Amidst rising global temperatures and the depletion of natural resources, there is an urgent call for deep systemic innovation. This challenge goes beyond mere technological advancements; it demands a coordinated blend of social, institutional, and technological innovations to tackle the complex issues at hand.
Responding to this need, the Global Challenges App (GloCha) has been launched with support from the European Union’s JETforCE (Just Energy Transition for Central Europe) project. GloCha is a pioneering tool designed to facilitate a sustainable energy transition in Central Europe, ensuring that all communities are included in this critical process.
Empowering Communities Through Digital Innovation
The GloCha app is designed to empower citizens by allowing them to report and gain insights into the challenges and uncertainties they face during the energy transition in their local areas. The app categorises these challenges into five key areas:
– Supply of Energy Services: Users can report issues related to the availability and cost of energy services, including electricity, gas, and district heating.
– Energy Poverty: This category collects data on the risk of energy poverty, focusing on vulnerable groups such as pensioners, the unemployed, and people with disabilities.
– Involvement of Citizens: The app gathers insights into the need for greater citizen involvement in local decision-making processes, ensuring that community voices are heard.
– Media-Institutional Cooperation: This section facilitates collaboration between citizens and institutions, promoting effective policy implementation.
– Equity/Inequality: Users can highlight issues related to social inequalities, transparency, and fairness, advocating for inclusive energy transition policies.
A Collaborative Effort
The JETforCE project has been instrumental in the creation of the GloCha app, providing the necessary framework and resources to develop this transformative digital tool. JETforCE aims to ensure that energy policies and investments in Central Europe are just and equitable, minimizing adverse socio-economic impacts on vulnerable communities.
GloCha’s success reflects the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders across Central Europe. By leveraging digitalisation, JETforCE and GloCha are working together to increase citizen trust in policy measures, fostering a sense of ownership and encouraging positive behavioural changes towards energy efficiency and sustainability.
LEASP’s Role in JETforCE and GloCha
The Local Energy Agency Spodnje Podravje (LEASP) is a key partner in the JETforCE project, playing an active role in all transnational activities. LEASP has been instrumental in project communication and development, including the pilot testing of the GloCha app in the Municipality of Dornava. Their involvement in the co-creation of project tools and citizen engagement strategies has been crucial in shaping the app’s functionalities.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the GloCha app marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a just energy transition in Central Europe. By providing a platform for citizens to actively participate in the energy transition process, the app ensures that the transition is inclusive, transparent, and equitable. As GloCha continues to evolve, it is set to play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy futures across the region.
About JETforCE
The JETforCE project is financed by Interreg Central Europe with a total budget of €2.27 million, including €1.9 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The project, led by BORA94, began in April 2023 and will conclude in March 2026. For more information, visit the JETforCE project website