“Synergy for a Renewable Future” Conference brings together Key stakeholders of the Green transition in Kragujevac

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the “Synergy for a Renewable Future” conference took place at MIND Park in Kragujevac, gathering key stakeholders of the green transition from Serbia and the broader Danube region. The aim of the conference was to strengthen intersectoral, interregional, and cross-sectoral collaboration to accelerate the energy transition and the implementation of renewable energy sources.

The conference was organized by the Regional Agency for Economic Development of Šumadija and Pomoravlje (REDASP) in collaboration with Regional Development Agency Bačka (RDA Bačka), Regional Agency for Development of Eastern Serbia (RARIS), and MIND Park. The event had institutional support from the European Union Delegation to Serbia, the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM), as well as numerous representatives from local governments, academia, and the private sector.

In the opening remarks, the importance of MIND Park as an example of a modern industrial zone based on innovation, sustainability, and strategic thinking was highlighted. It was emphasized that the combination of technological progress, industrial application, and social responsibility forms the foundation for a sustainable and inclusive energy transition.

Photo by RDA Backa

The core of the conference was dedicated to the presentation of three key projects funded through the Interreg Danube Region Programme, focusing on energy transition themes:

NRGCOM – A project focused on creating operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube region.
Danube GeoHeCo – A project promoting the use of hybrid heating and cooling systems utilizing shallow geothermal energy.
ESINERGY – A project empowering stakeholders to implement the Directive on renewable energy sources, particularly concerning energy storage and grid stability.

These projects, although technically different, contribute to EU and national policy goals by strengthening local capacities, integrating renewable energy sources, and raising awareness about the benefits of energy decentralization.

Photo by RDA Backa

The Eco-Industrial Parks project, implemented by MIND Park in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), European Commission (EC), and the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), was also presented. This project has the potential to lay the foundation for the first green industrial park in Serbia, highlighting the importance of the private sector in implementing sustainable policies.

A panel discussion titled “Renewable Energy in the Danube Region – Challenges and Opportunities” featured representatives from the EU Delegation in Serbia, SCTM, the industry, and academia. The discussion focused on the challenges of implementing renewable energy policies, the need for strengthening local governments, and access to EU funding. Panelists also addressed the importance of individual changes in the energy transition process and how small local initiatives can contribute to systemic change.

The conference concluded with the message that the green transition is not a distant future, but a reality already unfolding through concrete projects and collaboration. Partnerships, synergy, and territorial connectivity are essential for its success. Development agencies, industrial actors, the scientific research community, and international partners are ready to work together to contribute to the transformation of the energy sector toward sustainability, efficiency, and equity.