RegENERate: Mobilising Regions for Energetic Re-development and Transformative NECPs
The overall objective of the project is to support the CEE countries’ contribution to the EU efforts towards a net-zero emissions future. The project will contribute to more ambitious and effective climate and energy policies in CEE, backed by a long-term commitment to phase out fossil fuels, improve energy efficiency and promote renewable energy.
The project will build on the Bankwatch Network’s recent work on just transition and energy transformation in the CEE countries. It will deepen previous cooperation with stakeholders to proactively engage in developing governance instruments and ensure financial means for the implementation of the NECPs at the national and local level. The approach of integration of NECPs in local level planning will be further developed through the project to become a methodology for the integration of climate objectives through a community – led process. These existing collaborations will form a key part of our means of attaining our objectives.
Project info
Start date: 01/01/2021
End date: 31/12/2023
Source of funding: LIFE Programme
Overall project value: 1,303,239 Euro
The project will be implemented in the following Member State(s) and Region(s) or other countries:
Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia
The project will aim to achieve the following objectives:
– To step up the multilevel dialogue on climate and energy transition in targeted CEE countries and enable increases in the countries’ climate ambitions in the NECP revisions for 2023.
– To advance the development of and compliance with the EU climate objectives of local ReDevelopment strategies, especially in the regions that are moving away from a fossil fuel-based economy.
– To develop a transnational exchange platform for the creation of a knowledge base for low carbon energy transition at regional and local levels.
DELIVERABLES
C1.1: Publications on practical aspects of implementing the energy transformation.
C1.1.1 Thematic analysis: energy poverty (national/local dimension and solution) and decentralised RES potential.
- Hungary – 1 thematic analysis: Energy poverty and energy transition in Hungary, March 2022
- Bulgaria – 2 thematic analysis:
1. Analysis of the possibilities for green hydrogen production in Bulgaria and its use for energy needs , August 2021
2. Report on energy poverty issues, possible solutions, August 2021
- Romania – 1 thematic analysis: Decentralized production of energy, a solution for energy poverty, May 2022
- Latvia – 1 thematic analysis: Energy poverty in Latvia – from definition towards action, January 2023; In English and Latvian with short English summary
C1.1.2 Fact sheets on local RES/EE investments schemes and compliance with climate goals.
- Romania – 1 fact sheet: Fact sheet on local RES/EE investments schemes and compliance with climate goals, November 2021
- Bulgaria – 1 analysis: Analysis for the alternative economic development of coal areas, August 2021
- Latvia – 1 Factsheet: Financial support for renewables in Latvia , October 2022; In English and in Latvian with English summary
- Romania – 1 analysis: Studiu comparativ privind dezvoltarea rețelei de distribuție de gaze naturale/hidrogen și utilizarea pompelor de căldură, December 2023
C1.1.3 Fact sheets on decreasing primary energy consumption.
- Slovakia – 1 fact sheet: Heat consumption for homeowners, December 2021
- Estonia – 1 fact sheet: Fact sheet on decreasing primary energy consumption, March 2022
- Poland – 1 fact sheet: What can be done to replace fossil fuels in heating and reduce the level of energy poverty in Poland?, December 2023
C1.1.4 Fact sheets on building local capacities and social acceptance of the energy transformation
Slovakia – 1 fact sheet: Skúsenosti s plánovaním teplárenstva v Dánsku, April 2022
Hungary – 1 fact sheet: Energiaátmenet: a helyi önkormányzatok, hatóságok hogyan építhetik a helyi kapacitásokat és növelhetik az átmenet társadalmi elfogadottságát? March 2023
Romania – 1 Fact sheet: Cum finanțăm investițiile în energia regenerabilă și eficiența energetică din Gorj și Hunedoara, March 2023
Romania – 1 analysis: PERCEPȚIA LOCUITORILOR DIN LOCALITĂȚI RURALE DIN JUDEȚELE MEHEDINȚI ȘI DOLJ ASUPRA SOLUȚIILOR PENTRU ÎNCĂLZIREA GOSPODĂRIEI, December 2023
C1.1.5 Briefings with infographics and videos on best-practice or unsustainable investments for local/regional actors involved in just transition re-development plans
Poland: 1 briefing: Just transition in Poland – an overview of territorial just transition plans from six coal regions , October 2021
Bulgaria: 1 briefing: Comparative analysis of the advantages of decentralized energy production, August 2021
Public hearing. Road to a just transition , October 2023
Latvia: 1 publication: Dzivojamo eku renovacijai finansesana, December 2023
C1.2 Publications on the state of the NECPs (National Energy and Climate Plans) implementation in 7 CEE countries:
C1.2.1 Quarterly updates for decision makers
- Status of the Territorial Just Transition Plans in central and eastern Europe, March 2021
- Status of the Territorial Just Transition Plans in central and eastern Europe, July 2021
- Territorial Just Transition Plans for Polish Coal Regions, October 2021
- Status of the Territorial Just Transition Plans in central and eastern Europe: December 2021 update, December 2021
- Status of the Territorial Just Transition Plans in central and eastern Europe: December 2021 update – Annex: Slovakia, March 2022
- The state of youth engagement in the implementation of the EU’s Just Transition Mechanism , May 2022
- The state of youth engagement in the implementation of the EU Just Transition Mechanism – July/September 2022 (just-transition.info), October 2022
- Status of the Territorial Just Transition Plans in central and eastern Europe, October 2022
- What is the current state of the just transition processes in Bulgaria? , January 2023
- Assessment of Latvia’s Territorial Just Transition Plan , February 2023
- Mapping the road to a just transition in central and eastern Europe: an analysis of Territorial Just Transition Plans in 7 countries. September 2023 update – part I , September 2023
- Planning for social justice in Territorial Just Transition Plans in central and eastern Europe. September 2023 update – part II , September 2023
- Guidelines for selecting just transition projects , October 2023
- The State of Youth Engagement in the Process of Just Transition in the Western Balkans, November 2023
- Following the money: Slovakia, December 2023
- Following the money: Czech Republic, December 2023
- Following the money: Romania, December 2023
- Following the money: Latvia, December 2023
- Following the money: Estonia, December 2023
- Following the money: Hungary, December 2023
C1.2.2 Annual reviews of the NECPs progress:
Reaching for a green recovery: what holds back progress in ten EU recovery and resilience plans, February 2022
National energy and climate plans: catalysts for the energy transition or box-ticking exercises? , June 2023
Updating national energy and climate plans: signs of reluctance to phase out fossil fuels, December 2023
C1.2.3 Briefings on energy and climate issues summarising the most important findings from reports published by the Joint Research Centre, IPCC and other respected organisations
Paris alignment: why there is no more space for European public money to finance fossil fuels, December 2023
C1.3 Methodology for integration of the NECPs objectives in the regional re-development plans:
C1.3.1 Case studies highlighting key elements and pros of the planning practices developed in Bulgaria, Slovakia, Latvia and Hungary in the first year.
1 briefing was produced titled: How can we assist you?
Case study: Żyrardów – regeneration and a city reinvented, November 2023
C1.3.2 Develop methodology for participatory local/regional Re-development strategies with focus on Just Transition (coal/shale oil/gas) and less developed regions – joint publication targeted to local and regional authorities and local stakeholders
- 1 methodology: Just Transition Project Implementation checklist, April 2022
Sub-action C2.3: Financing for re-development plans and measures – dialogue with the financial institutions
C1.3.3 Manuals for local activists and local authorities on re-development regional/local plans – based on methodology and review of the available financial instruments for just transition or less developed regions
Capacity-Building Workshops in Just Transition Regions
C2.3.2 Manual on sustainable investments and funding for advancing just transition
The second and third pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism
C3.2 Annual outreach of the Just Transition Platform:
C3.2.1 Annual events for progressive stakeholders in Brussels or in the CEE region (annually with all partners and national stakeholders involved). They will be held in Brussels in 2021 and 2023, and in Czechia in 2022 in relation to Czech Presidency.
1 annual event was held online in February 2022.
The title of the event was “Taking stock of the just transition in central and eastern Europe“
Second annual event was held in person in Brussels, Belgium in November 2022
Territorial Just Transition Plans: Stakeholder meeting
Third annual event held in Brussels, Belgium in December 2023
Ensuring a Just Transition in times of industrial transformation
C.3.3.2 One forum (conference) in the Baltic States hosted by Latvia
One forum in the Baltic states was held in September 2022 hosted by Latvia
PUBLICATIONS
Following the money: Poland
Publication | 22 April, 2024This briefing provides an overview of the just transition envisioned in the Polish Territorial Just Transition Plans for the four regions designated to receive money from the Just Transition Fund.
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Following the money: Latvia
Publication | 22 December, 2023This briefing provides an overview of the just transition envisioned in Latvia’s Territorial Just Transition Plan for the four regions designated to receive money from the Just Transition Fund.
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Following the money: Estonia
Publication | 22 December, 2023This briefing provides an overview of the just transition envisioned in Estonia’s Territorial Just Transition Plan for the region designated to receive money from the Just Transition Fund.
Read more
BLOG POSTS
Stara Zagora: caught between its brown coal past and a bright green future
Blog entry | 30 March, 2023In February and March 2023, our environmental organisation Za Zemiata (Friends of the Earth – Bulgaria) organised several meetings in Stara Zagora and Galabovo in south-central Bulgaria dedicated to just energy transition and the development opportunities it offers the region. Our main aim was to involve local stakeholders whose voices have thus far been ignored. Participants included representatives of civil society, members of small and medium-sized enterprises and academics from Trakia University in Stara Zagora. Unfortunately, despite efforts to foster dialogue between business, civil society, academia and the institutions, the absence of the municipality, which was invited to attend the meetings, was notable.
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PUBLICATIONS IN LOCAL LANGUAGES
Bulgaria’s Post-Coal Future: How Political Shortsightedness Dooms the Just Transition
Publication date: 28.1.2021
Despite agreeing to the EU’s carbon neutrality 2050 goal and being one of the largest beneficiaries of the Just Transition Fund, the government of Bulgaria has not yet announced plans for a post-coal future, let alone a timeline for the coal phase-out.
Analysis for the alternative economic development of coal areas
Publication date: 9.8.2021
The purpose of the analysis is to assess the opportunities for the alternative economic development of the coal regions in Bulgaria, which will contribute to sustainable development. The alternative economic development for these regions is linked to the development of clean energy technologies, preserving Bulgaria’s energy base in the light of the European Union’s ‘Green Pact’ and the subsequent goals of sustainable ‘green’ and ‘digital’ transitions, the EU’s transition to Industry 4.0 as well as the need for recovery of the country from the perplexed and unreasonable actions provided by the government in the field of energy over the last 20 years.
Analysis of the possibilities for green hydrogen production in Bulgaria and its use for energy needs
Publication date: 18.8.2021
The purpose of the analysis is to objectively examine the production of the potential green hydrogen in Bulgaria and the need for investment in this direction, following the policies of the European Commission and using possible public and private sources of funding. The analysis presents ongoing projects and pays special attention to its application in the mobility sector, where a level of technological maturity has been achieved.
What is the current state of the just transition processes in Bulgaria?
Publication date: 30.1.2023
This briefing summarises just transition planning in Bulgaria thus far, reviewing the TJTPs’ compatibility with EU requirements and the overall process’s alignment with the partnership principle. It provides recommendations for improving just transition in the upcoming period.
Comparative analysis of the advantages of decentralized energy production
Publication date: 19.8.2021
The purpose of the comparative analysis on the advantages of decentralized energy production, is to determine the energy production from nuclear power plants, thermal power plants for coal and gas and hydropower plants for dams.
Report on energy poverty issues, possible solutions
Publication date: 25.8.2021
The analysis titled ‘Energy poverty, possible solutions+ offers exceptional depth and knowledge of the problem at the EU and national level. It offers appropriate and realistic solutions to this huge social problem. The analysis will be provided also to the ministries for wider perspective and options on the measures to sustainably reduce the number of people receiving energy subsidies.
Who is afraid of energy transition and Green Deal
Publication date: 17.11.2021
Over the past 10 years, the opportunity to start transforming the energy sector towards reducing dependence on fossil fuels and nuclear energy has been missed. Bulgaria is facing the dangers of a rapid and painful energy transition. Several successive Bulgarian governments, not without the help of the trade unions, preferred to postpone the reforms in the energy sector, to deny the decline in the importance of coal and the difficulties facing the development of the coal industry. They did their best to maintain in society the illusion of no alternative to coal, despite clear European and world trends for years.
Pernik: an example of successful energy transformation or a hostage of the corporate interests of energy oligarchs and trade unions in Stara Zagora?
Publication date: 20.12.2023
The political crisis that has lasted for more than two years has completely blocked the processes of energy and economic transformation. Because of politicians’ subordinance to lobby interests that call for the continued use of coal, at the end of 2022 Bulgaria lost EUR 100 million from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) due to the missed submission deadline to the European Commission of the Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTPs) for the three coal regions: Stara Zagora, Pernik, and Kyustendil.
Fact sheet on decreasing primary energy consumption
Publishing date: 18.5.2022
The Estonian Green Movement and CEE Bankwatch Network have developed a fact sheet that highlights opportunities for reducing primary energy consumption in Estonia. It serves as a reference point for environmental organisations, non-governmental organisations and other institutions faced with the question of how to ensure energy supply security in a society whose economy continues to grow.
Thematic analysis: energy poverty and energy transition in Hungary
Publication date: 3.2022
This briefing presents ways of accelerating energy transition and tackling energy poverty in Hungary while increasing the potential of renewable energy sources. It also provides a summary of recommendations for municipalities and other relevant institutions looking to achieve these goals.
Energiaátmenet: a helyi önkormányzatok, hatóságok hogyan építhetik a helyi kapacitásokat és növelhetik az átmenet társadalmi elfogadottságát?
Publication date: April 2022
This briefing focuses on enhancing local capacities, including workers’ skills, the participation process and investment opportunities to accelerate energy transition, particularly in Hungary’s three just transition regions.
Financial support for renewables in Latvia
Publication date: 28 October 2022
This briefing provides an overview of public funding and financial instruments for renewable energy source deployment in Latvia that have either already been launched or are planned to be launched in 2022, as well as provides insights on planned programmes that could help finance more renewables in the coming years.
Energy poverty in Latvia – from definiton towards action
Publication date: January 2023
This summary briefing reviews the state of energy poverty in Latvia, focusing on how this term is defined in Latvian law and practice and what programmes are in place to assist those struggling to pay for the energy they use. It also provides some recommendations for Latvia’s government on what needs to be done next to ensure that energy poverty affects fewer and fewer residents.
Just transition in Poland – an overview of territorial just transition plans from six coal regions
Publication date: 2.9.2021
Poland is one of the countries in central and eastern Europe that plans to use European funds to finance just transition in their coal regions. In order to receive the funds, these regions will need to prepare Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTPs). The TJTPs detail the regions’ plans for phasing out coal and developing alternative development actions.
This report reviews the plan for preparing the TJTPs, as well as the plans’ coherence with EU climate goals, vision for the future, and main interventions. It evaluates each coal region’s plan in its current form and provides recommendations for improving the drafting process and the plans themselves.
Video Public hearing. Road to a just transition, October 2023
JUST TRANSITION is the process of transitioning away from coal mining and consumption, taking into account the needs and concerns of local coal region communities. JUST TRANSITION aims to carry out the changes in such a way that workers are not disadvantaged and to provide them with viable professional alternatives. Public Hearings is one method of conducting public consultations. It is crucial to give everyone a chance to express their opinion. People from all walks of life are invited to hearings. Government representatives and voters. Trade unionists and businessmen. Experts and residents. Seniors and young people. A public hearing is one of the rare situations in which decision-makers consciously take on the role of listeners rather than speakers. Participants have a SET AMOUNT of time to speak, and their order is chosen randomly. The idea is to give everyone an equal chance to present their point of view. Participants and attendees may differ radically in opinions, but they MUST NOT INSULT each other. Violators of this rule can be rebuked or even lose their opportunity to speak. Sometimes the views are in favor of the proposed solution, sometimes against it, sometimes expressed with solid arguments, and sometimes we have emotional speeches.
What can be done to replace fossil fuels in heating and reduce the level of energy poverty in Poland?
Publication date: 12.2021
The briefing includes the latest data on energy poverty in Poland, along with the identification of groups that are most exposed to this. What is more, we will learn what programs are available and sample allocations of funds for this purpose.
Financing investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency in Gorj and Hunedoara
Publication date: 3.2023
The publication elaborates on the challenges of the coal mine regions in the counties of Gorj and Hunedoara, Romania. Coal-based energy production is the most problematic one in regards to CO2 emissions. Furthermore, if we look at the social dimension of the transition, these two counties will be the most affected regarding job losses in the coal industry. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for the transition process to be successful for these mono-industrial counties, but we know that diversifying economic growth and creating jobs in sustainable fields can ameliorate the negative social effects of the energy transition.
Thematic analysis: energy poverty (national/local dimension and solution) and decentralised RES potential
Publication date: 5.2022
This report examines legislative initiatives and public policies dedicated to energy poverty reduction in Romania and their results and explores the potential of renewable energy sources in mitigating this phenomenon. The report concludes with recommendations for national authorities to accelerate the decentralisation of energy production from renewable sources to solve energy poverty.
The Women’s participation in the just transition process
Publication date: 8.2022
The report is an exploratory research, documenting the quality of life of women in the Jiu Valley. It is based on a comprehensive approach, attempting to address all aspects of women’s lives in the valley, but it is not an exhaustive approach, as its scope cannot encompass all possible experiences. Specific to exploratory research, the methodology is qualitative.
Cum finanțăm investițiile în energia regenerabilă si eficiența energetică din Gorj și Hunedoara
Publication date: 3.2023
Coal-based energy production is the most problematic concerning CO2 emissions. The two counties, Gorj and Hunedoara, will be the most affected in terms of job losses in the coal industry. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for the transition process, but we know that diversifying economic growth and job creation in sustainable fields can ameliorate the negative social effects of the energy transition.
Studiu comparativ privind dezvoltarea rețelei de distribuție de gaze naturale/hidrogen și utilizarea pompelor de căldură
Publication date: 12.2023
The objective of the study is to evaluate the costs regarding the development of the distribution network, the connection of the consumers to this network and the energy consumption that is expected through investment.
PERCEPȚIA LOCUITORILOR DIN LOCALITĂȚI RURALE DIN JUDEȚELE MEHEDINȚI ȘI DOLJ ASUPRA SOLUȚIILOR PENTRU ÎNCĂLZIREA GOSPODĂRIEI
Publication date: 12.2023
The main objective of the survey is to investigate what are the common variants used for heating in the households in the countryside.
Read more | RO
Experience with heat planning in Denmark
Publication date: 4.2022
This report details the experiences of Denmark in implementing district heating and renewable energy solutions. It aims to serve as an inspiring model for the German state of Baden-Württemberg, where similar energy-saving measures are planned as a way of meeting its climate and energy objectives.
Case study: energy-saving renovation of an apartment building in Slovakia
Publication date: 12.2021
This case study focuses on the renovation of a residential apartment building in Prievidza, Slovakia. It provides an example of how residents, owners and local governments can reduce energy consumption, and also draws attention to the lack of consultative opportunities provided to citizens concerned with rising energy costs.
MORE MATERIALS
- How are CEE countries doing on creating Territorial Just Transition Plans? Read more.
- Lenka Ilcikova gets “Angel of Prievidza” award for her work on just transition. Read more.
- What to do when public participation in the planning of Territorial Just Transition Plans is more formal than substantial? Read more.
- 17 NGOs call on Czech PM Babis to commit to a 2030 coal phaseout date. Read more.
- Navigating the just transition webinar: two years of just transition planning – what have we learned? Read more.
- Navigating the just transition webinar: is coal really making a comeback? Read more.
- Navigating the just transition webinar: moving forward with pillars two and three Read more.
- Navigating the just transition: role of energy communities Read more.
- Navigating the just transition – How to transform coal regions during a war: just transition in Ukraine Read more.
- Navigating the just transition: empowering young leaders for a just green transition Read more.
- Navigating the just transition: what’s holding back the transformation of coal regions in the Western Balkans? Read more.
- Navigating the just transition: enhancing the involvement of women throughout Europe Read more.
- Navigating the just transition: how to ensure transformative potential of the just transition projects? Read more.
