EBRD and EU invest in energy efficiency in Montenegrin schools

• EBRD provides its first energy efficiency investment for schools in Montenegro
• The loan, together with EU grants, will finance various energy efficiency measures in 24 educational buildings
• Energy savings and more comfortable working conditions for students and teachers

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a loan of up to €20 million to the government of Montenegro to improve the energy efficiency of 24 educational buildings in the country. The funds will be channelled through the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, which has overall responsibility for maintenance and (re)construction of public educational buildings and capital investments.

A grant of €4 million will also be provided through the EU's Regional Energy Efficiency Programme for the Western Balkans (REEP) along with a technical assistance grant of €215,000 for project preparation and implementation (funded via REEP and the EBRD Shareholder Special Fund).

The funds will finance various energy efficiency measures in 23 school and kindergarten buildings and one student dormitory. Works will include the installation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, measures to enhance the performance of the buildings and potentially renewable energy technology (solar photovoltaic) in 23 schools and kindergarten buildings and one students' dormitory across Montenegro.

The Project will improve energy performance and environmental sustainability of the renovated hospitals and enhance their structural integrity. It will contribute to reduction of GHG emissions and energy consumption, resulting in over 50% of primary energy savings compared to the baseline energy consumption.

The project signing was attended by Novica Vuković, Montenegrin Minister of Finance; Anđela Jakšić - Stojanović, Montenegrin Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, Remon Zakaria, the EBRD's Head of Montenegro; and Johann Sattler, EU Ambassador to Montenegro.

"We are pleased that the EBRD, as our strategic partner for many years, has invested over €870 million through various investments in Montenegro, through both the public and private sectors," said Mr Vuković. "With this signing today, we confirm the continuing success of that cooperation. We expect that the energy efficiency measures envisaged by this project will bring significant energy savings and contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Energy efficiency is one of the priorities of the energy policy of Montenegro. Our goal is to jointly, with our strategic partners, contribute to improving the living and working conditions of our citizens, especially our youngest population, for whom school is a second home."

Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Anđela Jakšić - Stojanović said during the signing ceremony: "The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation recognized in the previous period the need to improve energy efficiency in educational facilities in Montenegro, which is why, in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and development-initiated project of energy improvement of 24 facilities. The project covers the facilities of all three climatic regions, distributed in ten cities in Montenegro. For the objects in question, as an initial step in the implementation of the project, an Energy Audit and Feasibility Study were prepared by the Bank, in which an overview of the current state of the buildings was given, total energy consumption was shown, as well as proposed measures to improve energy efficiency."

Remon Zakaria commented: "We are proud to sign another energy efficiency project for public buildings in Montenegro, and the first in the education sector. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering sustainable development and enhancing public infrastructure in impactful ways. Through this investment in energy performance and environmental sustainability, we aim to significantly strengthen building integrity, improve indoor air quality and create healthier, more comfortable learning environments for students and educators."

Highlighting the importance of working together, Johann Sattler said: "Our contribution to this investment is an excellent example of how we can leverage important projects by combining EU grant funding with loans from international financial institutions. Energy efficiency is a win-win exercise, contributing to the green transition, lowering costs and creating a better environment for building users."

Sue Barrett, Director of Infrastructure for Europe, Middle East and Africa at EBRD concluded: "We are delighted to sign this highly impactful project which is the continuation of the EBRD's efforts to promote energy efficiency in public buildings in Montenegro, following the signing earlier this year of a similar project for public hospital buildings. This investment will bring sustainable improvements to Montenegro's, school buildings generating long-term benefits for the environment and creating better quality learning spaces for the community".

Since Montenegro joined the EBRD in 2006 the Bank has invested more than €880 million in 92 projects there. The Bank's priorities for the country is to support competitiveness, the green transition and further integration into regional and global markets.

The European Commission has provided over €1 billion in non-repayable grant funding to Montenegro over the same period.

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