PEEB COOL program for energy renovation in public buildings Technical Assistance

Energy efficiency is central to North Macedonia's energy transition, guided by the "Energy Efficiency First" principle outlined in its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP). The Energy Efficiency Action Plan, incorporating 25 policies and measures such as retrofitting public buildings, adopting passive housing standards, green procurement, and replacing inefficient street lighting with LEDs. These measures aim to achieve a s 34.5% in primary and 20.8% in final energy consumption by 2030 compared to 1990.

In addition, the Energy Efficiency Law as the European (EU) Reform Growth Agenda (RGA) of North Macedonia includes a milestone requesting the development and implementation (work implementation a pluriannual (3 years) aiming to reach a target of 9% of rehabilitated building (in square meter) until end 2028.

PEEB Cool was launched in 2023 to support the design, construction and operation of resilient, low-carbon and energy-efficient buildings through innovative financing and strategic advice. In North Macedonia, the Investment Component of PEEB Cool makes available a total budget amount of EUR 22.5 million under the form of a concessional loan delegated by the GCF, to be blended with a tranche of AFD loan.

This potential future loan is supported by a technical assistance (TA) grant made available by GCF for helping prepare, implement, supervise and evaluate the investments.

The project aims to achieve for the targeted buildings:

• 40% of energy savings and/or
• 40% of greenhouse gases emissions reduction and/or
• 40% of water savings

In addition, thermal comfort will be improved by 20% in the case buildings are not air-conditioned. The TA will support the Macedonian Government to define the public buildings to be targeted and included in the renovation program as well as define the investment framework and procurement strategy to implement the energy efficiency works (loan envisaged around 50M€). Finally, the TA might support the PIU (Project Implementation Unit) which will be recruited to support the implementation of the project.