Course: DISCOVER the PILOTS: IESDI Advances CEP RLM Replication for Municipal-Led Energy Communities

Replicating the CEP RLM Model: A Tool for Municipal Action

On 18 February 2026, at Grand Hotel Sofia, the Institute for Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development and Innovation (IESDI), in partnership with the Chamber of Energy Communities in Bulgaria (CECB), organized a working seminar titled “Energy Communities in Sofia Region: Practical Solutions for Municipalities.”

The seminar brought together municipal representatives, experts, and key stakeholders to discuss how CEP RLM (Community Energy Projects Real-Time Modelling) – the IESDI's innovative model developed under the project, can be replicated by municipalities as a practical and scalable tool to drive community-led energy initiatives. Participants were also introduced to DISCOVER dedicated guidebook for energy community projects, a hands-on resource designed to support municipalities throughout the replication and implementation process.

Challenges, Opportunities and New Funding Pathways

During the active discussions, participants explored how municipalities can take a leading role in initiating energy communities, what practical opportunities exist for their sustainable development and effective operation, which administrative and regulatory challenges must be addressed and what are the pathways to overcome them. A special highlight was the presentation of the newly established National Decarbonization Fund, which is expected to become operational mid-2026. The Fund will create regional hubs to support energy efficiency projects, further strengthening local implementation capacity.

Key Takeaway: Energy Communities Are Ready to Scale Today

The key takeaway from the seminar was clear: energy communities are not a concept of the future – they are a practical and proven instrument that municipalities can adopt and scale today. What is needed is strategic vision, strong partnerships, and dedicated support mechanisms such as IESDI's One Stop Shop, established under LIFE DISCOVER project.

💥 More about IESDI's One Stop Shop

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