Establishment of a Local Competence Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in the Podlaskie Region

As in other countries, much of the expansion of renewable energies will take place in rural regions in Poland. This was the context for the idea of setting up a competence centre for this structurally weak rural region. Through a coordinating centrer, the aim is to steer development so as to ensure that the creation of added value remains in the region and the municipalities, private individuals and the local economy benefit from it.

The German project partner, Energievision Frankenwald e. V., advised the Polish municipalities on the legal and organisational aspects of establishing the competence centre and on long-term the organizational and financial sustainability as an independent NGO. Seminars run by Energievision Frankenwald e. V. provided training for Polish project staff to qualify them for future consulting activities.  This was based on the positive experience gained by existing energy agencies in Bavaria. The project partners gained a wide range of supporters from business, politics and environmental associations for the centre. With the new independent advisory centre, communities, businesses and citizens were provided with economic and other benefits through the expansion of renewable energies and increased energy efficiency. In addition, the centre and municipalities were supported in raising further sources of funding for relevant measures in this field. The pilot project is intended to serve as a model for the possible establishment of further energy agencies in Podlasie and throughout Poland.

• Structures for the energy transition: In 2021, the Regional Centre for Renewable Energy (CEO) was established as a foundation at two sites in Białystok and Hajnówka. It brings together 36 members from local authorities, research, administration and business and acts as a permanent advisory and competence centre. 
• Broad impact and acceptance: More than 1,700 private individuals, local government representatives and businesses received advice on PV installations, heat pumps, energy analyses and support programmes. 82 per cent of respondents rated the Centre's work as relevant and helpful for their energy projects. 
• Sustainable impact in the region: Training courses, publications and public relations activities have significantly increased awareness of energy efficiency and renewable energies in the Podlasie region. The Centre is now a recognised point of contact and contributes to significant emissions reductions and sustainable regional development through numerous local investments.