A project for energy efficiency in public buildings in Kosovo was scaled up this month through a loan of up to €50 million provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The project is part of the Regional Energy Efficiency Programme (REEP) supported and financed by the EU across the Western Balkans.

The project will involve implementing energy efficiency and renovation measures in up to 400 public buildings, including education and healthcare facilities. This will lead to average energy savings of 30-50%, while substantially reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Measures include installing thermal insulation, upgrading or replacing various systems (heating, lighting and electrical), replacing doors and windows, and applying any other necessary structural and comfort measures.

The project is worth a total of €76 million: co-financed with €12.6 million from the government of Kosovo, a €7 million grant from the European Union through the Regional Energy Efficiency Programme for the Western Balkans, and €3 million from the Danish Fund for Kosovo. The rest will be provided through technical cooperation funds.

Sergiy Maslichenko, EBRD Head of Kosovo, said: “Improving the energy efficiency of buildings stands as a vital regional priority in the Western Balkans and across the European Union, reflecting our collective commitment to sustainability. This project represents a significant stride towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing the quality of life for citizens in Kosovo.”

Artane Rizvanolli, Minister of Economy, said: “I am delighted that this project will not only help us to improve the energy efficiency and quality of 400 buildings, but also help us to update and improve our database on the condition of the entire public building stock in Kosovo.”

Renovating public and private buildings is vital if Kosovo is to improve efficiency and meet its climate goals asthe building sector is the largest energy consumer in Europe, accounting for more than one-third of the EU’s emissions.

—

Launched in 2013, the Regional Energy Efficiency Programme (REEP) for the Western Balkans was designed to assist the Western Balkans countries in decarbonising their economies by promoting investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency measures across residential, public and private sectors.

Managed through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), the programme combines a comprehensive package of financing from the EBRD and KfW, EU incentives and additional donor funds for technical assistance and policy dialogue.

More than €1 billion worth of investments so far have seen more than 90 public buildings refurbished, 1,500 SMEs supported and more than 20,000 households invested in energy efficiency. This has resulted in 732 GWh per year energy savings, avoiding 522 kt of CO2.