Nearly two-thirds of homes in Plovdiv need renovation, yet only 2% have been upgraded so far. How to change that was the question at the heart of the Regional Energy Forum 2026 on 13 October, which gathered over 100 representatives of local authorities, state institutions, energy experts, the financial sector, industry, business and branch organisations to discuss “Financing and Policies for Sustainable Energy Renovation in the Plovdiv Region”.
Organised by the Energy Agency of Plovdiv(EAP) within the framework of the European Week of Cities and Regions, the forum was opened by EAP Executive Director Liyana Adzharova. Regional Governor Georgi Yanev and Deputy Mayor Plamen Panov agreed that the energy transition needs more than investment and new technologies. It also needs a clear vision, consistent policies and partnership between institutions, business, experts and citizens. “Plovdiv has the ambition to be an active participant and a leader in this process”, they emphasised.
“The Regional Administration will be the strongest and most predictable partner in this process. We want this forum to become an annual event that syncs the region’s clock with national and European goals. I welcome the new Regional Network for Energy, Climate and Environment, and measures must preserve the unique spirit and cultural heritage of our city.” – Georgi Yanev, Regional Governor
From renovation needs to financing solutions
Some tools are already helping. Since its launch in 2023, the MultiHome service has delivered over 350 consultations and more than 200 specialised services, identifying buildings for renovation that represent projects worth 43,2 million EUR. All municipalities in the region have also used the European Investment Bank’s ELENA mechanism to carry out energy efficiency measures in over 40 municipal buildings.
Speeding up renovation, however, depends on financing, and that was the main topic of the day. The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works shared its vision for the future of residential building renovation programmes. The newly established National Decarbonisation Fund (NDF) presented its “One Euro” strategy for 2026-2029, where every 1 EUR of public funds is meant to generate 9 EUR of real investment by attracting capital from international financial institutions (EIB, EBRD, World Bank), commercial banks and green bonds.
Fund FLAG and the Urban Development Fund announced a new procedure for municipalities, along with long-term investment and working capital loans under the 2021-2027 Regional Development Programme. These come with grants of up to 35% for technical support and project preparation, and up to 40% of the total loan amount for reaching energy class “A”. The Social Climate Plan, meant to soften the effects of the new emissions trading scheme for buildings and transport (ETS2), was also presented. Bulgaria is allocated 2,5 billion EUR, mainly for vulnerable households, micro-enterprises and transport users.
Mayors in the Spotlight: a new renovation model
In the “Mayors in the Spotlight” panel, local representatives called for a change to the current renovation model. They argued that energy efficiency should be seen as a personal responsibility and a long-term investment, that expectations of 100% funding should be broken and grants gradually phased out, and that homeowners should be encouraged to contribute directly to the cost. They also called for timely support and consultation for municipalities and citizens in preparing energy and technical audits.
Quality as a condition for success
The afternoon debate, moderated by EAP, the Plovdiv Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Union of Owners’ Associations, turned to the quality of renovation work. Participants criticised the practice of “wrapping” buildings in insulation with an expired or unclear life cycle, without structural reinforcement and without regard for architectural value. They also pointed to poor-quality projects caused by the “lowest price” criterion and called for a mandatory Contractor’s Ethical Code. Other proposals included a strict quality certificate for energy auditors, evaluated on actually achieved savings, and a national register of installers. All participants agreed that the success of the energy transition depends on turning citizens from passive recipients of aid into active and empowered participants.
A new regional network
The forum also marked the official establishment of the Regional Network “Energy, Climate and Environment”. It is a key step toward overcoming the limited technical and administrative capacity of municipalities, and will serve as a platform for joint initiatives, knowledge exchange and expert mutual assistance.
Looking ahead, the organisers, the Plovdiv Regional Administration, Plovdiv Municipality and the Energy Agency of Plovdiv, plan to develop the Regional Energy Forum into a key annual event for the region. It will serve as a platform for local authorities’ joint efforts in the energy transition and climate resilience.
