Community energy*This article is based on the Solar Saves stories published on Solar Power Europe’s website.
On June 21st, European Solar Day highlights the power and potential of the sun. Two energy cooperatives, Cooperativa de Energia (Romania) and Zelena Energetska Zadruga (Green Energy Cooperative) (Croatia), joined the celebrations. As technical partners of the pioneering LIFE LOOP project, both organisations are helping cities and citizens harness the power of the sun for community benefit. Their inspirational stories are featured in the Solar Saves campaign by Solar Power Europe.
Solar-powered communities in Romania
Cooperativa de Energie Romania, the country’s first-ever energy community providing 100% green energy with certificates of origin, is actively transitioning to renewables. Since entering the market in 2021, the cooperative has grown to 940 members, empowering citizens to actively participate in green energy initiatives.
From its inception, Cooperativa de Energie has acquired solar parks, purchased projects at various stages of development, and constructed new solar parks. Initially, the concept of energy communities wasn’t well known in Romania, but public awareness has significantly increased since then. The cooperative plays a crucial educational role, consistently striving to inform people about energy production, consumption, storage, and dynamic pricing. They also encourage the establishment of energy communities across Romania, particularly in the six counties targeted by the Just Energy Transition Fund. They also establish strategic relationships with municipalities to support them with the implementation of their climate- and energy plans such as for example the LIFE LOOP pilot, the municipality of Bistrita.
Despite their efforts, Romanian energy communities have not received full government support. Although a law was enacted to implement the European directive, the necessary secondary legislation is still absent. Ensuring that energy communities benefit from such legislation is crucial for their success.
Solar-powered communities in Croatia
Renewable energy initiatives are not only gaining momentum in Romania, but across Europe. Another exemplary effort comes from Zelena Energetska Zadruga (Green Energy Cooperative) in Croatia, which embraces the transformative power of solar energy in strengthening local communities.
Established in 2013, ZEZ focuses on small solar systems for households and solar investments in public buildings. With 20 members turned employees, ZEZ has become a significant player in Croatia’s citizen-led energy initiatives.
In response to the growing demand for solar investments, ZEZ launched the online platform “On the Sunny Side” in 2020. This platform provides crucial details about solar equipment, installers, processes, and economic considerations. By 2024, over 15,000 Croatians have engaged in educational activities focused on solar energy.
A dedicated Facebook group with 35,000 members has become a hub for sharing solar knowledge and experiences. Through group procurement initiatives facilitated by the platform, they enhance the economic viability of solar adoption among Croatian citizens.
Additionally, ZEZ co-founded the ZEZ Sun cooperative, allowing Croatians to invest in and own solar projects on municipal buildings. The first ZEZ Sun project, a 200 kW solar PV plant at the City Market in Križevci, was funded in March 2024. With support from the LIFE LOOP project and in collaboration with the City of Križevci, ZEZ also implemented Križevci Solar Roofs, the first community energy projects in Croatia, with 30 kW solar PV plants at two citizen-funded public buildings.
ZEZ’s efforts have resulted in financial benefits for investors, created a sense of community ownership, and fostered stronger ties with local municipalities.
