Your Energy, Your Power: Empowering communities through clean energy in Croatia, Serbia, and North Macedonia
2, October 2024
Southeast Europe is prosperous in solar energy potential, especially in Croatia, Serbia, and North Macedonia. While all countries pledge to imply greener practices, they still face distinctive challenges on their path to clean energy strategies. Prevailing issues such as bureaucratic limitations, outdated infrastructure, lack of expertise, and a heavy dependence on fossil fuels are limiting them. This is where the “Your Energy, Your Power” initiative comes into play, striving to put the power of energy generation right back into the hands of the users – communities.
Imagine a world where local communities are in control of their energy. Energy cooperatives offer an exceptional way for residents to come together to generate, manage, and share renewable energy. By transitioning from centralized energy systems to community-driven models, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions and make energy more affordable. This is particularly important in regions facing soaring or unpredictable prices. This approach goes beyond mere cost reduction, it cultivates a sense of ownership and pride within communities, empowering them to take charge of their energy future.
Croatia has created a tangible legal framework for energy communities through its Energy Act, encouraging local involvement in energy production. However, it struggles with integrating renewables into the national grid and relies heavily on external energy sources, compounded by bureaucratic inefficiencies. On the other hand, Serbia, while investing €7 billion and introducing a new Law on Renewable Energy Sources in 2021, still largely depends on coal. Meanwhile, North Macedonia’s energy landscape is dominated by fossil fuels, with renewables making up just 7.8% of its mix. Outdated infrastructure and vague regulations create uncertainty for investors and limit community engagement in renewable projects. To fully harness their renewable energy potential, these countries need to tackle these systemic issues head-on.
The standout of “Your Energy, Your Power” is that it highlights the incredible strength of community cooperation. The initiative emphasizes public engagement through educational campaigns, social media outreach, and local events. By sharing success stories and practical information, communities can rally together to embrace renewable energy as a realistic and beneficial choice for everyone.
Additionally, the proposal encourages cross-border collaboration among Croatia, Serbia, and North Macedonia. By gaining insights from successful European practices and aligning with EU sustainability standards, these countries can work together to create greener urban spaces andoverall green practices in the world. Sharing knowledge and resources can lead to innovative solutions that benefit everyone.
In conclusion, the successful implementation of green cooperatives and renewable energy initiatives in Southeast Europe is contingent upon clearly defined objectives and active stakeholder engagement. By promoting awareness through targeted education and public campaigns, we can effectively communicate the advantages of energy cooperatives, emphasizing energy independence and economic benefits for households and local policymakers.
Collaboration among households, local authorities, and the business sector is critical for securing funding from national incentives, European funds, and private investments. Pilot projects will serve as essential proof of concept, showcasing the transformative potential of this model and encouraging broader adoption across communities.
As we advance in this endeavor, it is vital to maintain transparent communication, inviting stakeholders to participate actively and advocate for this cause. This transition extends beyond the mere adoption of new technologies. It also empowers local communities in Croatia, Serbia, and North Macedonia to redefine their energy landscapes and cultivate vibrant, sustainable cities. Through sustained collaboration and advocacy, we can inspire every community member to engage in this clean energy revolution, ultimately leading to a brighter, more sustainable future for all. Finally, when you have your energy you have just your power!
Authors: Aleksandra Lazić, Stefan Atanasovski Trajković, Ivan Boban, Aleksa Prelić and Danilo
Kovačević
