Creating appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Date of latest update: 2026-04-29

Description

Description (EN):

The Danube Region relies heavily on imported, fossil-fuel energy sources, which raises environmental, efficiency and security concerns. The concept of renewable energy communities (RECs) is not widely known in the region, and their operation is often hampered by legal, internal operational, infrastructural or technical barriers. The overall goal of NRGCOM is to enhance the spread of energy communities by creating an appropriate environment for their proper functioning in the Danube Region. NRGCOM builds on a multilevel approach, gathering 13 Project Partners (PPs) +14 Associated Strategic Partners (ASPs) from 12 countries, including local / regional / national authorities, energy, development and sectoral agencies, one EGTC, NGOs, interest groups, higher education and research institutions and a renewable energy source service provider. Within the project, the partners will review the legal frameworks, analyse the operation systems and governance techniques of existing RECs and collect best practises in the subject, in order to develop policy recommendations to remove the bottlenecks encountered, and jointly design a model and prepare a strategy for the creation of proper conditions for RECs establishment in the Danube Region. Through public awareness raising actions, the partnership will enhance the spread of the concept in their countries. By encouraging and supporting local self-production and consumption, NRGCOM will make a great contribution to the transition to renewable energy sources in the DRP area. The need for transnationality is underlined by the diversity of partner countries’ experiences with renewable energy communities: while in Austria, Germany (with more than 1500 RECs), Slovakia or Slovenia, the legal framework for renewable energy communities is well-established and RECs have been developing for many years, in Montenegro, Croatia, the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Moldova there are no functioning energy communities, although the legal environment is relatively established. There are REC initiatives in the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary, but there are many obstacles hindering their proper functioning. Thus, NRGCOM not only aims to expand knowledge on an external level but builds on peer learning between the partners as well. The partners that need expertise and suggestions will be able to learn from partners from more experienced countries within the project. The project builds on three main objectives: 1) initiating the establishment of the proper conditions for energy community in the Danube Region, 2) raising awareness on the importance of the transition to renewable energy sources (RES) and the community-led energy initiatives, 3) supporting energy communities to operate properly and efficiently in the Danube Region. The project will explore and propose legal solutions, and analyse various operational models, in order to promote the creation of the necessary and appropriate conditions for the creation of energy communities. In order to raise awareness on current energy challenges in the Danube Region and to achieve the most widespread change possible, the partners will address and involve various authorities and agencies, municipalities, members of energy communities, NGOs, SMEs, operators and service providers, as well as the general public, and develop and test incentive methodologies to enhance behavioural change. PPs will educate and train the target audience to become environmental and energy-conscious and to set up RECs. To spread the concept across the region, PPs will also create a ‘REC ambassadors’ network, in order to assist and mentor the target groups selected to be subject of pilot actions aiming to set up and improve the functioning of RECs. Based on the results, the partners will develop a White Paper to provide guidance on how to professionally create the right conditions, encourage the population and effectively create, manage and run an energy community in the Danube Region, addressing legal, social, infrastructural/technical, economic, and sustainable aspects. The ultimate goal of the project is to provide the Danube Region with proper environment and informed society, where community renewable energy initiatives can be launched and expand unhindered, thus facilitating the green transition and increasing energy efficiency, contributing to the achievement of the decarbonisation climate targets and enhancing energy security.

Actual Achievements (EN):

In the first period, the LP was responsible for the overall project coordination, communicating with the JS/the project officer, organisation of the partner meetings and overseeing the work of partners, bearing in mind the three specific objectives (SOs) and the related communication objectives of the NRGCOM project. Following the launch of the NRGCOM project, on 15 January, the LP organised an online kick-off meeting, where the PPs were introduced to general expectations, responsibilities and roles, contracting, the project’s communication channels (the LP also created a shared Google Drive Folder and a distribution list to facilitate e-mail communication), the process implementation, the timeline and the most relevant deadlines. Following the kick-off meeting, STRIA invited JAIP to take on the role of Communication Manager (CM). The SO and Activity leaders have already been assigned during the project preparation. The Activity leaders then started to prepare the tasks and internal deadlines linked to the activities and deliverables, informed the partners thereof and provided guidance via e-mail and/or joint online meetings. In line with the programme provisions, the CM prepared the social media platforms, the mandatory templates and visual elements and handed over to the partners for use. On 12-14 March, STRIA organised the official opening event and partner meeting in Budapest with the participation of all PPs, where the project progress and the upcoming tasks were discussed, and the Steering Committee was established. The project officer, as well as ASP1, ASP4, ASP11, ASP13 and ASP14 attended the opening event. On 14 March, FORS Montenegro held the workshop for A1.1, where all partners presented the legal background of energy communities in their countries. Based on the findings and the reports provided by all partners, FORS Montenegro compiled D1.1.1 Comparative Analysis Study. Partners participating in A1.2, A1.3 and A1.4 organised more than 15 national workshops (online and in-person) in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, Germany and Slovakia, to collect information and data necessary for D1.2.1, D1.3.1 and D.1.4.1, and for preparing their national policy recommendations. NEK, as A1.2 leader organised an online meeting, provided the partners with a questionnaire and based on the information, prepared D1.2.1 Catalogue of the best operation models of energy communities. KSSENA was responsible for coordinating A1.3 and elaborating D1.3.1 Collection of best internal operation and governance practices of energy communities. KSSENA also organised a joint meeting and collected national reports from the partners involved in A1.3. A1.4 Leader, DIT organised two joint workshop to assess the necessary information from the partners to compile D1.4.1 Collection of development recommendations to optimise the functioning of energy communities. As part of A1.5, LP-STRIA, the Activity leader also provided guidance to all partners on the D1.5.1 policy recommendations and on the roundtables to be organised in the second period, linked to D1.5.2 A model for an appropriate legal, operational and financial environment for energy communities. Based on the findings of the deliverables prepared, the policy recommendations and the roundtable discussions, the LP will coordinate the preparation of Output 1.1, which will be prepared in cooperation with all partners. STRIA has also already contributed to Output 1.2 implemented thorough the whole project, by organising regular partner meetings, inviting the ASPs to the Opening meeting and the Hungarian workshops and informing them about the project results. In addition, on 15 April 2024, STRIA held an online meeting with the DRP DECA project to explore synergies and agreed to continue the cooperation in Period 2. STRIA, as SO2 Leader also organised a working group meeting on 10 April with the SO2 activity leaders to discuss the progress and the upcoming SO2 tasks. Activities 2.1, 2.2 and 2.5 have also started in Period 1 and are continuing in Period 2, under the coordination of IMRO, IRENA and OER. For Activity 2.1, the PPs have assigned mentors and ambassadors to be part of the ‘RECs ambassadors network’ and IMRO started to create a joint communication platform as well. On 10 June, STRIA organised the third PP meeting via Microsoft Teams to discuss the status of project progress, the changes and obstacles encountered and prepare the partners for reporting. The supporting documentation on Partner meetings is uploaded, as a report Annex. As for the overall project communication, during Period 1, the partners have been active in dissemination, releasing 1 official publications, 9 press releases, 9 media coverage and 64 online posts about the project and its progress and results in various languages. NRGCOM was also featured in 1 online TV news in Romania. Please find the summary table of the communication activities attached, as an Annex. In Period 2, the overall project coordination was overseen by the Lead Partner organisation, STRIA. This included communication with the Joint Secretariat, the project and the financial officers, the organisation of partner meetings, and the monitoring and controlling of the PPs’ activity, bearing in mind the three specific objectives (SOs) and the related communication objectives. To register and report project changes, STRIA continuously updated and submitted the change log table to the Programme for approval of the minor modifications. Most of the SO1 activities have been completed in Period 1. In Period 2, the implementation of Activity 1.5 continued under the coordination of STRIA: in the frames of A1.5,PPs developed policy recommendations to address issues at national level, and for regional knowledge exchange, three professional transnational online roundtables were organised on the legal, social and operational aspects of energy communities with participants from several Danube Region countries both as speakers and as audience. In Period 2,the deliverables related to A1.5 have been developed and the D1.5.1 policy recommendations were submitted and disseminated to relevant national decision-making bodies by the PPs,while D1.5.2 was prepared by STRIA and shared with the PPs. To achieve SO1, PPs have developed Output 1.1 Strategy to create the proper legal, technical and social conditions for energy communities, and the document is currently under quality assurance. PPs also continued to contribute to Output 1.2 implemented thorough the whole project, by organising regular partner meetings, inviting their ASPs to the A1.5 roundtables and the A2.3 and A2.4 awareness raising events,and constantly informing them about the project progress and results. In Period 2, regular meetings in the frames of the SO2 activities (A2.1-A2.5) were organised. To enhance cooperation among the A2.1 mentors and REC ambassadors, IMRO organised various workshops. In line with the Motivational programme to create or join energy communities (D.2.2.1), developed by IRENA, PPs have started to implement their awareness raising pilot actions in their countries. For the awareness raising pilot addressing the general public (A2.3), coordinated by REDASP, social media campaigns have been launched, webinars were recorded and in-person awareness raising events were organised by the PPs. For the awareness raising pilot action aimed at increasing the engagement of stakeholders (A2.4), professional training sessions are organised, based on the instructions of STRIA. In Period 3, the implementation of these activities continue and the efficiency of both pilot campaigns will be evaluated based on pre- and post-event surveys, completed by the event attendees, and the results will be included in deliverables and Output 2.2. As part of the toolkit of A2.5, OER provided the partnership with templates, graphics and visual identity for the awareness raising activities. Output 2.1 Engagement strategy to increase interest in energy communities, as well as Output 2.3 ‘Energy communities’ awareness raising toolkit will be developed in Period 3. As parts of SO3, Deliverable D3.1.1 Mentoring scheme and implementation plan for energy community creation was elaborated by DIT, while the D3.3.1 Software solution with installation instructions for RECs was developed by NEK. Discussions have also continued on the design of the D3.5.1 RECs database and map to be finalised by the end of Period 5. To reach the target groups, PPs tailored their strategy to national contexts, reflecting a shared commitment to maximising stakeholder involvement and strengthening the impact of the project. Stakeholders and the general public were invited to the A1.5 roundtable discussions, the A2.3 and A2.4 awareness raising events and various energy related discussions organised at national level. As for regular consortium consultations:the 4th partner meeting and SCOM meeting was organised between October 8-10, 2024, in Budva, Montenegro, where the Period 1 conclusions, the project progress, the communication tasks and the ongoing and upcoming activities were discussed. In addition, STRIA and IMRO also organised workshops (A1.5 and A2.1) to ensure smooth and effective activity progress.On 12 December, the LP organised another PP meeting via Zoom to discuss the status of project progress, the conclusions of the first project progress report, the challenges and obstacles encountered and prepared PPs for reporting and the FYR discussion.In September 2024, the Lead Partner participated in the DRP Renewable energy working group meeting and soon after representatives of all the other projects of the priority were invited to the transnational online roundtables. In addition to that, the project and its results achieved so far were introduced during the annual conference on 20 November 2024, organised by the Priority Area 2 Coordinator,the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary In the third reporting period, STRIA as Lead Partner continued to coordinate the consortium, ensuring strategic and operational guidance, monitoring activity progress and maintaining regular communication between the partners and with the MA/JS. Two major consortium events were organised: the 6th Partner and Steering Committee Meeting combined with the First-Year Review in České Budějovice in February 2025, including a study visit to a local energy community, and the 7th Partner Meeting, organised online in June 2025. The consortium successfully completed the First-Year Review, confirming compliance with programme requirements and ensuring continued confidence in the project’s implementation. These meetings allowed a joint review of deliverables, outputs and reporting duties, while aligning partners on upcoming tasks. A key milestone in Period 3 was the finalisation of Output 1.1 – Strategy to create the proper legal, technical and social conditions for RECs, which concluded activities under SO1. Partners also supported ongoing cooperation under Output 1.2, ensuring continuous engagement and knowledge exchange among project partners and associated partners. In Period 3, implementation of SO2 activities advanced considerably. Awareness raising campaigns, motivational actions and professional trainings were completed under A2.3 and A2.4, while the A2.1 REC Ambassador Network remained active, continued to expand, and was directly utilised to support awareness raising activities across partner countries. These awareness raising and communication activities mobilised multiple layers of stakeholders, resulting in participation and indicator achievements far beyond the initially planned targets. The pilot activities, implemented in parallel in the partner countries, mobilised public bodies, municipalities, NGOs, SMEs and citizens, achieving broad visibility. During this period, partners finalised D2.2.1 and D2.3.1, and launched drafting of D2.4.1, laying the ground for Output 2.1 (Engagement Strategy) and Output 2.2 (Pilot Report). In parallel, the D2.5.1 awareness-raising toolkit was also compiled, while Output 2.3 remains ongoing pending integration of O2.1. These outputs will be finalised in the next period. Progress under SO3 was also significant. The REC mentoring launched under A3.2 in five countries (Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Germany and Moldova) provided governance, legal and technical support to emerging RECs. In parallel, pilot activities under A3.4 started in Slovenia, Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where the technological pilot solution is being adapted to diverse social and economic environments. In addition, A3.5 continued with data collection from the partner countries. Communication and dissemination remained a central project element. Linked to the SO2 activities, partners delivered numerous events, podcasts, webinars and social media campaigns. STRIA coordinated cross-project synergies as well, including joint actions with the ESYNERGY project funded by the Danube Region Programme, and also engaged in discussions with the ReScoop team to harmonise visual and graphic elements related to Activity 2.5.

Project outputs: Strategy to create the proper legal, technical and social conditions for energy communities(EN)
Transnational cooperation(EN)
Engagement strategy to increase interest in energy communities(EN)
Dissemination and professional awareness raising pilot activities(EN)
‘Energy communities’ awareness raising toolkit including a jointly developed motivational method
(EN)
A pilot action testing the jointly developed energy community creation mentoring scheme(EN)
A jointly developed technological pilot solution tested in parallel in operating energy communities(EN)
White Paper on the successful creation and more sustainable functioning of renewable energy communities(EN)
Website: https://interreg-danube.eu/projects/nrgcom

Thematic information

Innovation capacity and awareness-raising Renewable energy

Priority: (VI-B_D_2) Priority 2 - A greener, low- carbon Danube Region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.2. Promoting renewable energy in accordance with Directive (EU) 2018/2001, including the sustainability criteria set out therein

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 044 Energy efficiency renovation or energy efficiency measures regarding public infrastructure, demonstration projects and supporting measures

Partners (13)

Lead Partner: DDRIÜ Dél-Dunántúli Regionális Innovációs Ügynökség Nonprofit Kft.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU14194799

Address: Mária Street, 7621 Pécs, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://ddriu.hu/en/home/

Total budget: EUR 367 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 294 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 73 500.00

Alianța pentru Eficiență Energetică și Regenerabile

Name: Alianța pentru Eficiență Energetică și Regenerabile

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 1018620004585

Address: Serghei Lazo, 2072 Chisinau, Moldova

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.aeer.md

Total budget: EUR 106 690.01

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 85 352.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 338.01

Národný energetický klaster - NEK

Name: Národný energetický klaster - NEK

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SK45738033

Address: Záhradnícka , 82108 Bratislava, Slovakia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.nek.sk

Total budget: EUR 210 804.93

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 168 643.94

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 42 160.99

Contractors:

Name: TopSys s.r.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2121742095
Name: AGASIS s.r.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2022325712
Name: KPS A-Z, s.r.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 20223257125
Name: Špecialka s.r.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2020411052
Name: Anders consulting, s.r.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2022225579
Name: VÚMZ SK, s.r.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2021968872
Name: Hotel Gloria Palac, s.r.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2022298630
Name: Hotel Gloria Palac, s. r. o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: SK2022298630
Name: BIC Consult s. r. o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2021942318

THD - Technische Hochschule Deggendorf

Name: THD - Technische Hochschule Deggendorf

Department: European Campus Rottal-Inn

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE 228493551

Address: Dieter-Görlitz-Platz , 94469 Deggendorf, Germany

Department address: Dieter-Görlitz-Platz, 94469 Deggendorf, Germany

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.th-deg.de/en/dit

Total budget: EUR 263 699.96

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 210 959.96

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 52 740.00

FORS Montenegro – Fondacija za razvoj sjevera Crne Gore

Name: FORS Montenegro – Fondacija za razvoj sjevera Crne Gore

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02463784

Address: Ivana Milutinovića, 81400 Nikšić, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.forsmontenegro.org

Total budget: EUR 169 999.97

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 135 999.97

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 34 000.00

Contractors:

Name: Miross d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30/31-01295-2

Asociația "Orașe Energie în România"

Name: Asociația "Orașe Energie în România"

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 7203258

Address: M. Kogălniceanu blvd., 500090 Brașov, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.oer.ro

Total budget: EUR 159 505.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 127 604.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 31 901.00

Contractors:

Name: Rue Atelier SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 41894943

Regionalna agencija za ekonomski razvoj Šumadije i Pomoravlja

Name: Regionalna agencija za ekonomski razvoj Šumadije i Pomoravlja

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 100559100

Address: Kralja Petra I, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.redasp.rs

Total budget: EUR 173 849.99

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 139 079.99

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 34 770.00

Областна администрация Пазарджик

Name: Областна администрация Пазарджик

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG112121473

Address: Ekzarh Yosif, 4400 Pazardzhik, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.pz.government.bg

Total budget: EUR 114 949.99

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 91 959.99

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 22 990.00

Contractors:

Name: Kristiуan Dimitrov
VAT registration or tax identification number: 8512163809
Name: Todor Popov
VAT registration or tax identification number: 8610282206
Name: Maria Trifonova
VAT registration or tax identification number: 8512180690
Name: Georgi Georgiev
VAT registration or tax identification number: 6203074622

Zavod Energetska agencija za Savinjsko, Šaleško in Koroško

Name: Zavod Energetska agencija za Savinjsko, Šaleško in Koroško

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI 58743359

Address: Koroška cesta, 3320 Velenje, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://kssena.si/sl/

Total budget: EUR 228 094.97

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 182 475.97

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 45 619.00

Contractors:

Name: ANTIM d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 79516505
Name: Zavod D-FREND
VAT registration or tax identification number: 19392362

IRENA - Istarska Regionalna Energetska Agencija

Name: IRENA - Istarska Regionalna Energetska Agencija

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 15317120721

Address: Rudarska, 52220 Labin, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://www.irena-istra.hr

Total budget: EUR 199 975.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 159 980.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 39 995.00

Contractors:

Name: Artimi
VAT registration or tax identification number: 95982763550
Name: Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar
VAT registration or tax identification number: 43980170614

Forschung Burgenland GmbH

Name: Forschung Burgenland GmbH

Department: Center for Sustainable Innovation

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU56954228

Address: Campus, 7000 Eisenstadt, Austria

Department address: Campus, 7000 Eisenstadt, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.forschung-burgenland.at

Total budget: EUR 175 988.05

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 140 790.44

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 197.61

JAIP - Jihočeská agentura pro podporu inovací, o.p.s.

Name: JAIP - Jihočeská agentura pro podporu inovací, o.p.s.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: CZ26091143

Address: Na Zlaté stoce, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.jaip.cz

Total budget: EUR 205 675.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 164 540.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 41 135.00

Contractors:

Name: ENERKOM RŮŽE, z.s.
VAT registration or tax identification number: CZ17265134

IMRO-DDKK Környezetvédelmi Nonprofit Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság

Name: IMRO-DDKK Környezetvédelmi Nonprofit Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU14859120

Address: Teleki Street, 8800 Nagykanizsa, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.imro.hu

Total budget: EUR 156 319.90

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 125 055.92

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 31 263.98

Contractors:

Name: Open Inno Kft.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 23828560-2-07

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Alliance for Energy Efficiency and Renewables

Creating appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

National Energy Cluster - NEK

Creating appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

DIT - Institute of Technology

Creating appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

FORS Montenegro – Foundation for the Development of Northern Montenegro

Creating appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Romanian Network of Energy Cities (OER)

Creating appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Regional economic development agency for Sumadija and Pomoravlje

Creating appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Pazardzhik Regional Administration

Creating appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Energy Agency for Savinjska, Šaleška and Koroška region

Creating appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

IRENA Istrian Regional Energy Agency

Creating appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Research Burgenland GmbH

Creating appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

JAIP - South Bohemian Agency for Support to Innovation

Creating appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

IMRO-DDKK Nonprofit Ltd.

Creating appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

South-Transdanubian Regional Innovation Agency

Creating appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Creating appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region

Project acronym: NRGCOM

Project ID: DRP0200163

Project start date: 2024-01-01

Project end date: 2026-06-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

DTP DanuP-2-Gas (EN) | The DanuP-2-Gas project (2020-2022) providing an Innovative model to drive energy security and diversity in the Danube Region via combination of bioenergy with surplus renewable energy, funded by DTP aimed to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in the Danube Region through advance transnational energy planning, promoting generation and storage strategies for renewables and by coupling the electric power and gas sector. The project has been focusing on developing innovative technologies and implementing energy-efficient solutions. Through the collaboration between various stakeholders, the DanuP-2-gas project, in line with NRGCOM, was seeking to contribute to the region's energy transition and foster a more sustainable energy future.
In the frames of the DTP DANUP-2-Gas project, a Transnational Renewable Energy Atlas, as key element of the Danube Energy Platform was created for the mapping of the Danube Region's energy infrastructure network, including the available renewable energy plants and gas or electricity grids, as well as the renewable energy plants. The NRGCOM project plans to build on these existing resources and research results. (EN),
Creation and operation of an energy community in Erzsébetváros (EN) | As a consortium partner, STRIA participated in the project that won the call for proposals entitled "Implementation of a model project supporting the establishment and operation of Energy Communities" funded by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH) of Hungary. The purpose of the call was to support the implementation of feasible and replicable pilot projects that, based on their institutional and operational experience, can serve as an example, while at the same time explore the difficulties and limitations of realising the potential of energy communities, aggregation and active user behaviour and provides recommendations to create the necessary regulatory environment.
The project started on 01.04.2021 and its goal is to set up a local energy community in Erzsébetváros with all the aspects required (investment – solar panels, storage, e-car chargers - IT – clearing, software, server – and legal, financial and regulatory background etc). The conclusions drawn, such as the complexity of the process, for example in terms of agreements with network providers and network operators, the cost of the technology required, difficulties in involving the community, regulatory gaps, software development, etc. will provide essential input for the NRGCOM project, with particular focus on the analyses and workshops organised under A1.1, A1.2, A1.3, A1.4 and A1.5. Members/experts involved in the project will be invited to participate at the NRGCOM online workshops to share their experiences and recommendations. (EN), DTP STRIDE (EN) | Smart grids have become a key topic on the European Union's agenda in recent years. Experts in the field agree that smart grids represent the whole future development of the electricity system. Although the technology is ready, the Danube Region is still at an early stage of the actual deployment of smart distribution systems. The STRIDE project (2020-2022) supported by the Danube Transnational Programme aimed to provide comprehensive support to regional and local policy makers to improve energy planning through knowledge transfer and the development of planning tools. The regional analyses, strategies, action plans and other tools (methodologies, guidelines, platform) developed under the project were intended to enable and accelerate the integration of smart grid concepts into regional and local policies.
Similar to the STRIDE project, NRGCOM places emphasis on optimising energy use and disseminating the latest technologies aimed at energy efficiency. NRGCOM will build on the planning tools and guidelines generated by STRIDE when assessing the situation of energy communities in the Danube Region. In addition, partners from STRIDE will also be invited to the workshops of A1.2, A1.3 and A1.4 to share their conclusions drawn from the creation of the energy community in Randegg, Lower Austria. (EN), REScoop.eu (EN) | REScoop is a European federation of citizen energy cooperatives promoting the cooperative business model in the energy sector and providing services, such as community coaching, assistance in energy cooperative starting, advocacy etc. and various tools for REC starters, such as a Community Energy Guide, a Financial Handbook or a collection of best practices mostly from more advanced countries e.g. Belgium, France. These tools are shaped for the citizens of the EU, however, NRGCOM reflects a different area, focusing on the Danube Region. NRGCOM will build on the materials developed by REScoop, when designing O1.1, O2.1, O2.3, O3.3 and supplement them with valuable additional information concerning the Danube Region. (EN), SHAREs (EN) | The SHAREs project funded by the Horizon 2020 programme supports initiators in setting up or expanding their energy community and enables them to motivate and reach out to consumers directly. The main output of the project is a blueprint for informational hubs operating in the partner countries (Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Georgia, Croatia and Hungary) to support energy communities. The NRGCOM project will build on the available results of SHAREs and though its activities, rather complement the available knowledge and tools in the Danube Region. (EN), DTP Energy BARGE (EN) | Energy BARGE - Building a Green Energy and Logistics Belt (2017-2019) was funded by the Danube Transnational Programme, targeting the exploitation of the potentials of green energy in the form of biomass along the Danube river in a sustainable way, thereby increasing energy security and efficiency in the DTP countries. Similar to NRGCOM, ENERGY BARGE also built on know-how transfer, bringing together bioenergy stakeholders, Danube ports, public authorities and policymakers.
The main output of the project was an online Modal Shift Platform displaying various online tools: 1) Biomass & bioenergy Atlas, a 2) Danube Logistics Tool and a 3) Good Practice Tool. The 1) Atlas map represents the company landscape, business contacts, available biomass and energy infrastructure: the cover and feedstock flows in the DP area, the 2) Tool provides guidance for green bioenergy logistics and the 3) Tool demonstrates good practices. These tools will be used by NRGCOM when analysing the situation of the region (A1.1-A1.4) and compiling the database (A3.5). (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 533 052.77

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 2 026 442.18

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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Deliverables:

Comparative analysis study
Catalogue of the best operation models of energy communities
Collection of best internal operation and governance practices of energy communities
Collection of development recommendations to optimise the functioning of energy communities
Policy recommendations
A model for an appropriate legal, operational and financial environment for energy communities
'Renewable energy community ambassadors’ network
Motivational programme to be tested in pilot actions
Summary of the motivational pilot action
Assessment of the pilot action
RECs awareness raising toolkit
Mentoring scheme and implementation plan for energy community creation
Report on the success of the mentoring method
Software solution with installation instructions for RECs
Efficiency report of the targeted energy communities
Digital RECs database
White Paper on Renewable Energy Communities

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion The project objectives are in close harmony with the objectives of EUSDR PA2, focusing on decarbonisation and the 2030 national and EU-level targets to reach a 30% share of renewable energy in total consumption, thus contributing to enhancement of cost-efficiency and energy independency. EUSDR devotes particular attention to exchange of best practices and up-taking and NRGCOM meets this objective to a large extent, as in the framework of A1.2, A1.3, A1.4 and A1.5, the partners from EU and non-EU countries will exchange knowledge on workshops and conferences within the consortium and with external experts and stakeholders, sharing ideas, best practices and experience on the related topics. PPs from “beginner” countries will gain valuable know-how on green energy initiatives both from the more experienced PPs, as well as the invited REC members and stakeholders. These activities, supplemented by all joint planning activities (A2.2, A2.5, A3.1, A3.3, A3.6) and will also contribute to the PA2 objective of enforcing regional cooperation. Social cohesion will also be reinforced by involving non-EU partners (REDASP, FORS Montenegro, AEER) in the process, thus accelerating the transition to sustainable energy in the whole Danube Region. PA2 also supports cutting-edge technological solutions to enhance energy-efficiency and the software technology developed and tested within NRGCOM will also meet this objective. PA2 considers consumer engagement in the energy market also as priority, and the awareness raising actions of NRGCOM will also comply with this initiative. Finally, the 3 SOs set by the project are also in full compliance to the EUSDR goal of enhancing the use of RES in the region.
EuropeanGreenDeal The Green Deal aims to transform Europe into a sustainable and climate-resilient continent, by achieving climate targets set, reducing GHG emissions, boosting renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. The PPs gave priority to the objectives of the Green Deal when jointly developing the project concept, and the activities were defined in line with them. The specific objectives of the project are all designed to increase the use of renewable energy in the Danube Region, concerning many EU countries, thus contributing to the climate neutrality ambition of the EU. The policy recommendations (O1.1) prepared by the partners will contribute to filling the gaps in the legal background for energy communities, leading to the Grean Deal’s goal of providing clean, affordable and secure energy for the population of the European Union. The awareness raising pilots (A2.3, A2.4, A2.5) will spread the benefits and importance of energy communities not only in EU-level but also in the Danube Region, triggering the transition to using renewable energy sources, thus reducing GHG emissions and improving energy efficiency. The final output of NRGCOM, the RECs White Paper will also align with the Green Deal objectives, by provide practical steps, experiences and recommendations for all towards energy-independence.
TerritorialAgenda2030 The SOs of NRGCOM are consistent with the EU’s Territorial Agenda 2030’s key goals of achieving balanced and inclusive growth across all regions in the EU through promoting sustainable and resilient communities and fostering territorial cohesion and cooperation. Common planning and understanding are priorities of the Agenda, and the NRGCOM project provides room for both type of actions, by involving 12 DR countries to jointly explore and research the topic, formulate solutions and proposals, disseminate the measured results and contribute to creating the right conditions for RECs. The overarching objectives of the Agenda (a Just Europe and a Green Europe) are also consistent with the NRCGOM activities, as the transnational cooperation built on peer-learning and the main priority of triggering carbon neutrality will create a healthy environment for the citizens, while, through awareness raising, will introduce them to an innovative and sustainable form of community planning.
Other The EU’s Clean Energy for All Europeans package contains legislative measures to accelerate the transition to clean energy and promote energy efficiency. Although these directives and regulations apply only to EU member countries, their availability may provide guidance for non-EU countries as well. The project, in line with the package, focuses on increasing the share of renewable energy sources in overall energy production, and will make a major contribution to achieving this by jointly identifying opportunities (A1.5, A2.5, A3.6) and proposing concrete solutions and guidance (O1.1, O2.1, O2.3, O3.3).
Other The communication from the European Commission, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions ‘Powering a climate-neutral economy presents the EU Strategy for Energy System Integration, aiming to achieve a climate-neutral economy. It emphasises the importance of integrating various energy sectors, such as electricity, heating, and transport, to optimize energy use, increase renewables, and enhance energy efficiency. The strategy outlines key measures and initiatives to foster a sustainable, interconnected, and integrated energy system across the European Union. The NRGCOM project took the Strategy for Energy System Integration into account when drawing up the project concept and formulated its objectives in line with the paper.
Other The communication from the European Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions ‘An EU-wide assessment of National Energy and Climate Plans - Driving forward the green transition and promoting economic recovery through integrated energy and climate planning’ provides an assessment of National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) across the EU. It highlights the role of integrated energy and climate planning in driving the green transition and facilitating economic recovery. The assessment evaluates progress, identifies gaps, and offers recommendations to enhance the implementation of NECPs, aligning with the EU's climate and energy objectives. The communication emphasises the importance of collaboration and coordinated efforts among member states to achieve a sustainable and resilient energy system. The partners of the consortium took into consideration their national Energy and Climate Plans when undertaking their roles and activities within the NRGCOM project. The general objectives of the project are consistent with the national an EU-level goals of promoting the green transition and fostering economic recovery, also at Danube regional level.
Other Directive (EU) 2019/944 establishes common rules for the internal market for electricity in the European Union. It aims to promote competition, enhance consumer rights, and increase the share of renewable energy sources in the electricity market. The directive amends Directive 2012/27/EU to align with the EU's clean energy goals, facilitate cross-border energy trade, and improve the functioning of the electricity market for the benefit of consumers and the environment. The NRGCOM project took the Directive into consideration when drawing up the project concept and formulating its objectives.
Other Directive (EU) 2018/2001 promotes the use of energy from renewable sources in the European Union. It sets binding targets for renewable energy consumption, outlines support mechanisms, and encourages cooperation among member states. The directive aims to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, increase renewable energy deployment, and contribute to EU's climate and energy goals. The NRGCOM project took the Directive and the targets into consideration when drawing up the project concept. The main objectives of enhancing the use of renewable energy resources are in line with the goals formulated in the Directive.
Other The REPowerEU Plan compiled in 2022 intends to transform the EU’s energy system through ending the dependence on Russian fossil fuels, tackling the climate crisis and accelerating the transition to clean energy. The energy crisis is not only affecting the EU, but the whole Danube Region, therefore its mitigation and finding common solutions has become a key objective of the NRGCOM consortium. In fact, energy communities are based on the triplex aim of the Plan to save energy, produce clean energy and diversify energy supplies, therefore their wide expansion, through the activities targeting PSO2 and PSO3, will contribute to the Plan’s implementation.
Other The Central and South Eastern Europe Gas Connectivity is an initiative aimed at enhancing energy security in the region through strengthening the cooperation between the European Commission and Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Regional cooperation are key elements of both the CESEC initiative and the NRGCOM project: through the number of joint activities involving the whole partnership, the project will look for solutions that are tailored to the specific features of each country and can be adopted by all and promoting energy communities and community-based clean energy production in all countries, thus ensuring energy security in the target region.
Other NRGCOM also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, more specifically to Goal 7 to ensure universal access to affordable and clean energy by 2030, Goal 12 targeting sustainable consumption and production and Goal 17 to revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development.
In line with SDG 7, the Lead Partner has tried to invite all countries of the Danube Region in the partnership, to ensure region-wide results and impacts, as well as equal conditions and opportunities for the population to form and operate energy communities. The consortium believes that the project outputs O1.1 and O3.3 will expand opportunities for communities and promote their spread throughout the region.
Sustainability and responsible and optimised energy production, storage and use, in line with SDG 12 are also key to the functioning of energy communities, thus of the project as well. Resource efficiency will also be discussed and considered within NRGCOM when realising A1.4 Assessment of possible low-cost infrastructure investments and developments and A3.1 Joint development of a mentoring scheme for the creation of energy communities and A3.3 Joint development of a technological solution for RECs involved in the project for more resource and cost-effective operation.
Goal 17 targeting global partnerships is also linked to the project, as the consortium of 12 DR countries will set a good cooperation example for other territorial groupings, the cooperation will even become expandable and the project outputs will be made available to achieve the broadest possible change, even at global level. Within NRGCOM, REC newcomer partners will peer-learn from the more experienced partners, thus offering scope for the fulfilment of Goal 17.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO83) Strategies and action plans jointly developed: 1.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Programme Result Indicator:

ISI - Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across the borders, Measurement unit: No. of organisations

Delivered result indicator(s):

(RCR79) Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations: 1.0
Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across the borders: 117.0

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-04

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

138 / 139 (99.28%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 431 / 1 431 (100%)

Notes on the data

Potential discrepancies with some project budgets, are being verified.

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Creating appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region

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Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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