Understanding energy efficiency investments – a global perspective
By Qendresa Rugova, Burg Capital GmBH, Vienna esa.rugova@burgcapital.com This article is part of a series of two articles on energy efficiency investments covering (1) investment characteristics from a global perspective and (2) existing and emerging financing models for energy efficiency investments and their applicability in the Balkan region. Energy efficiency is an integral part of […]
The big green challenge: can we change fast enough?
By Maja Turković, Energy Consultant, co-author of the CIRSD study ’A Roadmap for Deploying Renewable Energy Sources in Serbia and the Regional Perspective’ Fossil fuels have been harnessed as an abundant and easily accessible source of energy for two centuries. This cheap energy enabled the growth of populations and consumption levels; and facilitated technological innovations […]
Energy development stands above politics
Countries in the region, and generally in Europe, have strained budgets because of economic and political difficulties, so investments in green energy can be spurred through public–private partnership, Aleksandra Tomić, President of the Committee on Economy, Regional Development, Trade, Tourism and Energy at the National Assembly of Republic Serbia, told Balkan Green Energy News. She […]
Energy efficiency projects finally start in Serbia
By Djordje Popović, Senior Attorney, Petrikić & Partneri AOD in cooperation with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Regulatory setting Being one of the countries in the CEE region with the lowest energy efficiency rate, Serbia has recently undergone significant legislative activity to finally make energy efficiency projects feasible. The Law on Efficient Use of Energy as the […]
Pirot upgrades energy efficiency assisted by GIZ
First step towards the improvement of energy efficiency is the analysis of the residential buildings and defining which measures are needed. Head of the Municipality of Pirot Vladan Vasić signed a memorandum of understanding with Renate Schindlbeck, team leader of GIZ’s project Energy Efficiency in Buildings. The document marked the beginning of cooperation towards the […]
Public dialogue towards sustainability and climate protection
The third International Conference ‘Energy. Development. Democracy.’ was held in Podgorica, Montenegro, under the title ‘How successful policy dialogue can ensure sustainable use of energy and climate protection in South-East Europe’. Members of parliaments from countries of Southeastern Europe (SEE), civil society leaders, experts in the field of energy, governmental institutions and representatives of the […]
GGF boosts Ohridska banka’s green lending portfolio
The Green for Growth Fund, Southeast Europe (GGF) is providing EUR 4 million in funding to Ohridska banka, part of Société Générale Group. Macedonia imports over 40 percent of its primary energy; almost 80 percent of the electricity generated domestically stems from fossil sources, mainly coal, two institutions said. Ohridska has recognized the importance of […]
Macedonia improves legal framework on energy audits
By Darko Janevski, RE Specialist, Clean Energy Investment Project, djanevski@winrock.org In order to meet the energy savings targets and commitments to the European Energy Community, Macedonia is doing a lot to improve its legislation on energy efficiency. Macedonian policy and legal framework on energy efficiency is consisted of: Strategy for Development of the Energy Sector […]