What do we want to change?  

The Energy Transition Departmental Strategy is the frame of reference for the implementation of policies and actions in the Haute-Vienne territory in terms of energy and the fight against climate change. The strategy aims to achieve a higher level of ambition than the regulatory framework.   

Why are we going to change it?  

Small hydropower production is not clearly visible in the Renewable Energy component of the Departmental Strategy, nor in the Climate plans, because few diagnostic elements list the potential of these low powers. The goal of SEHV in RENEWAT is to continue the deployment of new types of renewable energies, in particular small hydropower schemes using old watermill sites.  

The strategy feeds into the actions of the 13 inter-municipalities of the Haute-Vienne territory (more than 200 municipalities), particularly via their Local Climate and Energy Action Plans (PCAETs) and thus can influence the achievement of low carbon targets in the Haute-Vienne.  

When are we going to change it?  

The Strategy has been launched in May 2019. It is a document that provides a framework for 6 years of action, so 2025 is the year in which the strategy would need to be renewed.   

How are we going to change it?  

Initial discussions on the targets of RENEWAT and how they could help the Department will be presented to an advisory committee in November. This will look to provide the agreement to work with the members of the committee to study further the issues raised by RENEWAT, to then take these potential actions to the plenary assembly where the mayors and councils decide to fund actions collectively. The work will also include the encouragement of installations in individual housing by building up a quality craft industry and to initiate installations on publically owned sites.  

Where are we implementing the change?  

The Haute Vienne department in France is a hilly and predominantly rural area. There is one large metropolitan area in Limoges with a population of 130K but the surrounding areas are rural with on average a population of 1000 people or less within the communes. 

What do we want to change?  

The Municipality of Martijanec aims to align with its strategic objectives by revitalizing the historical watermill in Hrastovljan and transforming it into a renewable energy source.

This effort supports the goals outlined in the Municipality’s Development Strategy, which emphasizes sustainability, rural development, and the efficient use of local resources, including water, for energy production. The project also seeks to integrate the preservation of cultural heritage with the implementation of innovative energy technologies, contributing to regional economic development. 

Why are we going to change it?  

The current strategic framework for Martijanec highlights the importance of renewable energy and sustainable development. However, it lacks focus on repurposing existing infrastructure for modern energy solutions. By incorporating watermill revitalization into the Municipality's broader development strategy, we will address this gap.

RENEWAT allows Martijanec to capitalize on its natural water resources while preserving historical landmarks. This approach will promote long-term energy sustainability and foster community engagement. 

When are we going to change it?  

The strategic planning documents for the revitalization of the watermill will be prepared following the Municipality’s established procedures for strategic initiatives. The project aligns with the 2015-2020 Development Strategy, but implementation will continue under the ongoing updates to the municipality’s strategic plans. RENEWAT project timeline will ensure that the necessary steps will be completed within the designated timeframe.

How are we going to change it?  

We plan to bring together local policymakers, technical experts, environmental consultants, and representatives from the community to discuss the potential of the watermill as a renewable energy source. This will involve conducting a thorough analysis of the mill's energy production potential and securing technical and financial feasibility.

In line with Martijanec’s strategic goals, the project will also involve consultations with regional authorities to integrate this initiative into local and regional energy strategies. The project will focus on public engagement and awareness-building, ensuring that local stakeholders are actively involved. 

Where are we implementing the change?  

The primary implementation site will be the historical watermill in Hrastovljan, located within the Municipality of Martijanec. The project will contribute to the local energy mix and align with regional renewable energy strategies. Given Martijanec’s rural base, the project’s impact will extend to the surrounding communities. The revitalization of the mill will serve as a model for similar renewable energy initiatives, leveraging Martijanec’s natural resources.

What do we want to change?  

GAL Molise wants to improve Molise Region policy instrument Molise ERDF ESF+ 2021-2027 content by introducing the topic of renewable and sustainable energy system and the promotion of hydroelectric plants in water mills in rural villages of Molise.

Why are we going to change it?  

Thanks to the availability of funding in the programming period 2021/2027 made available in the Regional Programme ERDF/ESF + 2021/2027, also about energy communities’ promotion, and based on the experiences learnt during the project, GAL Molise plans to influence and to convince the Managing Authority of Molise Region to plan a call dedicated to water mills renovation for energy scope.

The aim is to explore and examining several opportunities, especially in the energy sector with a specific focus on the promotion of energy communities and efficient energy system connected to hydroelectric plants in water mills in Molise.

When are we going to change it?  

During Molise ERDF ESF+ 2021-2027 implementation period, probably during the RENEWAT project semester 7.

How are we going to change it?  

GAL Molise has submitted several applications on other Interreg calls for the creation of energy communities with the purpose of raising awareness in the Molise Region and initiating an outreach process for Molise Region itself to create a tender for the creation of energy communities and efficient energy system and also water mills renovation for energy scope.

Where are we implementing the change?  

Molise is the second smallest Italian region, located in central south, stretching from the Apennine mountains to the Adriatic coast. The territory is predominantly rural, and the agricultural sector is still one of the most important sources of income. Due to that, the region is full of hydric resources and there is a massive presence of water mills. 

The change will involve:

• The sector of SMEs , implementing support for the competitiveness and for the transition towards forms of production with lower energy and environmental impact, towards a green and circular economy; 
• Creation of intelligent and efficient energy systems for the distribution of energy; 
• Improvement of the capacities of the competent regional structures linked to the implementation of the Funds for the development of intelligent and efficient energy systems;  
• Encouraging the development and promotion of local Energy Communities and new system of energy efficiency. 

What do we want to change?  

The Regional Innovation Strategy for the Podkarpackie Region for 2021-2030 (RIS) was adopted by the Podkarpackie Region Board as a development program constituting a key instrument for the implementation of the priorities of the Regional Development Strategy - Podkarpackie Region 2030 - related to the development of the competitiveness, research and innovation of Podkarpackie Region. 

Why are we going to change it?  

The Regional Innovation Strategy for the Podkarpackie Region leaves a huge gap in the scope of activities related to the smart specialization "Quality of life", sub-specialization "Environmentally friendly energy". It points to the production of energy from renewable sources (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, energy from biomass, alternative fuels) but focuses on creating new infrastructure and not using existing instalation and revitalization of water mills.

This topic is completely omitted in the The Regional Innovation Strategy for the Podkarpackie Region for 2021-2030 and thanks to the RENEWAT project we will be able to address that issue. 

When are we going to change it?  

The Regional Innovation Strategy for the Podkarpackie Region for 2021-2030 (RIS) has been launched in 2022. It is a document that provides a framework for 10 years of action. The document is regularly reviewed and amended. The revision of Podkarpackie RIS will be implemented within the RENEWAT project duration. 

How are we going to change it?  

We plan to bring water mills experts, consultants, municipalities, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders together with the RSI Council do discuss possibilities of using existing water mills to produce green energy. This will look to provide the agreement to work with the members of the committee to study further the issues raised by RENEWAT. We plan to develop regional expertise with recommendations for RSI Council. The work will also include the installations on publicly owned sites.   

Where are we implementing the change?  

Podkarpackie Region located in south-east part of Poland on the borders of Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine, is one of the most attractive regions in Poland as for tourism. It is predominantly rural and forest area and there are about 60 historic water mills mapped. The total population of Podkarpackie Region is over 2 mln people. The capital of the region is Rzeszow with 200 000 inhabitants. 

What do we want to change?  

The “Regional Development program of the Savinja Development Region 2021 – 2027” is a core strategic development document which defines the regional development advantages, priorities and strategies; and contains financially evaluated programs promoting development in the region. 
As the program covers 6 goals, experts from diverse fields participated in the realization of the document:

1. Smart Savinja region 
2. Green Savinja region 
3. Connected Savinja region  
4. Community-friendly Savinja region  
5. Holistic development and management of the Savinja region  
6. Just transition of the Savinjsko-šaleška region 

The investigation and the promotion of the watermills related micro-hydro potential falls especially under the development of the goal 2 “Green Savinja region”, which proposes a wide range of measures and initiatives financially valued.

Why are we going to change it?  

Most of the watermills have neither been restored nor used, due to a lack of available policy instruments or co-financing funding. KSSENA, along with the Development Agency of the Savinja Region, aims to amend the Regional Development Plan to finally revive this heritage by utilizing the untapped micro-hydropower potential. 

When are we going to change it?  

The Strategy was launched in 2021, with framework of 6 years of action. 

How are we going to change it?  

KSSENA seeks to foster widespread support for new initiatives focused on the revitalization and repurposing of regional watermills. The aim is to initiate a meaningful dialogue and to create a more favourable environment for the development of micro-hydropower plants, building on the legacy of these historic watermills. 

The amended political instrument should outline the importance on focusing on topics such as: studies of the micro hydropower potential in the region, prefeasibility studies to repower watermills, promotion of community self-sufficiency and initiatives in connection with the topic, financial support of demonstration projects.

Where are we implementing the change?  

Savinja region is one of the largest Slovenian regions, it is rich in natural resources and there is an abundance of rural areas. The region is spread with watercourses, which mostly disperse into the river Savinja. In the past, many watermills were constructed and used for various purposes. 

What do we want to change?  

We want to enhance the effectiveness of measures towards achieving climate neutrality, which has been identified as a priority in the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) of the Lviv Urban Territorial Community by 2030, approved on July 22, 2022. 

Why are we going to change it?  

Since 2022, following the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine, the conditions and needs for energy efficiency and energy independence in communities have significantly changed. The Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) of the Lviv Urban Territorial Community by 2030 does not consider the possibilities of harnessing hydropower, nor the restoration and construction of water mills, which we view as crucial elements for achieving sustainable development goals.

Through the RENEWAT project and the experience of our partners, we can address the efficient use of hydropower, generate additional local economic sources, create more highly qualified jobs, and positively impact the social community. 

When are we going to change it?  

The Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) of the Lviv Urban Territorial Community by 2030, approved on July 22, 2022, provides the foundation for forming strategic approaches to achieving energy development and climate neutrality. The document allows for amendments, and its review and optimization, considering the potential use of hydropower, will be carried out within the RENEWAT project. 

How are we going to change it?  

To achieve the stated objectives, we will involve experts from both the energy and regional water resource management sectors. Together with experts, scientists, colleagues from other municipalities, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders, we will explore the presence of water mills within our community and agglomeration to discuss opportunities for their renovation and use for green energy production. We plan to develop regional expertise with the recommendations of experts to foster collaboration for further studying the issues raised by RENEWAT. Additionally, we prioritize the development of micro and mini hydropower plants, as there are currently no such facilities in the community as of 2024. 

Where are we implementing the change?  

The Lviv Urban Territorial Community is located in the center of Lviv region, in western Ukraine, bordering Poland, particularly the Podkarpackie Region. The total population of the community exceeds 700,000 people, while the Lviv agglomeration, which was formed in 2024, has over 1 million residents living in 18 communities (including 7 cities, 9 towns, and 335 villages). The center of the agglomeration is the city of Lviv.