People in Serbia are increasingly loosing access to reliable and affordable energy sources. Polluting and carbon-intensive fuels, excessive time and effort spent in meeting the basic energy needs negatively impact their well-being. 

Project addresses increasing energy poverty by (1) elaborating set of policy measures to ensure access to clean and affordable energy sources for all, including the vulnerable citizens, especially in the rural and inaccessible areas, as well as those who are economically dependent on the intensive use of fossil fuels, and (2) identification and supporting of innovative solutions for production of electrical energy from renewable sources and reduction of energy consumption.

Besides, the project supports policy improvements that enhance data collection, exchange of information and development of concrete measures at national and local level aimed at acceleration of just green transition in Serbia.

Through the Challenge Call, solutions of private and public sector companies that contribute to depollution of the environment, economy decarbonization, diversification of electricity generation mix, decreasing energy intensity of the economy and enabling affordable clean energy, especially for vulnerable consumers, will be co-financed. 

Innovative proposals should involve reskilling, upskilling of the workforce, re-employment and support to regions most affected by the shift to a low-carbon economy. The supported projects will serve as positive examples for that leading the change in other similar companies throughout Serbia. 

The Challenge call will encourage cooperation between Serbian and Japanese companies that apply the green business principles, as well as women-led businesses.

The project is implemented from May 2023 till March 2024 in cooperation with Ministry of Mining and Energy and Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia and financial support from the Government of Japan of 1 million USD.

Project goal 

Ensuring energy security for all, reducing energy poverty in Serbia and contributing to achieving of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets

Project focus

• Supporting innovative solutions that reduce import dependency, diversify energy sources, reduce energy intensity of the economy or enable access to clean and affordable energy for vulnerable population.

• Improvements of legal and policy system on just green transition and energy poverty