24. November 2010.

Energy Days - Banja Luka 2010 supported by UNDP

November 24, 2010 First conference “Energy Days - Banja Luka 2010” held on 22 - 24 November 2010 was organized by the City of Banja Luka as part of its Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP), with support of UNDP. Energy efficiency, reduction of the CO2 emissions and renewable sources of energy were in the focus of three-day event that gathered more than 300 local and international experts in the field of energy efficiency, representatives of public and business sector, financial organizations, as well as energy end-users.

“Using free-of-charge or low-cost actions each household could save up to 300 Euros annually in energy costs” said Yuri Afanasiev, UNDP Resident Representative. Besides the practical financial benefit, this would improve BiH’s energy efficiency, since it’s primary energy intensity is 2.5 times higher than in the EU countries.

Goran Vukmir, UNDP Energy and Environment Cluster Coordinator, presented UNDP achievements in the field of energy efficiency in BiH and its future activities, which will be focused on strengthening energy efficiency legislation and institutional frameworks in BiH, long-term and sustainable financing of energy efficiency in BiH, improving energy efficiency and strengthening capacities for energy management at local level and raising awareness on energy efficiency management.

This conference was an excellent opportunity for UNDP, USAID and GTZ to hold the third introductory seminar for cooperation in the area of energy efficiency (after Sarajevo and Mostar) and present their energy efficiency projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.

The Energy Days is expected to become a regular annual event that would contribute to the constant improvement of energy management and environmental protection and, in turn, to the quality of life in BiH.