Power to the people

May 30, 2025Clean Energy, Inspiring initiative, Serbia

ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

 

Power to the people 

Elektropionir is a renewable energy cooperative based in Serbia, empowering citizens to take control of their energy future. Founded in 2019, it promotes sustainable, decentralised energy production through democratically managed solar projects. The cooperative connects individuals and households to produce clean energy together and advocates for fairer energy regulations. 

From rooftops to mountains 
Elektropionir builds rooftop solar plants and solar parks collectively owned by citizens. Their “Solarna Stara” project in a national park shows how solar can replace harmful hydropower. They also organise “Solartehnika narodu”, a training series teaching citizens, NGOs, local authorities and academics how to join the energy transition. 

Building a brighter, fairer grid 
The cooperative makes solar energy more accessible to middle-income citizens, aiming to expand benefits to vulnerable groups through subsidies and joint investments. It connects people to invest in larger, virtual power plants on unused urban or rural spaces, creating shared clean energy for members and revenues for local communities. 

Shining through the obstacles 
Despite progress, high upfront costs and weak regulations still limit access to solar energy. Elektropionir actively lobbies for better conditions for prosumers and energy cooperatives. Its efforts have contributed to legal recognition of prosumers and created momentum for more citizen-led energy solutions across Serbia. 

Sparking a movement 
Elektropionir’s model inspires other initiatives, like “Suncani krovovi” in Sabac. By blending education, advocacy and community ownership, it offers a scalable and inclusive alternative to fossil fuel dependency. It’s not just about energy—it’s about collective power, sustainability and social justice. 

Learn more about this inspiring initiative

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