Methodology and activities
The project supports up to 10 “lighthouse” pilot communities (two per country) through a mix of technical tools, training, legal and financial support, and – where viable – light investments in renewable energy. Each pilot project follows a shared but flexible path:
Phase 1: Activating and legally establishing new RECs
Phase 2: Assessing feasibility and implementing small-scale energy infrastructure
At each stage, local actors receive coaching, planning tools (such as a custom-built Energy Management Tool) and strategic guidance to build solid and inclusive community energy models.
Methodology
The project combines top-down coordination with bottom-up activation, guided by the tested experience of the Emilia-Romagna Region and its partner ART-ER. It relies on:
- A step-by-step process adapted to each community’s needs
- A strong focus on participation and ownership
- Tools that remain in local hands even after the project ends
Work Package overview
The action is organized around three main work areas:
WP1 – Preliminary actions: Mapping existing energy initiatives, launching Expressions of Interest, and signing support agreements with selected pilot communities.
WP2 – Pilot implementation: Supporting the setup, legal recognition, financial planning, and – where applicable – clean energy investments in selected territories.
WP3 – Outreach & policy impact: Communicating results, sharing knowledge, and supporting policy dialogue to scale the REC model in the Western Balkans and the broader EUSAIR region.