The Island of Cres Welcomes a New Energy Community

EU Islands Energy Transition Secretariat and the ISLET Project

Since being selected in 2019 as one of six pioneering European islands by the EU Islands Energy Transition Secretariat, Cres has become a leader in advancing clean energy. As part of the ISLET project, Cres fosters collaboration between public authorities, private investors, and citizens to establish energy communities, focusing on renewable energy projects. The ISLET project is funded by the EU’s LIFE programme.

City of Cres, Cres Museum, and Girice Kindergarten

The Cres Energy Community, established as an association on 19 December 2024, includes the City of Cres, Cres Museum, and Girice Kindergarten as founding members. Its mission spans sustainable development, education, and environmental protection. Initially, it will enable the City and Museum to use electricity generated by a solar power plant installed on the kindergarten roof, with plans for future expansion. Conservation restrictions in Cres’s historic centre prevent solar panels on certain roofs, but the energy community ensures shared access to renewable energy.

Expanding Membership and Capacity

Energy communities prioritise environmental, economic, and social benefits over profit, operating on voluntary participation and open governance. The Cres Energy Community plans to grow beyond its three founding members to include public institutions, businesses, and citizens. This expansion will allow members to invest in and benefit from new renewable energy projects on public and private properties. In 2025, the community will develop a business plan and monitor regulatory changes to support its activities.

While energy communities are well-established in some European countries and were incorporated into EU regulations in 2018, Croatian legislation still presents challenges. By promoting this initiative, Cres aims to influence legislative developments and support the growth of energy communities on Croatian islands and nationwide.

Learn more about Cres new energy community: CRES: Osnovana Energetska zajednica Cres! – Pokret Otoka