Bridging the Energy Gap
Overcoming Financial and Informational Barriers to Renewable Energy Adoption in Bulgarian Multifamily Buildings
As Bulgaria continues to embrace renewable energy (RE) solutions, the differences in financial readiness, awareness, and willingness to invest between neighborhoods highlight the need for tailored approaches to energy transition. A recent assessment of two multifamily residential buildings—one in Zaharna Fabrika and another in Knyazhevo—provides valuable insights into the factors influencing RE adoption and the steps needed to bridge existing gaps.
The research is part of the SUNRISE project.
Funded by the European Climate Initiative (EUKI), the project is focused on supporting the deployment of solar power installations in multi-family buildings across North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Lithuania. Running from 01.11.2022 to 30.04.2025, the project is led by Initiative for Housing in Eastern Europe (IWO) in partnership with Habitat Bulgaria, Lithuanian Consumers Alliance (LCA), Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), German Solar Energy Company (DGS), and Habitat Macedonia.
By overcoming key barriers, SUNRISE is making it easier for communities to embrace cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.
Understanding the Two Neighborhoods
The study compares two contrasting communities in Bulgaria: Zaharna Fabrika, a lower-income neighborhood with limited completed energy efficiency renovations, and Knyazhevo, a higher-income area with greater investment potential but lingering skepticism toward RE solutions. While both neighborhoods show an interest in RE, their financial and informational barriers require distinct solutions.
Key Challenges Identified
The research identifies key challenges for the adoption of renewable energy (RE) in two neighborhoods: Zaharna Fabrika and Knyazhevo. These challenges include gaps in awareness and information about available financing programs, with Zaharna Fabrika residents particularly uninformed.
While most households are willing to invest in RE, Knyazhevo residents have a higher investment capacity, while Zaharna Fabrika households need substantial external financial support. Trust issues, complex administrative processes, and skepticism about the benefits of RE also hinder adoption. Additionally, many residents are unaware of the financial benefits of contributing surplus energy to the grid.
Strategies to Accelerate RE Adoption
To accelerate RE adoption, the research recommends several strategies.
These include targeted awareness campaigns tailored to each neighborhood’s needs, enhanced financial support mechanisms such as grants and preferential loans, and facilitating collective financing through homeowners’ associations (HOAs).
Simplifying administrative procedures and reducing bureaucratic barriers would also help, along with educating households about energy sales and storage solutions to encourage the efficient use of surplus energy.
These efforts aim to make RE adoption more accessible and practical for residents, fostering greater participation in sustainable energy solutions.
Moving Forward
The findings from Zaharna Fabrika and Knyazhevo reinforce the importance of targeted, community-specific approaches to RE adoption. Financial incentives, regulatory reforms, and structured information campaigns will play a crucial role in overcoming existing barriers.
By implementing these strategies, Bulgaria can accelerate its transition to a more sustainable energy future, ensuring equitable access to renewable solutions for all households.