Advancing Renewable Energy Adoption in Residential Buildings

European Climate Initiative (EUKI) Project SUNRISE Partners Convene in Berlin to Advance Plug-in PV Systems Initiatives in Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Lithuania

BERLIN – [October 10-11, 2023] – In the pursuit of sustainable living, the partners of the European Climate Initiative (EUKI) Project SUNRISE recently gathered in Berlin for a collaborative meeting aimed at discussing project progress, planning future steps, and engaging in a workshop organized by the Initiative SoLocal Energy from Kassel (GER). The workshop was dedicated to exploring every aspect of Plug-in PV systems technology, leaving no stone unturned in the quest for sustainable energy solutions.

In an increasingly eco-conscious world, the SUNRISE project is taking a step forward in the journey toward a sustainable future. Led by the Initiative for Housing in Eastern Europe (IWO) and supported by partners from Habitat Bulgaria, Lithuanian Consumers Alliance (LCA), Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), German Solar Energy Company (DGS), and Habitat Macedonia, the project focuses on increasing the use of renewable energy in the residential sector through a PROSUMER approach – empowering individual homeowners or tenants to become both energy producers and consumers.

In the heart of the project lies the ambition to promote Plug-in PV systems technology through pilot projects in the target countries of Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Lithuania. In these nations, small-scale investments in Plug-in PV systems offer an accessible and cost-effective alternative to large, expensive energy efficiency measures for buildings. These initiatives empower residents and property owners to actively contribute to climate protection while lightening the burden on their wallets, addressing the issue of energy poverty in the process.

During the workshop the project partners have encountered unique challenges in their respective countries, including varying technical requirements and conditions. For instance, differences in electricity meters that count energy fed into the grid as consumption pose a hurdle. Despite these challenges, the partners received valuable demonstrations on various technical aspects, from electrical configurations to balcony mounting options. Gratitude was expressed to Arvid Jasper for his enlightening explanations, guiding the partners through these complexities.

During a site visit to the ufaFabrik, the partners explored additional avenues for sustainable urban development, including rooftop solar systems, green roofs, green facades, and rainwater harvesting (RWH). Marco Schmidt, a dedicated pioneer from the Technical University of Berlin, shared insights into the site’s evolution and showcased the impact of these initiatives through compelling statistics and figures. Standing amidst green rooftops and solar panels, the partners experienced firsthand the transformative potential of such areas, recognizing their vital role in enhancing urban life and elevating quality of life in cities.

For more information about the SUNRISE Project, please visit ➡ http://www.sunriseproject.hfh.bg/en/

About EUKI:
This project is part of the European Climate Initiative (EUKI). EUKI is a project financing instrument by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). The EUKI competition for project ideas is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. It is the overarching goal of the EUKI to foster climate cooperation within the European Union (EU) in order to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.