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

In October 2025, ManagEnergy Expert Francisco Puente travelled to Bulgaria to support SOFENA – the Sofia Energy Agency – in strengthening the development of energy communities across the region.

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

For more information, please visit: https://managenergy.ec.europa.eu/managenergy-discover/managenergy-news/managenergy-expert-mission-22-supporting-rise-energy-communities-sofia-2025-11-18_en