The Information and Support Office on Energy Transition was inaugurated in October 2024 and was created as part of the implementation of the project LifeLOOP, which is funded by European resources, and in which Minoan Energy serves as a key project partner.
The Office functions as a one‑stop service, open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 13:00, offering citizens, citizen groups, collectives, and local government bodies information, guidance, and support on a broad spectrum of renewable‑energy‑related matters.
Its goal is to help establish broad‑based Energy Communities by lowering barriers and empowering initiatives that promote community‑energy projects. It offers administrative, technical, and financial support to communities, helping them develop the capacity required to initiate and expand their projects.
It is worth highlighting that the significance of these services is also recognised in the EU Solar Energy Strategy, which describes access to information as essential for showcasing the benefits of energy self‑generation for citizens, organisations, and SMEs. The Strategy further recommends that all Member States operate one‑stop services, ensuring that guidance and support—whether related to energy production or energy efficiency—are provided in a comprehensive and effective way.
At the same time, the Office acts as a contact point for its partners and collaborators of LifeLOOP, as well as with other related funded programmes and organisations, including the European Federation of Energy Communities, with the aim of sharing know‑how, spreading good practices, and coordinating joint initiatives.
As a one‑stop service for citizens, citizen communities, and local government bodies, the Office offers:
- Information regarding the legislative framework. The institution of Energy Communities was introduced into the Greek context by Law 4513/2018 and has since undergone structural changes. It is therefore very important for those wishing to initiate energy‑production projects to understand all available options in order to make the right decisions. The Scientific Team of Minoan Energy, having monitored all legislative developments from the very beginning, is able to provide accurate and reliable information.
- Expertise in the design and development of projects. Minoan Energy, already operating three photovoltaic parks and having designed several additional production stations with different mixes of renewable sources (wind, biomass, geothermal, etc.), can not only indicate the pathway for the successful completion of an energy project but also recommend reliable suppliers and competent constructors.
- Access to financing tools and funding schemes. At regular intervals, various funding programmes are announced, for which a citizen energy community or a local‑authority community can apply. Identifying the appropriate programme and assessing the community’s eligibility—based on its activities and the area in which it operates—is a complex task that can significantly influence the achievement of its goals. Minoan Energy, having secured funding within the framework of European Programmes, consistently seeks synergies with other Communities to disseminate project results and maximise benefits for citizens.
- Networking with Municipalities, local‑government bodies, research teams from Greek and foreign universities, federations such as the Hellenic Federation of Energy Communities and REScoop.eu, as well as citizen and professional collectives. Since its establishment in 2019, Minoan Energy has adopted a highly outward‑looking approach, investing in cooperation both with all institutional and governmental bodies in the country and with research teams and policy‑shaping actors at the European level. A defining element of the Community’s culture is the commitment of its members to participate in every discussion panel related to energy.
- Studies for the development of RES projects and the energy upgrading of buildings. Notable examples include studies carried out by the Community’s Scientific Team for the energy upgrade of major local infrastructures, such as the Municipal Swimming Pool and the Indoor Sports Center of Arkalochori.
- Training on Energy Transition issues, from fossil fuels to renewable sources, delivered in an inclusive and democratic manner. Already, many of our fellow citizens from various professional sectors, municipal employees, as well as students, have participated in training workshops organised by Minoan Energy with the support of the Region of Crete, so that all residents of the island can familiarise themselves with the concepts of alternative renewable sources and understand the importance of Energy as a public good and an individual right.
As a point of contact with the partners of LifeLOOP as well as with other related projects, the Office works jointly with them to:
- For defining the vision and goals related to citizen participation in community‑energy production projects, the socioeconomic benefits they generate, and the enhancement of inclusion for vulnerable social groups.
- For defining a roadmap through which Energy Communities will achieve their goals.
- For identifying the challenges and opportunities in the implementation of community‑energy projects.
- For documenting good practices and transferring know‑how among the project’s partners.
- For enhancing cooperation and communication among stakeholders across the participating countries.
- For motivating citizens to participate in initiatives for the development of energy projects.
- For aligning the energy and climate plans of local authorities with the planning of their energy projects.
English (UK) 
Ελληνικά