Sweden allocates EUR 7.2 million for energy efficiency in BiH

The funds will be used for the energy renovation of public buildings, the installation of solar systems in the public sector, and the development of financial schemes for energy efficiency measures on residential buildings.

Sweden is allocating EUR 7.2 million EUR for two projects aimed at reducing the environmental impact of excessive energy use and improving the energy efficiency of public and residential buildings in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

The projects, covering 36 municipalities in BiH, are implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and will be completed by 2024.

The expected results include creating 1,200 green jobs in BiH

The expected results of the projects are retrofitting a minimum of 30 public buildings, installing six public lighting systems and 12 solar thermal/photovoltaic systems in the public sector, as well as creating 1,200 green jobs in BiH, according to the UNDP website.

Ambassador Strömquist: Energy efficiency is key in fighting air pollution

Johanna Strömquist, Ambassador of Sweden to BiH, said that the levels of air pollution in the country must be reduced to save lives and the environment. “Increased energy efficiency is key in fighting air pollution. It also brings positive economic and social benefits to citizens,” she added.

The implementation of energy efficiency measures will boost the building industry, increasing the skills of construction workers to deal with energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Funds for two projects

The Decarbonization in the residential sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina project aims to lay the foundations for the development of municipal financial mechanisms for the implementation of energy efficiency measures on residential buildings while generating green jobs and reducing CO2 emissions.

The Green Economic Development (GED) project aims to continue improving energy efficiency and stimulating renewable energy use in public buildings and production processes in small and medium enterprises across the country.

Marginalized families to get PV systems in 15 households

GED envisages to reduce CO2 emissions by 2,500 tons annually and to save the country over EUR 700,000 in energy costs, according to the UNDP.

The project also intends to help marginalized families living in rural areas without access to electricity by installing photovoltaic solar systems in 15 households which will secure electricity and hot water.