NEW GUIDE: How Can Your Municipality Become a Driver of the Energy Transition?
Presenting a comprehensive guide for Local Self-Government Units (LSGs) developed within the project "Strengthening the role of municipalities in the community energy initiatives in Serbia – STRONG".
The energy transition is no longer just a global goal, it is becoming a local reality. To help cities and municipalities in Serbia seize the opportunity to become true leaders in this process, the Platform for Energy Transition - PET, with the support of the European Climate Foundation (ECF), has created a new document: "Guide for Local Self-Government Units: How to Support the Formation of Energy Communities?".
This guide answers a key question: How can local governments practically and effectively support citizens who want to produce their own energy?
Why is this guide important?
The formation and development of energy communities represent an opportunity for a just and sustainable transition. However, the guide emphasizes that there is no single "ideal" model. Instead, it offers a flexible catalog of solutions, allowing municipalities to combine different approaches depending on their local context and capacities.
What will you find inside?
The guide is designed as a practical tool for decision-makers and municipal officials. It features a detailed Catalog of Support Models containing 22 specific examples, grouped into seven key areas:
Legal and Administrative Support: Establishing "One-stop shops" and assisting with procedures.
Spatial Planning: Including energy communities in General Urban Plans (GUP) and mapping renewable potentials.
Education and Participation: Creating energy info centers and engaging citizens.
Financial Support: Establishing revolving funds and co-financing documentation.
Infrastructure Support: Offering public rooftops for use by energy communities.
Partnership: Models where the LSG becomes a member or partner of the energy community.
Innovation and Social Models: Supporting energy-poor households through solidarity funds.
Four Roles of Local Government
The guide helps municipalities identify their role across different project phases (initial, development, and advanced). It defines four complementary roles for LSGs:
Policy Maker and Regulator: Setting the strategic direction and rules.
Promoter and Educator: Building trust and informing citizens.
Facilitator and Coordinator: Connecting scattered procedures into a unified workflow.
Partner and Financial Supporter: Directly participating in projects to reduce risk.
Download the Guide
This document is a call to action and collaboration. We invite local government representatives, citizens, and experts to use this tool to build a more resilient and energy-independent local community.
