What is microgeneration?
Renewable energy sources play an important role in the energy industry, and their share in the domestic market increases every year. Both private individuals and enterprises decide to become independent from public suppliers by investing in, among others, photovoltaic panels. This is where the concept of microgeneration comes into play. What does it mean? It is a combination of electricity and heat production in very low power generation units. In this way, the buildings take over the function of small power plants. Importantly, energy can be used for personal use and (in case of surplus) transferred to the power grid. Microgeneration most often concerns individuals, small companies or local communities. It also constitutes, among others, an excellent way to draw energy from renewable energy sources for housing communities.
Advantages of microgeneration for cooperatives and housing communities
Cooperatives and housing communities that want to join the group of prosumers (entities that simultaneously produce and consume energy) usually decide to use photovoltaics. What benefits can this bring to all residents?
- reducing electricity bills used in common areas (e.g. staircases),
- additional income for the community (so-called prosumer deposit, i.e. funds from the surplus energy fed into the network),
- lower carbon dioxide emissions, which has a real impact on the cleanliness of the environment.
It is worth noting that the energy generated by the cogeneration installation will be used for the needs of the building, not individual households (i.e. apartment owners). This still means significant savings, which may affect, among others: for a rent reduction. It is also possible to obtain attractive financing: the RES Grant for housing communities is used for this purpose.
Renewable energy grant for communities and cooperatives - what is worth knowing?
From 2023, housing communities and cooperatives can apply for special funding, i.e. grants for renewable energy sources. This is a support mechanism from Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, which is intended to help in implementing renewable energy investments. The program is addressed to owners or managers of multi-family buildings, including: cooperatives and communities. The subsidy amount is up to 50%. project costs.
For what purposes are renewable energy grants awarded to housing communities?
- purchase, construction and installation of a new renewable energy installation,
- modernization of the existing renewable energy installation (the capacity of the installation is to increase by at least 25%).
An example of such an investment is the project implemented by Veolia Szczytno (Veolia Group), which signed a contract with one of the housing communities for the implementation of an installation combining a heat pump (for heating domestic hot water) and photovoltaics (the electricity from it powers the pump). The co-financing of the RES Grant amounted to 50%.
Veolia hybrid residential boiler rooms, i.e. energy transformation in the residential sector
The use of renewable energy sources for communities and cooperatives can take many forms. One approach, developed by Veolia, is hybrid community boiler plants , which are intelligent energy systems that combine various energy production technologies. These systems enable the optimization of available energy sources, such as gas boilers, heat pumps, photovoltaics, and heat storage.
Hybrid boiler rooms are dedicated to multi-family buildings and housing estates. What are their advantages? They use renewable energy sources effectively, adapt to seasonal needs and offer energy independence. They provide energy while allowing for financial savings.
Renewable energy for communities and cooperatives thanks to Veolia
Implementing renewable energy projects can bring numerous benefits to entire housing estates. When considering which solution is best for your specific situation, it's worth seeking expert support. Veolia is a hub for the trading and sale of energy and heat, as well as energy efficiency services. By joining our client base, you support the development of renewable energy and reduce energy costs.
