The Baltic Sea Conference "Energy Efficient Cities"

Photo: Screenshot from https://www.imp.gda.pl/ee_cities/en/index.html

The Baltic Sea Conference "Energy Efficient Cities" How to set the ball rolling? will be held 17th & 18th of October 2018, in Gdynia (Poland). The conference is arranged in the framework of two Interreg Baltic Sea Region projects “ACT NOW!” and “LowTEMP” which are focusing on new concepts and solutions to enhance energy efficiency at local and regional level.

“ACT NOW!” will show how local “Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAPs)” can be turned into concrete measures reducing energy consumption in buildings. For this sake the project aims at the increase of capacities municipality staff and local stakeholders who are dealing with energy issues. The approach is not only focusing on learning. It also aims at analyzing workflows and administrative structures to get rid of obstacles which hamper an effective energy management and the planning of energy efficiency measures. In addition tools like a software-based energy management system will be implemented to identify the “low hanging fruits” and prepare investments outside the project budget. Staff members will be trained in energy management, investment planning and communication with private investors and facility users.

“ACT NOW!” has been selected as a flagship project in the EU-BSR strategy. It is expected, that the project will deliver a significant added value to enhance the Energy Efficiency of local public authorities.

“LowTEMP” addresses municipal representatives responsible for urban and energy issues, heat suppliers, planners, engineers and energy agencies, and provides them with knowledge on technical, organizational and financial strategies to increase energy efficiency in district heating by implementation of low temperature district heating systems. District heating systems are widespread around the Baltic Sea but are often outdated. Future-oriented energy supply includes low temperature district heating systems that lose less heat and use renewable energy and waste as heat sources.

For more information: https://www.imp.gda.pl/ee_cities/en/index.html 


Governments ‘not ready’ for Katowice COP24

Governments are unprepared for a crucial climate change meeting in Poland later this year aimed at ensuring the full implementation of the 2015 Paris Agreement, Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said on Tuesday (4 September) at the opening of climate talks in Bangkok.

The talks in the Thai capital come ahead of a gathering in Katowice, Poland in December, when government ministers will meet to agree rules for the 2015 Paris climate accord.

US President Donald Trump, who in the past has described climate change as a hoax, pulled the United States out of the Paris Agreement in 2017, saying it favoured other countries and was disadvantageous to the United States.

The Paris Agreement set a sweeping goal of ending the fossil fuel era this century, but the text was vague on details. Bainimarama, who is also president of the COP23 or 23rd annual Conference of the Parties to the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, said that without guidelines countries “risk chaos at Katowice and the possibility of yet another delay in the urgent work of combating climate change.”

“In three months’ time we will be in Katowice, and frankly, we are not ready. I don’t think that statement should surprise anyone in this room,” he said in an opening statement.

After failing to make enough progress in Bonn in May, the Bangkok summit is seen as a last shot before Katowice. “This is not just an additional session. It is an urgent session,” Bainimarama said.

“Would any of us like to return to our people and tell them that we had the chance to do something truly great and truly necessary for the world we will pass to our children, but that we lacked the will to get it done?” he asked.

“Around our world the effects of climate change are becoming more evident and more severe. No country or region is spared and the effects in one region are felt in others,” he added.

He urged delegates to come up with clear guidelines.

On Sunday, Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), told Reuters governments are not on track to meet a goal of the Paris agreement of capping temperatures well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) before the end of the century.

Espinosa said she hopes a draft text for negotiation on the “rule book’ of the 2015 agreement will emerge at the end of the week-long Bangkok talks.


Energy

Energy

The energy supply analysis under the Macedonian Green Growth study aims to assess opportunities available for Macedonia’s energy production to shift towards a greener energy supply. An energy supply optimization model, MARKAL, was used to determine the optimal mix of various energy resources to meet projected energy demand consistent with resource, technological and other constraints for the 2010-2050 period. The study first developed an optimal energy supply plan (the least cost plan to meet projected demand) for the reference case over the next 40 years, 2010-2050. Then, the study modeled various clean energy supply measures to calculate: (i) the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and (ii) changes in energy supply costs compared to the reference scenario.

With no changes in policy, total primary energy consumption is likely to rise by 34 percent by 2030 and 117 percent by 2050. Energy use is projected to rise from the 2009 level of 2.7 million tons of oil equivalent (mtoe), to 3.6 mtoe in 2030 and almost 6 mtoe by 2050 (See Figure 1a). Electricity supply capacity would almost double by 2030 to 2,618 megawatts (MW) from the 2009 level of 1,476 MW. It would further increase to 3,463 MW by 2050. Similarly, electricity supply would increase from 7.6 Terawatt Hours (TWh) in 2009 to 11.5 TWh in 2030 (51 percent above the 2009 level) and to more than 186 TWh in 2050 (145 percent above the 2009 level).

The energy supply mix in Macedonia will undergo substantial changes in the next four decades. Currently, coal is the major energy carrier, accounting for almost half of total primary energy supply, whereas natural gas accounts for only 2 percent. By 2050, natural gas, which is imported, would account for 20 percent of total primary energy supply while coal’s contribution drops to around 30 percent. Large-scale fuel switching would occur in power generation as well. While the share of gas in total electricity supply would increase from insignificant levels in 2009 to 17 percent in 2050, the share of lignite would drop from 62 percent in 2009 to 45 percent in 2050.

Macedonia will need a total estimated investment of €5,303 million (or €135 million per year) over the next 40 years in the power sector. This investment will add more than 3000 MW in new capacity for electricity generation under the reference scenario. Additional investment in a new gas pipeline of €176 million is also needed.
Several cleaner technologies for electricity generation were considered under the green growth scenarios. These green scenarios included: (i) refurbishment of existing thermal power plants to improve their efficiency by 2 percent, (ii) 463 MW of new hydropower plants in addition to the 813 MW added in the reference scenario over the next 40 years, (iii) 360 MW of wind power plants in addition to the 670 MW added in the reference case, (iv) 60 MW of solar photovoltaic power plants, (v) 1260 MW of new gas fired power plants in addition to the 1,129 MW added in the reference case, and (vi) 1000MW of nuclear power plants. The first three measures constitute the ‘green’ scenario, and the remaining three measures constitute the ‘super-green’ scenario for the energy sector. These alternative generation technologies mainly replace lignite fired power plants that would have been built in the reference scenario.

The reference scenario projects the impact of implementing the government’s existing energy strategy which is already significantly green; thus, the incremental costs to add additional green measures under the green and super-green scenarios are relatively small. In fact, the measures under the ‘green’ scenario (i.e., improving thermal efficiency of existing power plants and adding more hydro and wind power) would have lower net costs than the plan under the reference case. Under the green scenario, Macedonia would save around € 2.2 million in power supply costs each year while reducing 133 thousand tons of CO2 emissions each year over the next 40 years. The super-green scenario would cost an additional € 9 million annually but would avoid 412 thousand tons of CO2 emissions each year over the next 40 years.

For the energy supply sector, Macedonia could gain net economic benefits under the ‘green’ scenario and would incur a small incremental cost under the super-green scenarios. These favorable net costs would be reduced much further if the environmental benefits of reduced GHG emissions and local air pollution were considered.

Energy demand and energy efficiency

Greening the Macedonian economy on the energy demand side means a transition to more efficient energy utilization in all sectors consuming energy. To understand the level of effort required for this type of transition, this analysis under the Green Growth Program examines Macedonia’s energy consuming activities and the ownership and use of energy-consuming devices in the household, non-residential and industrial sectors, and considers efficiency scenarios for energy usage for the next four decades.

The Energy Forecasting Framework and Emissions Consensus Tool (EFFECT)1 was used to develop scenarios through 2050 for energy consumption in Macedonia. The scenarios provide the backbone of analysis of GHG mitigation options and serve as input for energy supply forecasting, discussed above. As in the other sectors, forecasts have been developed for a baseline scenario, a green scenario and a super-green scenario over the period of 2010 to 2050. The baseline approximates continuation of business as usual (BAU), while the two green scenarios illustrate lower carbon futures that can be attained by increasingly aggressive interventions to modify energy demands.

Baseline Scenario

The household sector accounted for nearly half of electric energy demand in 2010, followed by industry which used almost 30 percent. Transport, agriculture and other demand (including non-residential buildings) account for the rest.2 Expected growth in real household income of 4.2 percent per year over the next 25 years, plus expanded international trade and tourism development, will increase the overall demand for electricity at a rate of 1.6 percent per year for households and 1.7 percent for non-residential buildings, leading to 48 and 51 percent increases respectively by 2050.

Households will demand ever more electricity into the future but also offer the most significant opportunities for energy saving. Lighting, refrigeration, water and space heating account for more than 83 percent of household electricity use. For lighting, the substitution of CFL (compact fluorescent lighting) and LEDs (light-emitting diodes) for incandescent bulbs offers significant savings at reasonable cost. Refrigeration units tend to turn over slowly, but new units can offer much greater efficiency. Water heater efficiency improvements can offer modest savings as units are changed out. Such savings may be assured by establishment of minimum efficiency standards for new units. Space heating improvements may include improvements in the thermal integrity of housing through insulation or window replacements. Air conditioning is likely to expand significantly, creating opportunities to encourage the choice of higher efficiency options.

Non-residential buildings will contribute to growing demand for electricity at a slightly faster rate than households and face opportunities for saving. Electricity demand growth in the range of 1.7 to 2.0 percent per annum is projected for hospitals, hotels and restaurants. Offices and other buildings have electric demands growing slightly above 1.0 percent per year, which may be conservative depending on future patterns of employment and output. Retail growth is by far the fastest, based on real income growth that exceeds 4.2 percent per year. Substantial savings exist in new building construction and retrofit programs. Lighting will again constitute low-hanging fruit in the search for cost-effective savings. Space heating demands can be substantially reduced through retrofit insulation programs and by establishment of efficiency standards for new construction.

Iron and steel industries are the dominant industrial users of electricity, with more than half of total industrial demand. Export dependence and the uncertain economic conditions in Europe over the medium term are limiting factors in growth prospects for this industry. Output is not expected to exceed recent levels until after 2020. Total electric demands by 2035 are expected to reach levels that are about 1.6 times higher than 2010. Energy management initiatives (process changes, intensified maintenance efforts and limited change-outs of system components) and technology improvements as new capacities are added, can provide savings.

Non-electric energy demands for households are primarily for space heating and cooking. Total demand for these end-uses will grow slowly since very limited growth in the total number of households is anticipated. Non-residential use is mostly for space heating which is expected to expand nearly in proportion to growth in commercial floor space. The industrial sector accounts for the strongest growth rate in non-electric energy


Lessons from Natural Disasters: Overhead Power Lines Changed by Underground Cables

Stronger wind or higher rainfall – that is enough to keep hundreds or even thousands of Lithuanians without electricity. This is an increasingly recurring situation, especially well-known for people in rural and wooded areas. The reason is simple: it is most likely that falling trees or branches will damage overhead electricity lines in such areas.

Underground networks will serve 50 years

How to avoid such accidents? The only alternative is underground electrical cables. Some time ago, this was still considered a luxury, but the situation is changing rapidly as Lithuania decided to change the most troubled power lines. Therefore, do not be surprised if in Lithuania you see that the energy companies are digging around existing overhead lines. This means, that this electricity line will soon become an underground one, and the reinforced concrete supports will be dismantled and removed.

The underground cable network is not only more resistant to environmental impact, but also is generally less vulnerable to exploitation and more sustainable. In addition, maintenance and repair costs for underground cable networks are lower; the networks themselves are much safer and have a lifespan of at least 50 years. Meanwhile, the guarantee period for overhead power lines is 25 years.

Lithuanian electricity distribution operator AB “Energijos Skirstymo Operatorius” plans to have half of all electricity networks underground by 2026. Priority will be given to wooded areas; there will be no overhead lines left at all. Just last year, they replaced about 2,600 kilometres of overhead power lines to underground cables.

The contractor companies invest in expensive equipment

For some companies these changes mean new investment. In the case of construction works of overhead power lines power drills and mobile cranes are used, while underground cable lines require efficient ground excavation machinery (track, wheeled excavators), computerized mechanism for cable laying which regulates the pulling force of the cable, and trenchless construction technologies — controlled directional drilling equipment.

By using advanced trenchless technology, electric cables are laid under various roads, railroads, buildings, trees, rivers. The price of one new, trenchless machine for construction reaches EUR 300 000. Thus, companies that have invested considerable funds in the acquisition of such new equipment would like to use it all year round. However, there are no conditions for this in Lithuania. The construction of overhead power lines can take place in winter, and frozen ground even facilitates the work as the machinery can easily access any place. Meanwhile, the laying of cables is not possible in winter. In addition, the work also stops or considerably slows down at high rainfall as the heavy machinery can no longer enter the fields and cables cannot be laid in trenches full of water.

Only skilled specialists can work

According to Teodoras Bitinas, head of a construction company of energy objects, in electric cable laying work highly skilled professionals are required, who should have great thoroughness, accountability and show high quality works. People who install cable couplers must have received special training and have certificates for the installation of each type and each manufacturer's couplings.

High voltage cables are tested on the ground by a raised very low frequency voltage. “After the installation of 10 kV cables a raised 19 kV voltage is transmitted from a special high voltage cable testing device and so it is checked if cable insulation is in good shape and if cable couplings are assembled in a qualitative manner. Such testing requires specialized and expensive equipment, as well as qualified and accordingly certified specialists”, Teodoras Bitinas emphasised.

The laying of an underground cable takes a particularly long time in cities and towns, where digging is made more difficult by underground communications, street pavement, coordination of work with municipalities and residents. Meanwhile, when laying cables in the fields, it is necessary to settle with farmers who, because of the crop, do not allow excavation work.

Thus, step by step Lithuania moves forward to more sustainable and safe way of power supply. Historically, from wooden poles to reinforced concrete pillars and now, finally, with the emergence of new technologies, the introduction of dry-type cables and having decreased prices of the cable, electric overhead lines are being changed to underground cable lines.

Source: Lietuvos elektros energetikos asociacija, 2018, link: http://www.leea.lt/naujienos/oro-linijos-keiciamos-pozeminiais-kabeliais/

 


Lithuania has joined the largest energy innovation network in Europe

Lithuanian Ministry of Energy becomes the first of a kind partner within InnoEnergy’s network – Europe’s largest sustainable energy accelerator. Strengthening ties aims to connect local ecosystem with best European innovators and provide better access to international network of investors, experts, corporations and customers.

Lithuanian Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas and InnoEnergy Central Europe CEO Jakub Miler signed a cooperation agreement under which both parties will carry out joint activities supporting the development of energy innovation. The official signing of the document took place on May 15 in Vilnius Tech Park during the Country Finals of the PowerUp! start-up competition.

– This new partnership can serve as a catalyst for the Lithuanian energy sector to foster collaboration with other actors – be it investors or innovators – and to transform ideas into a market reality. InnoEnergy with its various regional offices is the best example of a European innovation incubator that have helped tens of projects off the ground by blending public and private financing – says Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission.

– Lithuania is already well-known for its achievements in renewable energy development and energy innovation. By becoming an official partner of the largest European energy innovation network, we are determined to develop energy transformation technologies in Lithuania and bring the benefits of innovation to the consumers. In addition, it is a step towards successful practical implementation of the National Energy Independence Strategy itself as innovation is one of four key pillars of a new Lithuanian National Energy Independence Strategy. Finally, by becoming an official partner of the InnoEnergy’s trusted ecosystem we will continue to show our leadership not only in the field of energy security, but also of being a frontrunner in energy transformation – says Žygimantas Vaičiūnas, Minister of Energy of the the Republic of Lithuania.

– Being the first Ministry within our network reiterates Lithuanian ambition to contribute to the creation of new directions within the European market and its courage to play a leading role in the ongoing revolution in the global energy and mobility market – says Jakub Miler, Chief Executive Officer of InnoEnergy Central Europe.

According to the Minister, cooperation with InnoEnergy includes promoting the research and industrial development of the most promising energy technologies and innovation incubators, distributed energy generation development, and digital solution application in the field of energy as well as exports of Lithuanian energy-related products and competencies.

The Ministry will become an active participant of the InnoEnergy community, taking part in prestigious industry events, training programs, and prioritizing collaboration with innovators across Europe.

KIC InnoEnergy was established by European entities and organizations, and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) as an operational arm of the European Commission. Its goal is to promote innovation and build community in areas such as energy efficiency, smart buildings and cities, energy storage and renewable energy sources.

Thanks to cooperation, Lithuanian energy sector will now have better access to international network of investors, experts, corporations and customers and to prestigious accelerator programmes, transforming ideas and projects into a market reality. For growing energy SMEs, InnoEnergy offers support in the form of expansion to European markets or additional funding. Larger companies have the opportunity to work with the most promising European energy start-ups and receive funding to bring innovations to the market. InnoEnergy also provides master and doctoral studies for future energy leaders, as well as international programs, internships, or student involvement in corporate projects.

Source:
http://enmin.lrv.lt/en/news/lithuania-has-joined-the-largest-energy-innovation-network-in-europe
Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania

 


CEE Energy Update

Final Energy in the CEE regions per sector

The analysis of the final energy consumption of selected CEE regions showed that the household sector presents the largest energy consuming sector with 30-50 % of the regions final energy consumption. The transport sector makes a close second place with 15-40 %. The remaining sectors give a strong indication of the local economic activities.

In direct comparison with EU-28 and CEE average, the industry and service sectors are the sectors with largest variation in the surveyed regions. The analysis shows these regions need to identify individual key areas and possible leverage points for effectively addressing energy consumption on regional level. Even if the energy statistics show a high energy demand of the industry sector, strategies might differ depending on average company size, types of product, manufacturing techniques, ownership (public or private), etc. A more thorough analysis of the sectors industry and services is needed before a line of action can be devised.

update-4

 

The full report on Energy Efficiency Situation of Central and Eastern European Regions can be downloaded here: https://ceesen.org/?dlm_download=energy-efficiency-situation-of-central-and-eastern-european-regions


Panel 2050 Regional Training in Latvia: Energy day in Valmiera and study trip to Estonia

Main outputs are finished and publicly presented stakeholders’ Action plans, the need of long term vision in energy planning and EU and Vidzeme region, some practical examples of how to communicate about the green thinking, low carbon society and energy consciousness of the municipality to the locals and incomers as well as meaningful experience exchange by visits in various objects in Estonia, meeting with representatives of Tartu Energy Agency. Main conclusion after this event and all the others above is following - stakeholders are cautious towards new initiatives that are tended to change their behaviour and it takes time, effort and valuable deliverables to gain their trust and engagement, but once its done, it gets easier and easier to engage them and get the good results. It is crucial to let the stakeholders come together, communicate and develop local networks. In this way a multiplying effect takes part as well as some problems are enlightened that the stakeholders were unaware of, but other stakeholders had stotted and tackled. It is important to engage the stakeholders through practical and real-life tasks and examples preferably with touchable results, because it helps them to engage them better and they see the point of the change and new approaches and tools. The event is linked to the WP3 –development of Action plan and road-mapping process, WP5 – CEESEN network.

For more informations , trainings report and study materials please look into the right side of document manue


Panel 2050 Regional Training in Latvia: Energy Management and Local Government Energy Plans

Latvian trainings within the framework of “Energy Management in Vidzeme” continued in May 2018 with the discussion on “Energy Management and Local Government Energy Plans”. This time Arita Leitlande, project assistant at SIA Vidzeme Hospital, took part as a lecturer in the training giving a presentation about the Vidzeme hospital. After that representatives from SIA Ekodoma explained how to link energy management with municipal energy plans and why it is important.

For more informations , trainings report and study materials please look into the right side of document manue


Panel 2050 Regional Training in Latvia: Establishing an energy management system for all municipal buildings

The next 7th Latvian training was done at the end of April 2018 in Cēsis and dedicated to the establishing an energy management system for all municipal buildings. The training was done with the support of SIA Ekodoma, which provided speakers to discuss energy mapping in the Vidzeme planning region, municipal energy policy, goal-setting, action plans and the setting of priority measures.

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Panel 2050 Regional Training in Latvia: Establishing an energy management system basic principles for a single municipality building

Next training within the series of “Energy Management in Vidzeme” was held on 11 April 2018 in Latvian Kocēni and focused on establishing energy management system basic principles for a single municipality building. A step-by-step approach to building a power management system was discussed as well as energy efficiency indicators, operational activity, monitoring and goal setting. Lections were done by representatives from municipalities and SIA Ekodoma.

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Panel 2050 Regional Training in Latvia: The process of establishing and implementing an energy management system in the municipality

At the end of March there was another training within the Latvian “Energy Management in Vidzeme” sessions this time dedicated to the process of establishing and implementing an energy management system in the municipality. There were done presentations of local governments and organizations about the current situation in the region. Also it was discussed what it means to create and implement energy management in the municipality and organization, for example what general requirements are. Invited lecturer was Vidzeme planning region project Manager Aija Rūse and SIA Ekodoma.

For more informations , trainings report and study materials please look into the right side of document manue


Panel 2050 Regional Training in Latvia: Energy Planning

After the summer break, "Energy planning" was the key topic in September’s training about the energy management in Vidzeme region. On September 29, representatives of the Vidzeme Planning Region municipalities and Vidzeme Hospital met in Raun to exchange their knowledge of cooperation with stakeholders in the energy planning process, the development of the energy plan itself and the drafting of project applications for European programs. It was already the fourth meeting of the "Energy Management in Vidzeme" series, which took place within the project "PANEL2050".

This time, guest speakers from the Johann Skytte Institute of Political Studies, University of Tartu, Giorgi Davidovi and Hector C. Pagan came to take part in the training. G. Davidovi spoke about stakeholder involvement and analysis of those parties that might potentially be interested in the energy planning process and what the contribution of each party would be. Hector C. Pagan discovered a number of valuable ideas for writing project applications for European programs, ranging from project ideas, results, definitions of deliverables to budget preparation, work packages and the development of a project application form itself. VPR Energy Efficiency Expert RTU Docent Dr.sc.ing Dz. Jaunzems provided valuable tips on writing an energy plan and revealed several examples of how to better illustrate data, how to calculate, and where energy planning information is still available.

For more informations , trainings report and study materials please look into the right side of document manue


Panel 2050 Regional Training in Latvia: Experience exchange trip – Energy Management in Vidzeme

At the end of June, the specialists in charge of energy management at the Vidzeme planning region municipality went to the experience exchange trip to Kurzeme to get acquainted with the experience of Liepaja Municipality in implementing the energy management system ISO 50001. Focus was on the development of the energy management plan and the implementation process, as well as other issues related to energy efficiency. The approach of Liepāja City Municipality in renovation of multi-apartment buildings, accounting of energy consumption, provision of microclimate of premises and motivation of employees was explained.

The participants of the trip came to Jelgava to meet with Inga Kreicmanis, Director of Zemgale Regional Energy Agency, who introduced the association's efforts to increase energy efficiency in the region by implementing not only various projects financed by the European Union, but also maintaining the energy database. As well sd developing planning documents for local governments, promoting cooperation, attracting investments and carrying out other similar activities. At the same time, Marek Muiste from the Tartu Regional Energy Agency in Estonia gave a lecture on Energy Sector Leadership, stating how important it is to actively participate and find the right people who are interested in implementing modern energy solutions.

For more informations , trainings report and study materials please look into the right side of document manue


Panel 2050 Regional Training in Latvia: Data Collection and Creation of a Database

Local government specialists were invited to the training on Energy Management in Vidzeme at the end of May 2017 in Cesvaine. The main focus was on the implementation of effective management in the municipality. It was the 2nd lesson within set of activities "Energy Management in Vidzeme". Experts in the field talked about data collection and compilation and the importance of a successful energy-generating process. The focus was done on the ability to analyze data and technological solutions that make it effective.

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Panel 2050 Regional Training in Latvia: Existing energy industry – what it is and how to describe it

At the end of April in Smiltene 18 Vidzeme municipalities met in a special training “Energy Management in Vidzeme”, in order to share the knowledge of the operation and management of the energy industry. During the training special attention was paid to data collection and development of databases. Also, participants presented cases of successful usage of analysis methods and how they apply energy-efficient solutions for municipalities.

It is planned that the set of activities within the framework of “Energy Management in Vidzeme” will strengthen the local government specialist competence in the energy management issues. Also it should deepen the knowledge of energy efficiency solutions and renewable energy technologies, as well as facilitate cooperation among local governments. Set of activities includes not only training on various energy management topics, but also the discussions and experience-sharing visits both in Latvia and abroad.

Training activities created for the project partners, energy agencies, heat production enterprises, various associations in Latvia responsible for the realization of energy efficiency projects and national institutions. The project involved 18 of Vidzeme municipalities (Alūksne county, Amata novads, Apes novads, Beverīna county, Burtnieki county, Cesvaine novads, Cēsu novads, Gulbene county, Jaunpiebalgas novads, Kocēni county, Lubānas novads, Pārgaujas county, Rauna county, Rūjiena county, Smiltene county, Strenči county, Valka county, Valmiera), and Vidzeme hospital, but the range of participants is also open to other interested parties. It is planned that training, discussions and experience exchange trips will be held once a month, a year and a half in length.

The training is organised in the project “PANEL of 2050”. The aim of the project is to create a local-level sustainable cooperation network. This can help to jointly develop local strategies and action plans for the transition to a low-carbon society by 2050 year.

For more informations , trainings report and study materials please look into the right side of document manue


Panel 2050 Regional Training in Slovenia: RES and EE in practice - technologies and financing

At the beginning of the Training, the state of policies in the field of Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency in Slovenia has been presented. After that, the representatives of the companies Kronoterm, Biomasa and the Cooperative of Solar Power Plants of Slovenia, presented Technologies that are currently in use in the field of RES. The presentations included information’s about Heat Pumps, Wood Biomass (Boilers, district heating systems and Biomass logistics centres) and Net Metering. After a short break followed the presentation about current financing opportunities and possibilities in Slovenia. The representative of GOLEA presented the Fundraising of Cohesion Fund (open Call, procedures, etc.). EKO Sklad (ECO Fund) presented their open calls for financing of actions for individuals, companies and local communities. The workshop closed with a presentation about the establishment of biomass logistics centres in different European Countries.
The presentations of different technologies have led to an open discussion about the implementation of different technologies in different situations, depending on the size of a building, weather conditions in winter or summer, comparison of different Technologies in terms of Energy efficiency, performance and most important of all the payback periods of investments in those technologies. The second part about financing opportunities gave us an overview about open National Calls for financing of energy renovations.
The representatives of our Stakeholder Group (mostly Municipalities) had the opportunity to get information’s about possible Technologies for energy efficiency and the use of renewable sources of energy and on the other hand, they received all necessary information’s about the possibilities of funding those technologies in their buildings. It was a great opportunity for Municipalities to step into direct contact with providers of different Technologies.

 

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Panel 2050 Regional Training in Estonia: Renewable energy project writing and management

On the 8 of December 2017 in the Estonian University of Life Sciences in Tartu another training “Renewable energy project writing and management” was hold. The training was also done by Maria Habicht Estonian, who is EU energy and transport work programme of the senior consultant. The focus of the training concerned the proposal preparation and consortium management of Horison 2020 projects.

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Panel 2050 Regional Training in Estonia: Practical training - the European Union in the field of energy financial opportunities of Local governments

The training “the European Union in the field of energy financial opportunities of Local governments” was organised by Estonian University of Life Sciences in cooperation with the Tartu Region Energy Agency (Tartu Regiooni Energiaagentuuriga) on 30 November 2017. The training was introduced by Maria Habicht Estonian, who is EU energy and transport work programme of the senior consultant. Training topics covered: (1) overview of the local government and the opportunities in energy and transport sector funded by the EU; (2) EU funds financed procurement, preparation, district heating, boiler renovation; (3) potential investment projects preparation; (4) public and private cooperation.

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Panel 2050 Regional Training in Estonia: Training - Renewable energy project financing: opportunities and limitations

On 23 November 2017 in Estonian University of Life Sciences a training took place named “Renewable energy project financing: opportunities and limitations”. The goal of the training was to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the renewable energy small decisions and energy efficiency related projects, funding opportunities in Estonia, including rural areas. A few different financing solutions were presented and discussed with representatives from Swedbank, Tartu Hoiu-laenuühistu (The Tartu Savings and loan center), TÜ Majandusteaduskond and etc. Participants from financial sector helped to present a full overview of available options.

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Panel 2050 Regional Training in Estonia: Annual Renewable Energy Conference – Innovation in Renewable Energy

Annual Renewable Energy Conference took place on 2 November 2017 in the Estonian University of Life Sciences that is situated in Tartu. Main focus of the Conference was done on renewable energy innovations. New technologies and products were demonstrated and participants shared their practical experience. The Conference was organised with the support of the European Commission, the Estonian Renewable energy Chamber, Eesti

Teadusagentuur and EMÜ Roheline Ülikool. Within the speakers and participants there were representatives from University of Tartu, Nelja Energia, OECD (The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), Eesti Teadusagentuur, Estonian Solar Energy Association, Tuge Energia and etc. All in all, speakers represented on the one hand a research sector providing a theoretical knowledge, but on the other hand practitioners with experience of working in the field.

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Panel 2050 Regional Training in Estonia: Energy planning, sustainable energy action plans

Within the training organized by Estonian University of Life Sciences on the 1 March 2018 energy planning and sustainable action plans were touched upon. An overview of the energy planning enterprise, government and at the regional level was given. Representatives from Tartu Regional Energy Agency provided their view on sustainable

energy and climate change adaptation action plan.

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Panel 2050 Regional Training in Estonia: Information session - Biomethane for transport fuel

The Environmental Investment Centre jointly with the Estonian University of Life Sciences and the Organisation of the Domestic Environmentally Friendly Renewable Fuels organized the info-day held on 24 January 2018 in the Estonian University of Life Sciences in Tartu. Info session provided an overview of different bonds and country grants, for which the conjunction has launched the biomethane production, distribution and consumption of transport fuel. In more detail it was explained what contribution to the chain of consumption can provide. Biogas and methane producers presented their objective on possible development. Information session was targeted at everyone who is interested in clean and sustainable living environment, and is willing to work today to give their contribution.

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Panel 2050 Regional Training in Bulgaria: Training on energy vision and roadmap

The fifth Bulgarian Regional Training under PANEL2050 project was held in Sofia. Most of the participants were from the BCAC (Bulgarian Climate Action Coalition)

The trainees reviewed and shortened the Bulgarian Energy Vision under project Panel 2050. Then they went through the process of Roadmap development, familiarized themselves with the specifics of the roadmap content and gave their feedback. They also discussed the next steps and the development of Action Plans.

Agenda of the training:

  1. Revision of the Bulgarian Energy Vision and its approval
  2. Developing a Roadmap and 10 Action Plans

 

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Panel 2050 Regional Training in Bulgaria: EU policy, Air pollution – health risks and their reduction, Stakeholder engagement, Roadmapping, Fundraising and project writing.

The forth Bulgarian Regional Training under PANEL 2050 project was held in the municipality of Pleven. Participants were representatives of municipalities from Pleven province as well as local business organizations and NGOs.

Firstly the participants learned about the health risks of air pollution and what are the ways to reduce them. Afterwards they went through the whole process of stakeholder engagement. The second part of the training was focused on the Energy Visioning, Roadmapping and Action planning process. Lastly they learned about successful alternative practices for municipal fundraising and project financing.

Agenda of the training:

  1. Legal package “Clean Energy for all Europeans” As a part of long-term Energy Development of the EU and transition to low carbon Economy
  2. Involving and motivating all stakeholders. Communications and working with local people
  3. Preparing аn Energy Profile. Vision, Roadmap, Action Plan
  4. Alternative successful practices for fundraising and financing of Climate and Energy projects

 

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Panel 2050 Regional Training in Bulgaria: Energy planning as an instrument for sustainable development of Bulgarian municipalities

The third Bulgarian Regional Training under PANEL 2050 project took place in Gorna Malina near Sofia. It was mainly focused on the energy planning for municipalities, energy efficiency and on instruments for financing such actions.

In the first part of the training the participants learned in details about instruments for sustainable energy development. They were also taken through the process of developing an Energy Vision and Roadmap as such instruments. The second part contained practical examples for the successful preparation of project documentation as well as opportunities for European and national financing of projects for municipalities in the energy sector.

Agenda of the training:

  1. Energy Efficiency Directive, Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, Legal package “Clean Energy for all Europeans”: achieved results and expected impact, PANEL 2050 project
  2. Developing Regional Energy Profiles, Roadmap, Visions and Action Plans
  3. Local Investments for Energy Efficiency - Opportunities and Good Practices
  4. Successful practices and approaches to project preparation
  5. Fundraising from alternative sources as a tool for diversifying funds from public donors

 

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Panel 2050 Regional Training in Bulgaria: Policy Analysis, Lobbying for sustainable energy development, Involvement of stakeholders, Roadmapping, Fundraising

Participants in the Second Bulgarian Regional Training were members of the Bulgarian Association of Municipal Environmental Experts (BAMEE). In the first day of the training the focus was set on the lobbying for sustainable energy development, the participants also went briefly through the process of stakeholder engagement. The second part of the training focused on the funding opportunities for municipalities as well as project writing where the participants learnt about the specifics and successful practices of preparing project documentation and financing of projects. A next training with more members of BAMEE is scheduled for later this year.

Agenda of the training:

  1. Mitigation of the effects of climate change. Challenges ahead of the Bulgarian Municipalities and Regions
  2. Focusing on sustainable energy development, an essential part of the transition to a low-carbon economy
  3. Involving and motivating all stakeholders. Communications and working with local people
  4. Preparing аn Energy Profile. Vision, Roadmap, Action Plan
  5. Fundraising and project writing for municipal or regional structures and organizations, including NGOs, in the field of "Climate and Energy"
  6. Successful practices in the preparation of project documentation for project financing

 

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Panel 2050 Regional Training in Bulgaria: Stakeholder engagement and motivation

Members of BCAC (Bulgarian Climate Action Coalition) participated at the first Bulgarian Regional Training under PANEL 2050 project. They went briefly through the project, its upcoming activities and how BCAC can contribute to them, mainly with the development of a vision, roadmap and action plans. Then they learned about the identification and categorization of stakeholders and the process of their engagement.

Agenda of the training:

  1. Review of PANEL2050 project and CEESEN network
  2. Developing a strategy for work and stakeholder engagement
  3. Networking and engaging BCAC and the rest of the stakeholders in the development of Regional Vision, Roadmap and Action
  4. Final Discussion and following steps

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Panel 2050 Regional Training in Slovenia: Energy planning

The aim of the event has been to provide our most important stakeholders (forerunners) with knowledge on energy planning. At the training they became familiar with the Regional energy profile that was developed within WP3 and serves as a basis for Energy Visions. Through the training the participants also received basic knowledge on energy visioning and road mapping process and how to involve different stakeholders into that process. Through the regional training the participants received the information’s and gained knowledge needed for the more intensive training in Budapest (Boot camp). The regional training has been mainly linked to the outputs of WP3 and the training topic has led to a discussion where the main challenges for Podravje until 2050 have been discussed.

 

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Panel 2050 Regional Training in Slovenia: STAKEHOLDER SEMINAR (Energy policies, founding possibilities)

The aim of the seminar has been to provide participants with knowledge on:
- policy analysis – how to collect data, where to search for the data and how to include the data in concrete project ideas
- financial programs and
- funding opportunities for their project ideas.
The thematic of the seminar has led to an open discussion, where participants shared their knowledge and experiences about funding mechanisms and programmes. It was an excellent opportunity for the participants to get a better overview about different funding opportunities and to gain knowledge of national energy policies.

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Panel 2050 Regional Training in Czech Republic: Local training for public authorities – Regional energy policies in context

The Czech training took place on 20 June 2017 in Ministry of Environment situated in Prague. It was a local training for public authorities called “Regional energy policies in context”. The main goal of this meeting was based on activities of currently forming stakeholders’ network CEESEN platform and was to discuss integrated initiative of energy transition and self-sufficiency. Project called REGISTR is a complex, multisectoral intention focused on innovations, pilot investments as well as infrastructure development.

 

With regard to intersector character of this initiative all related Ministries were invited (Ministry of Trade and Business, Ministry of Spatial Development, Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Agriculture) as well as research institutions (The Silva Tarouca Research Institute for Landscape and Ornamental Gardening, ECO trend Research Centre s.r.o.). From the energy point of view, the discussion focused on fostering the regional energy self-sufficiency, job creation and development of regional business. Environmental aspect was dealing with increasing water retention in landscape by improving forestry management and provision of local biomass for local heating systems. From the agricultural point of view application of procedures to provide sustainable biomass resources was discussed. Spatial development part of the project is based on regional actors synergies through different types of collaborative models. Main principals of this intention, needs of public authorities, ways of implementations and financing bacame a matter of discussion.

 

All in all, a few topics were touched upon including: identification of regional priorities for biomass and its local use, potential and possibilities of forestry soil fund, potential and possibilities of agricultural soil fund, regional management and business active region, benefits and engagement of local population (regional gasification).

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