Izgrei Energy Community Celebrates Milestone with Final Event

On November 1, 2024, the Izgrei Energy Community hosted its final event in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, marking the conclusion of its participation in Phase I of the Citizen-Led Renovation (CLR) initiative. The event was filled with fruitful discussions and a positive atmosphere, reflecting the progress and potential of Izgrei's work.

Highlights of the Event

The event provided an opportunity to showcase Izgrei's achievements and discuss future steps for energy community development in Bulgaria.

1. Presentation of the CLR Initiative and the Izgrei Pilot
Mihail opened the event with a detailed presentation on the goals of the CLR initiative and the journey of the Izgrei pilot project. Since its founding in 2021, Izgrei has made strides in energy sustainability through the installation of solar panels and a small-scale renovation of a single-family home.

2. Introduction of the "How-to-CLR" Booklet
A key moment was the introduction of the"How-to-CLR" booklet, a practical guide on establishing energy communities in Bulgaria. Despite its simplicity, the booklet was highly praised by attendees, including a representative from Move.bg, who expressed interest in distributing additional copies. The guide sparked extensive discussions on how energy communities can play a pivotal role in implementing the EU's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) recast.

3. Networking and Collaboration
The event's networking session allowed participants to exchange ideas, discuss future collaboration opportunities, and explore how energy renovations could be integrated with digital monitoring tools.

Challenges and Future Steps

During the discussions, participants acknowledged the challenges faced by Izgrei and energy communities in Bulgaria, including:

• The absence of a supportive legal framework for energy communities.
• Limited public funding for renovations.
• Low awareness and trust among citizens regarding energy opportunities and community initiatives.

Looking ahead, Mihail shared interest in participating in upcoming webinars and workshops under CLR Phase II, signalling Izgrei's ongoing commitment to advancing citizen-led energy renovation efforts.

A Collaborative Vision

The event emphasized the role of energy communities like Izgrei in driving local energy transitions. By integrating practical tools like the "How-to-CLR" booklet with advocacy efforts and collaboration, Izgrei aims to overcome barriers and inspire broader participation in Bulgaria's energy transformation.

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