As part of the POWER-E-COM project, a tailored mentoring programme has been established to support peer-to-peer exchange between partners from across Europe. The goal: to build capacity, transfer knowledge, and accelerate the development of successful energy communities through direct collaboration.
“This is about empowering citizens and building local energy solutions that work—despite legal and regulatory complexity.”
Gregg Allen, Community Power
In this video, three project representatives—Vlasta Krmelj and Marko Rojs from the Energy and Climate Agency of Podravje (Slovenia), and Gregg Allen from Community Power (Ireland)—share their experiences with this cross-border mentoring activity.
The mentoring process enables more experienced partners to offer hands-on insights to those facing different regulatory, technical, or organisational challenges. At the same time, it creates space for two-way learning, as all participants bring unique regional perspectives and solutions to the table.
Key topics discussed in the video include:
- The importance of peer learning in navigating national differences in the implementation of the EU’s RED III Directive
- The structure of energy communities, such as cooperatives, non-profit associations, and limited companies
- The role of Distribution System Operators (DSOs) and how energy communities can reduce stress on local grids
- A real-life case from Ireland, where a wind-powered energy community has been successfully established and is now mentoring others
- The vital role of citizen engagement and prosumers in creating resilient, decentralised energy systems
The mentoring programme has proven to be a highly effective tool within POWER-E-COM, fostering trust, collaboration, and practical knowledge sharing across borders. It exemplifies how the energy transition is not only a technical process, but a collaborative, citizen-led movement.
Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/m5tHtUPkATk?si=_A6n_TFK0iuFD-NF
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