SECAP of Cēsis
 |
14.766 (2022) |
 |
19,28 km2 |
 |
2000: 62.689t |
| 2030: 31.384t |
Cēsis is a small town of 15, 000 inhabitants located in the north of Latvia. Surrounded by rural areas and natural parks, its economy is based mainly on food production, retail and small industries (manufacturing, transport). For now, the SECAP has been developed for the city of Cēsis, but at the end of 2022, work on developing the plan for the entire county has started.
Actions towards sustainable energy management
In 2016, the municipality of Cēsis County developed and approved its first Sustainable Energy Action Plan until 2020. Considering legislative changes and new goals set by the EU, this document has been revised, updated and supplemented with short-term, medium-term and long-term goals for 2022.
Accordingly to the SECAP, by 2030, the city of Cēsis will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 2000. Cēsis adopted the year 2000 as the base year; the household and industrial sectors were the largest consumers of electricity and natural gas. Centralised heat supply prevailed in Cesis, fuel - natural gas (mainly) and biomass.
The renewable energy target of Cēsis City is to reduce Co2 emissions by 50% compared to the base year (2000) by 2030 and to ensure that Cēsis municipal institutions, residents and infrastructure can adapt and withstand the risks caused by climate change.
The Impact of local political commitment on sustainable development
In the year SECAP was developed (2022), CO2 emissions had decreased by 33%, which confirms that the energy efficiency measures taken so far have a high-efficiency ratio. The industrial sector has a significant decrease, incl. centralised heat supply. Residential building insulation programs have already yielded effective results in reducing CO2, which is formed from thermal energy savings, and the effects of replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy resources, which are CO2 neutral. It is a result of successful political commitment and active action.
Mitigation and adaption
Climate mitigation and adaptation measures are focused on four groups: municipal infrastructure, housing, natural environment, transport and mobility. The municipality is firmly committed to integrating the climate aspect into the county`s planning documents.
Planned activities include improvement of wastewater management and successful rainwater management, development of blue-green infrastructure, improvement of early warning and forecasting system, use of materials and technologies that protect buildings from overheating, and other solutions.
„Climate change affects every citizen, affects the living environment and infrastructure. To reduce human impact and ensure safe and sustainable energy for the population, we have decided to focus more on mitigating climate change. Participation in the Covenant of Mayors will make it possible to strengthen the municipality's ability to adapt to the inevitable impact of climate change and to draw knowledge from the most experienced member cities." (Jānis Rozenbergs, Chairman of Cēsis County Council)
The SECAP was created by VPR and supported by CEESEU project.
The entire document is available on the link below in Romanian language.
https://ceesen.org/document/secap-cesis-latvia/
 |
The SECAP was implemented with the support of the CEESEU project. The CEESEU project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA: 892270. Disclaimer: The author of this content is solely responsible for its content, which does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, and neither EASME nor the European Commission is responsible for any use that may be made of this content. |
SECAP of Žďár nad Sázavou by ENVIROS
|
20.338 (2022) |
|
37,06 km2 |
|
2000: 107.700t |
| 2030: 56.800t |
Žďár nad Sázavou is a town located in the Vysočina Region, near the historical border between Bohemia and Moravia. A significant part of the town extends into the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area. The town is situated at an elevation of 580 meters above sea level and is traversed by the Sázava River. One notable landmark in the town is the Church of St. John of Nepomuk, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Emission Reduction
The town aims to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 40% by 2030 compared to 2000. All the proposed measures have the potential to reduce emissions by up to 47%. Basic measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions include efforts to reduce energy consumption in municipal-owned buildings. This includes the insulation of the hospital, Okružní and Brodská kindergartens, window replacements, and lighting upgrades in several other schools and municipal buildings. There is significant potential for utilizing waste heat from the Relax Center (sports hall). The potential for installing photovoltaic power plants on public buildings is 400 kWp, with the largest roof being that of the local elementary school.
Investments in the modernization of the district heating system are crucial. This involves projects aiming at heat loss reduction and subsequently replacing the primary fuel source, which is still coal.
The municipality will also support households in replacing coal boilers, house insulation, and the installation of photovoltaic systems on residential homes through promotional campaigns for available national wide subsidy schemes.
Adaptation to Climate Change
The greatest risks for the town due to ongoing climate change are heatwaves, droughts, and potentially extreme rainfall and floods. Planned adaptation measures include expanding street tree lines, implementing permeable pavement strips, renewing existing parks, and creating water absorption areas. Several measures, such as shading and rest areas, are proposed for the hospital complex. Green roofs are recommended for the elementary school and kindergarten. Within parks, the creation of ponds or the revitalization of ponds is advised. In industrial areas, it is suitable to create retention reservoirs to capture rainwater, which can then be used for irrigation purposes.
The SECAP was created by ENVIROS and supported by CEESEU project.
The entire document is available on the link below in Romanian language.
https://ceesen.org/document/secap-zdar-nad-sazavou-czech-republic/
|
The SECAP was implemented with the support of the CEESEU project. The CEESEU project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA: 892270. Disclaimer: The author of this content is solely responsible for its content, which does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, and neither EASME nor the European Commission is responsible for any use that may be made of this content. |
SECAP of Hradecký venkov by ENVIROS
|
19.600 (2000) |
|
410 km2 |
|
2010: 62.286t |
| 2030: 31.371t |
The SECAP has been developed for the Hradecký venkov region, which encompasses 38 small municipalities, each with its own local government. The entire area is located west of the city of Hradec Králové in the Královéhradecký Region at an elevation ranging from 280 to 320 meters above sea level. The region is characterized by its agricultural nature and picturesque landscape, featuring fields, meadows, and forests.
Emission Reduction
Individual municipalities within the Hradecký venkov region plan to implement a range of measures targetng publicly owned buildings. Among the significant identified opportunities for reducing energy consumption are the reconstruction of kindergartens in the municipalities of Neděliště and Číbuz. Another major project involves the renovation of the school in the municipality of Mžany, as well as the school in the municipality of Libčany. In the municipality of Hoříněves, up to 310 MWh per year can be saved through insulation and reconstruction of four residential buildings. Overall, the municipalities can establish photovoltaic power plants on 44 buildings with a total annual electricity production capacity of 1200 MWh. Similar amounts of electricity can be saved by modernizing public lighting and transitioning to LED technology. Household energy consumption, primarily in single-family homes, accounts for a significant portion of energy usage in the region. For these households, the establishment of an information center and a campaign to improve access to subsidy programs focusing on insulation and renewable sources are being considered. These measures can also help combat energy poverty and contribute to the practical development of community energy schemes.
Adaptation to Climate Change
Based on a risk and vulnerability analysis, the most probable risks identified are associated with rising temperatures and risks related to heavy rainfall, floods, and inundation. In areas with higher urbanization, the vulnerable parts are more susceptible to high air temperatures and overheating. Additionally, the region's specifically varied terrain poses a significant risk of flash floods. Selected measures include specific flood prevention measures, shading elements, revitalization of playgrounds, as well as the revitalization of swimming pools and ponds.
The SECAP was created by ENVIROS and supported by CEESEU project.
The entire document is available on the link below in Romanian language.
https://ceesen.org/document/secap-hradecky-venkov-czech-republic/
|
The SECAP was implemented with the support of the CEESEU project. The CEESEU project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA: 892270. Disclaimer: The author of this content is solely responsible for its content, which does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, and neither EASME nor the European Commission is responsible for any use that may be made of this content. |
Meet the CEESEN Founders: Alba Local Energy Agency (ALEA), Romania
Alba Local Energy Agency – ALEA – established in 2008 with the support of Intelligent Energy Europe programme – is a nongovernmental and nonprofit organization that contributes to the sustainable development of Alba County - Romania by improving the current situation in energy efficiency, energy management and energy use from renewable sources.
Involvement in more than 15 European projects under different programmes; these projects cover areas such as sustainable energy in buildings (nZEB), efficient public lighting, rational use of energy in homes, developing the capacity of local communities to use renewable energy sources, achieving a regional energy observatory, support for public authorities to develop and implement sustainable energy and climate action plans, green public procurement, sustainable urban mobility and promoting the use of electric vehicles.
ALEA aims on one hand to become a competent body in promoting sustainable development in Alba County by reinforcing the current energy status, and on the other hand to be a decisive factor in changing the mentality of people as energy consumers. ALEA is also member of FEDARENE and founder member of CEESEN network.
Main objectives of the agency:
- Formulation of energy policy at county level.
- Support given to local authorities in the development and implementation of local action plans for sustainable energy and climate.
- Promoting energy efficiency projects in economic entities, buildings belonging to public institutions, housing, public utility systems.
- Promote the implementation of systems for producing energy from renewable sources in Alba County.
- Raising awareness and educating intelligent energy both citizens and decision-makers from local government and the private sector.
Since its establishment, ALEA recommend itself by:
- Contribution to the realisation of The Energy Masterplan of Alba County – the first county-level in Romania having issued the environmental permit;
- Supporting more than 30 Romanian municipalities that signed the Convention of Mayors – the European large-scale initiative – in the creation and implementation of their Sustainable Energy (and Climate) Action Plans;
Alba Local Energy Agency Alba is a recognized supporter by the European Commission regarding „Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy” initiative, assuming its promotion at national level and provide full technical support to signatory municipalities; This support covers the initial analysis of energy consumption and the monitoring (inventory of energy consumption and CO2 emissions) identifying local resources of renewable energy, implementation of the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans – SECAPs, reaching towards ensuring complete management of these processes.
Since this year, ALEA became country expert and national hub for EUCF initiative.
SECAP of Český Krumlov by ENVIROS
|
12.400 (2000) |
|
22,17 km2 |
|
2012: 73.281t |
| 2030: 43.870t |
Český Krumlov is a city located in the South Bohemian Region. The city is traversed by the Vltava River and sits at an altitude of 492 meters above sea level. Historically, it served as the residence for numerous influential Czech nobles. The medieval center of the city attracts a significant number of tourists and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992.
Emission Reduction
The city's objective is to decrease CO2 emissions by at least 40% compared to the 2012 levels by 2030. Additionally, the city aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To accomplish this, a comprehensive set of measures has been devised, which can directly or indirectly impact the city. Notably, the proposed measures include energy saving measures for city-owned buildings. Specifically, the Municipal Theatre will undergo an extensive renovation involving a complex renovation of the heating systems and a thermal insulation of the building. Moreover, the city plans to save energy by insulating the elementary school building, enhancing insulation in kindergartens, and, importantly, replacing outdated lighting with modern LED sources in all structures. Outside of the historic center, the city will install photovoltaic power plants on public buildings' roofs. The combined capacity of these installations is estimated at 1400 kWp, with the largest project being the installation of photovoltaics on the bus station's roof.
Apart from its own initiatives, the city will support energy-saving and renewable energy production measures implemented by households or local entrepreneurs. This support will be offered through grant consultancy services and the establishment of regulations for new constructions.
Adaptation Measures
Ongoing climate change presents various risks to the city. The most probable risks include increasing temperatures and their impact on residents' health, as well as the potential for heavy rainfall and floods. Particularly vulnerable groups include children, senior citizens, and tourists. To address these risks, the plan outlines several concrete measures. These measures encompass the installation of public drinking fountains in areas with high pedestrian traffic, tree planting in commercial and industrial zones, the creation of a new park in the Nádražní predměstí district, and the integration of green (natural-based) elements within kindergartens.
The SECAP was created by ENVIROS and supported by CEESEU project.
The entire document is available on the link below in Romanian language.
https://ceesen.org/document/secap-cesky-krumlov-czech-republic/
|
The SECAP was implemented with the support of the CEESEU project. The CEESEU project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA: 892270. Disclaimer: The author of this content is solely responsible for its content, which does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, and neither EASME nor the European Commission is responsible for any use that may be made of this content. |
SECAP of Sveti Juraj na Bregu by MENEA
|
4.929 (2021) |
|
33,17 km2 |
|
2019: 6.384t |
| 2030: 3.582t |
Municipality of Sveti Juraj na Bregu is located in the western part of Medjimurje county and is characterized by its rich natural potential. It belongs to the medium-sized municipalities. The municipality consists of 9 settlements and it is one of the most densely populated in Medjimurje county. The development and structure of the municipality are conditioned by its proximity to the Town of Čakovec which is the main centre of the county.
Mitigation
In order to reduce CO2 emissions by 40 % in the municipal area by 2030, 16 measures have been defined in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources for the building, traffic and public lighting sectors. Mitigation of the negative effects of climate change includes implementation of various solutions that contribute to the improved energy efficiency, increasement of the use of renewable energy sources and solutions that contribute to the creation of a sustainable society. Most of the measures are related to the reduction of CO2 emissions in the building sector, because they represent one of the most important segments in the implementation of energy efficiency and climate change mitigation measures.
The implementation of all proposed measures requires significant financial resources (almost 67 million euros) with the aim of achieving annual savings of 16,698 MWh and a reduce of CO2 emissions by 2,802 tCO2.
Energy poverty
Energy poverty is considered to be a big problem around the EU and in the Republic of Croatia since a large number of people are facing it. Energy poverty is caused by a combination of the following factors: low-income, high-energy prices and low energy efficiency in the household. Due to the high share of energy costs in the household overall budget, energy-poor households reduce their expenditures to meet their basic needs (food, heating, lights, etc.). According to the Croatian Bureau of Statistic on poverty indicators and social exclusion in 2019, the poverty risk rate was 19.3%.
Adaptation
Extremely high temperatures, heavy precipitation and droughts are the most important natural disasters with the highest degree of the risk in terms of frequency of occurrence and the dangers they cause. An increase in the intensity of those natural disasters is predicted in the future. The most common occurrence in the municipal area are storms with hail. Future climate change could potentially increase the negative effects in various systems in Republic of Croatia, including Municipality of Sveti Juraj na Bregu.
The SECAP was created by MENEA and supported by CEESEU project.
The entire document is available on the link below in Romanian language.
https://ceesen.org/document/secap-sveti-juraj-na-bregu-croatia/
|
The SECAP was implemented with the support of the CEESEU project. The CEESEU project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA: 892270. Disclaimer: The author of this content is solely responsible for its content, which does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, and neither EASME nor the European Commission is responsible for any use that may be made of this content. |
SECAP of Nedelišće by MENEA
|
11.050 (2021) |
|
58,33 km2 |
|
2019: 21.644t |
| 2030: 12.954t |
The Municipality of Nedelišće is located in the northern part of the Republic of Croatia. Municipality is the third largest local government in Medjimurje county. In the municipal area operate more than 200 entrepreneurs. The proposed measured to reduce CO2 emissions within the framework of Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) consists of clearly defined measured for the period up to 2030, with the aim of reducing the emissions by at least 40 %.
Mitigation
In order to reduce CO2 emissions by 40 % in the municipal area by 2030, 19 measures have been defined in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources for the building, traffic and public lighting sectors. Proposed measures include promotion activities, education, raising awareness and investing in renewable energy sources.
Public buildings are the most important segment for implementing energy efficiency and climate change mitigation measures. Since the largest share of CO2 emissions in the municipal area belongs to the building sector, the majority measures (14) are related to the reduction of CO2 emissions in the mentioned sector.
The implementation of all proposed measures requires a significant financial resources (almost 67 million euros) with the aim of achieving annual savings of 57,986 MWh and reduction of CO2 emissions by 8,689t CO2.
Energy poverty
Energy poverty is considered to be a big problem around the EU and in the Republic of Croatia since a large number of people are facing it. Energy poverty has a long-term consequences for citizens health, social status and education.
According to the Croatian Bureau of Statistic on poverty indicators and social exclusion in 2019, the poverty risk rate was 19.3%. The defined measures within the SECAP will be useful in establishing a sustainable solutions for raising awareness related to energy poverty.
Adaptation
The risk of natural disaster is more frequent in the observed area through extremely high and low temperatures, short-term and heavy precipitation with short-term flooding of certain residential and agricultural areas of the municipality, and through droughts and windstorm.
Future climate change could potentially have large negative effects in various systems in Republic of Croatia, including Municipality of Nedelišće, with only a few long-term positive effects.
The SECAP was created by MENEA and supported by CEESEU project.
The entire document is available on the link below in Romanian language.
https://ceesen.org/document/secap-nedelisce-croatia/
|
The SECAP was implemented with the support of the CEESEU project. The CEESEU project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA: 892270. Disclaimer: The author of this content is solely responsible for its content, which does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, and neither EASME nor the European Commission is responsible for any use that may be made of this content. |
SECAP of Abrud by ALEA
|
4.968 (2022) |
|
25 km2 |
|
2008: 24.494t |
| 2030: 11.022t |
The city of Abrud is situated in Alba County, which is located in the central part of Romania's Centru Development Region. The municipality spans an area of 25 km2 and is traversed by the Abrud River. It includes five settlements (Abrud, Abrud-Sat, Gura Cornei, and Soharu), with a total population of 4,968 inhabitants according to the 2021 census. This results in a population density of 198 inhabitants per km2.
By joining the Covenant of Mayors, Abrud has expressed its commitment to contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Accordingly, Abrud has set a target of reducing CO2 emissions by at least 40% by 2030, while also increasing resilience to the negative effects of climate change. In pursuit of these goals, the municipality will adopt a rational approach to energy consumption and management at local level. Recognizing the importance of energy efficiency, the municipality will support and implement measures that promote the rational use of energy and adaptation to climate change.
The largest contribution to total CO2 emissions in the municipal area is attributed to the residential buildings sector, accounting for 81% of the emissions. It is followed by the transport sector, which contributes 9.52% to the total emissions. Emissions from the public lighting sector are nearly negligible, representing only 0.68% of the total. In the reference year of 2008, the observed sectors emitted a total of 24,494.00 tCO2.
The implementation of mitigation measures outlined in the SECAP will bring multiple benefits to the municipality. These measures will enhance the municipality's capacity to address the harmful effects of climate change and seize opportunities for economic and social progress. Additionally, they will facilitate the adoption of new financial mechanisms to implement energy efficiency measures and promote the use of RES, ultimately improving the quality of life for all residents. A total of 38 mitigation measures have been defined with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030. These measures primarily focus on energy efficiency and the utilization of RES in the buildings, transport, and public lighting sectors within the municipal area.
The SECAP was created by ALEA and supported by CEESEU project.
The entire document is available on the link below in Romanian language.
https://ceesen.org/document/secap-abrud-romania/
|
The SECAP was implemented with the support of the CEESEU project. The CEESEU project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA: 892270. Disclaimer: The author of this content is solely responsible for its content, which does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, and neither EASME nor the European Commission is responsible for any use that may be made of this content. |
SECAP of Baia de Arieș by ALEA
|
3.654 (2021) |
|
79 km2 |
|
2008: 17.749t |
| 2030: 7.987t |
Baia de Arieș is located in Alba County, which is situated in the central part of Romania's 'Centru' Development Region. The municipality spans an area of 79 km2 and is traversed by the Arieș River. It comprises 6 settlements (Baia de Arieș, Brăzești, Cioara de Sus, Muncelu, Sartăș, and Simulești) with a total of 3,654 inhabitants according to the 2021 census. This results in a population density of 46 inhabitants per km2.
By becoming a part of the Covenant of Mayors, Baia de Arieș has shown its dedication to making substantial contributions to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Considering this resolute commitment, the Municipality of Baia de Arieș has established a strong objective: the reduction of CO2 emissions by no less than 40% by the year 2030, concurrently fighting against the adverse impacts of climate change. According to these aspirations, the municipality will rationally use and manage energy consumption at local level. Furthermore, recognizing the importance of energy efficiency, the municipality will execute comprehensive measures such as rational use of energy, adaptation to climate change.
The residential buildings sector accounts for the largest share of total CO2 emissions in the municipal area, contributing 88.75% of the emissions. It is followed by the transport sector with 6.16% and the public lighting sector with a negligible 0.94% of the total emissions. In the reference year of 2008, the observed sectors emitted a total of 17,749 tCO2.
The implementation of mitigation measures outlined in the SECAP will bring multiple benefits. These measures will strengthen the municipality's capacity to address the harmful effects of climate change and capitalize on opportunities for economic and social progress. They will facilitate the adoption of new financial mechanisms to implement energy efficiency measures and promote the use of RES, ultimately improving the quality of life for all residents. A total of 47 mitigation measures have been defined with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030. These measures focus on energy efficiency and the use of RES in the buildings, transport, and public lighting sectors within the municipal area.
The SECAP was created by ALEA and supported by CEESEU project.
The entire document is available on the link below in Romanian language.
https://ceesen.org/document/secap-baia-de-aries-romania/
|
The SECAP was implemented with the support of the CEESEU project. The CEESEU project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA: 892270. Disclaimer: The author of this content is solely responsible for its content, which does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, and neither EASME nor the European Commission is responsible for any use that may be made of this content. |
SECAP of Câmpeni by ALEA
|
7.077 (2021) |
|
86 km2 |
|
2008: 36.148t |
| 2030: 16.267t |
Câmpeni is located in Alba County, which belongs to the central part of Romania's 'Centru' Development Region. The municipality spans an area of 86 km2 and is intersected by the Arieș River. It comprises 22 settlements, with a total population of 7,077 inhabitants according to the 2021 census. This results in a population density of 82 inhabitants per km2.
By becoming a part of the Covenant of Mayors, Câmpeni has expressed its interest in contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Accordingly, the Municipality of Câmpeni has set a target of reducing CO2 emissions by at least 40% by 2030, while also enhancing its resilience to the negative effects of climate change. To achieve these goals, the municipality will promote the rational use and management of energy consumption at the local level. Additionally, the municipality recognizes the importance of energy efficiency and intends to support and implement measures that encourage the rational use of energy and adaptation to climate change.
The residential buildings sector accounts for the largest share of total CO2 emissions in the municipal area, contributing 79.33% of the emissions. It is followed by the transport sector, which contributes 10.91% to the total emissions. Emissions from the public lighting sector are almost negligible, representing only 0.34% of the total. In the reference year of 2008, the observed sectors emitted a total of 36,148 tCO2.
The implementation of mitigation measures outlined in the SECAP will bring multiple benefits to the municipality. These measures will strengthen the municipality's capacity to address the harmful effects of climate change and capitalize on opportunities for economic and social progress. Furthermore, they will facilitate the adoption of new financial mechanisms to implement energy efficiency measures and promote the use of RES, ultimately improving the quality of life for all residents. A total of 54 mitigation measures have been defined with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030. These measures primarily focus on energy efficiency and the use of RES in the building, transport, and public lighting sectors within the municipal area."
The SECAP was created by ALEA and supported by CEESEU project.
The entire document is available on the link below in Romanian language.
https://ceesen.org/document/secap-campeni-romania/
|
The SECAP was implemented with the support of the CEESEU project. The CEESEU project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA: 892270. Disclaimer: The author of this content is solely responsible for its content, which does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, and neither EASME nor the European Commission is responsible for any use that may be made of this content. |
SECAP of Târgu Mureș by ALEA
|
143.138 (2021) |
|
67 km2 |
|
2004: 452.310t |
| 2030: 203.539t |
Târgu Mureș situated in Mureș County within the 'Centru' Development Region, encompasses 67 km2 The city is intersected by the Mureș River and comprises 3 settlements: Târgu Mureș, Mureșeni, and Remetea, collectively having a population of 143,138 as per the 2021 census, consequently yielding a population density of 2,136 inhabitants per km2.
By being part of the Covenant of Mayors, Târgu Mureș has demonstrated its dedication towards making contributions to the realms of climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Municipality has established an ambitious objective of curbing CO2 emissions by 40% by the year 2030, fortifying its resilience to the impacts of climate change. To realize these, the municipality is dedicated to embrace an array of measures aimed at fostering the management of energy consumption at local level. Furthermore, the municipality has recognized the significance of energy efficiency and intends to implement measures that foster the rational use of RES whilst facilitating adaptation to the challenges posed by climate change.
Within the municipal domain, the residential buildings sector emerges as the main contributor, accounting for a 58.02% of the total CO2 emissions. It is followed by the transport sector, with a share of 19.73% and the public lighting sector amounting to a mere 0.58% of the aggregate emissions. During the reference year of 2004, the aforementioned sectors collectively emitted 452,310 tCO2.
The execution of mitigation measures within the SECAP, brings multiple advantages for the municipality, enhancing the municipality's capacity to tackle the adverse consequences of climate change, concurrently enabling the exploitation of economic and social aspects for progress. By facilitating the implementation of financial mechanisms dedicated to energy efficiency measures and the promotion of RES, the municipality is committed to elevate the quality of life for its residents. A suite of 76 mitigation measures has been identified, aiming to curtail CO2 emissions by 40% prior to 2030. These measures center upon fostering energy efficiency practices and the integration of RES across the building, transport, and public lighting sectors.
The SECAP was created by ALEA and supported by CEESEU project.
The entire document is available on the link below in Romanian language.
https://ceesen.org/document/secap-targu-mures-romania/
|
The SECAP was implemented with the support of the CEESEU project. The CEESEU project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA: 892270. Disclaimer: The author of this content is solely responsible for its content, which does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, and neither EASME nor the European Commission is responsible for any use that may be made of this content. |
SECAP of Rakvere town by TREA
|
35.590 (2019) |
|
4560,79km2 |
|
2019: 187.600t |
| 2030: 132.000t |
Rakvere is the administrative, economic and cultural centre of Lääne-Viru County. Rakvere is known for its museums, theatre, spa and several cultural events. Rakvere has been outstanding in organizing its energy economy, being the first city in Estonia to draw up the Sustainable Energy Action Plan and has been outstanding in the renovation of apartment buildings.
Mitigation activities
The climate and energy plan of the city of Rakvere sets a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. Most of the emissions come from electricity consumption, followed by emissions from the transportation. Rakvere's main challenges in reducing emissions are how to guide the private sector to consume less electricity and increase the share of renewable electricity consumption. Majority of emissions come from the services and industrial sectors.
The city depends on the network companies and the state for the construction of larger renewable electricity production units, as the necessary investments in the network amount to millions of euros. The city wants to be a role model and a driver for the private sector. It is planned to gradually switch to green-certified electricity contracts and install PV plants on their buildings.
In the development of wind energy, there are national defence restrictions in the region. In order to increase the use of solar energy, it is planned to map objects and areas suitable for installing solar plants and to encourage the development of renewable energy. City also plans to contribute to the creation of energy communities.
The city is investing in street lighting to switch to LEDs. By the end of 2022 much of the street lighting network was upgraded. District heating sector is well developed and low-emission, but the plan is to connect the city's district heating networks, as well connect more buildings that consume fossil fuels to district heating.
In public transport, it is planned to switch to more sustainable fuels. The wider use of low-carbon fuels will also lead to the development of the necessary infrastructure and create opportunities for the private sector.
Adaptation activities
There will be no major climate risks in Rakvere, but more cycles of freezing-melting will appear which will increase the need for infrastructure maintenance, especially on roads and streets.
Winter maintenance of roads and streets needs to be stepped up and crisis preparedness developed and improved. It is necessary to develop an early warning system and pay regular attention to informing residents, conducting exercises and updating the crisis plans of rescue agencies and companies.
The SECAP was created by TREA and supported by CEESEU project.
The entire document is available on the link below in Estonian language.
https://ceesen.org/document/secap-rakvere-town-estonia/
|
The SECAP was implemented with the support of the CEESEU project. The CEESEU project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA: 892270. Disclaimer: The author of this content is solely responsible for its content, which does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, and neither EASME nor the European Commission is responsible for any use that may be made of this content. |
SECAP of Pärnu County by TREA
|
35.590 (2019) (+ Pärnu City 51.271) |
|
4560,79 (+ Pärnu City 857,94) km2 |
|
2019: 187.600 (+ Pärnu City 276.800) t |
| 2030: 132.000 (+ Pärnu City 177.000) t |
Pärnu County is known for its beaches and the centre of Pärnu County, city of Pärnu, is called the summer capital of Estonia. Pärnu County consists of 7 municipalities, 6 of which prepared a joint climate and energy plan, and Pärnu prepared its own climate and energy plan document.
Mitigation activities
Pärnu County's climate plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. It is necessary to help in the transition to renewable energy and low-carbon fuels.
The goal of renewable energy is to produce twice as much renewable energy in Pärnu County as consumed in county. In addition to realising the county's wind potential, productive consumption and energy cooperatives contributing to the production of renewable energy should become commonplace. The goal of energy saving is to reduce the final energy consumption by 20% by reconstructing buildings and using smart energy management. The greatest potential for climate impacts in Pärnu County is carbon sequestration in land use. To do this, the state, municipalities, businesses and people must use and manage their lands in a way that increases carbon sequestration.
In order to achieve the renewable energy targets, it is necessary to process the relevant specific plans, but also to specify the land use of renewable energy in the master plan based on local and community benefits. In order to use renewable energy locally, the construction of direct lines and microgrids must be encouraged, and it is necessary to contribute to the creation of energy communities.
The buildings of local governments need to draw up a long-term plan for reconstruction and demolition, taking into account the needs of the future. In order to engage the community, it is necessary to raise awareness among residents about energy-efficient buildings and renewable energy.
In cooperation with the public transport centre, transport will be made greener, more compatible and more flexible. In the construction of the Rail Baltic railway, cooperation must be carried out in order to establish railway stops and the accompanying infrastructure, and to connect it to the infrastructure to enable the people of the surrounding area to move more environmentally friendly.
Adaptation activities
The most important topics for adaptation are dealing with areas at risk of flooding and taking into account the increase in freezing-melting cycles. The latter increase the need for maintenance of infrastructure. It is necessary to develop crisis management, raise awareness and increase the preparedness of the crisis committee to cope with the crisis.
The plan is to analyse and refine the risks of exceptional weather conditions and draw up plans to deal with situations. To carry out crisis exercises, develop cooperation and engage in raising the awareness of the population and developing channels of information transmission, as well as targeted reduction of information noise.
The SECAP was created by TREA and supported by CEESEU project.
The entire document is available on the link below in Estonian language.
https://ceesen.org/document/secap-parnu-county-estonia/
|
The SECAP was implemented with the support of the CEESEU project. The CEESEU project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA: 892270. Disclaimer: The author of this content is solely responsible for its content, which does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, and neither EASME nor the European Commission is responsible for any use that may be made of this content. |
SECAP of Zlatna by ALEA
|
7.654 (2021) |
|
254 km2 |
|
2008: 27.038 |
| 2030: 14.871 |
Zlatna is located in Alba County, which belongs to the central part of Romania’s ‘Centru’ Development Region. The municipality encompasses an area of 254 km2 and is traversed by the Ampoi River. It comprises 19 settlements and has a total population of 7,674 inhabitants as per the 2021 census. This results in a population density of 30 inhabitants per km2.
By joining the 'Covenant of Mayors' initiative, the municipality of Zlatna has demonstrated its commitment to mitigating and adapting to climate change. Consequently, the Municipality of Zlatna has set a target of reducing CO2 emissions by at least 40% by 2030, while also enhancing its resilience to the adverse effects of climate change. To achieve these goals, the municipality will adopt measures to promote rational energy consumption and management at the local level. Additionally, the municipality recognizes the significance of energy efficiency and pledges to support and implement measures that facilitate the rational use of energy and adaptation to climate change.
The residential buildings sector is the largest contributor to the total CO2 emissions in the municipal area, accounting for 77.48% of the emissions. The transport sector follows with a share of 14.10%, while emissions from the public lighting sector are minimal, representing only 0.83% of the total. In the reference year of 2008, the observed sectors emitted a total of 27,038 tCO2.
The implementation of mitigation measures outlined in the SECAP will bring numerous benefits to the municipality. These measures will bolster the municipality's capacity to cope with the adverse impacts of climate change, stimulate economic and social progress, enable the utilization of new financial mechanisms for implementing energy efficiency measures, and promote the use of RES to enhance the quality of life for all residents. To achieve the target of reducing CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030, a total of 53 mitigation measures have been defined. These measures primarily focus on energy efficiency and the use of RES in the buildings, transport, and public lighting sectors within the municipal area.
The SECAP was created by ALEA and supported by CEESEU project.
The entire document is available on the link below in Romanian language.
https://ceesen.org/document/secap-zlatna-romania/
|
The SECAP was implemented with the support of the CEESEU project. The CEESEU project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA: 892270. Disclaimer: The author of this content is solely responsible for its content, which does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, and neither EASME nor the European Commission is responsible for any use that may be made of this content. |
Meet the CEESEN Founders: Local Energy Agency Spodnje Podravje (LEA Spodnje Podravje), Slovenia
Local Energy Agency Spodnje Podravje (LEA Spodnje Podravje) was established in the Municipality of Ptuj with the support of the Intelligent Energy - Europe programme. Serving as the energy manager for over 20 municipalities in the Podravje region, the agency's main activities include developing local energy concepts, energy management, energy bookkeeping, and organizing initiatives and learning events focused on Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and Energy Efficiency (EE).
Additionally, LEA Spodnje Podravje conducts energy audits for buildings and lighting systems, and provides feasibility studies for energy-related investments in the public sector, such as building energy renovations, public lighting systems upgrades, and the implementation of renewable energy sources. The agency has also developed its own energy bookkeeping software, utilized by municipalities to monitor energy consumption in public buildings.
The mandate of LEA Spodnje Podravje is to foster sustainable energy development in the region. This is achieved by developing studies, projects, local energy policies and by helping municipalities and other investors to find financial sources for projects and investments in energy sector. They also offer technical supervision during implementation and facilitate the transfer of sustainable energy technologies from universities, institutes, and companies, particularly from EU countries. This comprehensive approach allows LEA Spodnje Podravje to identify appropriate, sustainable, and economically viable measures to reduce energy consumption, enhance energy efficiency across various sectors, and promote the adoption of renewable energy sources.
With more than a decade of experience in energy renovation, energy analysis, and energy auditing, LEA Spodnje Podravje stands as a recognized expert in the public and private sectors, as well as in the industry. Their team comprises eight highly educated employees, each specializing in their field, equipped with advanced degrees and specialized certifications. Leveraging their in-depth knowledge and innovative approaches, they have successfully executed numerous projects, leading to reduced energy consumption, increased efficiency, and widespread adoption of renewable energy sources throughout the region.
Introducing a CEESEN Associate: Climate Alliance, Germany
Climate Alliance is the largest European city network dedicated to fair and comprehensive climate action. Through the Climate Alliance, nearly 2,000 member municipalities and districts covering more than 25 European countries as well as a variety of regional governments, NGOs and other organisations are actively working to combat climate change. Our members, ranging from small rural towns to cities with populations in the millions, accept climate change as a global challenge that requires local solutions.
Climate Alliance was founded in 1990 when a group of 33 institutions comprised of 12 municipalities from Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as 6 indigenous organisations of the Amazon Basin met in Frankfurt, Germany, motivated take action against the climatic changes taking place.
Climate Alliance members have committed themselves to the continuous reduction of their greenhouse gas emissions. Through the Climate Alliance Member Charter, they aim to achieve CO2 emission reductions of at least 95% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels – an aim in line with both EU climate goals and Paris Agreement reduction targets. Remaining emissions can be offset through local projects and local sinks, for example, via agriculture and forestry. Climate Alliance cities undertake a wide array of measures to close this emissions gap, mostly focusing on a mix of energy conservation, energy efficiency and the use of renewable energies. The network has identified concrete recommendations for municipal climate action its Member Charter.
Climate Alliance network has strong roots in the German speaking world, but its principles have drawn interest from municipalities across Europe from the very beginning. The Alliance now boasts representatives from almost all EU countries and has seen the opening of National Coordination offices to help support members in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Luxembourg and Hungary.
Climate Alliance thus stands behind climate action that is:
FAIR
Climate action must be just. It should promote the wellbeing of all the world’s peoples, regardless of culture, beliefs, gender, location, or socio-economic status, in harmony with the natural world.
NATURE-BASED
Climate action cannot be based on extraction and depletion. Instead, it must replenish and regenerate, contributing to sustainable, closed-loop systems that bring the needs of society into harmony with nature.
LOCAL
A city’s sphere of influence is local by nature. By further concentrating on the local sourcing of goods and energy as part of climate policy, cities can boost their resilience to crises and add value to their own economies.
RESOURCE-SAVING
Climate action measures in Climate Alliance member municipalities must lead to the use of fewer resources, not use more of them. This means a focus on both resource efficiency (doing more with less) and resource conservation (using less to begin with).
DIVERSE
There is strength in diversity. Each town, city and district is unique. Making optimal use of the differences means that individual climate solutions and their implementation will vary from place to place. There is no one size fits all answer.
In this way Climate Alliance cities and towns are squarely focused on taking a holistic and truly sustainable approach to climate change.
SECAP of Sátoraljaújhely by WWF
|
14.611 (2020) |
|
73,45 km2 |
|
2020: 63.000 |
| 2030: 44.000 |
The more than 750 years old city is located in the northeastern corner of the country. Sátoraljaújhely is an attractive tourist destination and regional centre with a strong industrial base, due to its historical past and its beautiful natural environment.
Mitigation
The city of Sátoraljaújhely would reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2020. One of the most essential emission reduction targets is increasing energy use efficiency. This can be achieved mainly through (deep)renovation of residential and public buildings, upgrading of the existing district heating system, and community energy projects.
A large part of the package of emission reduction measures is linked to the rationalization of the use of thermal energy in the city. Proposals for upgrading/greening the district heating system are emphasized in the SECAP. The thermal energy measures alone are estimated to reduce a total of 9,900 tonnes of CO2 emissions and 5 million m3 of natural gas consumption, the implementation of which would be massive.
Energy poverty
In the current energy crisis, it is crucial that the city targets its assistance to families living in energy poverty. It is estimated that more than 30% of households in Sátoraljaújhely may be struggling with this phenomenon. The interlocking measures set out in the SECAP will help to map the problem and promote a long-term sustainable solution based on awareness-raising and community collaboration.
Adaptation
The city is located in a particularly valuable natural environment, where the preservation and improvement of extensive fortified areas is a key priority and has unique climate adaptation potential. Floods of the Ronyva stream, which flows through the town, and heavy rainfall, pose a (flash) flood risk due to the topography of the settlement. In addition to the expansion and development of urban green spaces, the improvement of street lighting is considered by the inhabitants to be the most important task of the municipality. Climate adaptation measures, therefore, focus on the dissemination of water retrenchment solutions.
The SECAP was created by WWF Hungary in 2023 and supported by CEESEU project.
The entire document is available on the link below in Hungarian language.
https://ceesen.org/document/secap-satoraljaujhely-hungary
|
The SECAP was implemented with the support of the CEESEU project. The CEESEU project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA: 892270. Disclaimer: The author of this content is solely responsible for its content, which does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, and neither EASME nor the European Commission is responsible for any use that may be made of this content. |
SECAP of Slovenska Bistrica created by LEASP
|
26.042 (2022) |
|
260,1 km2 |
|
2008: 166.290t |
| 2030: 103.966t |
The municipality of Slovenska Bistrica is one of the largest in Slovenia. It has around 25.000 inhabitants. The center of the municipality is the city of Slovenska Bistrica, which was created at the intersection of the roads between Maribor, Celje and Ptuj.
Industry is the main energy consumer and emission producer in Slovenska Bistrica, producing more than 50 % of all emissions in the municipality. In terms of RES, currently in the municipality installed are about 2,14 MW of solar PV. Forests cover more than 53% of the area and thus providing a huge potential for the exploitation of wood biomass.
By joining the Covenant of Mayors initiative, the Municipality of Slovenska Bistrica has made a commitment to reduce CO2 emissions by 36 % by 2030, compared to the base year of 2009. In the baseline year, the total energy consumption amounted to 579.377 MWh, resulting in CO2 emissions of 166.289,68 tons. To achieve the set goals, the municipality's key mitigation actions include energy renovations of municipal public buildings, the installation of solar PV systems on municipal buildings, energy renovations of residential buildings, and investments in the electrification of the transport sector. Slovenska Bistrica is taking steps towards climate adaptation, focusing on enhancing the resilience of its tourism sector and implementing effective strategies to adapt to climate change. These measures encompass both technical and behavioral adaptations, alongside infrastructure reconstruction that prioritizes improved resilience to extreme weather conditions.
The objectives for 2030 include a total energy savings of 59.476 MWh and a CO2 reduction of 62.323,9 tons. The budget allocated for measures outlined in the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) amounts to 15.926.000 EUR.
The SECAP was created by LEASP and supported by CEESEU project.
The entire document is available on the link below in Slovenian language.
https://ceesen.org/document/secap-slovenska-bistrica-slovenia
|
The SECAP was implemented with the support of the CEESEU project. The CEESEU project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA: 892270. Disclaimer: The author of this content is solely responsible for its content, which does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, and neither EASME nor the European Commission is responsible for any use that may be made of this content. |
SECAP of Ormož created by LEASP
|
11.910 (2021) |
|
141,6km2 |
|
2019: 69.008t |
| 2030: 41.083t |
The Municipality of Ormož, located in northeastern Slovenia, is one of the larger municipalities in the country. It is situated in the Prlekija region, which lies between the Mura and Drava rivers, and is bordered by Croatia as well as the towns of Gornja Radgona and Ptuj. With a population of approximately 11.910 inhabitants (as of 2021), the municipality is predominantly rural, and its main economic activity revolves around viticulture. It encompasses six local communities: Podgorci, Velika Nedelja, Ormož, Kog, Miklavž pri Ormožu, and Ivanjkovci.
The municipality faces challenges in terms of emissions, particularly from the transport and industry sectors, followed by the residential sector. The primary heating source in residential buildings is wood biomass; however, a significant issue arises from the prevalence of old, outdated, and inefficient furnaces, which account for about 73% of all heating boilers. In terms of solar power, the municipality currently has around 1,01 MW of installed photovoltaic capacity.
By joining the Covenant of Mayors initiative, the Municipality of Ormož has made a commitment to reduce CO2 emissions by 40 % by 2030, compared to the base year of 2008. In the baseline year, the total energy consumption amounted to 258.424,746 MWh, resulting in CO2 emissions of 69.008 tons. To achieve the set goals, the municipality's key actions include energy renovations of municipal public buildings, the installation of solar PV systems on municipal buildings, energy renovations of residential buildings, and investments in the electrification of the transport sector. The objectives for 2030 include a total energy savings of 113.524 MWh and a CO2 reduction of 27.924,7 tons. The budget allocated for measures outlined in the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) amounts to 2.751.000 EUR.
The SECAP was created by LEASP and supported by CEESEU project.
The entire document is available on the link below in Slovenian language.
https://ceesen.org/document/secap-ormoz-slovenia
|
The SECAP was implemented with the support of the CEESEU project. The CEESEU project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement GA: 892270. Disclaimer: The author of this content is solely responsible for its content, which does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, and neither EASME nor the European Commission is responsible for any use that may be made of this content. |
Meet the CEESEN Founders: University of Tartu (UTARTU), Estonia
University of Tartu (UTARTU) is Estonia's leading centre of research, teaching and training and the oldest university in the region. UTARTU is a multidisciplinary university and it belongs to the top 1% of the world's best universities (out of 20,000). The University of Tartu belongs to the top 1% of the world's best universities by ranking 358th in the QS World University Rankings 2022 and within the 201–250 range in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2022.
The UTARTU team involved in CEESEN projects has large experience in European project management and conducting research in the energy transition field, with specific focus on SSH aspects of energy transitions. UTARTU and, in particular, the Johan SKytte Institute of Political Studies and the Institute of Social Sciences that are involved in CEESEN projects, have worked closely with Estonian ministries (the Ministry of Communications and Economic Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Social Affairs, Environmental Agency, etc.), local authorities and city governments, routinely providing evidence and input for decision-making, initiating creation of new policies and strategies in the field of smart city development and supporting vulnerable groups and civic activity.
In addition, UT maintains close connection with the Estonian businesses and the energy industry, unions and associations active in the energy field, local municipalities, as well as with the environmental movements and start-ups focusing on energy-transition solutions.
The guidebook “Advocating for the Sustainable Energy in Central and Eastern Europe” published in 2019 has gained good feedback among local and international target groups: NGO activists, researchers, specialists in public institutions and EU public bodies. University of Tartu works in close collaboration with the City of Tartu on various fields and supports the City’s development into healthy and smart city through providing input for research-based decision-making and we bring those experiences to our CEESEN projects’ activities. Furthermore, UTARTU has conducted studies in Tartu as well as in the Ida-Viru regions and has therefore necessary contacts for continuous data collection in the regions.
In the past 5 years UTARTU has been one of the founders of CEESEN, and is involved in several CEESEN projects as project leader or partner: PANEL 2050 Partnership for New Energy Leadership 2050 (H2020, 2017-2019, project partner), CEESEU – Central and Eastern European Sustainable Energy Union (H2020, 2020-2023, project coordinator) and CEESEU-DIGIT - Central and Eastern Europe Sustainable Energy Union’s Design and Implementation of regional Government Initiatives for a just energy Transition (LIFE CET, 2022-2024, project coordinator)
UTARTU webpage: www.ut.ee
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tartuuniversity
Twitter: https://twitter.com/unitartu?s=20
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-tartu/
Collaboration, knowledge exchange, innovation – that is CEESEN
Introducing CEESEN (Central and Eastern European Sustainable Energy Network), a powerful force driving the transition towards sustainable energy solutions in our region. CEESEN was born out of the shared vision to create a greener future, where renewable energy is at the forefront of our collective efforts.
The aim of CEESEN is clear: to facilitate collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation among individuals, organizations, and businesses invested in sustainable energy and to represent the region on the EU level. By fostering a vibrant network of like-minded individuals, we can collectively accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources and achieve tangible progress towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.
Since its inception CEESEN has grown into a diverse community of professionals, policymakers, researchers, and enthusiasts, all united by their passion for sustainable energy. We believe that collective action is the key to achieving our goals, and that's why CEESEN welcomes everyone who shares our vision. Whether you're a renewable energy expert, an entrepreneur, a student, or simply someone interested in making a positive impact on the environment, CEESEN is the place for you.
As a member of CEESEN, you gain access to a plethora of exclusive benefits. First and foremost, you become part of a vibrant community that thrives on collaboration and knowledge sharing. Through our events, workshops, and conferences, you'll have the opportunity to connect with experts and successful forerunners in the field, exchange ideas, and stay at the forefront of sustainable energy developments.
Additionally, CEESEN provides invaluable resources and support for its members. From access to cutting-edge research and reports to funding opportunities and project collaborations, we strive to empower our members to make a real difference in their respective fields.
Last, but not least, CEESEN is striving to become the voice of CEE on the EU level. It is no secret that CEE region faces specific challenges in green transition, so our team will work actively to create opportunities for stakeholders to communicate the CEE region’s concerns at the EU level, so that policies and initiatives undertaken by the EU and other entities adequately address the interests of the region.
Join us in shaping a sustainable future! Register as a member of CEESEN today! Together, let's drive the transformation towards renewable energy, build resilient communities, and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Meet the CEESEN Founders: MAE, Poland
Mazovia Energy Agency Ltd. (MAE) is a regional energy agency established in 2009 by the Mazovia Voivodeship under the framework of Intelligent Energy Europe Programme.
The main objectives of MAE strategy are: to promote the use of RES, to encourage the regional approach towards sustainable energy solutions and to increase the regional energy efficiency across a wide range of sectors and to promote innovative financing for the sector. The Agency contributes to the development, implementation and monitoring of regional energy policies and strategies, coordinates energy activities and supports also local stakeholders in climate actions.
MAE headquarters is located in Warsaw – centre part of the Mazovia Region and the country – which facilitates cooperation with partners from smaller municipalities, rural areas and bigger entities in the metropolitan area, as well. Furthermore, MAE has long record and vast experiences in international cooperation, implementing projects and participating in international networks and programmes.
MAE team constitutes 16 experienced individuals who on their daily basis work with regional and local authorities, share their expertise and advice in the energy & climate sector.
- MAE’s webpage: https://mae.com.pl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MazowieckaAgencjaEnergetyczna
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MazoviaEnergyAg
- LinkedIn: Mazowiecka Agencja Energetyczna | LinkedIn
Meet the CEESEN Founders: Vidzeme Planning Region, Latvia
Vidzeme Planning Region (VPR) is one of five NUTS3 regions in Latvia comprising 11 municipalities located in the Northern part of Latvia with an area of 19 809 km2 (1/3 of the whole country) and 276 000 inhabitants (14, 7 % of the entire country). The region borders Estonia to the North, Russia to the East and the Baltic Sea to the West.
Planning regions in Latvia are both administrative territories and regional development planning and coordinating institutions under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Regional Development of Latvia.
VPR ensures regional strategic and spatial planning and develops and implements cooperation projects between municipalities, governmental institutions, entrepreneurs, R&D organisations and NGOs to reach the strategic targets in the region.
Since VPR started implementing international projects, an extensive cooperation network has been developed, which includes more than 230 partner organisations in 28 countries. The considerable number of contacts has allowed VPR to implement projects successfully and use access to extensive knowledge and experience to implement it all with the financial support of the European Union.
VPR’s competence is proved by its extensive experience in implementing European Union projects not only in strategic and spatial planning and environment and energy but also in entrepreneurship and vocational training, mobility and transport, bioeconomy, landscape protection and management, culture and tourism, and others.
Sustainable energy planning is defined as one of the goals in the regional Long-Term Development Strategy 2030 and Mid-term Development Programme 2022-2027. Consequently, VPR is willing to provide the necessary support to local municipalities, NGOs, and SME`s improve their knowledge of energy management.
VPR has set a goal and stated the regional energy vision: in 2050, the Vidzeme Planning Region is the region of smart solutions and climate aware population. Based on ICT and smart technologies & networks, the Region effectively utilises all available renewable energy resources and widely implements energy efficiency measures. The region's economy is based on circular economy principles and ensures competitive development and increased well-being alongside minimal CO2 emissions. The region in 2050 will emit around 70% less CO2 than in 2015; the emissions reduction is reached in all sectors of the region’s economy. Regional and local governments implement highly competent governance aimed at the sustainable use of natural capital and responding/adapting to climate change.
The priority areas in which the planning region and local governments can provide high impact are energy efficiency in public and residential buildings and bioenergy production from available biomass resources in the region. On top of it, to provide adequate governance in these areas and promote stakeholders’ cooperation, establishing a regional level of comprehensive and qualitative energy information systems and cross-sectorial cooperation networks devoted to noted energy issues is necessary.
The key features of the Vidzeme Planning Region in 2050 in these areas are: (i) a considerable amount of new nearly zero energy buildings is in place, the dominating part of existing buildings are renovated to increase their energy efficiency, (ii) efficient DH supply in combination with effective decentralised technologies is used for urban heating systems, including the integrated feedback which enables consumers’ flexible energy consumption and production; (iii) the demand-driven energy management systems are implemented in both public and residential buildings; smart, real-time monitoring tools promote energy-efficient lifestyle and supportive, flexible infrastructure regarding energy consumption and decentralised production, (iv) public buildings serve as a guiding example, (v) well-considered spatial planning and by-laws on building promote energy efficiency raising and local/regional RES utilisation.
Medjimurje Energy Agency Ltd. held an educational workshop
Croatian partner Medjimurje Energy Agency Ltd. held an educational workshop on Friday, 30th of June, 2023, focused on financing and implementing energy and climate plans at the local and regional level, as well as integrating the concept of a just transition into the process of energy and climate planning at the regional level. The workshop was part of projects CEESEU (Central and Eastern European Sustainable Energy Union) and CEESEU-DIGIT (Central and Eastern Europe Sustainable Energy Union’s Design and Implementation of regional Government Initiatives for a Just energy Transition).
During the workshop, financial mechanisms enabling the funding and implementation of measures from the SECAP were presented. Additionally, a workshop aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of regional authorities and other participants regarding the integration of the concept of a just transition into regional energy and climate planning process.
Furthermore, the workshop also featured presentations on current public calls from Croatian Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, specifically targeting local and regional authorities. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the call requirements and possibilities for application.
As a concluding event, a panel discussion was held on the topic of "Experience and Challenges in the Development and Implementation of SECAP and Other Planning Documents in the Field of Energy and Climate Change." The panel included the participation of director of MENEA, mayor of Municipality of Nedelišće, mayor of Municipality Sveti Juraj na Bregu and representative of Town of Prelog. The participants shared their valuable experiences in the development and implementation process of SECAPs. Through their experiences, they provided concrete advice to municipalities currently working on or implementing SECAPs. They emphasized the importance of preparing high-quality documents and ensuring the successful implementation of defined measures. Their advice was aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and impact of the SECAPs, contributing to the overall success of regional energy and climate planning efforts.
All of the workshops have been an excellent tool for strengthening collaboration, exchanging knowledge and experiences, raising awareness about sustainable energy and climate change among local and regional stakeholders in Central and Eastern Europe. Moreover, they provide a long-term platform for connecting public administrators, policymakers, regional authorities and other participants involved in the development process of SECAPs and regional energy and climate plans. All this contributes to better coordination and synergy in achieving sustainable energy goals.
Sand batteries for heat storage
Even if the technology for heat production and their efficiency is constantly rising, heat losses still represent a main issue, which correspond also to a huge money loss; a problem for everyone and most of all for these countries located in zones where heating sources are used for most of the year and therefore where avoiding losses becomes fundamental.
In 2022 The Polar Night Energy agency of Finland has completed and activated a new heat storage solution where the sand represent the medium of storage. The two available solutions, respectively with a production of 300 MWh and one of 1000 MWh, are able to keep the heat which comes from the conversion of electricity, mainly generated by solar panels, up to a maximum temperature of 1000 ˚C and with an efficiency that reaches almost the 95% thanks to sand’s physical properties. Heat can be store for months, facing minimal losses and with a CO2 emission generated only by the realization phase, from the electricity and material production. This technology can be adapted in many different situations, by changing dimensions and capacity of the plant; it could be the resource for an industry, for both heating and electricity, a single house or for an entire district, until the support of needs for an entire island.
Actually, the existing application, realized by the three dimensional transient of heat transport and the simulation realized by the COMSOL software, is working as part of a district heating network in the West of the country but other projects are about to be completed, with the great advantage for this revolutionary application, to be implemented also in the underground, avoiding the exploitation of surface territory, the utilization of hazardous materials or the visual impact. The wide availability of the sand and cheaper costs for its processing are other pillars of this application that we hope could expand becoming a valid solution especially for the reduction of energy losses (and consequently demand), costs and emissions.
Meet the CEESEN Founders: ConPlusUltra, Austria
ConPlusUltra Consultants GmbH is an Austrian consulting company specialized in the identification, development and implementation of renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate protection projects. ConPlusUltra’s proven record in reliable professional advice has made us a valued partner for public and private clients.
ConPlusUltra Consultants GmbH Founded in 2011 has a long, successful history of supporting national and regional governments in designing and developing energy strategies and policies, implementing measures, evaluating programs and assessing framework conditions and has cooperated with major financing institutions such as The World Bank or the EBRD on many renewable energy and energy efficiency financing projects.
Operating from two offices in Austria (St. Pölten and Vienna), ConPlusUltra currently employs over 30 experts, all well equipped with strong analytical problem-solving skills.
Among ConPlusUltra’s highly qualified professionals are energy, public consulting, business innovation, climate protection, legal compliance management and legal compliance software experts.
ConPlusUltra specific areas of expertise are:
- Development of regional and municipal energy concepts and energy audits in industry
- Capacity building and training in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy management (ISO 50001)
- International, national and local strategies for the development of renewable energy sources and climate change projects
- Technical support to international and national financing institutions for the assessment and implementation of renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate change programmes and projects
- Implementation of Energy Management Systems according ISO 50001
- Energy Efficiency Monitoring Methodologies according EU Directive 2006/32/EG
- Preparation of funding documents for international investors
- Development of feasibility studies for photovoltaic, biomass, biogas, wind etc……
- Elaboration of financing and support schemes
- Preparation of National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Action Plans and calculation of National Emission Factors
- Evaluation of barriers and drivers to the development of renewable energy technologies
- Assessment of available and market potentials
- Financial engineering
- Technical assessment, design and implementation of power and heating plants (biomass, biogas, hydropower, geothermal, wind)
- Information and communication activities: organisation and delivery of conferences, seminars, workshops, marketing, publications, networking
Country experience
Albania, Armenia, Austria, Bulgaria,, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Georgia, Germany, Guyana, Hungary, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, FYR Macedonia, Moldova, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tanzania, The Bahamas, Turkey, United Kingdom and Ukraine
E-fuels - functionning and potential
The term electrofuels (E-fuels) indicates any medium or technology capable to convert the electrical power, produced through renewable resources, to a gaseous or liquid form of energy. European Commission defined these elements also as non-biological, but renewable, transport fuels thanks to their composition (principally carbon and hydrogen). Various are the possibilities for the realization of these new fuels: electrolysis is one of them, capable to convert the electrical power into hydrogen; then this product could be used directly or lied to others elements to obtain new fuels; which in any case, without depending on the composition, can be considered carbon neutral (eg. methanol and ammonia).
Thanks to their composition and characteristics E-fuels can assume the functionality of energy carriers or be used as a feedstock; this double functionality makes this group of fuels the first choice in the improvement of energy systems. The potential has been tested but, because of the cost of these renewable energy fuels, and a still developing phase of the market, their adaptation in an industrial scale requires time, as any new other technology or product.
The utilization of electrofuels is connected to many advantages; the first is represented by the possibility of using the existing infrastructure and transport vehicles, avoiding the necessity of a rapid change in the distribution network (as requested from other resources, for example hydrogen); other pillar is the reduction of CO2 emissions that these fuels could provide. Another point in favor is represented by the possibility of moving the fuels and transform them in different forms without great losses, this makes them excellent to ensure energy security, especially in case of lack of existing energy sources or during blackouts phases thanks to their storability and ease of transportation.
Thanks to the above mentioned characteristics and peculiarities, the application of E-fuels could give its contribution in the complex transition towards a sustainable utilization of energy resources, with shorter times than other renewable energy forms.
Meet the CEESEN Founders: MENEA, Croatia
Medjimurje Energy Agency Ltd. (MENEA) is regional energy agency established in 2008 under the framework of Intelligent Energy Europe programme with the aim of promoting the idea of sustainable development in accordance with actual needs in Medjimurje county located in the northernmost part of Croatia. MENEA’s founder and sole owner is regional authority Medjimurje County.
Through the wide range of activities MENEA tries to satisfy informational, technical and supporting needs of public and private sector by the issues of renewable energy and energy efficiency. The main objective of MENEA is to provide high quality support for activities connected to rational energy use and renewable energy sources usage and with this in line MENEA promotes the importance of energy efficiency and renewable energy usage (especially solar and geothermal energy) in individual houses, multi-apartment buildings, public and commercial buildings, etc. MENEA acts as an advisory institution and provides project management services related to energy renovation of buildings and installation of renewable energy sources, and is considered as intermediary between citizens, entrepreneurs and public authorities on the one side and designers, contractors, equipment suppliers and other parties on the other side.
MENEA’s team consist of 7 highly educated enthusiasts who are constantly searching for new ways to improve life standard in Medjimurje county and beyond. Their main concerns while implementing activities and projects are sustainable rural and urban development, especially in energy sector and in climate mitigation and adaptation related initiatives.
Meet the CEESEN Founders: WWF, Hungary
WWF Hungary was founded in 1991 in order to meet the most urgent challenges and threats on nature in Hungary on a national level while aligning its work to international nature conservation efforts. WWF Hungary’s nature conservation priorities in order to contribute to WWF-CEE’s mission are the protection of rivers, wetlands and natural forests, ensuring sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture and rural development, reduction of climate change impacts, improving human coexistence with large carnivores, raising environmental awareness in the public and preservation of the protected and endangered habitats and species.
To achieve these goals, the joint work with local municipalities and involving other organizations are essential. One of the important goals of WWF Hungary is to support CEE municipalities in adapting to climate change and implementing climate-friendly operations.
In the running CEESEU project, WWF Hungary presents the entire process from the preparation of the climate strategy to the acquisition of the necessary resources for its implementation and the evaluation of the achieved results through the example of two rural towns, Hatvan and Sátoraljaújhely. In the process, WWF HU provides assistance to the settlements in the effective involvement of the inhabitants and all other stakeholders in community planning. WWF HU organizes trainings and conferences for local decision makers and civilians, where they can get good ideas, find out about the possibilities and build useful relationships with each other and with actors in the governmental and corporate sectors.
The main goal of the CEESEU-DIGIT project is the preparation of a new type of regional energy and climate plans (ECAP). In addition to the mitigation measures, the documents prepared based on the new methodology, with the active cooperation of WWF Hungary, also try to place great emphasis on adaptation and landscape-level planning compared to the existing energy and climate plans. In addition to the climate protection goals, the project also pays special attention to vulnerable social groups and those affected by energy poverty.
WWF Hungary is highly committed to taking part in the CEESEN initiative as a country coordinator, and seeks to build bridges between relevant stakeholders (decision makers, experts, local inhabitants, etc.) in the topics of climate protection and CO2 mitigation in the CEE region. They believe that together we can make tangible effects in GHG mitigation, climate adaptation, and alleviation of energy poverty as well. The key to success is adequate communication. Therefore WWF Hungary put extra emphasis on fulfilling and leading the communication related tasks in the CEESEU and in the CEESEU-DIGIT projects.