On 25 and 26 July 2023, wechange eG in cooperation with the Sustainable Development Agency „Synergy“ hosted in Berlin an extremely intensive training for mentors on the development of green energy communities. The event is a part of the project „Citizen Energy for Resilient Ukraine“, funded by the German Foreign Office. The training was conducted by experienced trainers and energy community practitioners from the European Federation of Energy Cooperatives REScoop.eu. The participants were energy specialists from Ukraine and Germany.  

The main topics discussed by the participants included 

• the concept of creating energy communities, EU experience and success stories 
• models for creating and managing energy communities 
• tools for mentoring the creation of energy communities 
• resource mobilisation and fundraising 
• communication strategy and stakeholder management 
• cooperation with local authorities and communities   

Participants discussed scenarios for Ukraine's green transformation and opportunities for democratic participation of citizens in the energy transition and development of distributed RES generation in Ukraine. The level of the mentors and their involvement in the process, as well as their willingness to invest their time and expertise in the development of green energy communities today, is impressive. 

On 26 July 2023, as a follow-up to the study visit of the project mentors to Berlin, working meetings were held with representatives of German cooperatives. In particular, with the manager of the Association of German Cooperatives DGRV, whose main goal is to promote the development of cooperatives in Germany, provide advisory services, as well as financial, legislative, and technical support for the cooperative movement.  

Another speaker was a member of the Board of Directors of BürgerEnergie Berlin eG, who introduced the participants to the activities of the energy cooperative. In addition to the creation and development of renewable energy projects, the cooperative is engaged in political lobbying for its members' interests regarding the conditions of access to electricity distribution networks, supports energy communities, and provides training for cooperative members. 

We thank all participants for their commitment to the development of renewable energy and energy communities in Ukraine!