The first energy community in the capital was officially presented within the framework of the European Week of Regions and Cities. The initiative "Energy Community Sofia - 2. Sofia University "Acad. Emilian Stanev" is being implemented with the support of the Sofia Municipality, the "Vitosha" district, private and legal entities. It envisages the construction of a photovoltaic power plant (PVP) on the roof of the school, news.bg specified.
The concept was presented by the Deputy Mayor for the "Green System, Ecology and Land Use" department; Nadezhda Bobcheva and the Mayor of the "Vitosha" district; arch. Zarko Klinkov. The project is the first of its kind in Sofia and shows the possibility for citizens to actively participate in the production and sharing of clean energy from renewable sources.
"The photovoltaic installation will be implemented through group participation of individuals and legal entities. The interest is great, which shows that society is already ready for such initiatives. The analyses indicate that the system can reach a capacity of 75 kilowatts, with about 40% of the energy produced being used in the school itself. This is a long-term investment that can serve as a model for other municipal sites," Bobcheva emphasized.
The Sofia Energy Agency - SOFENA, and the project partners, including the Bulgarian-Austrian consulting company, added that energy communities encourage on-site production, efficient use of energy and the creation of economic activity at the local level. They empower citizens to participate in energy management, while contributing to sustainable development and environmental protection.
The project is implemented with technical and advisory support from SOFENA and within the framework of the LIFE-BECKON initiative, with the active assistance of the "Green System" department of the Sofia Municipality, EnEffect and a number of technical experts.
Among 22 analyzed municipal sites in the "Vitosha" region, 2. Sofia University "Acad. Emilian Stanev" was selected as a pilot due to its social significance, renovated infrastructure and potential for educational use of the RES system.
The main parameters of the project include:
The system is expected to produce about 151 MWh of electricity per year, with 37.8% of the energy covering the needs of the school, and the surplus of over 120 MWh per year being distributed to other public buildings.
"Energy Community Sofia" is the first step towards decentralized, sustainable and citizen participation in the energy transition of the capital, laying the foundations for a new model for energy management - close to people and close to nature.