14 Nov Green energy – Originating social entrepreneurship through the establishment of pilot energy cooperatives in the cross-border region are sourced directly or indirectly from official company registries.
Project description:
The general goal of the project is to strengthen good neighborly relations and cooperation in the green energy sector for the development of social entrepreneurship through the establishment of energy cooperatives in the cross-border region.
The specific goal of the project is to raise capacities and knowledge, as well as create new employment opportunities through the establishment of energy cooperatives in the cross-border region.
The specific objective will be achieved by implementing sustainable approaches to increase the capacities and knowledge of the respective target group and end users through tailor-made trainings, workshops and sharing of experiences and best practices from European countries, as well as applying innovative approaches to establish new energy cooperatives in the cross-border region and creation of new jobs for young and long-term unemployed persons.
The target groups and end users are local self-government bodies, national and regional enterprises, civil society, users of municipal buildings (schools) and the local population.
Project activities:
AC1 – Overview of cross-sectoral capacities and interests for cooperation in the establishment of energy cooperatives and the development of social entrepreneurship
A1.1. Organizing an informational event for the promotion of social entrepreneurship through the establishment of energy cooperatives;
A1.2. A round table for mapping actors, their expertise, capacities and exchange of experiences and identifying the degree of interest in cooperation for the establishment of energy cooperatives;
A1.3. “Market analysis” – overview of the current situation and needs for cooperation and production of energy from renewable sources (energy based on RES) in the cross-border region;
A1.4. Analysis with recommendations to municipalities for the establishment of energy cooperatives based on RES and their role in the development of social entrepreneurship
AC2 – Creating a new model of cooperation (energy cooperative) for the development of social entrepreneurship by setting up a pilot project for energy production based on RES and EE
A2.1. Preparation of municipal plans for investments in renewable energy sources and measures to improve energy efficiency for the municipality of Butel and the municipality of Medvedza;
A2.2. Energy controls of targeted public facilities in Butel municipality and Medvedza municipality;
A2.3. Formation of new energy cooperatives and procedures for the delivery of energy based on RES in the cross-border region;
A2.4. Employment of unemployed persons and persons from inactive working age population in energy cooperatives;
A2.5. Setting up a pilot project for small investments in equipment for energy production based on RES and reconstruction of public buildings with measures to improve energy efficiency as demonstration units in the cross-border region
AC3 – Sharing experience from the EU – Increasing the knowledge and capacities of civil society organizations, the business sector and local authorities through the transfer of knowledge and best practices from the EU
A3.1. Tailor-made training for potential members and employees of energy cooperatives on “How to start: Building initiatives and the role of energy cooperatives in the cross-border region”
– description: National and European laws, strategies, policies, frameworks and networking in the field of energy cooperatives
A3.2. Organizing a workshop on “Increasing employment initiatives through additional energy production based on RES – Development of social entrepreneurship through energy cooperatives”
A3.3. Visit to a fair to share EU experiences and best practices on the sustainability of energy cooperatives, increase employment initiatives and replicate the model of energy cooperatives in the cross-border region
AC4 – Promotional activities to raise public awareness of social entrepreneurship through energy cooperatives
A4.1. Development of promotional materials;
A4.2. Creation of a joint website for the two energy cooperatives in the cross-border region;
A4.3. Implementation of a social media campaign for the promotion of social entrepreneurship through energy cooperatives;
A4.4. Organizing a Final Event with a presentation of the results of the project and promotion of traditional gastronomy from the region;
A4.5. Development of a Communication and Visibility Plan
Expected results:
R1: Identified intersectoral capacities and interest in cooperation in the formation of energy cooperatives and development of social entrepreneurship, with received recommendations;
R2: Created new models of cooperation (energy cooperatives) and new employments;
R3: Increased knowledge and capacities of civil society organizations, the business sector and local authorities and transferred knowledge, experience and best practices of the EU;
R4: Raised public awareness for the development of social entrepreneurship through the creation of a new model of cooperation – energy cooperatives
Project partners:
– Municipality of Medvedja, Republic of Serbia
– Center for promotion of sustainable agricultural practices and rural development” – CeProSARD
– Municipality of Butel, Republic of North Macedonia
Duration of the project:
June 16, 2023 – October 15, 2024
Donor:
The project is financed by the European Union.