On November 29, 2024, the final conference of the project “Contribution to energy security (Security of Supply) through green energy transition – SoS“ was successfully held in Sarajevo. This initiative, aimed at strengthening the capacities of key stakeholders, improving energy efficiency in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and raising public awareness, reshaped perceptions of energy transition, highlighting it as the foundation for a stable energy supply in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The project achieved significant results through three main sets of activities:

  • Strengthening the capacities of key stakeholders to enhance energy security: During workshops held in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Brčko, representatives from civil society, industry, academia, and government exchanged knowledge and created initiatives aimed at improving energy security. The conclusions and recommendations from these activities were delivered to decision-makers, ensuring their visibility and potential incorporation into public policies.
  • Supporting SMEs in enhancing energy and resource efficiency: Through conducted Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) audits in five manufacturing companies, specific measures were proposed, including energy consumption monitoring, transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving heating and cooling processes, and reusing heat. These measures will help companies reduce energy consumption, optimize costs, and become more competitive in the market while reducing their environmental impact.
  • Raising public awareness about the importance of energy security: A promotional campaign on social media provided citizens with tips on energy saving and resource management. It culminated in an “Electricity Savings Challenge”, which rewarded the most successful participants and motivated the broader public to actively engage in the energy transition. The campaign also included educational content, such as a case study publication on conducted RECP audits.

In addition to presenting project results, the conference also introduced related programs focused on energy issues, including Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (NECP). This critical document aligns domestic energy policies with European standards and sustainable development goals, serving as a guide for future steps in the country’s energy transition.

The conference concluded with a panel discussion featuring leading experts in energy, economics, and environmental fields. Topics included measures to reduce energy poverty, resource efficiency in industries, challenges in implementing green practices, and financial solutions for green projects in households and SMEs. The discussion also addressed the impact of new regulatory requirements, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), on domestic companies.

“Energy poverty is recognized as a serious issue, especially in the context of energy transition, where energy-poor households are the most vulnerable to change. It is crucial to ensure that public calls for co-financing measures do not exclude these households. At the same time, efforts must focus on finding long-term solutions that provide these households access to energy-efficient solutions, thereby not only reducing costs but also contributing to energy security,” emphasized Džemila Agić, an expert involved in advocating for the project’s results and recommendations to decision-makers.

The conference conclusions underscored the need for ongoing collaboration among all key stakeholders – state  institutions, industry, civil society, and citizens  – to achieve sustainable development and energy security in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Educating citizens about energy efficiency was highlighted as a priority, alongside continued support for SMEs through specialized funding programs for green technologies.

“The results of our project encourage and support more effective measures to promote the green energy transition. Energy security and sustainable development are not just challenges but opportunities requiring a coordinated approach from all key stakeholders. Through joint efforts and the implementation of concrete measures, we can ensure a stable, sustainable, and competitive energy future for our country. We will continue to advocate for solutions that enhance energy efficiency and strengthen our society’s resilience to energy crises,” stated representatives of the Center for Energy, Environment, and Resources (CENER 21), the organization that implemented this project.

The project “Contribution to energy security (Security of Supply) through green energy transition – SoS“ is implemented under the regional SMART Balkans  – Civil society for shared society in the Western Balkans project, executed by the Centar za promociju civilnog društva (CPCD), Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM), and Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM), with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway.

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