Green solutions in practice: Roundtable in Knjaževac points the way to a sustainable, energy-efficient future
A roundtable titled Green Solutions in Practice, held in the eastern Serbian town of Knjaževac, brought together local government officials, experts, rural tourism providers, entrepreneurs, and citizens to exchange experiences on renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.
The event was organized by the Regional Development Agency of Eastern Serbia (RARIS) as part of the Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency in Eastern Serbia project, implemented by German Cooperation in Serbia GIZ. The gathering demonstrated that eastern Serbia is becoming an increasingly active player in implementing green solutions and strengthening energy sustainability.
The roundtable Green Solutions in Practice was opened by Saša Petrović, Deputy Mayor of Knjaževac, who highlighted the importance of the green transition for promoting rural development and improving the quality of life.
Daniela Kostadinova, a representative of GIZ, presented the organization’s contribution to achieving energy sustainability in Serbia. She said that the project’s results so far have been highly significant, but added that she believes further development and awareness-raising are still necessary.
Kostadinova also stressed the importance of financial support for citizens to implement energy efficiency measures, and she pointed out that energy poverty should be the next priority to address. She expressed hope that some ideas would be realized by the end of the Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency in Serbia project, which runs until December.
Expressing her satisfaction at the opportunity to visit partner municipalities, Kostadinova noted that GIZ strives to provide both advice and support to its partners in the implementation of projects. She added that long-term success is extremely important to GIZ, which seeks to maintain its reputation as a high-quality and reliable partner.
Empowering eastern Serbia through renewable energy
Vladan Jeremić, Director of RARIS, presented the results of the Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency in Eastern Serbia project. Four key results have been achieved: establishing a regional platform for renewable energy and energy efficiency in Eastern Serbia as a mechanism for aligning the positions, interests, and policies of key local and regional stakeholders; strengthening regional capacities; opening the Energy Advisory Center; and raising public awareness about the importance of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.
Jeremić: People are eager to learn about renewable energy sources and energy efficiency
As a result of the regional platform’s work, the first renewable energy and energy efficiency fair was held in Zaječar. Numerous workshops and training sessions have been organized, and a guide on applying renewable energy and energy efficiency in rural tourism has been produced.
According to Jeremić, the project has shown that people are eager to acquire the knowledge they need to improve their lives in practice, making them more cost-effective, affordable, and sustainable, while also contributing to the energy transition.
“At the initiative of citizens, although it wasn’t planned within the project, we organized the fair. Even though we didn’t have an appropriate exhibition space, and despite the demanding nature of such events, we worked with great enthusiasm. The fair brought together technicians, engineers, and representatives of local governments and the private sector, many of whom are here today, which we see as a strong indicator of our success,” he said.
Managing energy efficiently in rural tourism
As part of the project, an interesting guide has been prepared for owners of rural tourism households, offering practical tips for improving energy efficiency, reducing costs, and introducing sustainable solutions into their business.
Ivan Svetozarević, the author of the guide and owner of a rural tourism household called Gorski konak in the village of Zubetinac, presented the guide through an engaging presentation filled with personal examples. The presentation addressed the question of how to manage energy efficiently in rural tourism. Situated on the slopes of Stara Planina, Gorski konak stands out as a model of sustainability.
The Svetozarević family equipped the household with solar panels, solar collectors for water heating, and a heat pump. Guests can use electric bicycles to reduce car use and emissions. Cooperation with neighbors and local producers further enhances the sustainability of the entire complex.
“My wife and I have been in this for over 20 years, but only a few years ago did we have the opportunity to install solar panels and a heat pump. Sustainability is actually our way of life,” said Svetozarević.
Multidisciplinary approach as a key to communication
Maja Lalić, Creative Director of the Mikser Festival, emphasized the importance of communication in promoting sustainable practices and raising public awareness about renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.
“The Mikser Festival is a partner of GIZ in popularizing these topics, seeking to involve the culture and creative industries sector, which has so far been rarely represented in discussions on renewable energy and energy efficiency. As a multidisciplinary platform, Mikser brings together numerous actors from different fields and engages in citizen education to bring these important topics closer to a wider audience,” she said.
For years, the organization has been staging events in revitalized abandoned industrial facilities as part of circular economy measures, applying various sustainable practices, such as issuing e-tickets, using reusable cups, and avoiding PVC branding.
In cooperation with GIZ, this year’s edition of the festival developed an interactive educational program to increase energy literacy among three target groups: architecture and design professionals, young people, and the general population. The program included a panel discussion titled New Citizen Energy, where experts and prosumers dispelled myths about energy, shared experiences, and presented local challenges and solutions.
A special focus was placed on youth and children through workshops, empowering them to become agents of community change and develop creative ways to raise energy awareness and sustainable habits.
Mikser as a communicator and a dissemination platform
Maja Lalić highlighted the importance of decentralization, noting that successful initiatives from different parts of Serbia are encouraging, though they often remain less known to the wider public.
“Mikser positions itself as a communicator and a platform for disseminating success stories, giving people and communities space to share their experiences and inspire others. It is precisely this openness that makes the festival a dynamic place of meeting and exchange, supporting the further development of sustainability,” she said.
Examples of good practice
The application of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures goes far beyond installing solar panels or replacing windows, as demonstrated by various innovative examples of good practice.
Ilija Stevanović from the Mihajlo Pupin Institute presented innovative solutions developed in cooperation with farmers, schools, and festivals. As a special example, he cited the “digitalized field” implemented in collaboration with farmer Nikola Lončar from Belegiš and the smart device Mobisan – a mobile solar power generator.
Mobisan combines soil sensors, a weather station, and wireless communication to collect data on microclimate and soil conditions, enabling automated irrigation and fertilization. The device is controlled remotely and powered by solar panels, saving resources and reducing the use of chemicals.
Ognjen Tomašević from the Exit Foundation presented the “Green Exit” initiative and plans to improve the energy efficiency of one of the region’s largest events.
Innovative solutions are contributing to the festival’s energy efficiency
In addition to recycling, which has been a focus of the Exit Festival’s activities for five years, a “solar guitar” and gramophone-shaped solar collectors have been developed in cooperation with the Mihajlo Pupin Institute. These two devices provide electricity and hot water to Exit camp users, aiming to improve its energy efficiency.
Aleksandar Branković, the owner of one of the first home solar power plants in eastern Serbia, presented his 6.7-kilowatt system installed back in 2013, making it one of the first in Serbia.
Vladan Dragićević, energy manager at the Municipality of Knjaževac, presented the achievements of the Energy Advisory Center. “The Energy Advisory Center is not just a place – it is a network of trust, a space where knowledge turns into savings and the energy transition into an opportunity for all,” he emphasized.
More than 70 citizens have received support at the Energy Advisory Center
The center provides relevant information and advice enabling citizens and businesses to use energy more efficiently, reduce costs, and even generate additional income. To date, more than 70 citizens have received advisory support.
The center is open for both individual consultations and group discussions on various topics, and it offers all necessary advice related to energy efficiency.
