Serbia to back municipalities’ energy efficiency works, public lighting

Municipalities in Serbia can submit one project each by November 12 for the refurbishment of buildings and other energy efficiency measures or for public lighting.

The Ministry of Mining and Energy of Serbia called on municipalities to apply for overall funds of EUR 366,000 for the improvement of energy efficiency in significant buildings and the modernization of public lighting. The government earmarked EUR 25,500 for the latter item.

The deadline is November 12 at 15:00. The ministry said it would first assess and rank the projects. It added that it would then publish a decision and sign the contracts.

Funds cover up to 100% of cost in poor areas

There is EUR 170,000 earmarked for energy efficiency measures in so-called devastated areas. Under the official definition, it applies for municipalities with the development score below 50% of Serbia’s average. The local authorities in the category are eligible for grants of up to 100% of the project expenses.

The remaining EUR 170,000 is for the rest of the country and the government will cover as much as 70% of the cost. The funds for public lighting are intended for a maximum of 20% of expenses per project.

Solar thermal collectors included in program

According to the Ministry of Mining and Energy, it would cofund works on the structures” envelope, ceilings, floors, air conditioning, internal lighting and heating, including solar thermal collectors and metering.

Each municipality can apply for one building. The subsidies for energy efficiency measures are EUR 383 per square meter of structures with the heating surface of up to 300 square meters and EUR 298 for larger buildings.