A comprehensive new study developed as part of the collaboration between the Net-Zero Lab and Greenpeace Bulgaria sheds light on how local energy communities in Bulgaria can secure the funding and technical support they need to grow. The report “Analysis of Available Financial Mechanisms in Support of Energy Communities” maps out the current financial landscape and offers practical guidance for citizens, municipalities, and organisations motivated to produce and manage their own collective clean energy.
The analysis reviews the main funding opportunities at European, national, and private level, mapping them against the different phases of developing an energy community. It also provides recommendations for improving the overall financial framework to make support instruments more accessible at both local and national scale.
Prepared on the basis of all open financial and technical support schemes available as of June 2025, the report is already being used in the ongoing “Energy Espresso” capacity-building programme for municipalities led by Greenpeace Bulgaria. However, its scope is broader: the publication is designed as a practical reference for everyone interested in community energy, including citizens and grassroots initiatives.
“This analysis … outlines eligibility requirements in a clear, tabular form and evaluates key risks related to project management, funding access, and application procedures.” explains Dr. Mariya Trifonova, Deputy Director of Net-Zero Lab.
A short video featuring Dr. Trifonova summarises the main goals of the report and explains how to access it. The full publication is now also available on the Net-Zero Lab website (link).
Across Europe, energy communities are emerging as a key driver of the transition to a fair and decentralised energy system. By pooling resources, citizens together with local authorities and SMEs can generate renewable energy for shared consumption, reduce dependence on external suppliers, and keep the benefits within their regions. Yet in Bulgaria, many potential initiatives stall at the same hurdle: access to financing.