The project is completed. The project aimed to promote a dialogue and an exchange of experiences on decarbonization concepts and national/regional energy transition strategies in Southeast Europe (SEE). Furthermore, evidence-based strategies were developed to ensure a successful energy transition in the participating states.
Energy Policy Energy Poverty Energy Transition Energy Transition and Climate-Neutral Buildings
Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Romania
01/18 - 06/21
National governments, Regional governments, EU institutions
1,039,368.36 €
Sonja Risteska
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Countries throughout Southeast Europe (SEE) have high shares of electricity generated by an aging fleet of coal-fired generators (lignite and hard coal). Decisions for modernizing or replacing a significant share of these capacities will be taken within the next decade. At the same time, the region has a vast potential for developing renewable energy as well as significant opportunities for enhancing energy efficiency. The political commitment of governments in SEE to implement the Paris Agreement on climate change, the EU’s push for an integrative, economy-wide approach to climate and energy policy making, and the close geographical and political ties between countries in SEE offer a unique opportunity to advance decarbonisation and energy transition in the region over the next decade.
Project conference in Vienna in November 2018, Photo: ©Agora Energiewende
The project established an SEE think tank network on decarbonization and strengthened its capacity. The development of science-based, cost-effective, and politically feasible solutions to power system transition contributed to maximizing opportunities for regional collaboration and support at the EU level. In addition, the project fostered collaboration among climate and energy policy stakeholders in SEE (government, industry, society, academia) in advancing Renewable Energy Sources (RES) when developing integrated national energy and climate. Ultimately, this brought the SEE experience to EU-discussions on the Clean Energy for All Europeans package and the Multiannual Financial Framework, including options to reduce RES financing costs.
Last update: February 2025