The push for sustainable energy solutions in Europe is gaining momentum with the Local Energetic Community 2 (LEC+) project, a cross-border initiative aimed at fostering energy efficiency and renewable energy use. The project brings together municipalities from Italy, Albania, and Montenegro to create community-based energy models.
To further this mission, the LEC+ project is hosting a key seminar on March 21st at the Doro City Hotel in Tirana, Albania, organized by the Municipality of Tirana. A key goal of the seminar is to create a network of self-sufficient energy communities that contribute to the fight against climate change. Energy communities play a crucial role in advancing sustainable energy practices by promoting renewable energy sources, which in turn helps reduce carbon emissions and fosters local energy independence..
The seminar will open with remarks from Genci Kojdheli, General Director of Integration, Strategic Planning, and Economic Development at the Municipality of Tirana. He will provide insights into the city’s ongoing efforts to implement the LEC+ model, highlighting its role in shaping a sustainable urban energy future.
One of the key speakers, Ilir Bejtja, former Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy in Albania, will discuss the challenges and opportunities in renewable energy development, focusing on Albania’s evolving policy landscape.
Attendees will also hear from project partners such as Angelo Miniello, Mayor of Mirabello Sannitico (Italy), who will showcase his municipality’s successful renewable energy community initiatives. Other notable speakers include Adolfo Fabrizio from Municipality of Mirabello Sanniticowith the presentation of Cross-border energy community model: benefits and advantages in the context of the LEC project (Italy) and Miloš Ivanišević from the Old Royal Capital Cetinje (Montenegro), who will highlight cross-border energy community models and their benefits and Angela PARISI of Municipality of Terlizzi will share the Energy Community Projects best practices in the Energy Field.
Beyond case studies, the seminar will explore the technical aspects of local energy communities. Experts like PhD Miranda Deda, a climate change adaptation specialist, will discuss the connection between climate factors and renewable energy, while Romina Shamku from the Municipality of Tirana will outline Tirana’s roadmap for sustainable energy development.
The event will also include roundtable discussions featuring public and private sector representatives. Silvana Xheko from OSHEE (Albania’s electricity distribution operator) will provide the institutional perspective on renewable energy policies, while Agim Bregasi from Blessed Investment Albania will highlight the role of private investment in green energy projects.
The seminar will conclude with a strategic roundtable on the future of LEC+, where stakeholders will discuss the LEC+ Joint Action Plan—a framework for scaling up local energy communities across partner regions.
With its mix of policy discussions, technical insights, and real-world case studies, the LEC+ seminar in Tirana is set to be a pivotal event for the future of local, sustainable energy production in the South Adriatic region.
Download the agenda HERE