Cluj-Napoca builds models for shared energy with 240 kWp PV system across 7 public locations

By project ShareRES

Published on 08 August 2024

Romania

Nord-Vest

Cluj Napoca

About this good practice

The main objectives of the project were the increase of RES usage in public buildings, energy security and the decarbonisation of local administrative buildings. This is achieved by using solar panels to produce renewable energy on-site, a solution that brings long-term financial benefits and reduces the carbon footprint of the buildings. This solution covers 91% of the energy needs of the buildings included in the project. The main stakeholders and beneficiaries of the project are the local administration and the citizens of Cluj-Napoca.
The project was carried out in three schools, one university, two agri-food halls, and one sports center. It was part of the "Energy Program in Romania," funded by the EEA and Norway financial mechanisms for 2014-2021.
This initiative supports the program's goals of reducing carbon-intensive energy usage and enhancing energy security and supply. Additionally, it aligns with the municipality's efforts to achieve climate neutrality as one of the 100 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities.
The municipality has set up a webpage on its website that displays real-time data from each location. The information available to the public includes:
● Current power, and where it is used (at the location or in the grid) [kW]
● Energy balance for the given date in the form of graph
● Earning for the current date [RON]
● Total CO2 saving [tones]
● Photo from the location
● The weather information, including the forecast for the next 7 days.

Resources needed

The project was funded in a proportion of 80% using EEA and Norway grants. The total value of the project was 850,521 euros, 697,300 euros coming from grants, and the rest being paid by the Cluj-Napoca administration.

Evidence of success

The electricity production metrics from all 7 sites are publicly available and updated in real-time on the town hall’s website using data from the system’s inverters. According to this website, since the implementation of the project, there has been a total reduction of CO2 emissions of 154 tons and a cost saving of 58,000 euros.

Potential for learning or transfer

The project serves as an excellent model for public authorities to follow. It demonstrates effective use of available funding for implementing renewable energy sources and showcases best practices in transparency by displaying publicly how resources are utilized. Additionally, it highlights the significant benefits of renewable energy, including green energy usage, cost savings, and CO2 emission reductions, which benefit the entire community.
Such a website for communicating transparently RES energy consumed by public buildings could be replicated by any public authority who has implemented renewable energy sources, and could be an important tool for raising awareness among citizens, and other key stakeholders working with them, on the importance of RES sources.