As part of the global vision for the future of our energy system, Greenpeace Bulgaria, active member of Bulgarian Climate Action Coalition and forerunner under Panel 2050 project, campaigns for the promotion of renewable energy sources as an alternative to polluting fossil fuels.
The event targets municipalities with experience and problems similar to those of the municipality of Pernik. A 2016 report by CE Delft showed that, with the right support, half of all EU citizens could produce their own electricity from renewables by 2050, meeting nearly half of the EU’s electricity demand. CE Delft’s forecast for Bulgaria is that 1 out of every 7 Bulgarians could produce the electricity they use and thus satisfy 26% of the amount needed for the country. Municipalities can get involved in this process thanks to their key role as representatives of local elected governments. Energy independence can bring them additional autonomy, job creation, attracting young, well-educated people.
The purpose of the event is to talk about how municipalities can actively participate in the transformation of the energy system and thus improve its transparency and independence. Greenpeace wants to encourage them to power the transition away from dirty energy production to clean, renewable energy for the sake of a better future.
Speakers:
Emily Rochon is a lawyer from ClientEarth who works on renewable energy. She outlined the possibilities for energy independence for citizens and local communities and their enormous role in the transition to renewable energy.
Greenpeace Greece’s energy expert Takis Grigoriou told more about the transition to solar energy in Greece and share the practical experience of the Larissa municipality, where the city administration placed solar panels on the roof of a school to reduce its electricity costs.
The panel “Supporting the Sustainable Energy Development of Bulgarian Municipalities” started with a presentation about the Sofia Energy Agency, the Covenant of Mayors and the Municipal Energy Management Project. The presentation continued with energy management in schools and kindergartens and real results and energy savings by Nikolay Mladenov from Eurosys. Nadezhda Nikolova concluded with a discussion about financial mechanisms and legislation. She talked about an energy-passive kindergarten in Gabrovo and a pilot project called “Staccato”.