The Western Balkans are at a critical stage in transitioning toward a just and inclusive energy system. While countries are aligning their National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) to expand renewable energy, the region—historically dependent on coal and outdated infrastructure—faces uneven progress. Ensuring a fair transition is essential to reduce energy poverty, improve public health, create local jobs, and strengthen energy security. Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) offer a promising, citizen-driven pathway, but their development is hindered by unclear legal frameworks, limited funding, low technical capacity, and weak community engagement.

The project, implemented by Milieukontakt Albania, seeks to strengthen the leadership of local authorities by exposing them to successful EU models of RECs through two study visits that will provide practical insights into citizen participation, access to public resources, financing mechanisms, partnerships, and integration of RECs into local development plans. By the project’s conclusion, participating municipalities are expected to enhance their capacity to implement RECs, build stronger cooperation with EU counterparts, and develop concrete approaches to advancing inclusive and sustainable local energy transitions.

Implementation period: March 2026 – June 2026