Empowering Renewable Energy Communities: RECinMED Project Moves Forward in Cyprus.
The second face-to-face meeting of the RECinMED project, held on November 27-28, 2024, at Neapolis University Pafos in Cyprus, marked a significant step forward in the development of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) across the Mediterranean region. Representing Argonauta, Ivona Jadrić, project manager, and Sanja Mihić, administrator and financial manager, participated in the event, contributing to the discussions and sharing insights on the progress of the Working Group on RECs in Island Areas.
The meeting focused on advancing the project’s Work Package 1 (WP1), which aims to establish RECs and promote citizen-led energy transitions. Argonauta, alongside partner RERA, presented a pilot project proposal for the island of Šolta in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. This initiative focuses on installing solar systems at the municipality’s recycling yard, leveraging the island’s renewable energy potential. The pilot project is designed to test a methodology for creating and operating RECs in island regions, with the goal of replicating successful models across other Mediterranean islands.
The Working Group on RECs in Island Areas, led by Neapolis University Pafos, emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and public participation in the success of RECs. A preliminary list of stakeholders has been identified, and the team is working on drafting Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to formalize collaborations. The group also discussed the development of a methodology for public consultation and awareness-building, which will include workshops and educational activities on Šolta.
The meeting also addressed the project’s carbon footprint, with a presentation by Mojca Soža from RERA on the “Project Carbon Footprint Monitoring” strategy. The “avoid-reduce-offset” approach was highlighted as a key principle for minimizing the environmental impact of the project. Argonauta and other partners committed to monitoring and reporting carbon emissions, ensuring that the project aligns with sustainability goals.
Looking ahead, the next project meeting is scheduled for late May or early June 2025 in Smolyan, Bulgaria, followed by a subsequent meeting in Croatia. As the project moves into its second period, Argonauta remains dedicated to advancing renewable energy initiatives in island regions, contributing to a sustainable energy future for the Mediterranean.
In addition to the technical discussions, the meeting provided an excellent opportunity for networking and building strong sectoral and cross-sectoral connections. Argonautas representatives engaged with colleagues from other partner organizations, sharing experiences, and exploring potential collaborations in the field of renewable energy. We thank hosting partner Neapolis University Pafos for welcoming and productive atmosphere during the meeting.
