Sun in Krizevci

In Croatia, there is a lack of citizen trust and low participation in collective action. Public resources, like rooftops, are underutilized, often rented to external investors, while citizens remain disconnected from the energy transition. Rising energy poverty is also a significant challenge, as citizens are excluded from local decision-making processes about energy usage.

Croatia's first community-owned solar plant emerges as a solution to these disconnects, combining democratic participation with renewable energy innovation. Citizens gain opportunities to co-own solar energy through an accessible cooperative structure. Public rooftops transform into valuable community assets while a Community Benefit Fund channels profits toward addressing energy poverty and supporting local social initiatives.The project introduces Croatia's first community energy model through three innovative solutions. First, it creates an accessible opportunity for citizens to become co-owners of solar energy and become part of energy transition (proven by successfully raising 140,000 euros from 127 citizens in just 10 days). Second, it transforms public roofs into community assets through partnership with local authorities, prioritizing local residents and their needs. Finally, it establishes a Community Benefit Fund that uses profit to reduce energy poverty and other social needs. This approach democratizes energy production and ensures economic benefits stay local. This demonstrates how citizen-led energy projects can simultaneously build trust, solve social challenges and increase energy autonomy.

Green Energy Cooperative (ZEZ) coordinates the operational framework, spearheading both community engagement and technical management aspects. Financial backing and decision-making authority rest with ZEZ Sun cooperative members who invest in the vision. Community involvement and local ownership strengthen through collaborations with local authorities, the utility company, and KLIK, the local energy cooperative.

Citizen-authority-expert collaborations flourish through innovative partnership approaches, resulting in truly community-owned energy solutions. Local participation expanded dramatically following a targeted campaign that offered local citizens a 7-day priority window to join the cooperative. Interest across Croatia ignited after the project successfully raised €140,000 in just 10 days, showcasing how citizen-led initiatives can simultaneously boost energy autonomy and rebuild trust in local governance structures.

Media coverage has spread the concept nationwide, with municipalities beyond Križevci now seeking to implement similar models. Active support from Križevci's Mayor amplifies the message to other cities about leveraging public assets for community benefit and energy independence. Replicability stands as a key strength of this proven model, motivating municipal leaders throughout Croatia to consider comparable approaches to energy transition challenges.