Fördergeber: Europäische Union
Forschungsschwerpunkt:
- Sustainable Production & Energy Technologies
Laufzeit:
- 01.01.2024 – 30.06.2026 (30 Monate)
Ziele:
- Schaffung angemessener Bedingungen für Energiegemeinschaften in der Donauregion
- Sensibilisierung für erneuerbare Energiequellen und Gemeinde-Initiativen
- Unterstützung von Energiegemeinschaften, um effizient und nachhaltig zu betreiben
Beschreibung:
- Das NRGCOM-Projekt widmet sich der Bewältigung der Herausforderungen im Energiesektor durch die Förderung des Wachstums von Energiegemeinschaften und die Schaffung einer unterstützenden Umgebung für ihren nachhaltigen Betrieb in der Donauregion. Das Konsortium besteht aus 13 Projektpartnern und 14 assoziierten strategischen Partnern aus 12 Ländern, darunter lokale Behörden, Energieagenturen, NGOs und Bildungseinrichtungen. Ein zentraler Fokus von NRGCOM liegt auf einer umfassenden vergleichenden Analyse der rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen, die Energiegemeinschaften in den Partnerländern umgeben. Durch die Untersuchung bestehender Rahmenbedingungen, Betriebsmodelle und Governance-Techniken von erneuerbaren Energiegemeinschaften (RECs) streben die Projektpartner an, bewährte Praktiken zu identifizieren und Politikempfehlungen zur Überwindung bestehender Hindernisse zu entwickeln. Durch gezielte Aufklärungskampagnen und Kapazitätsaufbauaktivitäten streben die Projektpartner danach, das Verständnis für die Bedeutung erneuerbarer Energiequellen und Gemeindeinitiativen zu fördern. NRGCOM setzt sich für die Stärkung der lokalen Eigenproduktion und -nutzung ein, um den Übergang zu erneuerbaren Energien in der Donauregion zu beschleunigen. Gemeinsam erforschen die Projektpartner rechtliche Lösungen, analysieren Betriebsmodelle und entwickeln ein Modell zur Schaffung günstiger Bedingungen für Energiegemeinschaften. Ihr übergeordnetes Ziel ist es, eine informierte und gestärkte Gesellschaft zu schaffen, in der Initiativen für erneuerbare Energien gedeihen können und so zu einer grüneren und widerstandsfähigeren Zukunft für die Donauregion beitragen.
Mitarbeiter:
Projektträger:
- Interreg Danube Region Programme
Programmpriorität:
- A greener, low-carbon Danube Region
- Specific objective: 2.1: Support greening the energy and transport sectors in the Danube Region by enhancing the integration of renewable energy sources
Partner:
- South-Transdanubian Regional Innovation Agency, Hungary
- IMRO-DDKK Environmental Protection Company, HungarySouth Bohemian Agency for Support to Innovation, Check Republic
- Forschung Burgenland GmbH., Austria
- Istrian Regional Energy Agency, Croatia
- Energy Agency of Savinjska, Šaleška and Koroška Region, Slovenia
- Pazardzhik Regional Administration, Bulgaria
- Regional Economic Development Agency for Sumadija and Pomoravlje, Serbia
- Romanian Network of Energy Cities, Romania
- FORS Montenegro – Foundation for the Development of Northern Montenegro,
- National Energy Cluster, Slovakia
- Alliance for Energy Efficiency and Renewables, Moldova
Projekt Website:
Projektbudget:
- Projektgesamtbudget: 2.533.052,77 EUR
- EFRE-Mitteln: 2.026.442,18 EUR
As an Interreg Danube Region Programme project, NRGCOM is co-funded by the European Union.
NRGCOM Workshops Explore Pathways to Sustainable Energy Communities in the Danube Region
The Interreg Danube Region project “NRGCOM” has hosted two successful national workshops, bringing together experts and stakeholders from across the region to discuss innovative strategies for building thriving energy communities. These events have shed light on critical aspects of energy community development, including cost-effective infrastructure solutions, professionalization, collaboration, and community engagement.
The first workshop, held on April 23, 2024, focused on identifying potential cost-effective infrastructure investment solutions and developments to increase cost efficiency in energy communities. Discussions centered on exploring diverse approaches to heating solutions, the growing trend towards citizen self-sufficiency, and the importance of professionalizing energy cooperatives.
The second workshop, held on June 3, 2024, shifted the focus to best practices for the professionalization of energy cooperatives and the collaboration between regional utilities and cooperatives. Participants explored strategies to enhance transparency, build trust among stakeholders, and unlock greater efficiency through joint efforts. The workshop also highlighted the critical role of community engagement, highlighting the need to create attractive business models and ensure widespread citizen participation in energy projects.
Key takeaways from both workshops include:
- The need for continuous innovation and adaptation: Participants emphasized the importance of optimizing existing energy networks, exploring decentralized storage solutions, and leveraging diverse technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability.
- The evolving role of citizens: There is a growing trend towards self-sufficiency among citizens, who are increasingly generating their own electricity, heat, and mobility solutions. This trend poses challenges and opportunities for promoting decentralized energy systems.
- The significance of community engagement: Successful energy community initiatives require strong community participation and a high level of acceptance for projects, particularly for centralized heating networks. However, small-scale community-driven solutions can be effective, but require significant personal investment and ongoing engagement from community members.
- The importance of professionalization: Energy cooperatives need to professionalize to ensure transparent management and financial stability. The need for external service providers for tasks such as billing and financial management was also highlighted.
- The power of collaboration: The workshops highlighted the benefits of collaboration between energy cooperatives and regional utilities. Combining their strengths can accelerate the energy transition, unlock greater efficiency, and create a more sustainable energy landscape.
The workshops have provided valuable insights and fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with building sustainable energy communities. NRGCOM continues to work with its partners to develop innovative solutions and support the implementation of successful energy community initiatives throughout the Danube Region.
Contact:
For more information about NRGCOM and the workshops, please contact Agnes Frank at agnes.frank@th-deg.de.
Completed Events
Strong launch of Regionalwerke Passauer Land
Neuburg am Inn, June 30, 2025
On June 30, 2025, a strong signal for the regional energy transition was sent out at the official launch event of Regionalwerke Passauer Land gKU in the district hall in Neuburg am Inn. 77 participants - including citizens, local politicians, representatives from business, agriculture and civil society - accepted the invitation to find out more about the new municipal energy company and the opportunities for participation.
From vision to implementation
After the welcoming words from District Administrator Raimund Kneidinger, moderator Miriam Bleck led through the evening. Jakob Schätz, CEO of Regionalwerke, gave an engaging presentation on the goals and tasks of Regionalwerke - first and foremost the goal of regional energy sovereignty through jointly supported renewable energy projects.
The focus is on:
- The regional generation and use of clean energy.
- Transparent citizen participation and social fairness.
- Strengthening the local economy and value creation.
- Independence from fossil fuels and centralized suppliers.
Diversity on the podium - unity of purpose
A highlight of the event was the panel discussion, in which five personalities from different areas of society contributed their perspectives:
- Mr. Stephan Dorn Mayor of Neuhaus am Inn (municipal perspective)
- Mr. Helmut Brummer Knorr-Bremse AG (business)
- Mr. Andreas Raitner Wohnbau Hauzenberg (tenant side)
- Mr. Oliver Eifertinger (citizens' perspective)
- Mr. Franz Högl (agriculture)
The discussion made it clear that the regional energy transition is a joint project. Whether tenant electricity model, agricultural land use or direct electricity supply - transparent models and cooperation at eye level are needed.
Experience, exchange and participation
After the official part of the event, many guests took the opportunity for an informal exchange over regional snacks and drinks. They received the newly published “Regional Works Handbook - The Power of Community in Your Hands”, which presents forms of participation, project ideas and contact points in a clear and motivating way.
Next steps: from idea to implementation
The kick-off is now the start of the concrete work: the first photovoltaic projects are already being planned, and storage solutions, heating networks and citizen participation models are also in the pipeline.
Regionalwerke Passauer Land collaborated NRGCOM project, which is being funded as part of the Interreg Danube Region program. The aim is to create suitable framework conditions for renewable energy communities (REC) in 12 countries - legally, technically and socially. The regional plants are the German pilot model.
For further information about the NRGCOM project and future workshops, please contact Agnes Frank agnes.frank@th-deg.de
On February 25, 2025, the NRGCOM project hosted a dedicated workshop at the 12th Research Day at Technische Hochschule Deggendorf (DIT), focusing on the significance and progress of energy communities. This event was a major opportunity to discuss and advance sustainable energy systems, a central goal of the NRGCOM project.
A key highlight of the day was the insightful lecture by Prof. Dr. Raimund Brotsack, titled “Power to Gas Hubs: Wege zur Erzeugung grüner Gase aus erneuerbarem Strom und Bioabfall in nachhaltigen Energiegemeinschaften” (“Power to Gas Hubs: Pathways to the Production of Green Gases from Renewable Electricity and Bio-waste in Sustainable Energy Communities”). Prof. Brotsack, a renowned expert in industrial engineering and sustainable energy systems, provided valuable insights into the Power to Gas concept, which involves producing green gases from renewable energy sources and bio-waste. These technologies play a pivotal role in supporting energy communities in the Danube region and accelerating the transition to renewable energy and efficient energy use.
The Research Day also featured a variety of workshops, science slams, and networking opportunities, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthening relationships with external partners. The NRGCOM project workshop contributed significantly to the development and promotion of energy communities, which are crucial to achieving future energy goals.
The event provided a platform for researchers, practitioners and industry leaders to exchange ideas, contribute to discussions and stay updated on the latest developments in energy systems and sustainable energy communities.
For more information about the event and the NRGCOM project, please contact Shubham Jadhav at shubham.jadhav@th-deg.de.
The NRGCOM project successfully hosted the "2nd Fastenwoche" event on March 11, 2025, in collaboration with Landkreis Passau, Technologiezentrum Energie (TZE), and Technische Hochschule Deggendorf (THD). The event, under the theme "Geld macht Macht" ("Money Makes Power"), provided a valuable platform for exploring the intersection of finance, power, and sustainable energy solutions.
The event featured insightful presentations from Franz Galler (EGIS eG) and Peter Ranzinger (Landkreis Passau), who shared key insights on how community-driven initiatives can leverage sustainable financing models to drive the energy transition at the regional level. A central focus was the concept of Regionalwerke which are community-based or cooperative energy providers playing a critical role in decentralizing energy supply and fostering local engagement in the energy transition.
Regionalwerke are energy providers that operate within specific regions, ensuring that energy is produced locally, often from renewable sources, and consumed within the same community. This approach not only promotes environmental sustainability but also keeps the economic benefits within the region. By utilizing locally generated renewable energy, Regionalwerke help reduce dependence on large, centralized energy suppliers and contribute to local economic development. The event highlighted how existing models can be adapted, and new Regionalwerke can be successfully established to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.
The discussion also explored suitable financial ways for energy communities, with a particular focus on the role of regional citizen cooperatives and ethical banks in fostering sustainable development. Participants received practical advice on how to strategically use financing sources to enhance local value creation and reduce reliance on traditional energy providers.
Overall, the event provided an excellent platform for exchange, offering attendees a deeper understanding of how Regionalwerke and financial innovations can drive the success of energy communities and contribute to the broader goal of a sustainable energy transition.
For more information about the NRGCOM project and future events, please contact Shubham Jadhav at shubham.jadhav@th-deg.de.
The NRGCOM project held a successful national workshop on May 6, 2025, in Berlin, focusing on the theme "Systemanalyse und Stakeholder-Kommunikation bei der Gründung von Energiegemeinschaften: Ein systemischer Ansatz für den Erfolg". Hosted by the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), the event brought together experts, practitioners and stakeholders from across Germany to explore how structured system thinking and effective communication strategies can significantly enhance the success and sustainability of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs).
The workshop opened with a warm welcome by moderator Agnes Frank, followed by an insightful keynote from Prof. Dr. Raimund Brotsack. His presentation outlined the core principles of energy community formation, highlighting the importance of systemic analysis in identifying key actors, their roles and the complex web of interests involved in community-led energy transitions. A central message was that energy communities cannot thrive on infrastructure and technology alone—success depends equally on understanding social dynamics and cultivating stakeholder engagement from the outset.
Several case studies enriched the discussion, notably the community of Fuchstal in Bavaria and the newly launched Regionalwerke Passauer Land. These examples showcased how diverse and locally driven energy solutions—ranging from solar and wind to bioenergy and thermal grids—can be combined to create resilient, self-sufficient energy systems. Participants learned how Fuchstal’s long-term vision and diversified investment strategy helped the community produce significantly more energy than it consumes. Similarly, the Regionalwerke Passauer Land highlighted how municipalities can unite to build cooperative, citizen-centered infrastructure that promotes local value creation while reducing dependency on large utilities.
NRGCOM is actively developing supportive conditions for the growth of RECs across the Danube region. The Berlin workshop contributed to this goal by equipping German stakeholders with tools, methods and peer examples to apply in their local contexts.
Participants left the workshop with practical resources, a deeper understanding of system analysis for energy communities and strengthened networks for collaboration. The event reaffirmed that successful energy communities require not only the right technology and regulatory framework but also strong social cohesion, proactive communication and participatory governance.
For more information about the NRGCOM project and future workshops, please contact Agnes Frank at agnes.frank@th-deg.de.