Opening conference of the project ENGAGE

The opening conference of the project ENGAGE (Energy Efficient Communities) was held on 11 July 2024 in the Municipality of Gorjani.

Project ENGAGE with a total budget of 2.162.859,11 EUR is implemented by the City of Subotica, Municipality of Vladislavci, Municipality of Gorjani, Municipality of Strizivojna and National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED).

Opening speeches were made by Ivan Lović, mayor of the Municipality of Gorjani, Zagorka Panić, a representative of the City of Subotica, Josip Jakobović, mayor of the Municipality of Strizivojna, Marjan Tomas, mayor of Municipality of Vladislavci and Dušan Kolundžić, NALED representative.

Project manager Miroslava Babić from the City of Subotica presented project activities, outputs, and results. The partnership will install solar power plants on 30 public buildings, 13 smart bus stops, and energy-efficient public lighting as an example of good practice. Concept models for rural communities in cross-border region will be developed and tested jointly through an inclusive design approach involving project partners’ expertise and the expert group by identifying and mapping energy potentials.

A B2B solar calculator will be designed to show solar potentials and energy savings in each specific area. Project ENGAGE will also create an awareness-raising campaign to educate target groups about the concept of energy communities, emphasizing their potential to drive sustainable energy practices, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance community resilience.