The town of Visoko, located near Sarajevo, is advancing its renewable energy landscape through the BIHREC project. This initiative, spearheaded by the Sarajevska regionalna razvojna agencija (SERDA), in collaboration with Croatia’s Green Sustainable Solutions and the Association for Green Hydrogen in Bosnia and Herzegovina, aims to establish a Renewable Energy Community (REC). This community will unite public institutions, local authorities, and private enterprises to collaboratively produce and consume renewable energy.
At the core of BIHREC is a commitment to fostering social inclusivity and public benefit. The project involves significant local stakeholders, including the Center for Children and Adults with Special Needs in the Zenica-Doboj Canton and Mak Dizdar Elementary School. The City of Visoko will also play a crucial role, ensuring municipal alignment with local development goals. This multi-stakeholder approach is designed to empower vulnerable populations and educational institutions while promoting shared ownership within the community.
Structured in two distinct phases, the BIHREC project begins with establishing governance structures and community engagement mechanisms. The first phase focuses on forming the energy community, creating a framework for participatory decision-making and knowledge sharing among members. Following approval from Regione Emilia-Romagna, the second phase will see the installation of an 80–100 kW photovoltaic (PV) system atop the Center for Children and Adults with Special Needs. This system is expected to generate clean electricity locally, thereby reducing energy costs for participating institutions.
Governance within BIHREC emphasizes inclusive practices and active citizen engagement. The REC will ensure representation from all involved institutions and municipal authorities, aligning strategic goals with community needs. This participatory model includes community meetings and stakeholder consultations, allowing members to co-design energy-sharing rules. Such an approach not only enhances transparency but also positions the REC model for replication in other municipalities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Beyond energy generation, BIHREC seeks to enhance social cohesion and educational opportunities while empowering local communities. The shared renewable energy model aims to lower electricity costs for institutions and businesses, thus reallocating resources towards other local priorities. Environmentally, the planned PV installation will contribute to CO₂ reduction and promote awareness of sustainable energy solutions.
The significance of BIHREC extends beyond its technical aspects; it represents a community-driven vision for sustainable energy development in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By integrating public institutions, private enterprises, and municipal authorities, this initiative illustrates how local communities can actively engage in the energy transition process. Through structured governance and innovative renewable solutions, BIHREC exemplifies how empowered communities can lead towards a more resilient and socially inclusive future.
