Energy efficiency remains one of the key priorities of the Government, because we believe that a modern state rests on smart, responsible and sustainable infrastructure, said Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Šahmanović.
In Budva, on the sidelines of the EPCG NET event, he met with the head of the transport and energy sector at the German Development Bank (KfW), Pablo Obrador, to jointly review the progress of the project to improve energy efficiency in public buildings and discuss directions for further development of cooperation, as announced by the Ministry.
"This is a strategically important project that the Ministry of Energy and Mining is implementing with the support of the KfW Bank and the European Commission, and whose ultimate goal is the systemic modernization of public infrastructure in Montenegro - through increasing energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption and improving living and working conditions for citizens," they explained.
The total value of the project "Increasing Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings (PEEPB)" is almost 60 million euros: 45 million euros is a loan from the KfW bank, 4,78 million euros is a grant from the European Commission (REEP Plus / WBIF), up to 10 million euros is national co-financing from the state budget.
So far, 25 million euros have been spent. Work has been completed on educational institutions in Tuzi, Kotor, Nikšić, Cetinje and Bar.
"Work is underway on facilities of particular importance, including the Nursing Home in Risan (valued at 6,56 million euros excluding VAT), and work is expected to begin soon on institutions in Berane, Bijelo Polje, schools in Risan and Herceg Novi," the statement reads.
Projects for public facilities and schools in Podgorica, Plav, Gusinje and Rožaje, and Nikšić are in the development and preparation phase.
The key objectives of the project are: reconstruction and construction of public buildings in accordance with modern energy efficiency standards; construction of a student dormitory in Cetinje - the first public building in Montenegro to meet the "nearly zero energy consumption" (NZEB) standard; modernization of educational, social and administrative buildings; as well as the establishment of a central information system for monitoring energy and water consumption in the public sector.
The ministry says that with this project, the government "confirms its strategic commitment" to sustainable development and responsible resource management.
They say that increasing energy efficiency is not just a savings measure, but an investment in the long-term stability of public finances, the quality of life of citizens, and environmental protection.
Šahmanović and Obrador, as announced, discussed the possibilities for "continuing successful and reliable cooperation" between the Ministry of Energy and Mining and the KfW Bank.
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