Croatia’s Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund to co-finance home renewables systems

Croatia’s Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund (FZOEU) has issued a new invitation to apply for co-financing to install renewables systems at stand-alone houses. The total co-financing budget is HRK 12 million (around EUR 1.61 million), the FZOEU said in a press release.

“We will co-finance the procurement and installation of biomass boilers and heat pumps by individuals with HRK 12 million. Depending on the location of the house, it is possible to get co-financing of between 40% and 80% of the project value, but not more than HRK 35,000 including VAT, to install a biomass system or up to HRK 45,000 for heat pump systems,” FZOEU Director Dubravko Ponoš said.

The goal is to encourage the use of renewable energy sources in heating and cooling systems. “Such systems are much more environmentally acceptable, as they entail a reduced consumption of fossil fuel,” said Ponoš, noting that this results in a cut in CO2 emissions and has a positive environmental impact.

In Croatia, heating accounts for up to 75% of household utility bills. Replacing older furnaces with more efficient boilers can help cut firewood consumption, while using a heat pump can lower electricity consumption by up to four times, according to the statement.

Owners or co-owners of legally built family homes, over 50% of which are for residential purposes, with up to three residential units or a gross construction area of up to 600m2 are eligible to apply for co-financing, the FZOEU said.

The invitation will be closed once the allocation of funds is completed or at the end of 2018.

Citizens whose applications are admissible and accepted will immediately get the co-financing decision and contract at their home address and will have 12 months to complete the proposed project.

Ponoš announced that a similar call will be launched during the first half of 2019, adding that once the relevant legislation is passed, individuals will be able to apply for co-financing to install not only biomass boilers and heat pumps, but also solar systems.