EPBiH obtains loans for solar park on former coal mining site
Summary
Bosnia and Herzegovinas state-owned power utility is in a similar position as other such companies in Balkans and beyond.Trampled by market forces and environmental requirements, coal plants are lowering production, and even shutting down, at rates that seemed unbelievable just a few years back. The loans will need to be repaid in ten years, but with a two-year deferment.The site for the photovoltaic park is a rehabilitated tailings dump in Bugojno in the central part of BiH. The EBRDs representatives noted it is the banks first renewables investment in the country, according to EPBiHs announcement.BiHs utility eager to help increase number of prosumersGeneral Manager Sanel Buljubai said the company is working with the authorities on the possibilities to help consumers generate electricity for a part of their needs and become prosumers. This way we are achieving a greater dispersion of electricity production into the center of consumption, he stated.The Graanica 1 and 2 endeavor is part of broader cooperation with the EBRD on the utilitys energy transition.As part of the project, the EBRD is supporting a 2050 technical cooperation initiative, in which several 2050 decarbonisation scenarios for EPBiH will be comprehensively assessed, along with their impact on EPBiHs operations, financial capital requirements, planning, project implementation structures and communication with stakeholders. A second technical cooperation initiative will support EPBiH in working with the authorities to introduce new educational standards in the renewable energy field, focused on a just transition in the context of workforce management challenges associated with decarbonisation, the bank added.The Austrian government and the EBRD are providing funds for technical support.EPBiH lost EUR 13.6 million in the first half of the year or 9.1% more than in the same period of 2023.