NRGCOM project "Creating appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region"

The NRGCOM project, entitled as "Creating Appropriate Operational Conditions for Renewable Energy Communities in the Danube Region," is funded by the Interreg Danube Region Programme, which focuses on the priority of a greener, low-carbon Danube Region. It specifically aims to support greening the energy and transport sectors in the Danube Region by enhancing the integration of renewable energy sources. The project has a total budget of €2,533,052.77, with €2,026,442.18 provided as Interreg funding. The duration of the project is 30 months. NRGCOM, as an initiative under this programme, acknowledges its co-funding by the European Union.

The NRGCOM project aims to advance the development of renewable energy communities (RECs) in the Danube Region, which currently relies heavily on imported fossil fuels. With 13 Project Partners and 14 Associated Strategic Partners from 12 countries, the initiative seeks to overcome legal, operational, and infrastructural barriers impeding REC growth. By reviewing existing frameworks, analyzing operational models, and sharing best practices, NRGCOM intends to create a supportive environment for RECs. The project focuses on raising awareness, providing policy recommendations, and educating stakeholders to foster local renewable energy initiatives. The project aims to allow community-based renewable energy projects to start and grow without obstacles. This will help drive the green transition, improve energy efficiency, meet decarbonization targets, and strengthen energy security in Danube Region.

As a consortium partner, AEER will be a crucial focal point for the project in the Republic of Moldova, spearheading the implementation of various joint activities. These include conducting an international comparison of national legal systems, designing a suitable legal, operational, and financial environment for creating energy communities, and developing a motivational program to boost the use of renewable energy sources.

AEER will also launch awareness-raising pilot actions to increase public motivation and test willingness to join or create energy communities, as well as to assess and enhance stakeholder engagement through professional training. Additionally, AEER will develop an awareness-raising toolkit based on pilot action results, test the energy community creation method, and create a technological solution to improve the resource and cost-effectiveness of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs). The implementation of harmonized technological pilot actions in energy communities and the creation of a comprehensive database of best practices for energy communities in the Danube region, specifically for Moldova, are also key tasks. Finally, AEER will jointly develop a summary document to promote renewable energy use and expand energy communities in the Danube region, along with defining policy recommendations. Given the high correlation of the NRGCOM project with AEER's institutional goals, particularly in the development and implementation of Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SECAPs), AEER will focus on disseminating knowledge among local stakeholders, especially public authorities involved in SECAPs related to renewable energy. To support these efforts, we propose allocating 10% of the total partner budget for project management activities.