Learning from Local Energy Solutions: Enercracy Study Visit to Solina and Krosno

On 23 October 2026, partners of the Enercracy project visited Solina and Krosno in Poland’s Podkarpackie region to explore how energy infrastructure, renewable energy production and cooperation between local institutions can support the green transition.

Organised by the Rzeszów Regional Development Agency, the study visits offered practical insights into two complementary approaches to local energy development: hydropower generation at Solina and the integration of energy production, waste management, and municipal services in Krosno.

Solina: Discovering the potential of hydropower

The programme began at the Solina Hydropower Plant, where participants watched an introductory film before taking a guided tour of the dam. The visit provided an opportunity to learn about the facility, its infrastructure and the role of hydropower in local electricity generation.

By exploring the site, participants gained a closer understanding of how established energy infrastructure can contribute to renewable electricity production and the wider energy transition. The programme also included a cable car ride and a visit to the Solina Sky Tower, where participants could admire panoramic views of Solina Lake, the dam and the surrounding landscape. This perspective offered an opportunity to appreciate the scale of the infrastructure and its significance within the region.

Krosno: Connecting energy production with municipal services

In the afternoon, the programme moved to Krosno, where participants took part in a guided tour of the combined heat and power plant using residential waste. During the visit, they had the opportunity to explore the facility’s interior and learn more about its infrastructure, operations, and role in the local energy system. The guided tour provided practical insights into how heat and electricity are generated and how the plant helps meet the local community’s energy needs.

A presentation by Janusz Fic, President of the Management Board of Krosno Municipal Holding Ltd., introduced the company’s activities and the development of the Krosno Energy Cluster, established in December 2021. The cluster offers an example of how local institutions can work together to explore opportunities for renewable energy generation, improve energy management and make better use of available resources. Participants showed particular interest in the cluster’s organisation and practical functioning, asking questions about how the initiative operates and how cooperation is developed between its members. The discussion provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and consider how similar approaches might be adapted to different local contexts.

Insights for a Sustainable Energy Transition

By bringing project partners closer to local energy infrastructure and initiatives, the study visits provided valuable opportunities for practical learning and the exchange of experiences across regions.

The examples of Solina and Krosno showed the importance of tailoring energy solutions to local conditions, resources and needs. While each location represents a different approach to energy production and management, both demonstrate the value of long-term planning, knowledge sharing and cooperation between local institutions.

The visit also highlighted that the energy transition goes beyond the deployment of renewable energy technologies. It requires an integrated approach that connects energy production, municipal services and resource management, supported by effective coordination and partnerships among local stakeholders. These experiences offered practical insights for Enercracy partners and underlined the role of local cooperation in building more sustainable and resilient energy systems.

Programme Manual Online

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