Green energy powering a growing rural community in Miroslava, North-East Romania
About this good practice
Miroslava Commune has experienced rapid growth, with its real population increasing by approx. 22,000 inhabitants in last decade. This put pressure on infrastructure, especially energy for public institutions, street lighting, and community services. To address this, local authorities conducted public consultations, ensuring community involvement in developing a sustainable energy solution. This process highlighted the role of energy communities, shaping the PV park to serve both institutional and public needs, aligning with regional sustainability and economic strategies.
The 5ha PV park was developed through an inclusive approach, incorporating public input to maximize community benefits. It supplies energy to public institutions, improves street lighting, and reduces costs. Using tracker technology, it optimizes solar energy capture, nearly doubling efficiency. The project has also turned Miroslava into an electricity producer, feeding surplus energy into the national grid and creating additional revenue streams. Strong community involvement further led to the initiation of a second PV park to meet rising energy demands.
Key stakeholders include Miroslava Commune Hall and the local energy community, which played a vital role in shaping the project. Local businesses and investors gain from a greener, more competitive economy. This initiative showcases the impact of community-driven renewable projects on sustainability and local development.
Expert opinion
Resources needed
The project received 5.9 million euros in non-reimbursable funding through ESF under the Sectorial Operational Program for Competitiveness. The first PV park is complete, and the second, valued at 1.2 million euros, will be developed with funding from the Ministry of Energy by 2026.
Evidence of success
Miroslava`s PV park is a success not only due to its 1MW capacity, supplying public institutions and street lighting. Tracker technology boosts efficiency, nearly doubling output. It generates €300,000 savings/year and sells surplus energy to the national grid. The project created 7 jobs, attracted investors, and involved public consultation. It reduces fossil fuel reliance, aligning with regional sustainability goals and creating the foundation for the phased development of new RES capacities.
Potential for learning or transfer
Miroslava’s photovoltaic park serves as a replicable model for communities aiming for energy independence. Key success factors include public consultation, ensuring the project aligns with community needs, and tracker technology, which maximizes solar potential, nearly doubling efficiency. Diverse funding sources (EU, national, local) make it accessible, while economic benefits, job creation, and revenue from surplus energy, enhance feasibility. Challenges include land suitability, upfront investment costs, and regulatory barriers that may vary across regions. However, this model is highly transferable to areas with rising energy demands and sustainability goals, particularly those benefiting from EU funds or similar grants. Regions investing in RES can replicate this success, boosting local economies while increasing energetic and environmental resilience and impact.
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