Municipalities closer to introducing energy management

After preparatory activities conducted from 2009 with the help of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), an introductory seminar on the establishment of energy management systems (EMS) in municipalities was held in Belgrade. The Ministry of Mining and Energy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) presented project ‘Removing Barriers to Promote and Support EMS in Municipalities throughout Serbia’ that the UN agency is implementing with the Global Environment Facility. The funds are USD 2.5 million (EUR 2.22 million).

Assistant minister Miloš Banjac said the event is included in preparatory activities for the introduction of the scheme in municipal governments according to the newly adopted Law on Efficient Use of Energy and secondary legislation. Local authorities responsible for more than 20,000 inhabitants are obligated to appoint energy managers and implement efficiency measures and report on them as stipulated by the government’s directive.

Radivoje Mitrović, dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Belgrade, pointed out that the academic institution was authorised by the responsible ministry to organize trainings for energy managers and consultants. He praised Japanese agency’s donation in equipment and metering systems to the faculty’s new lab.

The purpose of the project which will last through 2020 is to increase investments in energy efficiency in public buildings and utility services, as well as to improve efficiency in energy and costs. At least 30 municipalities should be supported in the introduction of energy management and the related information system.

In other news, Ministry of Mining and Energy placed a public call for applications for funds of RSD 125 million (EUR 1.02 million) for the funding of measures of energy efficiency for municipal authorities. Propositions will be received by May 16.