County will save 2-3 million kunas per year after all projects are completed
With the ever growing accent on sustainable development, environmental protection and use of renewable energy sources, Virovitica – Podravina County is continuing its investments in energy efficiency. Along with the existing power plants in Crnac and Orahovica, 5 more plants powered by renewable energy sources are currently in construction.
According to the press release from the County, construction on the unique suspended solar plant, only one of its kind in Croatia, will be completed by the end of October. This solar plant combines renewable energy sources, agriculture and education and the energy produced in the plant will be used to power the watering system for a 2,5 ha of agricultural land while all access energy will be used to power primary and secondary schools in the County. All equipment used on the agricultural land will be powered by electricity and charging stations, which will be located on the land itself, will also use solar energy.
Other, 500 kW power plant will begin operations by the end of this year in Voćin. It is a cogeneration plant for electricity and heat from forest biomass. During 2016 completion of the works and commencement of operations is planned for three new power plants – in Voći (on biomass), Virovitica (woody biomass) and a bio-heat plant in Slatina.
Along with aforementioned power plants worth 160 million kuna, same county is starting a 10 million kuna project of installing solar panels on 9 schools in the county and there is a plan to build 200 solar tobacco driers worth 7 million kuna. My the middle of next year, total power derived from renewable energy sources in Virovitica – Podravina County will reach 6 megawatts.
This county, with the help of its Regional Development Agency – VIDRA, is very active when it comes to energy projects. This is proven by the fact that this county received 1/5 of the total amount the state Environmental protection and energy efficiency fund approved for co-financing of energy reconstruction of non-residential buildings, which makes this county a record holder in Croatia. With 17 of 22 projects approved, the county will be able to refurbish fasades, roofs, carpentry and all windows on schools, medical clinics, kindergartens etc…
After all the planned projects are finished, the county will annually save 2 – 3 million kuna. Furthermore, projects will certainly improve the total quota Croatia has to fulfil in the use of renewable energy sources by 2020 and most importantly, they will greatly contribute to the development of the local economy through new jobs and employment of a large number of contractors.
