Kotor elementary school, Montenegro, transforms into an energy-efficient educational facility

The “Njegoš” elementary school in Kotor has been completely renovated to be energy-efficient thanks to the "Promotion of the energy efficiency in public buildings in Montenegro" project. Financed through the grants and loans from the European Union and German Development Bank (KfW), including country's contribution, the Ministry of Energy and Mining is implementing €60 million-worth of projects, with a focus on creating a conducive learning environment. Two more schools, the Elementary school "25 maj“ in Tuzi and the Secondary school of economics and hospitality in Nikšić, have also become energy efficient in this project phase. The Minister of Energy and Mining Saša Mujović and Minister of Education, science, and Innovation Andjela Jakšić Stojanović visited the Kotor school on 22 April 2024, witnessing the transformation firsthand.

Minister of Energy and Mining, Saša Mujović said: "Coming back to my hometown feels very special to me; I attended an elementary school in Škaljari which was, at that time, the most modern educational institution in Montenegro due to a French government donation after the earthquake of 1979. I had the best education, and I feel I should give it back. Being Minister of Energy and Mining today allows me to support new generations with good quality education. This is a joint programme of two Ministries. We feel that children in elementary school can easily embrace energy efficiency principles. We should teach them that it is not good to turn on the air conditioner and leave the doors open, that it is not good to leave the room without shutting down the lights, and that using home appliances in an energy-efficient manner is important. Finally, we can explain that if they behave like this, their parents will be able to save more money and buy them something nice like a new piece of clothes, a sports ball or similar. So, I am thrilled today and want to study in this new, renovated school to be happy and successful and for this town to have it as its symbol of excellence."

Minister of Education, Science and Innovations Andjela Jakšić Stojanović said on this occasion: "The value of the reconstruction of the Njegoš school in Kotor is worth €1.9m. The school now has a new roof and facade and a new heating system that is energy efficient and stable, bringing numerous benefits to the institution and educational infrastructure. We have also done some work on the interior. We are currently running a tender to supply new inventory not just for this school but for kindergartens, elementary, and secondary schools in Montenegro. If everything goes as planned, we will have a new inventory by summer, including new furniture in this and other schools. Promotion of energy efficiency in public buildings does not end here. We plan to start reconstructing seven new schools as of June. The second phase of the tender procedure is ending, and I truly hope for Montenegro to become one big construction site when it comes to educational infrastructure and that we will bring better conditions to educate our youngest in many schools around our country.”

Željko Uljarević from KfW stated: "Germany takes great pride in being the lead donor in the energy sector in Montenegro. Our financial cooperation has supported ongoing projects in the country with a total of €780m. This is a testament to our shared commitment to energy efficiency.We are excited to continue developing the promotion of energy efficiency in public buildings, with KfW remaining a steadfast partner of the Montenegro people and Government. This is a collective effort, and we are all in this together."

Montenegro's commitment to energy efficiency is not just about improving infrastructure, it's about making a significant impact on the environment and securing a sustainable future. The country has reconstructed 36 buildings within the previous two phases of the project, resulting in a total energy saving of 61% compared to the baseline. This is a testament to Montenegro's leadership position in the region regarding decarbonisation and its unwavering commitment to the Green agenda. Montenegro is the only country in the Western Balkans that has reduced CO2 by 30% since 2015. This achievement has set a new target, with savings projected to reach 35% by 2035, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future for all.

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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 a replenishment of €102 million in additional EU grant funding through the Energy Support Package.