Event Summary: Strengthening Community Energy Initiatives for a Greener Danube Region

Event Summary: Strengthening Community Energy Initiatives for a Greener Danube Region

The DECA – Danube Energy Community Accelerator project, which supports citizen-led renewable energy initiatives across the Danube region, held its International Project Conference in Budapest on March 5, 2025. Hosted by the National Society of Conservationists (MTVSZ), the event marked the project’s first-year milestones, gathering experts and stakeholders from nine participating countries.

Key speakers included Nina Taylor from lead partner E-zavod (Slovenia), who outlined DECA’s mission, and Annamária Nádori from the EUSDR - Danube Region Strategy, who emphasized the role of energy communities in regional sustainability efforts. A comparative analysis by Peter Ťapák (TUKE, Slovakia) highlighted community energy challenges and opportunities across the region. Project partners from Romania, Croatia, Serbia, Hungary, and Slovakia shared best practices, while Tim Taylor (Korimako, Slovenia) reinforced the power of community-driven action in driving sustainable energy transition. The final session featured Tamás Vörös (MEKH, Hungary), who discussed Hungary’s regulatory sandbox as a tool for advancing energy community initiatives. The event concluded with a Q&A session and a networking lunch, reinforcing collaboration and future action.

With strong momentum from its first year, DECA is set to accelerate community energy initiatives, fostering a greener and more resilient Danube region.