Real energy security is staring us in the face. Renewable energy case studies from South East Europe

The publication sets out to provide a quick snapshot of renewable energy projects in south-east Europe. With a host of fossil fuel and nuclear projects currently being proposed across the region, sustainable energy initiatives have it difficult to reach the general public. While international financial flows generally follow the bigger, easier-to-handle projects, unfortunately only small drops are adding up to create a renewable energy and energy efficiency future. The case studies from Croatia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania and Serbia show that renewable energy can have a significant role in lowering budgets for electricity, heating and hot water. The study concludes that renewable energy projects should be considered within a framework for sustainable development that integrates energy demand reduction and efficiency, a mix of renewable energy sources to meet an increasing proportion of overall energy demand and the protection of communities and biodiversity.