SMART SoluTions in Energy transition of Productive businesses – Smart Step

Project description

The project is an efficient response to key obstacles for the urgently needed decarbonisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the project area, which have so far been neglected in the energy efficiency policies of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the Republic of Croatia (RO). SMEs have great potential for increasing energy efficiency in their business processes, but due to various obstacles, this potential has not yet been used.

The project will contribute to a smart, competitive, energy-efficient and carbon-neutral economy of the project area, which includes Tuzla Canton (TC) in BiH and Brod-Posavina County (BPC) in the Republic of Croatia. Through cross-border cooperation, key prerequisites for the decarbonisation of SMEs will be established, including a unique classification of energy efficiency for all analysed sectors of SMEs, determination of current energy consumption and potential for savings, as well as development of action plans and financial support mechanisms. Functional Energy Transition Centres will be established in Tuzla and Slavonski Brod, which will support the decarbonisation efforts of SMEs and enable them to apply advanced energy efficiency technologies.

The main beneficiaries of the project results will be SMEs, their organizations, universities, research institutions, local and regional authorities, and the general public.

Project objectives

1. To increase the institutional power and capacities in the area of Tuzla Canton and Brod-Posavina County to encourage the energy transition of the local economy. The prepared strategic framework will enable greater importance of green investments in the decarbonisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This goal will be achieved by a joint cross-border action that will create a strategic, planning and implementation framework for TC and BPC. The strategic framework will consist of recommendations, an action plan and financial mechanisms for the energy transition of small and medium-sized enterprises in the area of TC and BPC.
2. Conduct cross-border scientific research in order to accurately determine the current energy consumption of SMEs in the project area, as well as the key parameters of their energy efficiency. This will be used as the basis for the establishment of the classification of energy efficiency (energy classes A-G) which will apply to all analysed sectors in BiH and the Republic of Croatia. The classification will be based on detailed energy profiles of SMEs, along with the creation of a comprehensive database on energy consumption, which will enable better planning and implementation of measures to increase energy efficiency.
3. Establish functional research centres based on knowledge about the energy transition of enterprises in BPC and TC. The Energy Transition Centres at the University of Tuzla and the University of Slavonski Brod will make an innovative research environment for students and university staff, and encourage cooperation with local companies for the application of advanced energy efficiency technologies and renewable energy sources. 

Project results

A unique classification of energy efficiency (energy classes A-G) applicable to all analysed sectors in BiH and the Republic of Croatia. This classification is used to calculate the energy consumption of SMEs, determine the potential for increasing energy efficiency and set goals for reducing energy consumption. It also serves as a basis for recommendations on the implementation of measures to improve energy efficiency. The classification and databases will be accepted by the authorities and key actors in TC and BPC as key tools for the development of action plans to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and as a mandatory tool for future planning of SME decarbonisation. The project results (classification, databases, etc.) will be taken over by the two universities for application and extension in their future scientific researches.

Tenders

Opportunity for students of technical faculties – Research and competition within the SMART STEP project!

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Reference to relevant funds

The project is co-financed with ERDF and IPA III funds of the European Union.

Disclaimer

This project corner was produced with the help of the European Union. The content of this project corner is the sole responsibility of the University of Slavonski Brod and in no way can be considered to reflect the views of the European Union.

Reference to the INTERREG PROGRAM page

https://interrget-hr-ba-me.eu/

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