Many impressions and plans for action from the two-day meeting
On October 30, 2024, the first HERCULES-CE project meeting took place, bringing together 23 participants from all seven project countries. The German partner, DGRV, hosted the attendees at its offices in Berlin. This face-to-face event gave the participants the opportunity to get to know each other and discuss their ideas and next steps together over two intensive project days. After a motivating introduction by the project leaders from the Emilia Romagna Region, the meeting transitioned into an active dialogue on the different work packages of HERCULES-CE.
The first session was led by Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI), which presented theoretical foundations on forms of participation – an essential basis for developing strategies and practical work with pilot projects. Following this, the group engaged in a discussion on preliminary results from the first project deliverable, addressing legal frameworks for electricity markets and Renewable Energy Communities in different countries. Led by the Czech partner ENVIROS, participants exchanged insights on regional similarities and differences, identifying both opportunities and challenges. The group was particularly interested in the remarkable positive developments in Austria presented by Forschung Burgenland (FB). Finally, the Italian partner ECIPA presented their proposals for the design of the online data tool, aimed at supporting energy communities in monitoring the operation of their renewable energy projects. The first day concluded with a guided tour of Berlin’s city centre and dinner at a traditional Berlin restaurant, providing a relaxed atmosphere for networking.
On the second day, discussions focused on financial and administrative processes, along with strategies for targeted communication. The steering committee of the project was established for further cooperation and efficient coordination of tasks. Energized by the productive discussions, participants are now eager to advance the implementation of the plans developed during the meeting.