NRGCOM Project Hosted Successful Series of Professional Online Roundtables in the Danube Region

The NRGCOM project, led by South Transdanubian Regional Innovation Agency (STRIA), successfully organized a series of three professional online roundtables, attracting between 80-120 participants for each session. These events focused on creating a supportive legal, operational, and governance framework for energy communities in the Danube Region.

The first roundtable, Creating an Appropriate Legal Environment for Energy Communities, took place on September 11th, 2024. Discussions highlighted best practices and successful models for implementing energy communities within existing legal frameworks. Presentations by experts emphasized the importance of flexible legal structures to ensure community adaptability in changing regulatory landscapes.

The second roundtable, Operational and Financial Environment of Energy Communities, on September 18th, explored business models and funding strategies essential for long-term sustainability. Speakers discussed the critical role of strategic financial planning for energy communities.

The final roundtable, Socialization and Good Governance of Energy Communities, held on September 25th, focused on fostering community engagement and good governance. Experts shared strategies for maintaining inclusive participation and effective governance. The inclusion of Finnish speakers expanded the geographical scope, bringing in perspectives from a non-Danube country. In addition, during this session, Flávia Duarte from IrRADIARE presented the PROMOTER project, showcasing innovative approaches to integrating renewable energy hubs into public spaces and promoting local energy production in Portugal. Her insights provided valuable examples of how local communities can develop sustainable mobility and energy solutions while enhancing stakeholder engagement. 

The NRGCOM project aims to support the establishment and growth of energy communities in the Danube Region by creating a favorable legal, operational, and financial environment. Running from January 2024 to June 2026, the project is co-financed by the Interreg Danube Transnational Programme and involves 13 partners from 12 countries. Its mission is to promote energy efficiency, social inclusivity, and community self-sufficiency through targeted policy recommendations, capacity-building activities, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.