Three days of community energy, embraced by the Danube

In the first week of March, Budapest is set to welcome the first annual partner meeting of the DECA - Danube Energy Community Accelerator project, a dynamic three-day gathering designed to unite experts, policymakers, and community leaders in a shared mission to advance the energy transition in the Danube region.

Advancing Community-Led Energy Initiatives

Co-funded by the EU, the DECA project is dedicated to empowering communities to take an active role in the energy transition. By accelerating community energy initiatives, fostering renewable energy projects, and championing citizen-led action, DECA is building a strong foundation for sustainable energy communities across the wider Danube region. The project bridges the gap between citizens, local governments, and energy experts, ensuring that the transition to clean energy is inclusive and community-driven.

Spotlight on Community Energy: Conference & Learning Lab

A major highlight of the event will be the conference 'Strengthening Community Energy for a Greener Danube Region', taking place on March 5 at MagNet House. This high-level gathering will bring together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Hungarian Energy and Utility Regulatory Office, the Ministry of Energy, and the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. Together, we will explore the opportunities and challenges in expanding community energy models, exchanging insights on policy frameworks, governance structures, and innovative energy-sharing mechanisms.

To complement the conference discussions, the Learning Lab will offer participants an exclusive opportunity to witness successful community energy projects in action through two site visits:

• Kazán Community Centre – Participants will see how Kazán’s tenants—including NGOs, an editorial office, a daycare center, and a bar effectively share solar-generated electricity using a behind-the-meter energy-sharing system.

• Jurányi Community Hub – On the final day, attendees will explore how solar energy powers rehearsal rooms, offices, and cafes while surplus energy contributes to hot water production, demonstrating the full potential of decentralized energy sharing.

These real-world examples highlight how localised, cooperative energy solutions can reduce dependency on fossil fuels while creating sustainable, self-sufficient communities.

Strengthening Partnerships for a Resilient Energy Future

As the DECA project progresses, strengthening collaboration between stakeholders remains a top priority. By fostering knowledge-sharing and capacity-building, DECA is looking to equip local and regional actors with the tools they need to establish and scale energy communities. Training materials developed through this initiative will serve as a catalyst for new community energy projects, reinforcing the growing movement toward decentralised, citizen-led energy solutions in the Danube region.

At a time when global energy challenges demand innovative and cooperative approaches, initiatives like DECA demonstrate the power of community-led action. By working together across sectors and borders, we can accelerate the shift toward a sustainable and resilient energy future—one that is driven by people, for people.