Energy Managers in Local Energy Transition
Project Title: Energy Managers in Local Energy Transition
Supported by: German Development Cooperation (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ in Serbia
Overview: The "Energy Managers in Local Energy Transition" project aims to empower local stakeholders in Serbia by enhancing their knowledge and capacities to facilitate citizen-led energy initiatives and improve energy efficiency. The project is implemented by the Platform for Energy Transition.
Serbia is currently navigating a crucial transition towards sustainable energy systems and greater citizen engagement in the energy sector. However, this journey is not without its hurdles. We face a considerable deficit in awareness, knowledge, technical capacity, and institutional backing at the local level. Municipalities and local stakeholders frequently lack the specialized expertise and essential resources needed to effectively launch and implement community-driven energy projects. This project directly confronts these challenges by strengthening local capacities and establishing clear pathways for citizen participation, aiming for a future where a robust network of local actors can independently steer the energy transition.
Project Objectives
Our primary goal is to significantly boost the knowledge and skills of energy managers across Serbia. By providing targeted training, fostering professional networks, offering policy guidance, and facilitating knowledge exchange, we aim to empower these key municipal players to effectively support local, community-driven energy initiatives.
Key Activities and Our Approach
The project employs a structured methodology that integrates capacity development, networking, practical knowledge dissemination, international best practice exchange, and strong public awareness campaigns.
WP 1: Empowering Energy Managers and Building a Support Network
This work package focuses on equipping energy managers with the essential skills and knowledge, while simultaneously building a lasting support network:
Knowledge Transfer and Training for Energy Managers: We provide specialized expertise on citizen energy initiatives through regular meetings with energy managers, coordinated by the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SKGO). As a foundational step, PET delivered intensive training on citizens' energy initiatives in Vrdnik from June 4-6, 2025, bringing together over 50 energy managers from various local self-governments, public utility companies, and public agencies across Serbia. The training covered fundamental concepts of citizens’ energy and energy communities, governance models, operational strategies, technical possibilities, and renewable energy technologies.
Establishing a Professional Association for Energy Managers: PET has initiated and facilitated discussions among energy managers regarding the formation of a professional association in Serbia. During the project, we will develop a comprehensive model for this association, in collaboration with the energy managers and based on their identified needs. This model will encompass institutional, legal, organizational, and strategic elements, among others. This association is envisioned as a crucial platform for ongoing capacity-building, advocacy, and knowledge exchange.
Supporting a Training of Trainers (ToT) Program: PET will provide technical expertise and inputs for the energy-related modules of the Training of Trainers (ToT) program. Our technical expertise will be instrumental in the second module of the ToT program, specifically dedicated to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources (RES), anticipated in July 2025. This will be followed by a pilot training for local self-government (JLS) representatives in September 2025.
Ongoing Feedback and Supervision: We ensure continuous feedback and supervision during the delivery of energy-related modules within the ToT program.
WP 2: Enhancing Knowledge and Awareness Among Local Stakeholders
This work package focuses on broad knowledge dissemination and practical application:
Development of Practical Guidelines: PET is preparing two detailed sets of guidelines: one for energy retrofitting in multi-apartment buildings and another tailored for single households. These guidelines will comprehensively cover the technical, legal, and financial aspects of implementing energy efficiency measures and citizen-led energy projects, ensuring wide dissemination for practical application and accessibility.
International Best Practice Exchange through Study Tour: A study tour to Slovenia/Croatia is planned for at least 10 key Serbian stakeholders, including energy managers and municipal representatives. This immersive experience will provide first-hand insights into successful energy community models, fostering knowledge transfer and strategic planning for local adaptation.
Stakeholder Conference in Niš: PET will design and host a significant Stakeholder Conference in Niš in the second half of 2025, with an anticipated attendance of at least 100 participants. This event will serve as a platform to raise awareness about citizen's energy initiatives, promote the newly developed guidelines, engage policymakers and industry experts, and further advocate for the Association of Energy Managers.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
The long-term impact of this project is guaranteed through our focus on institutional capacity-building, stakeholder engagement, and continuous knowledge transfer. By empowering energy managers and municipal officials with essential expertise and establishing a structured support network, we are building a lasting foundation for the widespread implementation of citizen-led energy initiatives across Serbia. The professional network created will continue to provide guidance, advocacy, and knowledge exchange, ensuring that the energy transition remains a top priority at the local level.
PET is committed to fostering a culture of informed decision-making and community-driven energy solutions, making sustainable energy practices more accessible and actionable for both municipalities and citizens. The resources and knowledge generated will remain available long after the project's completion, serving as a valuable reference for future initiatives and enabling municipalities to independently advance energy efficiency and local renewable energy projects. Furthermore, the institutionalized Training of Trainers (ToT) program, delivered in collaboration with NAPA, will ensure the continuous transfer of knowledge on energy transition.
This project directly contributes to Serbia’s energy transition by addressing critical gaps in institutional knowledge and public awareness. By strengthening local capacities and creating structured pathways for citizen participation, we ensure a systematic and scalable approach to community-led energy initiatives. The ultimate outcome is an empowered network of local actors capable of driving the energy transition, leading to increased adoption of renewable energy solutions, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced climate resilience across Serbia.