Month: October 2016

The World Bank’s representatives visited Sarajevo officially for the second time regarding the implementation of the largest energy efficiency project in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project – BEEP).

 

Representatives of the World Bank on this occasion, spoke with the FB&H Minister of Physical Planning, Josip Martic, and analysed energy efficient investments and activities implemented within the framework of the BEEP project.

 

Jari Vayrynen, project’s Team Leader on behalf of the World Bank, rated the implementation of the project as very successful, given that everything was implemented according to the plan and energy efficiency international standards. He pointed out that preparatory activities for the selection of objects which will be modified for energy efficiency in 2017 are being implemented, and that the activities for creation of long-term sustainable financial mechanisms will be initiated soon.

 

The BEEP project is implemented with the support of the World Bank loan, which will invest a total of 32 million US dollars within the next three years. Within the scope of the project, energy efficiency measures have been implemented at UCH Mostar – Psychiatric Hospital, UCCK Sarajevo – the Department for Orthopaedics and Traumatology and University and UCC Tuzla – Surgery Department, while works on additional 15 public buildings (schools and kindergartens) are under way. The value of these investments, which will be completed by the end of 2016 amount to more than 10 million BAM.

 

Primary School “Hasim Spahis” Ilijas, is one of the schools which is finalising energy efficiency measures, which is why the World Bank representatives, together with the representatives of the Project Implementation Unit visited the school. After the tour and discussion with Mr. Mirsad Kustura, school’s headmaster and Mr. Akif Fazlic, Mayor of Ilijas Municipality, World Bank representatives expressed their satisfaction with the activities finalized so far and as well as the quality of work done.

 

The total value of energy efficiency investment at the object in question is over 450 000 BAM (with VAT). So far, approximately 90% of the work has been completed; this includes replacement of openings, thermal isolation of external walls, energy efficient lighting, purchase and installation of thermostatic valves, hydraulic balancing of the heating system and repair of heating substations. Completion of works is expected by 31st October 2016.

 

“After the works have been completed, energy consumption will decrease resulting in significant budget savings, and the students and employees will have more pleasant working conditions. This contributes to the protection of the environment, in addition to energy efficiency being important for B&H’s EU accession process “, stated Mr. Mustafa Copelj, Head of the World Bank project for the FB&H.

According to the newest available data, almost 20% of gross domestic product in Bosnia and Herzegovina is spent on energy, which in comparison to 6,1% in the US or 4,75% in the EU countries, is a significantly high percentage. Energy efficiency implies series of measures that are undertaken in order to reduce consumption of energy, to enable savings in expenditures and reduction of CO2 emission, simultaneously not disturbing work and living conditions.

 

European Union highlighted energy efficiency as one of the key ways to reach the goals of sustainable development. This is the reason behind energy development strategy, which made the European Union become the world leader in fighting against the climate change. Goals of the new EU climate and energy framework for 2030 are reduction of 40% of greenhouse gases in comparison to 1990. Binding goal in the entire EU is for the renewable energy ratio to be at least 27%, new goals for energy efficiency policies and management system, and series of new indicators for ensuring competitive and safe energy system.

 

By signing the Contract on Establishment of the Energy Community, as well as the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, Bosnia and Herzegovina took over the obligation to align its legislation with the one of the EU and to adopt European directives and standards in the field of energetic. Having this in mind, as well as the natural potentials of B&H, increase of interest of foreign investors in this field is expected.

 

Given the natural resources of Bosnia and Herzegovina (sun, rivers, biomasses made of agricultural and animal waste, wind, etc.), it is clear that our country has the opportunity to stand out in this field. Examples of projects that are implemented in B&H prove incontestable opportunities for sustainable development when it comes to rational utilisation of energy.

 

One of excellent examples of utilisation of foreign investment in energy efficiency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the “B&H Energy Efficiency Project – BEEP”. With goal of reaching energy, environmental and economic sustainability and process of accession to the European Union, B&H accessed financing the “Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project” from the World Bank credit funds, namely the International Development Association (IDA).

 

It is the largest energy efficiency project in B&H, with total value of 32 million USD, of which Federation B&H received 19,23 million USD. Project that is implemented in the period 2015-2018 has the goal to save energy, improve comfort, reduce CO2 emission, as well as to raise awareness on energy efficiency. The project will include more than 80 public facilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (schools, kindergartens, hospitals, student dormitories) in the implementation of energy efficiency measures.

 

At the same time, the project will provide support to commitments of governments to meet the obligations from the Energy Community Agreement. The governments obliged per that agreement to undertake and implement relevant energy efficiency directives and regulations of the European Union.

 

This project illustrates in a very good manner the benefits that results out of investment in energy efficiency, such as reduction of energy consumption and making savings, but also the contribution to protection of environment and creation of new jobs.

 

In order to have more projects of this kind, which is essential for sustainable development of B&H, it is extremely important that B&H, as a member of Energy Community, to realize all undertaken international obligations in the process of EU integration.

 

Energy efficiency measures implementation was finalised in the University Clinical Hospital Mostar – Psychiatric Hospital within the biggest energy efficiency project in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H Energy Efficiency Project – BEEP). During 2016 within BEEP project, investments in energy efficiency were implemented in Clinical Centre of University in Sarajevo – Clinic for Orthopaedics and Trauma and in University Clinical Centre Tuzla – Clinic for Surgery, and works on 15 public facilities (schools and hospitals) are ongoing.

 

Value of these investments is more than 10 million BAM. Implementation of energy efficiency measures in UCH Mostar – Psychiatric Hospital implied integration of thermal insulation into building facade and the roof, as well as the replacement of external opening on the facade span. Aside to the improvement of abode conditions, implementation of energy efficiency measures will also contribute to the savings related to the needed energy and satisfactory level of comfort, and it will be, on annual level, 781 MWh or 109.746 BAM (42%), and reduction of CO2 emission for cca 158 (t/year).

 

The works were carried out in line with world standards in energy efficiency. More than 800.000 BAM were invested in this project. ”Energy efficiency will improve the abode conditions for the patients, as well as the quality of services and work of this hospital´s staff. Implemented measures will reduce the need of the facility for energy, which will finally result in smaller maintenance expenses and bigger financial savings. “- stated Mustafa Čopelj, World Bank Project Leader for Federation B&H.

 

BEEP is the biggest energy efficiency project in B&H and it is implemented with the assistance of the World Bank credit, and total of 32 million USD will be invested in this project in the next three years. Given its scope, the estimate is that cca 80.000 users of facilities in public sector will have multiple benefits from increase of energy efficiency.

 

Furthermore, this project will provide support to commitments of governments to meet the obligations from the Energy Community Agreement, per which they obliged to undertake and implement relevant energy efficiency directives and regulations of the European Union.

 

Activities implemented within the BEEP project aim to contribute the reduction of CO2 emission, increase of comfort level in facilities, new jobs in construction sector and raise public awareness on energy efficiency.