DECA PROJECT PARTNER MEETING AND STUDY VISIT IN NIŠ

On October 23 and 24, the Center for Sustainable Energy Development (CORE) hosted a DECA project partner meeting in Niš, bringing together representatives from across the Danube region to discuss community energy's essential role in advancing the energy transition.  Through collaboration with citizens, local governments, and experts, DECA aims to build a strong framework supporting renewable initiatives, sustainable models, and active community participation across Serbia and the Danube region.

The event underscored CORE’s commitment to democratizing energy and bolstering local capacities to achieve a sustainable energy future for Serbia and the wider Danube region. A highlight of the Niš gathering was a visit to the innovative Magdon housing complex, which serves as Serbia’s first community energy project featuring a solar power plant and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for residents. This pioneering initiative is expected to inspire similar projects throughout the region, providing a blueprint for residential communities interested in integrating renewable energy solutions. By enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, the Magdon project showcases the transformative potential of citizen-led energy models.

The meeting also included a collaborative planning session aimed at aligning DECA partners on critical aspects of community energy development. Discussions focused on developing training tools for local and regional stakeholders, covering topics such as good governance, social entrepreneurship, operational models, and legal frameworks for community energy. The planning session highlighted strategies to engage and communicate effectively with stakeholders, ensuring that communities are well-equipped to lead impactful, sustainable energy projects. DECA partners also had the opportunity to share their training and action plans for 2025, setting the foundation for a coordinated approach to empower local communities in the coming year.

Looking ahead, DECA partners are scheduled to meet again in Budapest in March to build on these discussions and continue fostering a strong network of community energy initiatives across the region