In the village of Popovci, Serbia, residents are taking charge of their energy future through the Beli Breg Renewable Energy Community (REC). This citizen-driven initiative demonstrates how local communities can collectively generate, share, and manage renewable energy, primarily through solar photovoltaic installations, while fostering rural revitalization, social cohesion, and sustainable development. At its core, Beli Breg REC shows that energy is not just about infrastructure — it is about people, collaboration, and shared benefits.
Member-led governance
The governance model of Beli Breg REC is member-led, reflecting the principle one member, one vote. Strategic decisions are taken by the General Assembly, while day-to-day operations and project delivery are managed by the Board and REC Coordinator. Transparency is central to this structure, with open reporting and regular member meetings, ensuring that all participants are informed, engaged, and empowered.
This democratic framework ensures that local residents have a direct voice in shaping how the community produces and consumes energy, fostering accountability, trust, and long-term sustainability.
Participatory approach
Citizen engagement lies at the heart of Beli Breg REC. The community follows a co-design process, guiding participants through listening → planning → decision-making, ensuring that all voices are heard, including those of hard-to-reach groups. Community meetings, co-created rules for benefit sharing, and the introduction of energy ambassadors strengthen local ownership and ensure that benefits from shared solar energy production are fairly distributed.
By actively involving the community at every stage, Beli Breg REC fosters both knowledge transfer and social cohesion, empowering residents to take meaningful action in their local energy transition.
Challenges and strategic solutions
Establishing a renewable energy community in Serbia comes with several real-world challenges. Regulatory uncertainty, particularly regarding procedures for citizen energy sharing, can slow development. In addition, grid connection constraints and timelines may limit the speed at which solar installations can be deployed. Financial considerations, including CAPEX and bankability, require careful planning, while coordinating multiple stakeholders adds administrative complexity.
Despite these obstacles, Beli Breg REC is proactively addressing these issues. One of its long-term goals is to develop a replicable model for other villages, including a “REC in a box” concept with templates, step-by-step implementation guidance, and a governance package that can be easily adapted by other rural communities. Partnerships with municipalities are also essential, supporting local capacity building and institutional cooperation.
Community benefits and long-term impact
Beyond producing clean electricity through community solar systems, Beli Breg REC contributes to rural revitalization by supporting local development opportunities in agriculture, mobility, and tourism. By engaging residents directly in energy decision-making, the project builds local expertise, increases sustainability awareness, and strengthens the community’s economic resilience.
The initiative also provides a roadmap for other communities interested in launching their own renewable energy projects, demonstrating that citizen-led energy initiatives can create both environmental and social value while strengthening local resilience.
Why Beli Breg matters
Beli Breg REC is more than just a solar installation or an energy-sharing mechanism — it is a living example of how communities can take ownership of their energy future. Through democratic governance, participatory engagement, and strong local partnerships, the village of Popovci is setting a precedent for rural renewable energy communities in Serbia and across the Western Balkans.
By balancing technical feasibility, social inclusion, and economic benefit, Beli Breg REC illustrates how local initiatives can help drive the broader energy transition — empowering citizens, revitalizing rural areas, and creating a blueprint for sustainable growth in the region.