Unlocking the Solar Potential of Burgas and Sofia

Background

To meet their national climate targets, Bulgaria and Greece need to achieve a one-third share of energy from renewable sources by 2030. Furthermore, the municipalities of Burgas and Sofia (Bulgaria) have each set the individual target of a 35 per cent share by 2030. Considering their meteorologic conditions, solar power is the most promising renewable source of electricity for the two cities. However, photovoltaic systems (PVs) are not widely installed in the region yet, leaving enormous potential for energy transition unlocked.

Project

The project team informs citizens, businesses, and public institutions on the potential of their properties –especially unused roof spaces – for generating solar energy. For this purpose, the team develops a digital platform that provides helpful information: how many PVs can be installed and where, how much energy they can potentially generate, how high is the required investment, and how long will it take for investment return? Additionally, the project team targets potential investors and offers them detailed guidelines on processes and requirements for PV installation. This is supplemented by dedicated units in both town administrations, who provide administrative support to potential investors. A series of events and trainings targets representatives of local and state administrations, of small and medium enterprises, of homeowner associations, public building managers, and residents of multi-family apartment buildings. These aim to further spread knowledge and to pave the way for joint projects between city administration, businesses, and citizens/energy cooperatives. With these measures, the project team aims to kickstart the broad installation of PVs in the region, thus contributing to its energy transformation and creating an example to follow for other municipalities in the region.