Strengthening Community Energy Initiatives for a Greener Danube Region

Strengthening Community Energy Initiatives for a Greener Danube Region 

Report on the International Project Conference – Budapest, March 5, 2025 

The DECA – Danube Energy Community Accelerator project is set to drive citizen-led renewable energy initiatives across the Danube region. Covering Slovenia, Croatia, Slovakia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Hungary, DECA focuses on developing joint solutions, pilot projects, and strategies to establish and support energy communities throughout the Danube region. 

As part of the initiative, the National Society of Conservationists (MTVSZ) hosted a pivotal Partners’ Meeting and Project Presentation Conference in Budapest, marking the completion of the project’s first year. The event took place at MagNet House, a venue symbolizing successful community-driven energy efforts. Notably, MTVSZ, in collaboration with three other NGOs and the FÜGE Association, raised nearly HUF 5 million through MagNet Bank’s Community Donation Programme (KAP)—a strong testament to the power of grassroots support. 

A Gathering of Experts and Innovators 

Opening the conference, Ákos Éger, Executive President of MTVSZ, welcomed an international audience, with the venue filled to capacity. 

The project’s lead partner, Nina Taylor from Slovenia’s E-zavod, provided an overview of DECA’s mission and objectives. Annamária Nádori, Coordinator of the EUSDR - Danube Region Strategy (Priority Area 2: Sustainable Energy), followed with insights into how energy communities align with regional energy goals, highlighting key initiatives that have received support. 

Insights from Across the Region 

A panel discussion delved into energy community regulations, subsidies, and challenges across the nine participating countries. Peter Ťapák from the Technical University of Košice (TUKE) presented a comparative needs analysis, revealing both commonalities and country-specific hurdles. 

Project partners from Romania (ABMEE), Croatia (OTRA), Serbia (CORE), Hungary (MTVSZ), and Slovakia (TUKE) then shared real-world experiences in implementing energy community initiatives. Closing this session, Tim Taylor from Korimako, Slovenia, emphasized the power of collective action, ending with a poignant quote from Margaret Mead: 

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. In fact, only they can." 

Regulatory Innovations and Future Prospects 

The final presentation, delivered by Tamás Vörös, Head of the Secretariat at the Hungarian Energy and Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (MEKH), explored Hungary’s regulatory sandbox—an initiative designed to test and refine new energy policies in a controlled environment. This forward-thinking approach could offer significant benefits to emerging energy communities. 

Closing the Day with Dialogue and Connection 

Following a lively Q&A session, participants enjoyed a vegan lunch, wrapping up a day of meaningful discussions and collaboration. 

With a strong foundation set in its first year, DECA is poised to continue accelerating the shift towards community-driven renewable energy in the Danube region. The conference reinforced the power of shared knowledge, strategic partnerships, and grassroots action in shaping a sustainable energy future.