Achieve Energy Efficient Living with the EBRD GEFF Programme
The winter months and the cold weather they bring result in increased demands for electricity use. In order to meet this demand Kosovo’s capacities for energy production are exceeded which results in the inevitable need to import energy from abroad. In recent months, Kosovo has experienced an energy crisis which has been the consequence of a crisis that has affected most of the world. Following this trend, it is expected that households will need to pay higher energy bills. There is a solution though, that is, the population can “take energy into their own hands”, and respond to recently increased energy prices by investing in energy efficient technologies.
Energy efficient households – a smart and quick response to rising energy prices
Energy efficiency basically means to use less energy to get the same job done or to perform the same function. It is necessary to distinguish ‘energy efficiency’ from ‘energy saving’, as energy saving always implies a form of abstention i.e., a reduction of work volumes, while efficient use of energy in households means maintaining the same level of quality of life. The implementation of energy efficiency measures, such as thermal insulation, the installation of heat pumps, solar panels, pellet stoves, efficient windows and doors, leads to reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, thus fulfilling the steps along the path set in the EU Green Plan. Also, and most importantly, it allows for significant cash savings on an annual basis. For example, by installing a heat pump in combination with good thermal insulation of exterior walls and energy efficient windows on a family home, the energy bill for 150 m2 single family residence will amount to EUR 80.00, including domestic hot water.
Heat pumps use 4 to 5 times less energy than conventional heating systems
It’s very likely that you have recently heard of heat pumps, as it has become a real trend to have them installed in homes, for heating and cooling purposes. There is a growing demand from homeowners who wish to replace existing heating systems, especially oil boilers, with more efficient, cost-effective and user-friendly systems that reduce energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and which are savers of both energy and money. Where home heating is concerned, one of the best choices you can make is to invest in a heat pump. These are standalone, two-component appliances that use refrigeration technology and electricity to provide heating and cooling in homes and other buildings. Low installation costs are another reason to make the choice to easily and economically replace an existing heating system. Heat pumps use 4 to 5 times less energy than any other conventional heating system. They offer extraordinarily high efficiency rates which is why they are fast becoming a favourite technology in households not only across Kosovo, but in the Western Balkan region in general.
Why choose to install a heat pump in your home?
Reduced energy consumption, more money for your family budget and increased comfort. Heat pumps offer one of the most efficient technologies available and require less energy to provide you with unconditional comfort at home. In this way, you will spend less on electricity and save money.
Radiator-based Heating. Head pumps are also suitable for radiator-based heating (up to 60°C to hot water). With the development of this technology, hot water is now available even when outdoor temperatures are very low (-20°C). You will no longer need to have an additional boiler for to achieve domestic heat water that will be available to you, round the clock.
Operation at low temperatures (as low as -25°C). Unlike with other technologies (A/C), heat pumps are fully operational even when outdoor temperature drop. At very low temperatures, when the outdoor thermometer drops into the negatives, the pipes connected to the outdoor unit are designed to withstand freezing temperatures. In order to optimise the work and improve the quality of heating, the cooled water heats it so much that regardless of the fact that there are very low temperatures outside, at home you will feel like it is summer.
Low maintenance costs. The system is installed in just a few hours and you have no obligation other than to adjust the temperature in your home to a setting that’s just right for you and your household.
Where can I find the financial support I need to have a heat pump or other green technologies installed in my home?
The EBRD-GEFF Programme in the Western Balkans secures funds for household investments in energy efficient technologies. This includes the installation of heat pumps, efficient windows and doors, thermal insulation, solar PVs, etc. The Programme supports household investments in green technologies by providing an incentive of up to 20% from the European Union. Thus far, the GEFF Programme has been responsible for improving the energy efficiency of approx. 13,000 households in the Western Balkans, over 1,200 families of which are located in Kosovo.
The GEFF Programme offers an online catalogue of energy efficient products called the Technology Selector is available where potential lenders can review energy efficient products of interest. All of the products available here have been examined and approved by independent engineers engaged directly by the EBRD.
In Kosovo, GEFF financing is possible through the following partner financial institutions: Raiffeisen Bank, ProCredit Bank, Kreditimi Rural i Kosovës (KRK), Agjencioni për Financim në Kosovë (AFK), KEP Trust
GEFF is implemented throughout the Western Balkans through the WB Regional Energy Efficiency Programme (REEP Plus), funded by the European Union, and implemented in cooperation with the Energy Community Secretariat. The Technical Cooperation Programme available through this credit line is supported by the Federal Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Austria and the Western Balkans Investment Framework.
For more information, visit the GEFF in Kosovo Facebook page or the EBRD website and begin turning your home into an energy efficient space.