On June 2-3, representatives of international and Bulgarian financial institutions and energy professionals discussed the latest trends in the field of sustainable energy at the conference “Sustainable Financing of Energy Efficiency and RES Projects” at the Flora Complex in Burgas.

The main topic of the program was the establishment of the National Decarbonization Fund (NDF), which is one of the most important reforms in the National Recovery and Sustainability Plan. It is expected to invest funds in all areas of sustainable energy development – ​​from building renovation and installation of RES systems to business support.

The event presented for the first time in Bulgaria the initial stages of the work on structuring the fund, namely the prepared market study and assessment of barriers, which clearly shows the need for immediate action to exploit the huge potential of green energy projects in Bulgaria. Special attention was paid to the rapid development of the regulatory framework and the launch of financing programmes to unlock market opportunities in a number of areas such as building renovation, renewable energy installations and energy cooperatives. The second phase of the work – “Development of an Investment Strategy for the National Decarbonisation Fund” – is also close to completion and is expected to be presented in the coming weeks in response to the investment opportunities identified in the market study.

The Technical Assistance project for the establishment and structuring of the National Decarbonisation Fund (NDF) is financed by the EC (DG Reform) in response to a request from the Bulgarian government, submitted through the Ministry of Finance. The main beneficiary of the technical assistance provided is the Ministry of Energy and the project is implemented by EIB Advisory Services in partnership with Price Waterhouse Coopers and Ecoris. The work on the technical assistance project (including the preparation of a NDF Structuring Plan, a Human Resources Plan and a Fund Operations Manual) will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Representatives of the National Trust Ecofund presented the opportunities for interaction with the future decarbonization fund and took part in the discussions together with representatives of the banking sector and other funds that finance energy efficiency and RES measures. They also participated in the discussions on the role of the National Decarbonization Fund for energy efficiency projects in the building stock.

The event at the Flora Exhibition Center in Burgas also included professional training for designers and construction specialists, as well as seminars for home managers and owners of residential buildings in connection with future renovation programs.

The conference participants, as well as the citizens and guests of Burgas, also visited the exhibition for construction companies, manufacturers and distributors of construction materials, components and products, which in turn organized interesting demonstrations and surprises for the younger visitors.

The event was hosted by the Energy Efficiency Center EnEffect within the framework of the BESMART project under the Horizon 2020 Program, in which NTEF is one of the partners.