The town of Visoko, located near Sarajevo, is stepping into the future of clean, community-driven energy with the BIHREC project, an initiative led by Sarajevska regionalna razvojna agencija (SERDA) in partnership with Green Sustainable Solutions from Croatia and the Association for Green Hydrogen in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This ambitious project aims to establish a Renewable Energy Community (REC) that brings together public institutions, local authorities, and private enterprises to collaboratively produce, share, and consume renewable energy.
Community and institutional collaboration
The BIHREC initiative is centered around creating a strong, socially integrated energy community in Visoko. At its foundation are key local institutions, including the Center for Children and Adults with Special Needs in the Zenica-Doboj Canton, Mak Dizdar Elementary School, and a nearby private enterprise. The City of Visoko itself will also be part of the community, ensuring strong municipal involvement and alignment with local development goals.
This multi-stakeholder collaboration highlights the project’s emphasis on social inclusivity and public benefit, ensuring that vulnerable populations, educational institutions, and businesses alike can participate in and benefit from the energy transition. By combining these actors, BIHREC fosters a sense of shared ownership, responsibility, and empowerment across the community.
Phased implementation and technical vision
The BIHREC project is structured in two phases. The first phase focuses on forming the energy community itself, establishing governance structures, roles, and community engagement mechanisms. It aims to set the groundwork for participatory decision-making, knowledge sharing, and clear rules for energy distribution among members.
Should the first phase receive approval from the Regione Emilia-Romagna, the second phase envisions the construction of an 80–100 kW photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof of the Center for Children and Adults with Special Needs. This installation will provide clean, locally generated electricity, reduce energy costs for the participating institutions, and serve as a visible example of the practical benefits of renewable energy in a community setting.
Governance and participatory approach
BIHREC emphasizes inclusive governance and active citizen engagement. The REC will include representation from all participating institutions and the City of Visoko, ensuring that decisions reflect both strategic goals and the everyday needs of community members. By integrating educational, social, and commercial stakeholders, the project promotes transparency, accountability, and shared responsibility.
The participatory approach includes community meetings, consultation with stakeholders, and co-design of energy-sharing rules, fostering a collaborative environment where members can contribute ideas and actively participate in shaping their energy future. This approach also ensures that the REC model can be replicated in other municipalities, supporting broader regional energy transition objectives.
Social, economic and environmental impact
BIHREC goes beyond energy generation. By engaging educational institutions and vulnerable communities, the project strengthens social cohesion, educational opportunities, and community empowerment. Economically, shared renewable energy reduces electricity costs for institutions and businesses, freeing up resources for other local priorities. Environmentally, the planned PV installation will contribute to CO₂ reduction, sustainable energy consumption, and increased awareness of clean energy solutions.
Why BIHREC matters
BIHREC in Visoko represents more than a technical installation — it embodies a community-led vision for sustainable energy, social inclusion, and local development. By bringing together public institutions, private enterprises, and municipal authorities, the project demonstrates how local communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina can actively participate in the energy transition, create tangible benefits, and serve as a model for other towns in the region.
Through structured governance, participatory engagement, and innovative renewable solutions, BIHREC shows that communities, when empowered, can innovate, inspire, and lead the way toward a greener, more resilient, and socially inclusive future in Bosnia and Herzegovina.