Implementation Period: October 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025
Funding Source: National Recovery Plan – European Funds
Project Leader: Institute for Sustainable Development Foundation (ISD)
Partners: UNEP-GRID Warsaw, Stocznia Foundation
About the Project:
The goal of the project „We Have Space for RES” is to support municipalities in preparing data and processes to establish areas for accelerated development of renewable energy sources (RES) in Poland.
The project includes the following tasks, aligned with activities outlined in the call for proposals:
1. Task 1 (Research and Analytical Activities) – Renewable Energy Roundtables
The aim of the roundtables is to overcome barriers in communication between municipal and county institutions and other stakeholders involved in the investment process related to RES site selection.
- Municipal and county staff will gain additional knowledge on how to improve permit issuance processes for RES projects.
- Joint conclusions and solutions will be developed in collaboration with engaged organizations.
- At least 3 cycles of meetings will be held, involving a minimum of 30 participants.
2. Task 2 (Training and Advisory Activities) – E-learning and Specialist Training
This task includes:
- E-learning courses (online training) and in-person sessions for local government officials, covering legal aspects of large-scale RES installations and broader energy transformation topics.
- Training will consist of 6 thematic modules, each with approximately 4 e-lessons, reaching at least 100 participants during the first training cycle in 2025.
- Based on e-learning outcomes, 4 in-person specialized training sessions will be conducted, focusing on in-depth energy transformation issues tailored to the needs of participating local governments.
Through e-learning and in-person training, municipal and county staff will gain both general and specialized knowledge, enabling them to manage RES investments more efficiently and stay up-to-date with current legal regulations in this area.
3. Task 3 (IT Capacity Building Activities) – Spatial and Technical Analyses for Municipalities
This task involves:
- Conducting spatial and technical analyses for local governments to identify the most suitable areas within municipalities for RES deployment.
- Municipalities will receive ready-to-use maps and reports outlining potential sites for accelerated RES development.
- The objective is to support selected local government units in energy transformation by pilot-designating RES investment areas in 15 municipalities.
4. Task 4 (Study Visits) – Study Visits to EU and EEA Countries
This activity will organize:
- Study trips for local government officials to EU countries such as Belgium, Denmark, France, and Norway (with Austria and Switzerland as backup options).
- At least 40 local government officials will participate in four five-day study visits.
- The trips will provide opportunities to explore RES site selection issues in other countries and facilitate experience-sharing with nations actively investing in renewable energy.
The project is funded by the European Union under REPowerEU G.1.1.4 of the NATIONAL RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE PLAN: Support for institutions implementing reforms and investments – Agreement No. G8G-4/2024.
