The Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund of the Republic of Srpska achieved significant progress last year by supporting citizens and businesses in implementing energy efficiency projects.
More than 1,200 citizens of the Republic of Srpska were granted the opportunity to receive financial aid for energy-efficient upgrades to their homes, including replacing heating systems with energy-efficient alternatives, according to Srđan Todorović, the Fund's director.
“There is immense interest among citizens to invest in energy efficiency measures and contribute their own funds, especially considering that the Fund supports up to 50% of project costs, capped at 5,000 convertible marks,” said Todorović. He added that during the first public call in January, the number of applicants doubled the available funding capacity, a trend that continued with the August call. “There is a strong demand for projects aimed at improving energy efficiency in individual residential buildings. With donor support, particularly from the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Fund plans to continue this effort in 2025.”
According to Todorović, more than 20 million convertible marks were invested in 2024 into energy efficiency projects for private individuals and small, medium, and micro-enterprises, taking into account the co-financing provided by beneficiaries. He emphasized that these investments significantly improve the overall energy efficiency of the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina, aligning with international directives.
“The EU's requirements are demanding, and we are committed to meeting all parameters. On the other hand, the EU provides substantial financial support, making it easier and less costly to implement these measures. This aid is crucial for helping citizens transition to cleaner energy while achieving better energy efficiency and offering them more affordable energy solutions,” Todorović explained.
The Fund's efforts extended beyond individual citizens, with a second public call targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Republic of Srpska.
“Through this call, approximately 2.3 million convertible marks were allocated. Over 50 SMEs received funding of up to 50,000 convertible marks to invest in energy-efficient systems, heating upgrades, or the installation of solar panels for on-site energy production,” said Todorović. He confirmed that the project would continue into 2025, reinforcing the Fund's commitment to energy efficiency initiatives.