The concept of thermal energy communities and the project ConnectHeat were presented at the Regional Conference "Bulgarian and European Smart Cities Together “

The event took place at the end of April and also marked the 25th Anniversary of the Energy Agency of Plovdiv establishment.

The regional conference with strong international participation "Bulgarian and European Smart Cities Together" has become a meeting point not only of leaders and innovators, passionate about urban development, but also of the collective civil community.

Over 250 representatives of national ministries and institutions, municipal experts, representatives of other energy agencies, NGOs, citizens and businesses gathered in the "Bulgaria" hall of the International Fair Plovdiv on 29^th of April.

The event was held under the patronage of Prof. Hristina Yancheva, the Regional Governor of the Plovdiv Region, who officially opened it and welcomed all attendees. The official opening of the event was also attended by the Deputy Mayor for Construction, Investments and Municipal Property in the Municipality of Plovdiv, Mr. Haka Sakabov.

Photo: Energy Agency of Plovdiv

The conference part was attended by representatives of the European Investment Bank, the European Federation of Agencies and Regions for Energy and Environment FEDARENE, the European Association Promoting Sustainable Heating and Cooling Euroheat & Power, the Regional Energy and Climate Agency of Northwestern Croatia, the Energy Agency of Masovia, the Agency for Sustainable Energy Development - Modena, the Municipality of Gabrovo and the Sofia Municipality.

Topics related to smart cities and communities, energy agencies as allies of local authorities in building renovation, energy communities to stimulate local energy transition, strategic energy planning and development, energy communities (EC) for heating and cooling, good practices from the Municipality of Gabrovo and the Sofia Municipality were presented. Knowledge, good practices, innovative ideas were shared, in line with the common vision for smart cities.

As a communication manager of the international ConnectHeat project, Martin Stroleny from Euroheat & Power presented its main objectives and achieved results on the topic of EC for heating and cooling. ConnectHeat promotes and unlocks the potential of EC in the heating and cooling sector, as well as accelerates the decarbonization process by engaging citizens in the implementation of energy communities. Regardless of the form they could take, energy communities can contribute with a number of benefits, both for citizens and for local economies. Community-level energy projects allow people to be active participants in the energy system and support decentralization at the local level.

Снимки: Енергийна Агенция – Пловдив

Within the framework of the regional conference, Martin Stroleny presented the achievements of all partners in relation to the work phases of their developed pilot cases, the challenges and barriers they have to overcome, as well as the long-term benefits of implementing the "EC for Heating and Cooling" concept.

On May 15, the topic found its continuation through the online webinar "Energy Communities for Heating and Cooling with a Focus: The Balkans"

Source: Energy Agency of Plovdiv