Nostra Nova Domus – Forging more effective partnership and capacity building for efficient use and management of solar energy

Keywords: citizen energy, climate protection, energy efficiency and conservation, communication

Subject and goals of the project

North Macedonia faces many challenges in the implementation of democratic processes and in the economic and social sectors. The centralized energy sector, which is averse to change and closed to interaction and new models of participation by civil society, neglects social issues and results in energy poverty, which leads to mistrust among citizens and a lack of opportunities for the introduction of new options for action in such an important sector. The rise in energy prices is causing serious problems for citizens and the economy and is also increasing energy poverty. Energy cooperatives can be a new concept for the democratization of the energy sector.

The aim of this project is therefore to raise awareness among the population and stakeholders as well as targeted capacity building in order to develop initial participatory approaches to energy supply in North Macedonia and establish the first energy cooperation projects.

Innovation and exemplary nature of the project

As part of the project, the Community Development Institute (CDI) itself is developing into a competence center for decentralized energy supply by installing a solar system in its own building and conducting training courses on the use of PV systems (technical and economic, including cooperative models). Further training and awareness-raising measures for multipliers and local decision-makers are taking place in various regions of the country. As a result, small PV systems are being installed and put into operation at four locations in North Macedonia (Negotino, Gevgelija, Prilep, Bojane) by newly founded citizens’ cooperatives.

Special aspects of the project

After a short time, demand for the training courses was already high throughout the country, so that additional units were offered. It is considered realistic that the start-up support provided in the project for the four pilot projects and their high-profile implementation will motivate other actors in Macedonia to launch similar initiatives, particularly in the form of energy cooperatives.

As part of this project, a non-formal network of energy communities in North Macedonia was also established and the idea of setting up a revolving fund for energy communities was developed.

Funding theme 6: Renewable energy, energy saving and efficiency

Project Implementation:

• Solare Zukunft e. V., Freiburg im Breisgau
• Community Development Institute (CDI), Tetovo, North Macedonia

Places of work: Germany, North Macedonia

Funding period: December 2022 to March 2024

Project costs: Total volume: 168,364 euros, funding from DBU: 124,996 euros

DBU-AZ: 38687

Status: 27.02.2024

Images: © Community Development Institute (CDI)