ESINERGY Project Concludes with Final Conference in Varna

ESINERGY Project concludes with final conference in Varna, presenting smart energy results from across the Danube Region

Eight pilot actions from seven countries demonstrated practical solutions for reducing peak electricity demand in public buildings, hospitals, and local energy systems.

The ESINERGY project held its Final Conference on 18 June 2026 at Hotel Cherno More in Varna, Bulgaria, marking the conclusion of a thirty months initiative co-funded by the Interreg Danube Region Programme of the European Union. The event brought together project partners, local authorities, and energy experts from across the Danube Region to share results and lessons from a series of innovative pilot actions targeting peak load reduction in local energy systems.

The conference was opened by Sofia Koleva, Deputy Mayor of Varna, followed by Katja Karba of the Local Energy Agency Pomurje, ESINERGY's lead partner. Deputy Mayor Koleva underlined the growing pressure on local electricity infrastructure in the Varna region and expressed support for the replicable, evidence-based approach that ESINERGY has championed.

"Varna is proud to host partners from across the Danube Region today. The solutions presented by the ESINERGY project are exactly what our municipalities need — practical, affordable, and proven in real conditions."
Sofia Koleva, Deputy Mayor of Varna

The technical programme featured two panel discussions presenting eight pilot actions from Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Austria, Hungary, Ukraine, and Germany. Solutions ranged from battery storage and smart metering in public buildings to AI-based hydropower optimisation and energy resilience measures at a hospital in Ukraine. Consolidated results were presented by Alen Višnjić of MENEA – Medjimurje Energy Agency Ltd.

The formal programme concluded with study visit to Albena Tourist Resort, exploring one of the region's leading examples of smart energy management — including a 200-kWh battery storage system, photovoltaic installations, and the INVADE energy management platform, which has delivered a 13.5% reduction in energy costs.