The VIS NOVA project, which started in May 2011, is part of the Central Europe program and has the objective of strengthening the energy independence of local authorities. Rising energy prices cause, that security of supply and affordable energy as well as its efficient use became a key competitive advantage and location factor. At this point VIS NOVA starts off with an integrated approach which includes enterprises, municipalities and households. Feasibility studies will be developed for each area, investments will be prepared and demonstration projects realised . The transnational cooperation enables transfer of good approaches and the exchange of experiences. During international congresses the results will be communicated and transferred. Through the outputs from the project, the value creation in rural areas and thus employment shall be promoted. Five partner regions from four EU countries came together to jointly implement this project (Saxony - Düben Heath / DE, Schwäbisch-Hall / DE, Micro-region Tullnerfeld West / AT, Małopolska / PL, South-Transdanubia / HU).

One oft he core outputs oft he VIS NOVA project is a Transnational Sustainable Energy Strategy. The strategy is based on all previous activities of the project: SWOT analysis, good practice case studies, transnational exchange, elaboration of strategic approaches and is backed by VIS NOVA Local Support Groups in all regions. The document highlights the need for suitable instruments to integrate the pursuit of energy autonomy in instruments for regional development planning. The Transnational Sustainable Energy Strategy has a twofold aim. It provides a common and strategic basis for the elaboration of Energy Efficiency Plans for each of the five partner areas. Therefore it will have a significant political impact in the project regions. On the other hand, the document also addresses stakeholders in other European regions who strife for energy autonomy. The strategy is therefore disseminated via the project newsletters, presented at conferences, and communicated through partners.

It qualifies as an transnational tool development typ of action as it supportes the regional strives for energy autonomy. It is also published on the VIS NOVA project website.

More information about the project is available on www.vis-nova.eu

This project is implemented through the CENTRAL EUROPE Programme co-financed by the ERDF.