The Ministry of Capital Investments in Montenegro launched a call in July 2023 for works to upgrade the energy performance of schools across the country. The works will cover structural improvements of the buildings, replacing heating and lighting systems, and other measures that will improve the thermal retention of the buildings and reduce energy consumption.

This is another step in the implementation of the "Improving Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings" project, to improve energy efficiency in selected administrative facilities and educational and social institutions whose costs for energy and water are covered from the budget of Montenegro.

The project is financed with a €4.8 million grant from the Regional Energy Efficiency Fund (REEP), through the WBIF; and a loan of €45 million from German development bank KfW. The Government of Montenegro also provides €10 million of its own funds.

Ervin Ibrahimović, Minister for Capital Investment, signed the contract on the execution of works at a ceremony on 26 June. The Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and the Administration for Cadastre and State Property are all collaborating with the project implementation.

By upgrading the energy performance of public buildings, the investments will help reach the commitments set by the Law on the Efficient Use of Energy, which are based on EU directives. The resulting reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will help achieve the nationally-determined contribution in the field of environmental protection. The investments will also preserve and create jobs in domestic construction and consulting companies.

Schools to benefit from this cluster of works include the "Vuk Karadžić" Elementary School in Berane, "Vladislav Ribnikar" and "Risto Ratković" Elementary Schools in Bijelo Polje, "Petar Lubarda" Gymnasium and Secondary Art School and "Lovcenski partizanski odred " Elementary School in Cetinje, as well as "Srbija" and "Yugoslavia" Elementary Schools in Bar.

Ervin Ibrahimović, Minister for Capital Investment: “The Ministry of Capital Investments and the team I lead remain committed to promoting energy efficiency and sustainability, recognising the importance of reducing environmental impact and achieving economic and environmental gains. The implementation of the project "Improving energy efficiency in public buildings" represents a key step towards achieving those goals, and the results will have a positive impact not only on the budget of Montenegro, but also on the quality of life of citizens and the sustainable development of the country.”

The Regional Energy Efficiency Programme (REEP) was established in 2013, by the EBRD jointly with the European Commission, the Energy Community Secretariat, WBIF and bilateral donors. The programme blends policy support with loans, technical assistance and incentives to support energy efficiency and renewable energy investments in the public and private sectors in the Western Balkans. The EBRD and the KfW implement the programme, which operates both directly and through intermediaries and is a key instrument for the implementation of the Economic and Investment Plan. Since its inception, the integrated package offered through REEP has reached 1,000 SMEs, over 12,700 households and 290 public buildings across 700 cities and towns. Related investments translate into 842,000 MWh/year energy saved, 540,000 tCO2/year emissions avoided and 120 MW renewable energy capacity installed. Up to end 2021, REEP mobilised €630 million in total investment, with €78.8 million in EU grant contribution. In 2022, REEP received replenishment of €102 million in additional EU grant funding through the Energy Support Package.