Novi Sad Solar Thermal Plant Feasibility Study and E&S
Project description
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is considering providing financing to the Public Utility Company ‘Novosadska toplana’ for the development, construction and integration of a solar-thermal and heat pump system within the existing district heating (DH) network (the “Project”).
The main Project components include a solar thermal collector field, a heat pump and seasonal pit thermal energy storage. Currently, the heat energy production system relies entirely (100%) on the use of natural gas as the primary energy source. The overall objective of the Project is to enable a sustainable transition toward a fourth-generation district energy system.
The EBRD engaged the consortium to conduct a Technical, Economic, Financial, Environmental and Social (E&S) Assessment of the Project. The Consultants’ responsibility is to assess the feasibility of implementing a solar DH system in the City of Novi Sad, outline a potential priority investment program, and evaluate the associated impacts and benefits.
As part of the Assignment, the Consultant conducted an E&S assessment of the Project to identify and address potential E&S issues throughout the Project’s lifecycle, ensuring the adoption of sustainable practices and compliance with regulatory guidelines, national requirements and the EBRD’s E&S Performance Requirements.
The Assignment also supported the identification of Green Economy Transition (GET) indicators for the Project, encompassing the Project’s alignment with the Bank’s GET objectives and compliance with the objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Type of services provided
The Consultant was fully responsible for the preparation of the following documents:
- Summary of Key Findings (SKF);
- Inception Report;
- E&S Audit and Assessment Report (ESAR) including an E&S Management Plan (ESMP) and PR Compliance Table;
- E&S Action Plan (ESAP);
- Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP);
- Non-technical Summary (NTS);
- Green Economy Transition (GET) Report;
- Financial Analysis Report;
- Financial Model;
- Procurement and Implementation Strategy.