Energy cooperative Green Hrastnik

2022

22

All those involved in the energy community - 16 households, a micro company, two economic companies, the municipality and two municipal institutes (public pool and a primary school) - are members of the Zeleni Hrastnik Energy Cooperative, owners of the solar power plant and, at the same time, customers of services provided by cooperative primary by investing in solar PV projects.

The cooperative model.

Municipality of Hrastnik, Slovenia.

Solar PV panels.

300 kW

The project highlighted aims for self-consumption among community members, planning to power 16 apartments, three public buildings (a municipal building, a school, and a swimming pool), a small commercial space, and two commercial companies' premises. This initiative showcases a community-driven approach to renewable energy, emphasizing collaboration and local engagement.

The Energy Cooperative Zeleni Hrastnik represent a pioneering community-driven initiative in Slovenia aimed at promoting sustainable energy use and production. The cooperative, conceived through a collaboration between the local government of Hrastnik, Focus - an NGO for sustainable development, and the citizens of Hrastnik, represents the embodiment of a grassroots movement towards greener energy practices. The initiative led to a significant environmental impact by reducing the carbon footprint and promoting sustainable energy sources, alongside offering economic savings through long-term reductions in energy costs, with solar investments recouping in under a decade. It also enhanced energy independence by increasing self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on external suppliers and fossil fuels, while empowering the community by giving residents control over their energy production and usage. The vision for Zeleni Hrastnik's future involves expanding their model of community-based renewable energy projects throughout Hrastnik and potentially beyond. The successful implementation of their solar school project, which serves as a model for community solar power, paves the way for further initiatives. By demonstrating the viability and benefits of such projects, Zeleni Hrastnik aims to inspire other communities to adopt similar approaches to energy self-sufficiency and sustainability.