SECW 2024
Daily Bulletin: Friday, September 27, 2024.
The final day of the 2nd Sarajevo Energy and Climate Week took place at the event host, the co-organizer of SECW, the Chamber of Commerce of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
PANEL XVIII: ENERGY EFFICIENCY FIRST
Held on the last day of SECW, this panel focused on a key aspect of sustainable development – energy efficiency, and effectively summarized the topics discussed over the past five days. The moderator and speaker, Albin Toljević from UNDP, presented the main challenges and opportunities related to improving energy efficiency in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the broader region. He emphasized that energy efficiency must be the foundation of all energy policies as it reduces consumption, lowers emissions, and contributes to economic savings.
Panelists then provided a broader overview of current policies and activities related to energy efficiency. Sanja Kapetina from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH presented the current state projects and regulations, while Aida Jelinić from the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Industry and Boris Lubarda from the Ministry of Energy and Mining of RS discussed regional challenges and initiatives in the entities of the Federation of BiH and the Republic of Srpska.
Jasmina Katica from the Federal Ministry of Spatial Planning talked about the importance of energy efficiency in construction and spatial planning, while Elvis Hadžikadić, an energy efficiency expert, provided technical details and recommendations for further steps in increasing energy efficiency.
Armin Hodžić from the Chamber of Commerce of FBiH presented the private sector’s perspectives, while Samra Prašović from the Environmental Protection Fund of FBiH outlined the financial mechanisms and support available for energy efficiency-related projects.
The panelists agreed that energy efficiency is not just an option, but a necessity for future sustainable development, with an emphasis on the required collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The conclusions of the panel were prepared by the moderator, Albin Toljević:
Within the panel “Energy Efficiency First,” key issues and challenges in implementing energy efficiency measures in Bosnia and Herzegovina were discussed. The participants highlighted the importance of a strategic approach, regulation, and financing to achieve sustainable development goals. Below are the panel’s conclusions:
Adoption of a Strategic Framework: It is crucial to urgently adopt a comprehensive strategic framework for energy efficiency. This framework includes the adoption and implementation of the Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) at the state level, as well as Entity-level Climate and Energy Plans (ECP). This framework should also include a strategy for building renovation at all government levels, with a requirement for local authorities to develop and adopt SECAPs (local energy and climate action plans).
Regulatory Alignment: The need for harmonizing the legal and regulatory framework is key, as this will enable more efficient implementation of energy efficiency measures. This includes amendments to energy efficiency laws and ensuring the necessary administrative support for publishing relevant regulations.
Financial Mechanisms: It is essential to develop systemic and sustainable financing mechanisms for energy efficiency projects, including bond schemes and ESCO models. Introducing revolving funds and grants can significantly contribute to increasing investments in this sector. For example, according to estimates, approximately 1 billion BAM annually is needed for building renovation, which poses a significant challenge.
Energy Poverty: The importance of addressing energy poverty was recognized, requiring special attention in strategic planning. It is necessary to define and identify socially vulnerable households, which includes the creation of social maps.
Focus on Basic Measures: Priority should be given to implementing basic energy efficiency measures before transitioning to more sophisticated technologies. It is important to follow the “Energy Efficiency First” principle when developing all strategies and plans.
Focus on the Building Sector: The building sector was recognized as a priority for achieving energy efficiency goals. Additionally, work should be done to raise awareness of the importance of energy certificates and their application when trading real estate.
Challenges in Collective Housing: The complexity of decision-making in collective housing buildings remains a significant challenge for building renovation. Therefore, efforts should be made to simplify this process. A positive example from Serbia was cited, where a decision binding for the entire building requires the consent of 2/3 of the tenants.
Education and Information: Increasing public education and awareness about energy efficiency measures is crucial for successful implementation. Organizing educational seminars and connecting the industry with energy efficiency experts can improve understanding and speed up the implementation of necessary measures.
Positive Examples: Successful models, such as EU grants, should be used as a basis to support energy efficiency projects.
Panel participants emphasized the urgency of a systemic approach and collaboration among all levels of government, the involvement of relevant private sector stakeholders, and the importance of engaging the broader public in the energy transition process.