The Ministry of the Environment, Waters and Forests of Romania set aside funds for an estimated 9,000 citizens who can invest in the energy refurbishment of a family house and get 60% of the expenses reimbursed.

The Environment Fund Administration (AFM) said homeowners can apply for state subsidies for energy efficiency measures. Minister of the Environment, Waters and Forests of Romania Alexe Costel asserted that investing in the refurbishment of a single-family house, eligible for non-reimbursable funds of 60%, can halve energy bills and contribute to the national targets for lowering energy consumption.

The government earmarked EUR 88.5 million for the program and applicants can get up to EUR 15,000 each. The ministry estimated 9,000 families would benefit from the incentives.

Program’s economic, social components

Most houses are not insulated enough, Alexe stressed and noted the buildings sector is among the largest consumers of energy and sources of greenhouse gases. The scheme has an environmental edge, but there are also economic and social components, he said.

Costel: Energy efficiency measures can cut household energy bills by half

The fund said the aim is to cut energy consumption and emissions through the increase in energy efficiency and the use of energy from renewable sources. Applications are open for houses of up to three floors and they have to have their energy class raised by at least one level.

Renewables, LED lighting are among possible investments

The works can start after an initial assessment and they must be completed within a year and a half. They include windows replacement, the insulation of the roof and exterior walls, adding a renewable energy source such as solar panels, installing ventilation systems, LED lighting, motion sensors and valves and pipes.

Future beneficiaries in Romania will register online for the energy refurbishment of a house, after which they have 15 days to submit the documents. AFM said it would make the payment after the investment is finished and another energy audit is conducted.

Romania recently launched a subsidy program worth EUR 200 million for small and medium-sized enterprises and firms in the hospitality industry that are willing to install solar power systems and chargers for electric vehicles.