DECA 2-day community energy training in Križevci: Citizen energy from A to Z

Homeowners, property managers, and community organisers gathered for a 2-day hands-on training on how to establish, manage, and grow their own energy community. The workshop, organised by the Island Development Agency OTRA (Cres) and the energy cooperative KLIK (Križevci) as part of the international DECA – Danube Energy Communities Accelerator project, brought together participants eager to reduce energy bills, strengthen local resilience, and co-create a cleaner future.

The motivation is clear: energy prices keep rising, markets are unstable, and the future of supply remains uncertain. But a practical solution is already within reach - community energy. 

With Croatia’s new Law on Renewable Energy Sources and a revised electricity billing model taking effect on 1 January 2026, and with technical conditions for energy sharing expected to be fully in place in the first half of 2026, energy communities are set for significant growth in the coming years. This new regulatory framework supports collective generation and consumption of renewable energy, making now the perfect time for citizens to learn how to organise, finance, and manage their own community energy initiatives.

A pilot model designed during the workshop

Participants also co-created a pilot concept for a residential energy community (established by the housing association) based on the joint self-consumption with battery storage model. 

As a follow-up to the training and pilot model design, KLIK and OTRA will offer hands-on assistance to the community interested in starting their energy project. This includes helping residents plan and develop an energy community - providing technical and organisational support throughout the early project stages, developing a business plan, and establishing the legal entity for their energy community. 

The model will be compliant with Croatian legislation (ZOIE) and replicable for other residential buildings in Križevci and beyond. 

For more information about upcoming training or support within the DECA project, follow the updates from OTRA and KLIK energy cooperative.