The Serbian Ministry of Mining and Energy has invited local governments to propose projects to be financed from the budget fund for improving energy efficiency in 2018, with up to around EUR 1.06 million (RSD 125 million) in grants envisaged to be disbursed.

Of the total budget for energy efficiency projects in 2018, up to about EUR 84,600 (RSD 10 million) is set aside for street lighting projects, with up to 20% of project costs to be covered, with no more than EUR 8,460 (RSD 1 million) per project.

The remainder is for energy efficiency projects in buildings, with up to 100% of project costs, but no more than some EUR 169,200 (RSD 20 million) per project, to be approved to local governments in underdeveloped areas and up to 70% of project costs, but no more than around EUR 169,200 (RSD 20 million) per project to local governments in other areas.

The projects in buildings eligible to receive grants from the budget fund include the installation of biomass boilers; the improvement of heating and air-conditioning systems, including the installation of heat pumps; the replacement of windows and doors and insulation works; the modernization of indoor lighting; and the installation of solar thermal collectors.

All indoor and outdoor lighting projects are required to involve building in LED lamps.

The deadline to submit project proposals is 3 pm on July 4.

Local governments whose projects are selected will have 45 days from signing the grant agreement with the ministry to invite bids from would-be contractors.