Bridging the Gap: Fast Forward Action for Energy Communities in Croatia

Because there are only four registered energy communities so far, despite having integrated EU regulations into national law three years ago. For comparison, in the EU there are more than 9000 registered energy communities.

Energy communities are meant to be the backbone of a socially just transition to renewables and a key driver in decentralizing and democratizing energy production. Yet, progress has been slow, and development is falling behind.

This is why we launched our “Fast Forward Action” project!

In collaboration with the Institute for Political Ecology (IPE), Green Energy Cooperative (ZEZ), and Terra Hub, and with support from Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Zagreb, we are uniting our efforts around a shared vision: a just and rapid energy transition with citizens at the center.

What shall we do with this project?

We are focusing on removing barriers and creating supportive conditions for energy communities to thrive in Croatia. It has two main pillars:
– Accelerating the registration process for energy communities, making it easier for citizens to establish them.
– Strengthening the Forum for Energy Communities, a national platform that supports energy cooperatives and emerging initiatives.

How will we achieve this?

We are organizing activities around three key goals:

1. Understanding barriers – Through online surveys, desk research, focus groups, interviews, and fact-finding missions, we will identify the challenges citizens face when trying to establish new energy communities.
2. Developing the ecosystem – We will enhance the Forum for Energy Communities as a hub for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and support for both existing and emerging energy communities.
3. Driving stakeholder dialogue and advocacy – By engaging with policymakers, regulators, and local governments, and running public campaigns, we will work to remove legal, administrative, knowledge and financial obstacles and create favorable conditions for energy communities.

Why does this matter?

These actions will provide the data, tools, and visibility needed to strengthen the role of energy communities in Croatia. By mobilizing citizens and raising public interest, we aim to build a strong bottom-up movement that pushes for better laws, financing mechanisms, and institutional support. Fast forward.

The impact we aim for

Through active collaboration with state institutions and local governments, we will help position energy communities as a new and vital player in the Croatian energy sector.

In short, this project will:
– Deepen the roots of energy communities in Croatian society.
– Accelerate their registration and development.
– Improve legal, financial, and institutional frameworks for their long-term success.

Together, we are setting the stage for a citizen-led, decentralized, and democratic energy future in Croatia. Fast forward, because there is no time to lose.

Fast Forward Action for Energy Communities in Croatia is co-funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) and European Climate Facility (ECF).