RECtivist – Building a Community-Led Renewable Energy for a Just Transition in Mirdita is a project implemented by CoPlan and financed by the Emilia-Romagna Region under the initiative “Better Cohesion through Development of Energy Communities in the Western Balkans.”
About the Project
The project aims to establish the first fully operational, community-led Renewable Energy Community (REC) in Mirdita, Albania, by bringing together local authorities, citizens, SMEs, and civil society actors to jointly produce, manage, and benefit from renewable energy. Positioned at the intersection of energy transition and local development, RECtivist addresses key challenges such as rising energy costs, energy poverty, and limited community participation in the green transition.
Methodologically, the project follows a structured pathway that moves from stakeholder mobilisation and technical groundwork to institutionalisation and long-term governance. It begins with mapping and engaging local actors with existing or potential solar infrastructure, followed by the design of an energy-sharing model that integrates public and private photovoltaic systems. A comprehensive feasibility study establishes the technical backbone of the system, while targeted capacity-building activities strengthen local skills and knowledge. The process is reinforced through participatory governance mechanisms, awareness campaigns, and the creation of a Community Energy Council, ensuring inclusive and democratic decision-making. Finally, the project supports the legal establishment of the REC under an adaptable governance framework aligned with EU principles.
RECtivist is expected to generate tangible social, environmental, and institutional outcomes. It will empower local communities through collective ownership of energy resources, reduce energy costs for public services and vulnerable households, and increase the share of locally produced renewable energy. At the same time, the project will strengthen municipal capacities and deliver a replicable governance and technical model for Renewable Energy Communities across Albania and the Western Balkans.