The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is recognising outstanding companies and individuals promoting sustainable and efficient use of energy under the EBRD sustainable energy financing framework in Kosovo, a country which is striving to reduce its energy intensity.
The 2014 Sustainable Energy Excellence Awards ceremony hosted by the EBRD and the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo took place on 8 October at the Emerald Hotel in Pristina.
Six exemplary sustainable energy, energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in residential and business sectors were recognised at the event, which was attended by representatives of the government of Kosovo, local authorities, international institutions, the diplomatic community, as well as EBRD partner banks and local companies. Special awards for outstanding commitment in sustainable energy financing were awarded to three financial partner institutions: TEB, Agjencioni për Financim në Kosovë and Kreditimi Rural i Kosoves LLC.
The projects, financed under the EBRD’s €12 million Kosovo Sustainable Energy Projects (KoSEP) facility, contribute to energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements in Kosovo’s residential and business sectors. The awarded projects have demonstrated innovative and replicable energy-saving examples, ranging from investments in new welding robots to solar water-heating systems, energy-efficient tractors, thermal windows and wall insulation. Furthermore, such investments help to introduce innovation and improve competitiveness in the private sector.
“We are proud to support Kosovo’s efforts to improve its energy efficiency through strong partnership with the EBRD, donor governments and the EU. Investments to improve energy efficiency are one of the key areas for the EBRD in Kosovo and we are pleased to be working together with our partners in the EU and the government of Norway. We firmly believe that sustainable energy consumption is a step towards sustainable growth,” said Ian Smith, EBRD Senior Manager, Energy Efficiency.
“We are pleased to see that KoSEP is not only contributing to energy efficiency improvements, but also bolstering Kosovo’s financial sector by introducing diversification of innovative products. We have strong partners in Kosovo’s financial sector and, together, we are pleased to increase awareness of sustainable energy investments,” said Tony Myron, EBRD Senior Banker, Financial Institutions for Western Balkans, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine.
So far over 1,000 projects in Kosovo have received support worth more than €5 million through KoSEP. The facility also benefits from incentive grants and technical assistance packages provided by the EU and the government of Norway.
The winners of the KoSEP Sustainable Energy Excellence Awards 2014 are:
Best Energy Efficiency Project in Small Enterprises
Apetit sh.p.k., for investing in new and efficient meat processing machines and cooling chambers. By doing so, the company achieved the highest energy savings and reductions in CO2 in the business sector.
Best Industrial Energy Efficiency Project
NewCo Jugoterm International LLC, for modernising their production equipment and investing in new welding robots. Not only did they save energy, but they also reduced CO2 emissions.
Best Agricultural Energy Efficiency Project
Iliri D. shpk, awarded for replacing an old diesel tractor with a new, more efficient model, which is now saving large amounts of diesel and reducing CO2 emissions.
Most Comprehensive Sustainable Energy Project in the Residential Sector
Mrs Gjylba Dembogaj awarded for investing in energy-efficient windows, thermal insulation for external walls and a new and efficient biomass boiler, generating the highest energy savings and CO2 reductions of all the nominees.
Best Renewable Energy Project in the Residential Sector
Mr Selim Cacaj, awarded for investing in space and water heating from renewable energies with his purchase of a biomass boiler and a solar water-heating system. By implementing such measures, Mr Cacaj is now less dependent on the national power system.
Best Energy Efficiency Project in the Residential Sector
Mr Fadil Hoxha, for decreasing his energy consumption by close to 50 per cent through his investment in new windows, insulation and a biomass heating system, resulting in the highest energy bill cuts.
Special Awards for Outstanding Commitment in Sustainable Energy Financing
These were awarded to all three participating financial partner institutions and loan officers who have achieved impressive results for KoSEP.
