Storms, droughts, floods and other extreme weather events are consequences of climate change. They cause billions of dollars' worth damage and losses to the population, especially affecting the vulnerable groups. The solution to climate stabilization is full decarbonization of energy systems and economy. This process should result in the best outcomes for meeting the needs of all people. 

Project identified and supported innovative initiatives for decarbonization of the economy and industry across Serbia in sectors most affected by the shift to a low-carbon economy, while ensuring so that in green transition job losses are minimized and economic security provided for the those living in the areas of the country that rely on these sectors.

Through the Innovation Challenge Call, the project co-financed 8 projects that contribute to achieving Serbia’s NDC target in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) emissions with 600.000 USD (around 6% of total investment value) and mobilized additional investments for these projects from corporate sector of approx. 10 million USD. 

The implemented solutions reduced environmental pollution, encouraged the development of alternatives to the coal industry, and supported the retraining of workers most affected by green transition for the green jobs needed in the modern labour market. 

The project triggered more investments in Serbia’s green transformation by motivating other companies to follow its approach. The project contributed to making the economy of Serbia become not only more competitive, but also socially just and responsible.

The project was implemented from March 2022 till March 2023 in cooperation with the Ministry of Mining and Energy and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia and financial support from the Government of Japan of 1 million USD.

Project goal

Contributing to the achievement of Serbia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets of 33,3% compared to 1990 level by 2030.

Project focus

• Facilitation of wide consultation process and comprehensive dialogues with all relevant stakeholders for strategic planning and implementation of fair green transition, resulting in respective socio-economic analysis, conclusions and roadmap on just green transition

• Supporting concrete investments for green technology projects and innovative business models 

Project results

Project helped to identify and use technologies and innovative business models in sectors most affected by decarbonization, while ensuring the principles of a just transition are incorporated into it.

• Also, the project included perspectives of all stakeholders impacted by the green transition at national, local and corporate level, resulting in the policy recommendations for concrete steps on how to best support them throughout the transition process, along the impact assessment for particular communities and regions affected by the by increased climate ambition. 12,563 t/CO2 emissions reduced in the 1st year of implementation of 8 supported projects, with prospects of reaching a cumulative level of 230,147.82 t/CO2e in a 20-year horizon.

• 7,8 MW of RES installed.

• 25 new green jobs created in maintenance of the solar power plants, organic waste management, compost machine area maintenance, research of the zero CO₂  emission of the Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), software and Blockchain development.

• 38 representatives of public and private companies trained in Accelerator for decarbonisation and just transition.

• 15 representatives of business and institutional stakeholders trained for KAIZEN management methodology.

• 110 beneficiaries (workers, representatives of vulnerable groups etc.) trained for new jobs.