Successful National Conference in Serbia Promotes Synergies for a Renewable Future

On April 8, 2025, the national-level conference “Synergy for a Renewable Future” took place at MIND Park in Kragujevac, Serbia, marking a key milestone in awareness-raising and capitalization activities within the NRGCOM project. Organised by the Regional Economic Development Agency for Šumadija and Pomoravlje (REDASP), the event brought together more than 50 participants from across the institutional, academic, civic, and private sectors. Among the attendees were representatives from the EU Delegation to Serbia, the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SKGO), as well as REC Ambassadors from Serbia.

The conference venue, MIND Park, was chosen not only for its facilities but also for its symbolic value as a hub where innovation, industrial progress, and sustainability intersect—mirroring the essential themes of the green transition. The event’s main objective was to promote inclusive dialogue on renewable energy, with a particular focus on the potential of renewable energy communities (RECs). It aimed to raise awareness, support knowledge sharing, foster cooperation among stakeholders, and build synergies between ongoing EU-funded initiatives in Serbia and the broader Danube Region.

As part of the conference programme, three thematically aligned projects co-financed through the Interreg Danube Region Programme were jointly presented: NRGCOM, which focuses on creating operational conditions for renewable energy communities; GeoHeCo, which promotes the use of shallow geothermal heating and cooling systems; and ESINERGY, which supports the implementation of the RES Directive with a focus on energy storage and grid stability. These projects all contribute to Priority 2 of the programme, which targets a greener and low-carbon Danube Region.

In addition to project presentations, participants were introduced to the Eco-Industrial Parks initiative, developed by MIND Park in cooperation with the International Finance Corporation, the European Commission, and the Western Balkans Investment Framework. This initiative represents an innovative private sector contribution to the green industrial transition and highlights the role of industrial zones in advancing renewable energy and circular economy principles.

A central component of the event was the panel discussion titled “Renewable Energy in the Danube Region – Challenges and Opportunities”, featuring representatives from the EU Delegation to Serbia, SKGO, MIND Group, and the University of Kragujevac. The discussion explored a wide array of topics related to the ongoing energy transition, particularly within the context of Serbia and the wider Danube Region. Panelists addressed the importance of EU funding mechanisms, the role of local governments in implementing renewable solutions, and the necessity of strengthening collaboration between municipalities, investors, and civil society. They also reflected on the contribution of industrial parks to the circular economy and the need to overcome practical and regulatory barriers in applying green technologies within the industrial sector.

Importantly, the voices of REC Ambassadors added a valuable civic dimension to the debate, highlighting the role of personal engagement and public awareness in ensuring a just and inclusive transition. While technical and policy-related aspects remain essential, the discussion emphasized that long-term change depends on cultural transformation and a shared sense of responsibility across all segments of society.

The presence of key stakeholders, active participation in discussion, and integration of multiple EU-funded projects contributed to strong capitalization outcomes. Participants expressed high interest in continued cooperation, and the event served as a catalyst for greater ownership of energy transition efforts at both local and national levels.

By facilitating dialogue, knowledge sharing, and strategic alignment, the conference successfully showcased the potential of the NRGCOM project to contribute meaningfully to the development of renewable energy communities in Serbia and the Danube Region. As one speaker concluded, “The green transition is already underway – what remains is for us to choose how inclusive, coordinated, and lasting it will be.”