A new publication sheds light on the development of energy communities in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, showing how the communist past has affected the current situation of these initiatives. Although countries in the region are adapting to EU directives, there is still no adequate legislation to fully support energy communities.
The report "Energy communities and the legacy of post-socialism", produced by the Heinrich Boll Foundation and the CoopTech Hub, was published on Monday 31 March.
A new publication sheds light on the development of energy communities in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, showing how the communist past has affected the current situation of these initiatives. Although countries in the region are adapting to EU directives, there is still no adequate legislation to fully support energy communities.
One of the main problems is the lack of effective cooperation between local governments, distribution system operators and local communities. While grassroots initiatives play a key role, they are not welcomed with open arms by local government officials, but rather with the closed doors of administration and the averted gaze of politics. This shows that despite the growing demand for cheaper and renewable energy, many countries in the region still have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to providing real support to energy communities.
Experts on challenges and opportunities
The launch debate, chaired by report authors Julia Potrzebowska and Bartłomiej Kupiec, featured three experts: Eszter Úr from Hungary, Viktoriia Vostriakova from Ukraine and Krista Petersone from Latvia. In their speeches, they stressed that the development of energy communities is not only a matter of technology and economics, but also of changing mentalities and breaking down historical barriers.
Eszter Úr (Solidarity Economy Centre, Hungary) pointed out that after the fall of communism and the collapse of the local economy, Hungarians were forced to look for individual solutions, unable to count on state support. - In the past, people used to help each other, for example in building houses. This shows that there is a culture of community - it just needs to be rebuilt in an energy context," she stressed.
Krista Petersone (Renewable Energy Systems Coordinator, Green Liberty, Latvia) noted that 70% of Riga's residents live in Soviet-era blocks, making it difficult to improve energy efficiency. - This is a legacy that requires appropriate legislative changes. The key will be to create an energy community model that brings real financial benefits to residents. Cooperation with large energy companies will be a must in this case," she said. - She explained.
Viktoriia Vostriakova (Sustainable Development Agency "SYNERGY", Ukraine) stressed that the Russian invasion has accelerated the development of local energy initiatives. - Energy security became a priority and the war showed the importance of autonomy and resilience of systems. The incredible unity of local residents in the first weeks of the attacks showed us the power of grassroots initiatives. Now we need legislative changes and financial support to harness the power and will of the community to continue the process," she said.
Future of Energy Communities
The report and the accompanying debate make it clear that energy communities can play a key role in the region's energy transition. However, this will require systemic change and political support.
You can watch a recording of the debate here
The report "Energy Communities and the Legacy of Post-Socialism" was written by the Heinrich Boll Foundation in Warsaw in cooperation with the CoopTech Hub, with support from the hbs offices in Prague, Tirana, Thessaloniki, Belgrade and Sarajevo. It presents a collection of interviews conducted with participants of the European Forum of Energy Communities, organised by REScoop and Unie komunitní energetiky (UKEN), which took place in Prague from 13 to 15 May 2024. The report itself collects statements from experts from the region in an accessible interview format. It includes statements from women experts who took part in the debate, as well as interviews with experts and professionals from Poland, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Slovenia and Serbia who share their perspectives.
The energy and climate crisis is real, and the big fossil fuel companies are dictating the rules of the game. Global warming and Russia's aggression in Ukraine have accelerated the search for safer, cheaper, and greener energy. One option is energy provided by energy communities. In post-communist countries, however, cooperatives have a distinctly negative connotation. The belief that energy should come from big government agencies or fossil fuel companies has created a perception that energy prices are beyond our control. But is this statement true? We explore this and many other questions in the following report.
A limited paper version will be available at the Heinrich Boll Foundation office in Warsaw.
For press and media requests, please contact: Lidia Dąbrowska, lidia.dabrowska@pl.boell.org