Diana Paunova-Galeva, a chief expert at SOFENA participated in a ManagEnergy Master Class that aimed to equip Energy Agencies and Regional and Local Authorities across Europe with the skills and knowledge to foster, stimulate and develop sustainable energy projects in Europe. Designed to build the capacity, expertise and knowledge of energy agencies’ staff, these Master Classes also presented opportunities for networking with peers.
The course included 3 full days of intense training on the theme of One-Stop-Shops.
This Class was delivered in a blended learning format:
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• A first online session will take place on 10 January 2025 morning;
• The second session is face-to-face in Brussels on 22-23 January(one and a half day);
• The third and final session will be online on 6 February.

The format of the classes includes problem-solving exercises, workshops, case studies and guest lectures from agencies and organisations relevant to energy investments. 

The module focused on the design, development and operation of One-Stop- Shops (OSS).  While significant focus is given to OSS in the residential retrofit sector the module also considered use of OSS on other areas e.g. heat, energy communities, SMEs etc.  The Masterclass addressed market analysis, definition of OSS model appropriate to the sector/region, scope of operations of OSS (from advice through to technical support to finance).  Financial models for OSS and risk assessment including technical, financial, organisation, policy. 
This Master Class was delivered by experts from Ireland and was supported by guest speakers from Netherlands, Brussels and Hungary.

The CEATY project, an Erasmus+ initiative focused on empowering young people in the fight against climate change, recently hosted a successful “National Clean Energy Ambassador Day” at the “Academic Emiliyan Stanev” school in Sofia. Held on November 26th, 2024, the event attracted a diverse audience of students, teachers, and parents eager to learn about clean energy and sustainable practices.

The CEATY project, an Erasmus+ initiative dedicated to empowering young people in the fight against climate change, recently hosted two successful “National Clean Energy Ambassador Days” in Bulgaria, reaching over 100 participants and extending its impact beyond the classroom.

The first event, organised by SEA SOFENA, took place on November 25th, 2024, at the “Tsar Simeon Veliki” school in Vidin. Integrated into the school’s after-school program, the event attracted enthusiastic students and teachers eager to learn about clean energy and sustainable practices.

The four-hour program featured a dynamic presentation highlighting the advantages of digital education and the importance of integrating technology into traditional teaching methods. The concept of “Clean Energy Ambassadors” was introduced, emphasizing the role of young people in promoting sustainable practices within their communities.

In the period of 5-7 November 2024, a GA meeting of the LIFE-BECKON project consortium was held in Copenhagen, Denmark. The partners discussed the progress of the project and the upcoming tasks under work packages for the next 6 months.

The representatives of the three pilots from Sofia, Avila and Copenhagen shared interesting facts. The hosts presented an Energy Community, which is under construction and includes social housing on the outskirts of the city. The building renovation includes not only a major refurbishment of the buildings, but also a construction of new, sloping roofs, with modern ventilation systems for recovery that is being installed in the under-roof space, devices for controlling the heat supply to the building, as well as smart devices for controlling the energy coming from the PV panels on the roof.

Ms. Galeva presented the model of an energy community, which is being implemented on the territory of the Sofia Municipality, with the support of the Vitosha Municipality. It will be the first energy community in the capital, with the goal of becoming a model for replication among other district municipalities.

SThe CEATY project, an innovative initiative focused on empowering young people as agents of change in the fight against climate change, was presented at the XVIII National Conference of the Association of Bulgarian Energy Agencies and Centres (ABEA) held on November 13-14, 2024.

The presentation, delivered by Lilly Stammler, SOFENA, highlighted the project’s significant achievements in promoting climate literacy and sustainable practices among students aged 12 to 16. Attendees learned about the CEATY project’s key resources, including its engaging E-learning platform and comprehensive Clean Energy Toolkit, designed to educate and empower students as “Clean Energy Ambassadors.”

The CEATY project, funded by the Erasmus+ program of the European Commission, aligns with the EU’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. By focusing on educating and empowering young people, the project aims to create a ripple effect, extending its impact beyond the classroom and fostering a wider cultural shift towards sustainability.

The presentation at the ABEA conference generated significant interest among attendees, sparking discussions on the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative educational initiatives in addressing climate change and building a greener future. The CEATY project’s success in engaging students and teachers demonstrates the potential of education to drive meaningful change and inspire action towards a more sustainable world.

On October 30-31, 2024, the DE-RISK team met in Athens for our 4th General Assembly, hosted by our partner Que Technologies. This two-day gathering aimed to facilitate collaboration among project partners, allowing us to exchange ideas, share updates, and outline the next steps for the project.

We were pleased to welcome our new project adviser, Ugo Simeoni, from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). The team provided him with a comprehensive overview of the project’s current status, including updates on all work packages and plans for the upcoming year.

Each partner contributed insights into their respective work and outlined future plans. The leaders of the pilot studies shared valuable information about recent activities at the pilot project sites and discussed strategies for the coming months

AThe CEATY project, an Erasmus+ initiative focused on empowering young people as agents of change in the fight against climate change, recently concluded with a captivating Final Conference in Ankara, Turkey. The event, which drew over 150 students and 50 guests, highlighted the project’s innovative approach to climate education and its commitment to building a sustainable future.

The conference featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Elifcan Kanatlı Apaydın from the Ministry of Environment, Prof. Dr. Deniz Üne from METU (Middle East Technical University), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selcen Babaoğlu Aydaş from Gazi University. These experts shared valuable insights on renewable energy research, climate change challenges, and the crucial role of education in fostering sustainability.

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in interactive training programs and activities, utilizing the CEATY project’s e-learning platform and Clean Energy Toolkit. These resources, designed to educate and empower young people about clean energy and climate action, provided a dynamic and engaging learning experience.

The CEATY Final Conference served as a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in the education of young generations to achieve the EU’s ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. By fostering climate literacy and empowering students to become Clean Energy Ambassadors, the CEATY project is contributing to a wider cultural shift towards sustainability and a greener future for all.