Promoting Community Energy Projects: A Key to Achieving Renewable Energy Goals in Slovenia

Community projects are set to play a pivotal role in Slovenia's push towards increasing the use of renewable energy sources. To support this effort, the GOLEA energy agency, commissioned by Borzen d.o.o., has released two expert studies: 

Examples of Best Practices for Self-Sufficient Communities 

Examples of Best Practices for Self-Sufficient Communities as Legal Entities 

These studies explore different business models for using solar-generated electricity and provide recommendations for improving investment processes for such projects. A key takeaway is the need for active participation from all stakeholders and the removal of administrative and legal hurdles to make these projects successful. 

A bottom-up approach, involving local communities and municipalities, is essential. With the support of local energy agencies, municipalities can encourage the formation of energy communities. The studies also suggest that the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Energy should offer non-repayable financial support to these communities in the coming years. Additionally, the Eco Fund and local energy agencies are seen as crucial partners in promoting these projects and developing local energy concepts. 

GOLEA recommends that at least 10% of the electricity produced by larger power plants (1 MW and above) should be allocated to local energy communities. This measure, which should be implemented through municipal regulations, would facilitate the development of larger projects and accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. 

The studies highlight the need to amend the Regulation on self-supply of electricity from renewable energy sources to include monthly billing (and net-metering) for self-sufficient communities involving public bodies, institutions, companies, and citizens. This amendment is seen as crucial for the success of community projects. 

Unfortunately, the proposal for this amendment was recently rejected, which may negatively impact the growth of energy communities in Slovenia. 

For more information and to read the full studies, visit: Examples of Best Practices for Self-Sufficient Communities: https://borzen.si/sl-si/tocka-ove/strokovna-gradiva/primeri-dobrih-praks