The development of energy communities starts with cooperation and sharing experiences. A study visit to Skawina and Kęty, organised as part of the PowerYouth Capacity-Building Programme, demonstrated how local authorities and partners are working together to implement solutions that support the energy transition.
On 27 May 2026, representatives of Polish local authorities and partners involved in the development of community energy took part in a study visit focused on strengthening capacity to support energy communities. The visit provided an opportunity for participants to learn about existing energy cooperatives and energy clusters in Poland, as well as to share practical experiences and insights into the development of energy communities.
The study visit started at the Skawina Municipal Office. Participants were welcomed by Izabela Kuśnierz from The Association of Municipalities Polish Network „Energie Cités”, who highlighted the importance of local cooperation and the exchange of experience in the development of energy communities.
The first presentation was delivered by Sabina Paciorek, Head of the Energy Efficiency Department at the Skawina Municipal Office. She introduced participants to the operating principles of the Skawina Energy Cooperative (SES), as well as the process of its planning and development.
Participants learned about the practical aspects of managing an energy cooperative, from organisational and formal requirements to day-to-day operations and monitoring. The presentation also addressed challenges arising from rapidly changing energy consumption patterns and outlined plans for the future development of SES. These include investments in energy storage systems, the expansion of photovoltaic installations, the construction of a biogas plant and a concept to build a small hydropower plant. Particular attention was given to the potential for using local resources and green waste to generate energy, as well as the role of energy storage in stabilizing the local energy system.
Elżbieta Budyn, Artur Pogocki and Damian Zamora from the MES-TOWN Łódź Citizens’ Energy Community (OSE) Association presented the process of establishing Poland’s first OSE, highlighting the benefits of resident cooperation and collective energy management. The presentation highlighted the role of modern billing systems and energy storage facilities, which make it possible to use energy at times of peak demand. The speakers also discussed the challenges of adapting energy infrastructure to new technologies and the needs of local communities.
The following presentations focused on alternative models of local energy production and the activities of an energy cluster. Paulina Sakwa, President of the Management Board of the Świdnik Region Citizen Energy Association, introduced participants to energy cooperatives as a model for supporting local energy independence, drawing on the experience of the Sudecka Energia Energy Cooperative and the Świdnica Municipality Energy Cooperative. Ewelina Rycerz from the Regional Development Agency S.A. in Bielsko-Biała presented the activities and development plans of the Oświęcim Valley Energy Cluster, highlighting the potential benefits of developing energy clusters and fostering local cooperation.
After the session in Skawina had finished, the participants travelled to Kęty where the second field-based part of the study visit took place at the headquarters of the Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company.
Marcin Blok, Deputy Mayor of the Kęty Municipality, introduced the topic with a presentation entitled “Community Energy in Kęty – The Municipality’s Development Priorities and the Potential of Biogas”. He outlined the municipality’s long-term strategy, emphasising the role of reliable and controllable renewable energy sources in building the energy independence of the local community.
The visit concluded with an on-site tour of the Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company in Kęty, where participants were introduced to the facility’s municipal biogas installation. They had the opportunity to learn first-hand how the facility operates and explore the technological process through which sewage sludge is converted into renewable electricity and heat, providing real support for the plant’s energy management.
The study visit to Skawina and Kęty demonstrated that developing energy communities requires not only investment in technology, but above all, cooperation between local authorities, residents and local institutions. The visit provided an opportunity to explore practical examples of how energy cooperatives, energy clusters and OSEs operate, while enabling participants involved in the local energy transition to share their experiences. The visit was organised as part of the POWERYOUTH Capacity-Building Programme, which aims to strengthen knowledge and skills, and support the development of initiatives that foster energy communities.
The PowerYouth project has received funding from the European Union under the LIFE+ Programme for Environment and Climate Action, under Grant Agreement No. 101120687 — LIFE22-CET-POWERYOUTH. The sole responsibility for the content of this website lies with its authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.
