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The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is lending up to €20 million to Montenegro’s government to boost energy efficiency in 24 educational buildings across the country. The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation will oversee the use of these funds, as it handles the maintenance, construction, and capital investments for public educational buildings. In addition, the European Union’s Regional Energy Efficiency Programme for the Western Balkans (REEP) will contribute a €4 million grant, along with a €215,000 technical assistance grant to help with project planning and execution. This support is funded by both REEP and the EBRD Shareholder Special Fund.
The financial assistance will cover energy-saving improvements in 23 schools, kindergartens, and one student dormitory. The planned upgrades include installing new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, enhancing the buildings’ overall performance, and possibly incorporating renewable energy solutions like solar panels in these buildings across Montenegro. The project aims to improve energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in renovated hospitals while strengthening their structural integrity. It will help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use, achieving over 50% savings in primary energy compared to current consumption levels.
Mr Vukovic, said in a statement, “We are pleased that the EBRD, as our strategic partner for many years, has invested over €870 million through various investments in Montenegro, through both the public and private sectors. With this signing today, we confirm the continuing success of that cooperation. We expect that the energy efficiency measures envisaged by this project will bring significant energy savings and contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Energy efficiency is one of the priorities of the energy policy of Montenegro. Our goal is to jointly, with our strategic partners, contribute to improving the living and working conditions of our citizens, especially our youngest population, for whom school is a second home.”
The project signing ceremony was attended by Montenegrin officials, including Novica Vukovic, Minister of Finance, and Andela Jakšic-Stojanovic, Minister of Education, Science and Innovation. Representatives from the EBRD and the European Union were also present, with Remon Zakaria, EBRD’s Head of Montenegro, and Johann Sattler, the EU Ambassador to Montenegro, joining the event.
Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Andela Jakšic – Stojanovic stated at the time of the signing ceremony, “The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation recognized in the previous period the need to improve energy efficiency in educational facilities in Montenegro, which is why, in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and development-initiated project of energy improvement of 24 facilities. The project covers the facilities of all three climatic regions, distributed in ten cities in Montenegro. For the objects in question, as an initial step in the implementation of the project, an Energy Audit and Feasibility Study were prepared by the Bank, in which an overview of the current state of the buildings was given, total energy consumption was shown, as well as proposed measures to improve energy efficiency.”
Remon Zakaria also commented, “We are proud to sign another energy efficiency project for public buildings in Montenegro, and the first in the education sector. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering sustainable development and enhancing public infrastructure in impactful ways. Through this investment in energy performance and environmental sustainability, we aim to significantly strengthen building integrity, improve indoor air quality and create healthier, more comfortable learning environments for students and educators.”
Sue Barrett, the EBRD’s Director of Infrastructure for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, shared her thoughts on the project: “We are excited to sign this important project, continuing the EBRD’s work to improve energy efficiency in public buildings in Montenegro. Earlier this year, we signed a similar project for public hospitals, and now this investment will bring lasting benefits to Montenegro’s school buildings, creating better, more sustainable learning environments for the community.”
Since Montenegro became a member of the EBRD in 2006, the Bank has invested over €880 million in 92 projects within the country. The Bank’s key focus areas include supporting Montenegro’s competitiveness, green transition, and deeper integration into both regional and global markets. Additionally, the European Commission has contributed over €1 billion in non-repayable grants to Montenegro during the same period. |
