Montenegro subsidizes solar panels, heat pumps for municipalities

The Montenegrin Eco Fund (Eko Fond) has prepared subsidies in the total value of EUR 150,000 for local authorities to install solar panels, heat pumps and wood pellet or briquette boilers.

Local authorities have until May 7 to submit applications within a public call launched by Eco Fund for the procurement and installation of photovoltaic systems and central heating systems in their buildings.

Projects eligible for subsidies are for the use of renewable energy sources for on-grid production of electricity for self-consumption and energy-efficient central heating systems burning pellets or briquettes or with heat pumps, according to the documentation.

The maximum subsidy amount is EUR 37,500

Eco Fund is receiving requests from local authorities and the legal entities that they established or are their majority owners.

They can apply for the installation of solar power plants with a capacity of up to 999 kW and boilers and furnaces with a capacity of up to 500 kW. The minimum efficiency of a boiler or furnace is 70% for wood briquettes and 80% for wood pellets, the public call reads.

The maximum subsidy is 60% of eligible costs but not over EUR 37,500 for photovoltaic panels and EUR 35,000 for central heating systems.

Local authorities to cut expenses

Eco Fund said that the projects would contribute to the use of renewable energy sources, encourage the application of energy efficiency measures, and reduce CO2 emissions.

The goal of electricity production using on-grid PV systems is to support low-carbon development by increasing energy efficiency, self-sufficiency, and the security of supply, it added.

In addition, energy consumption will be lowered as will the costs for local authorities.

The installation of high-efficiency heat pumps and boilers on pellets or briquettes will promote high-efficiency technologies for the reduction of CO2 emissions, the improvement of energy efficiency in local public buildings, and the replacement of outdated technologies, the fund noted.