invest EUR 57 million in Vertical Gas Corridor

The Vertical Gas Corridor is envisaged to connect Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine. They plan to transport the fuel from liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals Alexandroupolis and Revithoussa in Greece, and from the Caspian region, via the Southern Gas Corridor.

The government is fully funding the first stage of the project on Bulgarian territory, with EUR 57 million. The pipes for the pipelines came from India.

Stankov: Bulgaria will never again be left without natural gas

“Bulgaria will never again be left without natural gas,” said Minister Stankov. The capacity of the line between Kulata, on the border with Greece, and Kresna will be increased to 3.6 billion cubic meters per year from 2.3 billion, he added. The distance is 48.5 kilometers.

The most difficult part is between Mikrevo and Ribnik, where three kilometers will be built by horizontal drilling, the minister revealed. He explained there would be no aboveground work, so that nature and infrastructure wouldn’t be affected.

Another section, 80 kilometers, is from Rupcha to Vetrino. The purpose of the investment is to double the maximum annual flow toward Romania to 10 billion cubic meters, Stankov stressed. The last one, Tarnik-Piperovo, is 51 kilometers long.

The compressors on the corridor are reversible, allowing gas supply in both directions, the minister noted.

April 3, 2025
by in News

Energy efficiency, renewables in rural communities in Serbia’s Zlatibor region

Author: Stevan Vujasinović

The population in rural areas in the municipalities of Priboj, Čajetina and Arilje in Serbia have been heavily affected for years with frequent and prolonged interruptions in electricity supply. The interruptions not only disturb everyday life but they also substantially hinder the development of family businesses, especially in tourism and agriculture. However, solutions do exist.

Regional Development Agency Zlatibor almost simultaneously marked World Energy Efficiency Day (March 5) and International Women’s Day (March 8) last week. On the occasion, it organized “energy discussions” with members of women’s associations in rural areas of these municipalities, and the main topics were energy efficiency and renewable energy sources for rural households.

The Zlatibor mountain is one of Serbia’s main tourist and skiing resorts. It partly spans the territories of Priboj, Čajetina and Arilje.

Energy needs and challenges in rural households

“We are without power for several hours at a time in the winter. It is not only discomfort, but a serious problem for heating and preserving food, and especially for us who have guests in rural tourism”, said one of the participants at a discussion in Čajetina. The event gathered the members of the Čajetina Rural Women’s Association and Zlata association.

It became clear from the discussions that there is great interest in installing solar panels, among private households as well as hospitality facilities. However, the access to these technologies is often difficult because of high initial costs and complex procedures for obtaining subsidies, which despite growth in the available volume for the purpose still don’t meet all the existing demand.

High initial expenses and complex procedures for obtaining subsidies make the availability of solar panel installations more difficult

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that many houses in the villages were built illegally, making it more difficult to access energy efficiency subsidies. Besides, the calls are too often only accessible for the beneficiaries that already have initial capital to invest, while the village population often doesn’t know about them.

The Municipality of Čajetina acknowledges the significance of energy efficiency. Last year it issued a public call for cofunding energy efficiency measures in family houses and apartments. However, targeted support for users with the vulnerable energy buyer statuses still hasn’t been provided. Assistance could additionally improve the availability of these measures to the wider population, and in fact the very people who need help the most.

Photo: Members of the Čajetina Rural Women’s Association and Zlata association (Miloš Radojević)

Possibilities for using renewable energy sources

One of the key conclusions of the discussion was that solar panels and heat pumps can significantly improve the situation. Aleksandar Macura from RES Foundation pointed out that the law already enables households to produce their own energy and exchange it with state-owned power utility Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS). “There are sufficient examples of good practice – around 2,500 households in Serbia already use rooftop power plants and work as buyers-producers,” Macura stated.

Buyers-producers are Serbia’s legal category for prosumers.

Nevertheless, solar panels still require initial investments of several thousand euros, which is an insurmountable obstacle for many. The participants in the discussion proposed solutions such as subsidized loans with delayed payment, in installments, to make the technology more accessible both to retirees and socially disadvantaged persons.

Assembling and energy communities

Another important aspect of the discussion was the possibility of establishing energy communities. In line with European regulations, Serbia is opening the space for joint production and use of solar energy within local communities.

It means any village council could install a solar power plant and distribute the energy among households. It would be especially useful for women running family businesses in agriculture and tourism, as it would provide them with a stable energy source without leaning on an unpredictable power distribution network.

Wood is traditional but inefficient energy source

Wood biomass usage still dominates in many rural households. Some said in Arilje: “Wood is irreplaceable” and “we believe in wood!” However, for people in villages, wood is almost never, even though it is the most accessible, never the most efficient solution for heating. It is partly because of moisture in the solid fuel, and mostly because of inefficient devices.

There are fewer and fewer people in the countryside, so it is getting more difficult and more expensive to timely obtain the wood felling and preparation service, even in one’s own forest. “We have been using wood for decades, but who today can afford quality dried wood? We often heat ourselves using wet wood, which only increases consumption and air pollution,” said one of the participants in an event in Arilje, describing her experience. It was attended by women from two associations: Sibirka and Ariljka.

Photo: Members of associations Sibirka and Ariljke (Miloš Radojević)

How to proceed?

It is clear that rural communities mustn’t be left behind in the energy transition process. Solar panels, energy communities and subsidies for more efficient heating are solutions that can bring concrete changes. However, the key to success lies in a greater accessibility of these solutions for all citizens, regardless of their financial situation or the place of residence.

Energy sustainability in rural communities is not just a matter of comfort but also of the survival and development of local communities. If we want villages to be vital and economically stable, it is necessary to facilitate a stable, sustainable and affordable energy source for them. Through smart investments, better subsidy organization and the development of energy communities it is possible to significantly improve the quality of life in these areas. In addition, additional training in the usage and maintenance of energy-efficient systems can contribute to a greater deployment of the technologies.

The energy discussions with the women of the Zlatibor county was organized within the project Improving the Use of Sustainable Energy in the Zlatibor region, financed by the German Organization for International Cooperation (GIZ) by order of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany (Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development – BMZ).

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