BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept.9
By Tamilla Mammadova – Trend:
The Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO) currently finances a project related to the modernization of public buildings across Georgia with a focus on energy-efficiency modernizations, NEFCO told Trend.
"The purpose of the project is to contribute to the implementation of Georgia’s NDCs (National Determined Contributions) submitted to the UNFCCC, developed with EU and German support, and to help Georgia to comply with some of its commitments within the Energy Community Acquis under the EU Association Agreement, including implementation of energy reforms," the NEFCO said.
According to the source, the project will demonstrate the applicability of new building codes being developed in the country, in buildings with various types of function and usage, and how these new codes work in different climate zones.
"Georgia has relatively low energy consumption, a high degree of electrical heating, and a green energy mix in the national grid due to a large number of hydropower stations. The CO2 impact is therefore relatively low; however, overall cost and energy savings are expected," the NEFCO noted.
According to NEFCO, this project comprises 26 public buildings with an area of 70,000 m2 and energy consumption of more than 140 kWh/m2.
"None of the buildings are connected to a district heating network, as no such systems exist in Georgia. Energy efficiency measures include improvements to roofs, walls, and pipes, installation of new ventilation systems, installation and replacement of boilers, installation of heat pipes, installation of thermostatic valves and other automation control systems, installation of LED lamps and exterior lighting systems as well as installation of solar PV energy systems. Renewable energy will be introduced wherever possible. The project has a large up-scaling potential," NEFCO added.
According to the NEFCO, the total investment for the project is 5.14 million euros. In addition to NEFCO’s 2.83 million euros loan, the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P) will support the project with 1.87 million euros in grant funding.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark will finance project consultancy with 0.44 million euros in grant funding through a bilateral program with Georgia. NEFCO’s contractual partner is the Ministry of Finance of Georgia, and beneficiaries are the owners of the buildings, that is, the Ministries of Education and Justice, as well as the Municipalities of Akhaltsikhe, Rustavi, and Zugdidi. The Municipal Development Fund of Georgia acts as project implementation unit (PIU)," the NEFCO said.
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