The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is set to extend a loan of 20 million euros to the Government of Montenegro aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in 24 educational buildings within the country.

According to the government announcement, the funds will be managed through the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, which oversees educational policy, maintenance, and the (re)construction of public educational facilities along with capital investments.

Furthermore, an investment grant of 4 million euros will be allocated through the EU regional energy efficiency program for the Western Balkans (REEP), alongside technical assistance totaling 215 thousand euros for project preparation and implementation (funded by REEP and the EBRD Fund for special shareholders).

The government noted, “The funds will be allocated to various energy efficiency measures, including heating systems, ventilation and air conditioning improvements, performance enhancements, and solar photovoltaic energy installations in 23 school and kindergarten buildings, as well as one student dormitory across Montenegro.”

This initiative aims to boost the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of the renovated structures while enhancing their structural integrity. It is projected to reduce harmful gas emissions and overall energy consumption, achieving primary energy savings of 50% compared to initial usage.

Key figures in the signing ceremony included Montenegrin Minister of Finance Novica Vuković, Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Anđela Jakšić Stojanović, EBRD’s Head for Montenegro Remon Zakaria, and EU Ambassador to Montenegro Johann Sattler.

Vuković expressed, “We are pleased that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has been our strategic partner, channeling over 870 million euros through various investments in Montenegro. This project’s conclusion further solidifies that cooperation. We anticipate that implementing the energy efficiency measures outlined will lead to substantial energy savings and lower CO2 emissions. Energy efficiency remains a cornerstone of Montenegro’s energy policy. Our aim is to enhance living and working conditions for our citizens, especially our youth, who spend considerable time in educational institutions.”

Anđela Jakšić Stojanović remarked that the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation acknowledged the need for improved energy efficiency in Montenegro, prompting the initiation of an energy enhancement project for 24 buildings with the EBRD.

“The project encompasses facilities across all three climatic regions, distributed over ten cities in Montenegro. As a preliminary step, a feasibility study was conducted assessing the current conditions of the buildings and proposed energy consumption alongside efficiency measures,” stated Jakšić Stojanović.

Remon Zakaria added that this initiative embodies their commitment to sustainable development and significant improvements in public infrastructure. The focus is on boosting energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, thereby enhancing building stability, improving indoor air quality, and fostering a healthier, more pleasant environment for students and educators.

According to Sattler, the EU’s contribution to this investment exemplifies the synergy of EU grants and loans from international financial institutions in financing pivotal projects.

“Investing in energy efficiency is a win-win strategy, benefiting the green transition, lowering costs, and creating improved conditions for facility users,” he noted.

Sue Barrett, the Director for Infrastructure for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at EBRD, stated that this investment would lead to long-term sustainable benefits for Montenegro, transforming school buildings into better learning environments for the community.