Premiere of report “Energy Communities and the Legacy of Post-Socialism”

The report, produced by Heinrich Böll Stiftung Warsaw and CoopTech Hub in collaboration with Heinrich Böll Stiftung Tirana and supported by the Heinrich Böll Stiftung offices in Prague, Thessaloniki, Belgrade, and Sarajevo, compiles interviews with participants from the European Energy Communities Forum 2024 in Prague. 

This publication offers a unique perspective on the development of energy communities in Eastern Europe and the Balkans and how the legacy of post-socialism has influenced the development of these initiatives in these countries. One of the key findings highlights that, despite adhering to EU directives, many Central and Eastern European countries still lack regulatory frameworks to fully support energy communities. Additionally, challenges persist in fostering effective collaboration between municipalities, Distribution System Operators (DSOs), and local energy communities. Citizen-led initiatives, though essential, are often met with resistance and poor reception.

You can read the report here 

During online discussion experts from across the region will share their experiences, providing insights on overcoming barriers and unlocking the potential of energy communities. 

March 31, 6 PM (UTC+1)

Link to the meeting coming soon

The meeting will be in English.

The panelists:

Eszter Úr - has a background in social sciences, and holds a Master's degree in Human Ecology. She has been working with Solidarity Economy Center since 2021, focusing on various topics relating to community energy and energy efficiency.

Viktoriia Vostriakova, PhD – has a genuinely interdisciplinary background, having studied management of foreign economic affairs, and worked in the State Ecological Inspection and Vinnytsia National Agrarian University as a scientist and administrative staff. In 2021, she became a cofounder and CEO of the NGO Sustainable Development Agency “SYNERGY” that draws attention to the principles of sustainable development in Ukrainian civil society and advocates it in the public sector.

Krista Petersone, PhD – Renewable Power Systems Coordinator. She specialises in various aspects of the energy transition, with a focus on energy communities, wind farm planning and electricity markets.

The meeting will be hosted by co-authors of the publication:

Julia Potrzebowska - European Projects Coordinator at CoopTech Hub, MSc in Sustainable Development.

Bartłomiej Kupiec - Deputy Manager of Young Energy Consumers Task Force in European Youth Energy Network