ManagEnergy Expert Mission #22: Supporting the Rise of Energy Communities in Sofia

As part of the 22nd ManagEnergy Expert Mission, Francisco Puente from ESCAN visited Sofia from 28–30 October 2025 to support SOFENA in accelerating the emergence of energy communities in Bulgaria’s capital region.

Established in 2001 under the EU’s SAVE II Programme, SOFENA has become a key player in supporting the local energy transition. With a core team of four experts and a strong network of external collaborators, the agency assists local authorities in shaping sustainable energy policies, promoting energy efficiency, delivering energy audits, and encouraging the deployment of renewable technologies. SOFENA works closely with strategic partners including Sofia Municipality, the Sustainable Energy Development Agency, and local utilities to address major urban challenges—from reducing air pollution to optimising energy use in buildings and public transport systems.

Deepening Local Insight and Strategic Vision

The first day of the Expert Mission was dedicated to an in-depth exchange with the SOFENA team. The agency presented its comprehensive knowledge of the local energy landscape, outlining the regulatory framework, recent project achievements, and the specific challenges faced by emerging energy communities in Sofia.

The discussions revealed SOFENA’s strong strategic capacities, particularly its role in guiding local authorities and facilitating citizen-led initiatives. As Expert Francisco Puente noted, “SOFENA’s expert mission showcased its strategic leadership in advancing energy communities through deep local insight, stakeholder engagement, and a clear vision for necessary regulatory change.”

Bringing Stakeholders Together

On the second day, SOFENA organised a conference gathering a broad range of stakeholders, followed by a high-level roundtable with political representatives. These exchanges highlighted both the momentum behind energy communities and the persistent barriers hindering their growth.

Stakeholders discussed the opportunities for citizen participation, the role of municipalities in driving collective energy action, and the need for clear, supportive regulations. The conversations confirmed that while interest is strong, structural and administrative challenges must still be addressed to enable communities to flourish.

“Energy Communities are our common future and the driving force for their establishment is the Bulgarian local authorities.”
SOFENA

Identifying Key Enablers for Energy Communities

The final day of the mission focused on consolidating the expert’s observations with local stakeholders and SOFENA’s team. This collaborative review resulted in three main conclusions that reflect the current state and future potential of energy communities in Sofia:

• A growing citizen interest in participating actively in community-led energy initiatives.
• The emergence of pioneer energy communities, already operating with a viable and replicable business model.
• An urgent need for further regulatory development to support different types of energy communities and facilitate their formal establishment.

Building Momentum for Bulgaria’s Energy Transition

The mission reinforced SOFENA’s central role in shaping the future of energy communities in Sofia. With strong local engagement, increasing citizen interest, and a clear roadmap for policy improvements, Bulgaria is at an important turning point.

Through this Expert Mission, ManagEnergy continues to support local and regional energy agencies in unlocking new opportunities for sustainable energy action and empowering communities across Europe to take part in the energy transition.

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