Keywords: community energy, climate protection, energy efficiency and conservation, overall energy system, interdisciplinary use, communication, sustainable neighborhood development
Subject and goals of the project
The subject of the project was an exemplary analysis for Slovakia of the legal and technical environment for the potential establishment of energy communities in the Mayer Malacky district of the small Slovakian town of Malacky in the Bratislava region. The analysis was carried out in the areas of electricity and thermal energy production. The aim was to identify obstacles at local and higher levels and identify possible solutions. A model for the planning of a decarbonized and decentralized energy infrastructure in new districts in Slovakia was to be designed and the discussion about such a model was to be initiated among the relevant interest groups. The variant analyses in the district focused on both heat and electricity generation. In particular, the potential of citizen energy communities should also be considered in the variants. The project’s target groups primarily included developers, energy system designers, architects, local authorities, energy companies and citizens (as potential prosumers and customers), as well as specialist media. Extensive communication measures involving web presences, social media and specialist events were aimed at disseminating the project results in Slovakia and beyond.
The first project objective was to design a model for planning decarbonized and decentralized energy infrastructure in new districts in Slovakia. The basis for this was a specific district energy system that provides for the active participation of local energy communities. The demand for functional and feasible energy-efficient and decentralized models of electricity and heat generation has increased, especially since the outbreak of the energy crisis in 2021. The enormous rise in fuel and energy prices and the long-term threat of a shortage of energy resources create the conditions for scaling up this type of energy production and distribution model. Therefore, the second important goal of the project was to initiate a discussion about such a model among the relevant interest groups .
Innovation and exemplary nature of the project
The project helped to identify new approaches to heat and power supply at neighborhood level with a focus on citizen energy for Slovakia and to prepare potential solutions. By clarifying the legal and technical framework conditions, the case study and the variant considerations at neighborhood level are also exemplary for other Slovakian municipalities. The completed feasibility study can provide future planners with a useful example of a solution for the development and implementation of decarbonized neighbourhoods and identify suitable conditions for exploiting the potential of citizen energy communities in the local energy system. In addition to the practical benefits for the future Mayer Malacky district, the feasibility study can also expand the catalog of suitable solutions for other districts (possibly not only in Slovakia).
Special aspects of the project
Preparations for the new district began back in 2016 in the form of an international architectural competition, which was followed by consultations and workshops to assess the suitability of the design, clarify key issues relating to demographics, architecture, mobility, social sustainability and adaptation to climate change, and finalize the urban planning study. It is the first project in Slovakia based on such an interdisciplinary planning process and a holistic solution for the construction of a new neighborhood. The results of this process are principles and recommendations for the development of the neighborhood that go beyond the usual requirements for an urban planning study. The resulting plan and principles take into account the need to adapt to climate change in the energy sector, the realization of sustainable mobility and sustainable waste management, as well as a balanced mix of social well-being functions and innovative elements that support community development. The new quarter is to become a prototype of a modern ecological quarter that is linked to the original structure of the town of Malacky. The DBU feasibility study has provided important impetus for the energy sector in this context.
Funding theme 6: Renewable energy, energy saving and efficiency
Project Implementation:
Places of activity: Slovakia
Funding period: November 2022 to October 2023
Project costs: Total volume: 49,973 euros, funding from DBU: 49,973 euros
DBU-AZ: 38629
Status: 30.10.2023
Cover picture: © Priatelia Zeme-CEPA