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In March 2011, the Secretariat launched a call for tenders on “Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings in the Contracting Parties of the Energy Community”. Due in Spring 2012, the study aims to develop - an accurate method to make an inventory of their buildings stocks, - a methodology for national data base for climate parameters, and, - a methodology to calculate the energy performance of buildings. The Western Balkans Investment Framework took stock of the existing energy efficiency funds in the region. Its review was published in June 2011. In addition, both the World Bank (2010) and the USAID (2008) have financed studies that examine the prevailing energy efficiency policies in the Energy Community. Below, please, find the summaries. WESTERN BALKANS INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK WORLD BANK STUDY USAID STUDY
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Review of Financial Support Facilities Available for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in the Western Balkans The overall objective of this report is to provide information and analyses on the various financial support mechanisms funded by the European Commission (EC), International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and bilateral donors, to promote energy efficiency in the Western Balkans. It is designed primarily for members of the Task Force on Energy Efficiency of the Energy Community Treaty but it should also contribute to future programming of such assistance in the region by the EC and IFIs.
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Results: The review identified 25 funds. There are 11 regional funds, of which 8 are loan funds (most with their own or associated technical assistance), and 3 that offer technical assistance (sometimes with small grants). The total funding available through regional facilities is 592.85 M€, 98% of which is loan funding (including associated technical assistance and grants). Most funds cover the entire region but do not necessarily operate in every country. |
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The Word Bank stocktaking Report on Energy Efficiency
Released in Jun 2010, the study assesses the energy efficiency policy in the region. The project team worked, among others, in close co-ordination with the Energy Efficiency Task Force of the Energy Community. According to the study, “if remedial policy measures were introduced, additional average energy savings of 10-15 percent of current projections could be realized.” A high energy savings potential apart , there are other factors that undermine the overall energy saving potential:
1. Lack of reliable energy data. The most striking finding is that reliable energy consumption data are close to nonexistent in most countries throughout the region. As a result, it is virtually impossible to calculate estimates for EE potential by country or sector, or to draft high-quality National Energy Efficiency Action Plans with monitorable and realistic interim targets. 2. Increased energy use in all countries and sectors. If no measures are taken to improve EE, energy consumption will increase dramatically in the decades ahead. Base-line projections for the SEE region show annual growth of more than 3.0 percent in energy consumption through 2027. 3. Multiple barriers to energy efficiency. Relatively low energy prices, cross-subsidies, lack of individual meters or heat cost allocators for heat consumption, and high levels of non-payment, are major barriers to EE in most countries.
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4. Energy price adjustments are needed. Energy prices in the Western Balkans are in almost all cases too low and residential consumers are being cross-subsidized by large industrial/commercial consumers; relatively high commercial losses (theft and non-payment of bills) further complicate the picture. 5. Capacity building is needed. In all countries the institutional framework for EE requires substantial improvement. According to the study, the strength of demonstrated interest in energy efficiency and existing investment levels are the highest in Serbia, Albania and Montenegro, and the lowest in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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USAID Energy Community Stocktaking on Energy Efficiency
In 2007, USAID contracted Alliance to Save Energy to conduct a study that describes the energy efficiency policies enforced in the Energy Community region. Released in May 2008, the study aims at identifying the gaps in the national energy efficiency framework, where technical assistance and legal, regulatory, institutional capacity strengthening is necessary. Findings: Legal and Regulatory Framework
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova and Georgia will need most efforts and resources to develop adequate legal and regulatory framework for the promotion of energy efficiency. These countries need to introduce or upgrade technical standards and norms for minimum efficiency, building codes, certification and labeling procedures. In addition to the above legal and institutional solutions, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovinaand Croatia need energy efficiency funds, performance contracting as well as legal authority for municipalities and housing associations to borrow, to encourage energy efficiency investments the national policy framework.
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Findings: Policies and Programs
There is lack of incentive programs in virtually all countries surveyed. Moreover, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Turkey, Georgia, Moldova and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia lack programs raising public awareness about the benefits and methods of energy efficiency.
Findings: Institutional Framework
The capacity strengthening need is especially strong in the energy efficiency institutions of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.
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