Goriška Local Energy Agency

Goriška Local Energy Agency (GOLEA) is a non-profit organisation located in Vrtojba, Slovenia. The mission of GOLEA is to promote renewable energy sources, energy independence, and energy efficiency.

Goriška Local Energy Agency

Illustration : Joris Beugels

Goriška Local Energy Agency (GOLEA) is a non-profit public equivalent body located in Vrtojba, Slovenia, at the Italian border. The agency was founded in 2006 by the Municipality of Nova Gorica and co-financed under the Intelligent Energy Europe programme. For nearly two decades, GOLEA has acted as an independent expert institution promoting renewable energy sources (RES), energy efficiency, and supporting the transition towards energy self-sufficiency and climate resilience in the Primorska region.

Activities

GOLEA places a strong focus on activities related to climate change adaptation, the deployment and introduction of green hydrogen solutions, the improvement of energy management in public buildings, and closer cooperation with the business sector. As an independent expert institution, its mission is to support municipalities and regions in adapting to climate change, implementing innovative technologies, and achieving energy efficiency and renewable energy goals. Some of the activities GOLEA engages in include:

  • Strategic energy planning (Local Energy Concepts, SEAPs, SECAPs)
  • Feasibility studies for RES and RUE
  • Energy audits and performance certificates
  • Design of mechanical installations
  • Energy management in public buildings
  • Educational and awareness-raising activities
  • Promoting energy community projects
  • Preparation, management, and implementation of EU projects
  • Advisory services for legal entities, local communities, and citizens through the national contact point
  • Activities related to mitigation and adaptation to climate change, as well as climate neutrality and resilience

Achievements

As the energy manager for 23 municipalities, GOLEA operates a comprehensive energy monitoring and accounting system, enabling monthly tracking of electricity, heating, and water consumption in public buildings, providing a solid foundation for setting and achieving energy and cost reduction targets. As part of its portfolio, GOLEA monitors energy, water consumption, and costs for more than 250 public buildings.

GOLEA also has strong experience with innovative financial models, including ESCO and the ELENA project (supported by the European Investment Bank), through which it conducted numerous technical and economic feasibility assessments for energy renovation projects. In 2016, GOLEA obtained the ELENA technical assistance project, which it implemented until 2020 in cooperation with 26 municipalities and 7 other legal entities. This initiative enabled the mobilisation of more than €49 million of investments for building energy renovation, district heating systems, public lighting, clean transport, and local energy-efficient utilities.

Projects

The agency has been involved with over 35 EU-funded projects in the field of RES, energy efficiency, climate change adaptation, and the use of green hydrogen. A few of the projects that GOLEA is currently supporting include the following:

  • DECA: Danube Energy Communities Accelerator – A programme that promotes the establishment of energy communities by enhancing information available and increasing interest among citizens, contributing to a decarbonised energy system.
  • CO-ADRIA – By engaging with and focusing on the needs of the local community, this programme aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting green technologies and energy efficiency.
  • REINFORCING – To strengthen climate resilience against threats like floods in the Goriška region, this programme hosts competitions and awards to promote community-based solutions to climate change adaptation.
  • CycleProMotion – This cross-border cycle mobility programme addresses the challenges of sustainable mobility along the north-south border between Slovenia and Italy, with the aim of making the area more attractive and accessible for cycling tourism.
  • HeatIslands Adapt – A programme to reduce the stress of the urban heat island effect and prepare residents for phenomena such as heat waves.
  • DISTENDER: DevelopIng STratEgies by integrating mitigatioN, aDaptation and participation to climate changE Risks – An EU-funded programme that develops climate mitigation and adaptation strategies through participatory approaches that bring together scientists, businesses, governments, policymakers and citizens.

A more comprehensive list of GOLEA’s completed projects can be found here.