In the context of the rising climate challenges and increases in floods, droughts and fires, there has been an increased awareness of the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The project "Developing GHG reduction projects in the district heating sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina" is one of several projects that are now taking place and receving attention in the country.
The project aims to guide BiH officials from various levels of government and industry through the steps involved in designing projects suitable for Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) financing. At the launch of this project were the Norwegian Ambassador Jan Braathu. representatives from the delegation of EU to Bosnia and Herzegovina, BiH National Focal Point for UNFCCC, Norsk Energi and United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
Ambassador Jan Braathu pointed out in his speech that a Designated National Authority (DNA) is needed in Bosnia and Herzegovina in order for the country to benefit from the CDM mechanism. There are large environmental and economic benefits in developing greenhouse gas reduction projeects, and it is therefore important to have the structures for accessing the CDM in place. Supporting the use of CDM's, improving energy efficiency and encouraging renewable energy projects in BiH is part of Norway's international environmental policy. Read the speech here.
Most industrialised countries have taken on a commitment to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by an average 5.2% of 1990-levels by 2009-2012. This agreement is known as the Kyoto Protocol, which Bosnia and Herzegovina ratified in April 2007. The ratification makes Bosnia and Herzegovina eligible for using the CDM. CDM makes it possible for countries to invest to reduce emissions in countries with no emissions-reduction requirements, so-called "non-Annex I" countries. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a "non-Annex I" country as emission today are lower than the level of 1990. This means that developed countries can fulfill their obligation of reducing emissions in other territories than their own, as these gases are global. It provides an opportunity for BiH to attract capita that can contribute to energy-efficiency and renewable energy develoment.
The program of developing greenhouse gas reduction projects in BiH is based on a proposal from the Norwegian consultant company Norsk Energi. They have long experience in identifying potential projects, and their work consists of providing the necessary documentation and assisting governments to fulfil the requirements of legal framework of CDM projects. This project is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations (MoFTER). The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided a grant for financing the project, and it is being implemented in close collaboration with local partners CETEOR and Department for Thermal Engineering at University of Banja Luka.