Storytelling about the Study Visit in Romania
The North-East Regional Development Agency, through the External Cooperation Office, organized the fourth transnational event in Romania on January 21-22, 2025, in the Iași and Neamț counties.
The event began on January 21, 2025, with a study visit showcasing three exemplary renewable energy projects in the region:
- Miroslava Commune (Ciurbești Photovoltaic Park);
- Ion Neculce Commune (presentation of the final results of the “rehabilitation of the town hall to improve energy efficiency, in Ion Neculce Commune, Iași County” project, funded through the 2014-2020 Regional Operational Program, Priority Axis 3; current status of the nZEB service housing under construction, targeted for medical and educational professionals; photovoltaic park);
- Roman Municipality (Moldova River Micro-Hydropower Plant) in Neamț County.
This visit gave participants an opportunity to gain an objective perspective on the implementation and operation of successful renewable energy projects, fostering knowledge exchange and best practices among partner regions. On the same day, a representative from the Energy Cooperative, one of our valued partners, presented insights into the current status of energy communities in Romania. This presentation provided stakeholders with a clear view of the challenges and opportunities in this field.
On January 22, 2025, a working meeting took place, focused on the members of the SIreNERGY consortium and stakeholders. The meeting facilitated strategic discussions on project implementation, progress assessment, and exploring new opportunities for collaboration between the involved regions.
Here are some reflections from participants directly involved in the event:
"This was our fourth field visit, and it far exceeded our expectations. The progress we have made in the last few months was evident during this visit and can be seen in the results we are achieving, with a completed diagnosis and a tool that helps us work in each region using the data we have gathered throughout the different semesters. This field visit helped us better understand the reality of the North-East Region of Romania, and we are grateful to those who presented the best practices we visited, as well as the North-East Regional Development Agency." – Leire Arrizabalaga, Leartibai Foundation
"The study visit within the SIreNERGY project demonstrated once again the need for local authorities' involvement in developing renewable energy projects for their communities and how European funds represent a real opportunity for sustainable development when managed efficiently with vision. The three successful projects we visited have great potential in creating energy communities to support the local economy, environmental protection, energy independence, and cost reduction for communities." – Olimpia Nicolae, Energy Cooperative
"The SIreNERGY project allowed us to understand the dynamics of renewable energy in rural areas of the North-East region, particularly in Iași County. The first day's visit was extremely informative regarding current projects and the challenges faced by social innovation in the development of green energy. The work on the second day with partners enabled us to start shaping recommendations for public policies on renewable energy in rural areas and to promote citizen engagement and social acceptance." – Romain Carrausse, Aquitaine Environmental and Safety Association (APESA)
"This was the first time in Romania for all four Swedish representatives. It was interesting to learn about the challenges and outcomes of the best practices. Some are similar to those in Sweden, while others, such as the impact of climate change on water flow in the Moldova River, are not yet visible in Sweden. It was wonderful to see that EU support has enabled the implementation of many good projects in the region." – Pierre Ståhl, Energikontor Syd
”What impressed me most was the opportunity for citizens to join the cooperative, regardless of whether they live in a big city or a small town. This model makes renewable energy consumption highly accessible. The ability to choose electricity suppliers, reduce energy costs for local communities, and use environmentally friendly energy with minimal impact are significant benefits available to everyone. Energy cooperatives and renewable energy associations are not yet well established in Bulgaria. This is partly due to legislation that does not fully support their creation and promotion. Additionally, public awareness of green energy solutions remains low, limiting citizen participation in energy production. I was particularly impressed by Romania’s commitment to sustainable development and innovation. Their best practices provide a valuable example for fostering renewable energy initiatives in Bulgaria.” – Ralitsa Zhekova, RAPIV