Driving the Green Transition: DECA Event Brings Together Municipalities for Community Energy Projects

Driving the Green Transition: DECA Event Brings Together Municipalities for Community Energy Projects

Recently, GOLEA Nova Gorica hosted the “Introduction to Community Projects and the Green Transition of Municipalities.” This event gathered 48 participants, including municipal representatives, industry experts, and energy professionals, to discuss sustainable energy development, community energy, and funding opportunities.

Representatives from 16 municipalities across the Primorska region engaged in discussions about community-led energy projects and innovative green solutions. Attendees included two mayors, two vice-mayors, and municipal officials working in sustainability, energy, and investments. Experts from institutions like Jožef Stefan Institute, EGTC GO, and E-prihodnost d.o.o. provided insights on technical solutions and funding mechanisms for local green projects.

The event focused on three core themes:

1.      Community energy projects – The role of social entrepreneurship and successful EU case studies

2.      The green transition – The shift towards energy self-sufficiency, storage solutions, and public charging stations

3.      Funding opportunities – Available grants for renewable energy, e-mobility, and infrastructure improvements

Key takeaways for the participants were focused on being prepared for funding calls – Municipalities, in collaboration with citizens, should develop project ideas early to seize funding opportunities. Emphasising that collaboration is key – Regional cooperation can optimise costs and streamline planning for infrastructure. And most importantly, Citizen-Owned Energy Matters – Empowering communities to own and operate energy systems is essential for sustainable growth and Green Transition.

These were coined through presentations provided by speakers from diverse fileds of experience:

• ·       Janez Melink (GOLEA) explained community energy models and the importance of local cooperation.

• ·       Andrej Zorc (E-prihodnost d.o.o.) detailed energy storage and self-sufficiency strategies.

• ·       Boris Sučić (Jožef Stefan Institute) outlined Slovenia’s National Energy and Climate Plan and how municipalities can leverage funding for energy efficiency.

• ·       Micaela Passon (EGTC GO) showcased the benefits of cross-border cooperation in achieving climate goals.

• ·       Klemen Košir (Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning, and Energy) highlighted current calls for funding renewable energy and sustainable mobility.

• ·       Tomaž Lozej (GOLEA) introduced Borzen and Eco Fund grants supporting green investments.

The event concluded with an invitation to upcoming DECA project training sessions, which offer hands-on guidance for citizens and support actors such as municipalities seeking to implement community energy initiatives.