The challenges in financing projects for energy efficiency and renovation of buildings will be discussed at a forum in Sofia
Within the framework of the series of round tables for sustainable energy financing, the Ministry of Energy and the Center for Energy Efficiency EnEffect, with the support of the Coalition "Renovate Bulgaria" (Renovate Bulgaria), organize the conference "Energy efficiency of the building stock: basis of the sustainable energy transition". The event will be held on January 30, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at the Intercontinental Hotel, Sofia, and will be attended by the Ministers of Energy, Environment and Water Rumen Radev and Julian Popov.
After the adoption of key amendments to the Law on Energy and the Law on Energy from Renewable Sources and the publication of the Draft Strategy for Sustainable Energy Development, activity on updating the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (INPEC) has been intensified in Bulgaria in recent months, which is expected to set the specific targets for reducing energy consumption and limiting carbon emissions. An amendment to the Law on Energy Efficiency is currently being prepared, which will determine the structure, management and functioning of the National Decarbonization Fund - the main financial instrument in INPEC, which is expected to provide the necessary resources for the implementation of policies.
In view of the key role of building renovation in achieving national goals, the upcoming XII Sustainable Energy Project Financing Round Table will put on the agenda the topic of reforms in the sector that would make it possible to implement projects on a market basis in the expected depletion of funds on available investment programs and reducing the intensity of public support. Issues of creating institutional capacity for integrated management of energy policies will also be addressed, which will allow the effective targeting of public resources in the areas with the greatest investment needs and avoiding duplication of functions between existing and future financial instruments.
Following on from the discussions in the previous events, two of the key policy implementation tools will also be examined in detail: the concept of smart buildings and related certification tools, which are gaining importance for the banking sector, and the professional management of building funds, which preserves and increases their economic value.
Traditionally, the event will be organized in the framework of a plenary session and thematic seminars, which will be followed by a summarizing panel discussion with representatives of public institutions, business associations, local authorities and energy experts. It is planned to end with the adoption of a common declaration, which will provide a basis for broad public discussions and attract strong public and media interest in view of the topicality of the topics raised and the need for clear institutional positions.
The preliminary program can be found here, and registration for the event is available at this address, with places limited to the capacity of the hall.