From 17 to 23 August 2025, the Summer Academy "Renewable Energy Toward Urban Resilient Nexus – RETURN" was held in Čardaci, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The event brought together young professionals, researchers and experts from CEI with the scope to enhance regional capacity-building and knowledge exchange on renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate action, thereby supporting the transition towards resilient and low-carbon communities.
The Center for Energy, Energy Efficiency and Environment (CEEO) organised the academy, which comprised expert-led lectures, interactive workshops, group work and study visits. The programme addressed a range of key issues, including decarbonisation pathways, climate change mitigation and adaptation, circular economy approaches, air quality and smart infrastructure, while also considering the social dimension of the energy transition.
Participants worked in multidisciplinary teams to develop practical project concepts focused on energy efficiency, renewable deployment and circular economy solutions. Study visits to energy facilities and efficient systems offer valuable insights into applied technologies.
“Scaling up renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy security is essential and requires increased investment in renewable sources and energy-efficient solutions.
The CEI plays an important role in coordinating regional cooperation to diversify energy supplies and reduce vulnerabilities, serving as a platform for information exchange and for promoting regulatory frameworks that support renewable energy policies.”
By fostering dialogue, peer learning and professional networking, the RETURN Summer Academy contributed to strengthening capacities and advancing sustainable energy transition efforts across the CEI region.
