Avrig to become one of Romania's leading centres for renewable energy

Avrig one of Romania’s leading centres for renewable energy

In line with strategic documents in different policy with the goal to become one of Romania’s leading centres for renewable energy by 2020 and to become energy independent by 2030, Avrig created an expertise as follows: the Local Development Strategy, the Energy Master Plan and the Communication Strategy.  I am sure that local action plans have a great impact on city policies regarding Renewable Energy Sources (RES), Energy Efficiency (EE) and sustainable energy. In Avrig they are expected to:

• help to develop and improve Avrig’s energy policy by initiating more programmes, attracting public and private investors and eventually boosting the energy business;
• raise awareness of the community regarding the importance of EE, so that people will become more energy-conscious and reduce their energy consumption, which will lead to a decrease in utility bills for the residents;
• help Avrig become a model for EE communities and develop an innovative image on regional and national level.
  

Acting locally as well as internationally

The Municipality of Avrig is not only acting locally but also internationally. Within the energy sector, Avrig intends to be a showcase promoting and developing renewable energy solutions within European and governmental programs being a lead partner and partner for:

Transnational:

• URBAN-NEXUS - Furthering Strategic Urban Research (FP7, project partner, under implementation);
• RENERGY (Interreg IV C, project partner, under implementation);
• CultTour – cultural (garden) heritage as focal points for sustainable tourism (INTERREG IV B, SEE Space, Lead Partner under implementation);
• URBENENERGY - The urban contribution to combating climate change – An integrated model for energy efficiency conscious communities (URBACT II – Lead Partner, finished);
• REPAIR – The Regeneration of the Abandoned Military Sites (URBACT II , project partner, finished).
  
  

Governmental:

• The replacement of the conventional heating systems by solar, geothermal and wind energy or the improvement of other systems that lead to the improvement of the air, water and land (Governmental programme „Green House”, under implementation);
• Energy efficiency in residential areas – The C Housing Block and Energy efficiency in residential areas – The F1 housing block in Sticla area block of flats in Avrig (Governmental Order 18/2009, Municipality is managing the implementation on behalf of the Owners’ Association, under implementation);
• National Program of improving the quality of environment by building green parks in urban and rural areas - Administration of the Environment Fund (park in Mirsa).
  
  

Avrig has a defined RES action plan, a diverse consumer structure, great potential for a wide mix of RES technologies, the desire to implement several energy efficiency measures, a strong leadership and it is the first on the Romanian market with an integrated solution for energy independence at community level. Avrig has an optimal size, suitable infrastructure and a mix of feasible solutions to replace fossil fuel based technologies.

Citizens to become efficient energy producers and give up being inefficient energy consumers

Our Energy Master Plan is focusing on energy production from RES, development of the energy infrastructure, environment protection and conservation and waste management. The Energy Master Plan builds on expertise about the development of projects valuing hydro, solar, biomass and biogas resources, available on the administrative territory of Avrig. This is done in order to produce renewable energy, and the increase of energy efficiency by central heating systems as well as thermal insulation of both residential and public buildings. The community is the most important for me. I am trying to increase awareness among citizens of Avrig about the value and advantages of renewable energy. This will result in an increased local support for new projects and investments that will definitely create new opportunities of living a better life and having an improved vision on the world. The citizens can become efficient energy producers and give up being inefficient energy consumers, this will ensure a great social and economic development.

Energy security and global warming

We are committed to the European Commission target and convinced to be able to address the targets to transform challenges into opportunities. I am convinced that renewable energies such as wind power, solar energy, hydropower and biomass can play a major role in tackling the twin challenge of energy security and global warming because they produce less greenhouse-gas emissions than fossil fuels.

Avrig and the EU2020

Within the international context, Avrig is aware that the improved energy end-use efficiency will make it possible to exploit potential cost-effective energy savings in an economically efficient way. A move towards more energy-efficient technologies can boost the Community's innovativeness and competitiveness as underlined in the Lisbon strategy. Avrig and many other communities should take into consideration that the aim of the European Directive “EU2020” is not only to continue to promote the supply side of energy services, but also to create stronger incentives for the demand side. The improvement of energy efficiency will benefit from an exchange of information, experience and best practice at all levels, including, in particular, the public sector. Therefore, Avrig should list measures undertaken in the context of this Directive, and review their effect as far as possible, in energy efficiency action plans. Such action plan is the “Local Energy – The local contribution to combat climate change. An integrated model for energy efficient communities.”

Avrig is learning from many European cities

Avrig is learning from many European cities, but there is still a long way to go, and for sure, the experience will be useful for other cities. As member of the Covenant of Mayors, experience from other will be shared in order to get committed together to the European policies and objectives regarding both renewable energy production and energy efficiency in line with the European initiative “EU2020”. Avrig, by its Local Energy Program shares the experience and the know-how how the renewable energy should become the catalyst for a sustainable development.

In conclusion: turn challenges into opportunities

Energy and resources are limited nowadays. This results in a bigger challenge in finding new resources in order to produce green energy and build a more sustainable future for our communities. Shaping energy policy should always entail measures to improve energy efficiency of buildings and purpose of developing the competitive advantage. Like every community leader, my goal is to give my people a better future, to create a framework where dreams become reality and challenges become opportunities. The Local Energy Program will reposition Avrig`s economy, will create new opportunities for citizens, will increase quality of life and make Avrig KNOWN as a good place to invest, work, live and visit. 

EUKN, Elizabeth Winkel