On April 29, 2026, the Brest Center for Culture and History “Wahadło” hosted a conference launching the series “Green Wave: Local Energy,” organized by Energa-Operator.
During the event, the results of a study conducted by Univentum Labs on behalf of Energa Operator were presented. The study focused on the development of energy communities, and its main objective was to identify the needs and development prospects of local energy communities, as well as potential directions for power sector investments within Energa Operator’s service area.
The study covered over 600 municipalities in central and northern Poland. The response rate exceeded 50%.
The results show growing interest among local governments in creating local energy communities, even though nearly half of the municipalities point to significant barriers: lack of funding, complex legal procedures, and infrastructure limitations. At the same time, most municipalities are already investing in renewable energy sources, primarily in photovoltaic installations and energy storage facilities.
Energa Operator cites the key findings of the survey:
- “The most frequently chosen model is the energy cooperative, considered the best fit for local conditions
- municipalities expect analytical support, simplified connection procedures, and better access to energy data,
- and there is a need for pilot projects and educational programs for local governments and residents.”
– Energy communities are not solely intended to reduce energy costs. Their key role is to strengthen local independence and energy security. As the survey results show, municipalities are prepared to take on this challenge, but they need support in the areas of knowledge, procedures, and access to necessary data – notes Dr. Sylwia Mrozowska, Professor at the University of Gdańsk and co-author of the report.
A team of researchers from the University of Gdańsk was responsible for preparing the report: Dr. hab. Sylwia Mrozowska, prof. UG, Dr. Barbara Kijewska, Dr. Dobrosław Mańkowski, Dr. Andrzej Poszewiecki, and Julia Witkowska. The maps were prepared by Marta Popaszkiewicz.
Source: Energa-Operator Accelerates Local Energy Transition – Energa-Operator S.A.