EBRD launches energy efficiency framework for homes in Kosovo

€8.5 million credit lines and policy dialogue to boost green economy in Kosovo

The EBRD has formally launched a new programme in Kosovo, a Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF), to provide loans to households for energy efficiency improvements. Credit lines of €8.5 million have already been signed by three local partner financial institutions, TEB Banka në Kosovë and microfinancial institutions including Kreditimi Rural i Kosoves (KrK) and Agjencioni për Financim në Kosovë (AFK), as part of a larger €85 million GEFF programme operating in the Western Balkans.

A launch event in Pristina today brought together GEFF stakeholders, including donors, local state officials, local partner financial institutions, suppliers and producers of green technologies for the residential sector.

The GEFF in Kosovo is implemented under the Regional Energy Efficiency Programme for the Western Balkans (REEP), funded by the EU and implemented in partnership with the Energy Community Secretariat. In total, the REEP programme will benefit from €135 million for investments in the residential sector, supported by €30 million in EU funding, €1.8 million from the European Western Balkans Joint Fund, as well as €3.3 million provided by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance.

The EBRD’s energy efficiency model has been operating in Kosovo since 2011 under the Kosovo Sustainable Energy Project (KOSEP).  KoSEP, which has also benefited from EU funding, has aimed to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy investments in small and medium-sized enterprises and household sectors.

Under the REEP, the EBRD has supported Kosovo to strengthen laws, policies and standards that create a demand-driven market for energy efficiency in buildings. Looking ahead, the Bank will be stepping up efforts to increase energy efficiency investment in the business and residential sectors alike.

Through the GEFF programme, families in Kosovo will be able to take out loans from local partner financial institutions for green technology solutions, such as new double-glazed windows, high-efficiency boilers, or  insulation for their homes. These investments will help households to not only become more energy efficient but also decrease their greenhouse gas emissions and improve their living standards. Families investing in such energy efficient technologies will be eligible to apply for an EU grant for up to 20 per cent of their investment. Companies producing and installing these energy efficient solutions, such as windows or boilers, can also access financing under the GEFF programme. In addition, technical assistance, including energy audits for the renovation of multi-apartment buildings, will be available under the facility.

For more information, please visit https://ebrdgeff.com/kosovo/