
In April 2024, we brought together 17 expert organizations and initiatives that are actively working to establish their own energy community or in other ways contribute to the development of energy communities in Croatia.
The Forum is at the core of establishing a network of local energy communities across Croatia that will provide its members with access to sustainable, renewable and affordable energy.
Mission of the Forum
To provide citizens with direct ownership and the right to decide on their own energy production, as well as active participation in the energy market through energy communities. This also includes the realization of new renewable energy plants with a total power of at least 1 GW by 2030.
The objectives towards which the Forum will act to achieve this mission
1
A simple and affordable process of establishing and registering energy communities for groups of citizens who are not (energy) experts.
2
Accessible mechanisms for technical and financial support aimed at reducing the risk of energy community projects and encouraging their establishment, development and stable growth.
3
A favourable environment for the operation and business of energy communities and ensuring their economic and financial sustainability, with a focus on solutions such as equal participation in the market, direct energy sharing with members and the conclusion of contracts for the purchase and sale of energy directly with other market players.
4
Active role of cities and municipalities in the development of energy communities and citizen energy projects in public areas and on roofs.

Member organizations

Green Energy Cooperative (ZEZ)
For the past ten years, the Green Energy Cooperative (ZEZ) has been supporting citizens and local communities in investing in renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and technologies that contribute to the decarbonization of the energy system. ZEZ implemented the first citizen energy projects in Croatia and is a member of the European Federation of Citizen Energy Cooperatives REScoop.eu.

ZEZ Sun
A European energy cooperative that brings citizens together for joint, long-term and non-speculative investment in solar power plants to create positive social, environmental and economic values within their communities. In its first call for members in March 2024, ZEZ Sunce raised EUR 140,000 for the construction of a 200kW solar power plant owned by citizens.

KLIK Križevci
Supports the City of Križevci on its way to becoming energy independent through the management of the Energy and Climate Office, which promotes renewable energy sources among citizens, educates them and assists in developing and financing their projects. It develops and implements models for citizen investments in renewable energy and other climate-related projects.

My Energy Community - MEC
The first formally established energy community in Croatia.

Northern Adriatic Energy Community
An association founded by 20 members (citizens, entrepreneurs and NGOs) with the aim of producing, sharing and smartly managing the consumption of renewable energy.

Association Without Borders
Active for 12 years, focusing on local community development in the Drenova neighbourhood of Rijeka. It is the initiator and leader of numerous Croatian and EU projects, for years working especially on promoting citizen energy and sustainable development, among others. Particularly noteworthy is the project of reconstructing the Community Centre Drenova.

DVD Špičkovina
A volunteer fire brigade that aims to establish the first energy community in order to install a 64kW solar power plant and share energy among its members.

REGEA – North-West Croatia Regional Energy and Climate Agency
An institution focused on providing advice and innovative solutions in the energy and environmental sector with projects throughout the European Union.

Society for Sustainable Development Design (DOOR)
An association of experts focused on promoting sustainable development in the field of energy. Our mission is to promote the principles of sustainable development in all segments of society, at the local, regional and national level, primarily in the field of energy and climate, and we are actively working with local communities to become leaders in the energy transition.

Apsyrtides Energy Cooperative
Operates in the area of Cres-Lošinj islands, bringing together local self-government units, the business sector and citizens. The goal of the cooperative is to provide support and enable its members and the local community to participate in energy transition projects, serving as an example to other island communities. The cooperative is unique in Croatia as it includes two cities, Cres and Mali Lošinj.

OTRA – Island Development Agency
In contact with most public, business and non-governmental organizations operating on the island. It coordinates the implementation of some local development initiatives and projects and will lead the elaboration of the Energy Transition Agenda.

Energy Cooperative NOVI OTOK KORČULA
Works to help citizens in activities aimed at increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources by implementing energy renovation projects, educating the population of all ages about energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, and environmental conservation projects, prioritizing “green” energy and sustainable development in cooperation with local institutions.

Island Movement
An informative and educational platform that gathers all the information needed to initiate and participate in the energy transition on Croatian islands in one place, with a special focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and the importance of islanders’ participation in the energy transition process.

Green Network of Activist Groups (ZMAG)
An organization that brings together organic gardeners, practitioners of applicable technologies and eco-building, permaculture designers, researchers of equitable social models of organization and equal interpersonal relationships, and environmental activists.

SDEWES Centre
International Centre for Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems.

Energy Association Green Prelog
An association whose goal is to promote and develop an energy-independent community, renewable energy sources, advance sustainable development, and encourage social innovation and entrepreneurship in the City of Prelog.

Association of Adriatic RES
Founded in Zadar, it focuses on the promotion of renewable energy sources and energy independence of the community, and on encouraging sustainable development and social innovation. The goal of the association is to contribute to the energy transition of the local community through various actions and projects that protect the environment and promote sustainable development.