In Slovakia we discuss about RECs development and support
Energy communities allow local communities to efficiently use energy from renewable sources, reduce costs, and increase energy independence, making them crucial for a sustainable energy future.
For this reason at a meeting organized by the Slovak Innovation and Energy Agency (SIEA) on July 2, 2024, in Bratislava, 25 participants from various organizations gathered to discuss the support of energy communities (ECs) in Slovakia.
The discussion was closely tied to Program Slovensko, a key national policy instrument and initiative designed to channel financial and technical support towards the development of energy communities. This program is seen as a vital tool in overcoming current barriers to the growth of ECs in Slovakia.
Participants focused on identifying obstacles and proposing measures to overcome them.
Key issues included insufficient legal support, the need for an effective billing system, and the lack of economic analysis of the benefits of ECs.
It was suggested that a mechanism be created to fund legal services for ECs, including model contracts and documents to simplify the establishment process. Participants also discussed the need for a billing system that would enable fair distribution of costs and benefits among EC members. Additionally, the need for an economic analysis to evaluate the return on investment in ECs was emphasized.
Another important point was simplifying the connection of smaller energy sources to the grid, which currently poses a barrier for many ECs. Participants proposed legislative and regulatory adjustments to ensure equal opportunities for all types of energy sources.
Further proposals included support for replacing smart metering systems, reducing distribution fees for ECs, and creating educational programs for energy coordinators. The need for a central information platform to collect and share best practice examples and provide technical and legal support for new ECs was also highlighted.
The meeting demonstrated that there is significant interest in developing energy communities in Slovakia, but achieving this goal requires effective state support and improved legislative conditions. Participants agreed that continued discussion and work on concrete measures are essential to enable the development of ECs and contribute to the country’s sustainable energy future.
Lookinf forward to see what happens in Slovakia in the next months!