From a European Framework to National Solutions: Supporting Energy Communities in Bulgaria
On 16 April 2026, the first meeting of the National Citizen Energy Forum (NCEF) was held in Sofia, hosted by the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Bulgaria. The event was organised under the motto “From a European Framework to National Solutions: Supporting Energy Communities in Bulgaria” and brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including public institutions, regulators, local authorities, energy experts, industry representatives, civil society organisations, and existing energy communities.
The discussion focused on the current state and future development of energy communities in Bulgaria in the context of the evolving national regulatory framework, including the Renewable Energy Act, as well as related secondary legislation and policy instruments.
Within the SHAREs+ project presentation, key findings from a recent survey among stakeholders and existing energy communities were shared. The results highlighted key barriers to the development of energy communities, including administrative complexity, limited access to financing, regulatory uncertainty, and challenges related to grid connection.
Participants discussed a range of persistent barriers, including regulatory complexity, administrative burdens, challenges in grid connection procedures, and the need for improved access to consumption data through smart metering infrastructure. The need for clearer rules on registration, energy sharing arrangements, and interaction with electricity market structures was also emphasised.
The meeting further highlighted the potential of energy communities to contribute to renewable energy deployment, local investment, and increased citizen engagement in the energy transition. At the same time, it was noted that this potential remains only partially realised, particularly in relation to vulnerable and energy-poor households.