PET Youth NET returned from a journey of knowledge and inspiration
What does a successful citizen-led energy transition look like up close? To find out, our PET Youth NET members recently traveled to Križevci and Zagreb, bringing together students from the University of Niš and the University of Sarajevo for an inspiring, first-hand look at pioneering initiatives in the region.
Our program began in Križevci, where our dear colleague Martina Nemčić welcomed us and presented the work of KLIK – the Križevci Climate Innovation Lab. Emerging from the “Cities of the Future of Southeast Europe” initiative, KLIK has evolved into a true One-Stop Shop, a central hub providing citizens with all the necessary information and support to engage in the energy transition. This model, which empowers and guides the local community, represents the core of what we advocate for.
During a walking tour of Križevci, participants saw concrete examples of these ideas in practice. This included seeing the results of the first successful crowdfunding campaign for solar energy in Croatia, which stands as a powerful testament to how organized citizens can drive tangible change and build a more resilient community.
Later that afternoon, we visited the Križevci Entrepreneurship Center to see their rooftop solar installation. This was followed by a highly insightful lecture from the Ethical Financing Cooperative. We are especially grateful to Goran Jeras, who shed light on how this innovative financial model empowers communities. He emphasized the principles of transparency, democratic decision-making, and investing in projects with direct social and environmental benefits. This discussion on ethical financing showed participants how communities can take control of their own resources to fund their energy future, a topic we are excited to explore further at our upcoming Conference.
The final stop of the trip took us to the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FSB) at the University of Zagreb. There, Professor Vladimir Soldo introduced us to the latest advances in mechanical engineering and their application in the faculty’s own buildings, showcasing heat pump systems and photovoltaic technologies in action.
This study visit was the very first for PET Youth NET – and it was an inspiring step forward. By learning directly from the pioneers of citizen energy in Croatia, our participants gained both practical knowledge and motivation to bring these ideas back home.
We are excited to see how this experience will shape their future initiatives and look forward to many more study visits that will broaden horizons and strengthen regional cooperation.
We are grateful to the Heinrich Böll Foundation in Belgrade and Sarajevo for supporting this initiative.
