Where Future Energy Meets Climate Responsibility
Sarajevo Energy &Climate Week
SECW 2026
Sarajevo Energy & Climate Week (SECW) gathers key stakeholders in the energy and climate sectors to present sustainable policies and practices. The event focuses on achieving EU goals through research and real-world needs, offering concurrent sessions and numerous networking opportunities with experts, international organizations, the business community, and the media.
SECW 2024 SUMMARY
At Sarajevo Energy & Climate Week (SECW 2024), key topics included the introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a just energy transition, and the establishment of an electricity market in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which involves the integration of renewable energy sources and the improvement of transmission networks.
How was SECW 2024?
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BiH Sutra: How to Achieve a Just Transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
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Five days, 19 panels, 10 workshops, 200 experts, and over 1000 participants
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Sarajevo Energy and Climate Week 2026 – Thematic Days
MONDAY
21st September 2026
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SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TRANSITION
Strategic approach to decarbonization, achieving a carbon-neutral economy, renewable energy sources, climate change, and establishing green economies.
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10:00 - 11:30 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Participants Registration
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10:00 - 11:30 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Panel 1.: Center of Excellence in Finance (CEF)
Organiser: Center of Excellence in Finance
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11:30 - 12:00
Media Statements
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12:00 - 12:30 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Nermin Nikšić, Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Luigi Soreca, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina Mirsad Jašarspahić, President of the Chamber of Economy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
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12:30 - 14:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
PANEL OF AMBASSADORS: „Energy Security, Geopolitics and Green Transition; The EU View”
Organiser: Embassy of the Czech Republic Moderator: Faruk Hadžić Introductory Speaker: Panellists: Ambassadors of EU Member States
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14:00 - 14:30 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Coffee Break
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14:10 - 15:15 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Panel 2. “How can the Decarbonisation under carbon tax of Western Balkan Economies be accelerated?”
Introductory Keynote Speaker: Agustin Delgado Martin, Vice Chair for Europe, World Energy Council (WEC) Introductory Keynote Speaker: Damir Novosel, Executive Director, DASH Power Partners LLC; Member of the Advisory Board of S&C Electric Company and the Industrial Advisory Boards of Argonne National Laboratory and Mississippi State University Introductory Keynote Speaker: Admir Softić, Assistant Minister, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina Panel 2. “How can the Decarbonisation under carbon tax of Western Balkan Economies be accelerated?” • Bridging the Carbon Gap: How CBAM and ETS Will Shape Western Balkan Decarbonization; • Attracting investments: Utilising international funds to provide financial and technical support to domestic companies; • Just transition: The phase-out of coal-fired power plants and the closure of coal mines require the creation of alternative employment opportunities; • Investment in green technologies in mining regions and on former mining and reclaimed mine sites; • Establishment of an electricity exchange (power market) and enhanced regional market integration and electricity trading; • Introduction of an ETS-related levy/carbon pricing mechanism aimed at reducing the burden on the export-oriented economy. Organiser: EU4Energy
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15:00 - 15:45 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Lunch Break
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15:45 - 16:30 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Panel 3. “Strengthening the Resilience of Energy Systems through Source Diversification and Climate Change Adaptation”
• Transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources (hydropower, solar energy, wind energy, etc.); • Reducing dependence on energy imports and ensuring a stable energy supply; • Diversification of the energy mix; • Decentralisation of electricity generation; • Improving energy efficiency; • Adapting infrastructure to extreme climate impacts and protecting energy infrastructure from extreme weather events. Organiser: SECW
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17:00 -
Czech Evening - Reception with Invitation Only
TUESDAY
22nd September 2026
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MARKET, FINANCING, DIGITALISATION, INNOVATION, ELECTROMOBILITY, HYDROGEN
Application of digital technologies to increase efficiency, develop smart grids, support innovative solutions, public transport and green hydrogen
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09:00 - 10:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Panel 4. “From Linear to Circular Economy: A Roadmap for Innovation, Investment and Sustainable Growth”
Organiser: UNDP Introductory Speaker: Ivana Buble Kozinc, Xortimax, Slovenija / UNDP
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10:00 - 10:55 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Panel 5. “The Rise of the New Energy Gen: Who Powers the Next Decade?”
• Grid Stability and Infrastructure Readiness; • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS); • Transmission Network Development; • System Flexibility and Coordination: The growing need for stronger coordination between transmission and distribution system operators (TSO–DSO), increasing system flexibility, and strengthening regional interconnections; • Investments and Regulation; • Security of Supply and Expert Exchange; • Accelerating the Energy Transition: Exploring concrete examples and real-world solutions to accelerate the rise of the Next Energy Gen. Organiser: KfW
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10:55 - 11:10 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Coffee Break
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11:00 - 12:45 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
SIDE EVENT
National Roundtable in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Strengthening Financial Mechanisms for the Energy Transition and Climate Investments Organizer: INFIRE Project
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SIDE EVENT
Financing Renewable Energy Generation for Self-Consumption – Barriers and Solutions” Organiser: SECW
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11:10 - 12:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Panel 6. “Integration of the Western Balkan Countries into the Single European Electricity Market: Are All Stakeholders Truly Aligned”
• European energy cooperation has always contributed not only to energy security but also to peace, stability, and European integration. • Bosnia and Herzegovina is undergoing important electricity market reforms • The implementation of the CACM Regulation represents an important element of electricity market integration within the Energy Community. • The discussion will also cover the impact of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on the electricity sector and regional market integration Organiser: EU4Energy
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10:30 - 12:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Side Event: PIN
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Side Event: „Official Launch of the Implementation of Wind Farm Projects Vlašić and Poklečani“
Organiser: KfW
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12:00 - 12:10 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Presentation of the Company FENIX and Mr. Bernantík on the electrical heating systém
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12:10 - 13:05 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Panel 7. “The Future of Renewable Energy Communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina”
• Present existing regulatory and Technical requirements for Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina. • Stimulate discussion on local financing opportunities Renewable Energy Communities. • Showcase initial results and examples of already established Renewable Energy Community projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina. • Explore opportunities to support future innovative Renewable Energy Community initiatives in cooperation with local authorities. Organiser: GIZ, project “Community Action for Energy Transition (CAET) in Bosnia and Herzegovina”
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10:30 - 11:30 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
BiH SuTRA Project
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11:00 - 13:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Side event: PRO Cirkular, CZDA Project with municipalities: Tešanj, Teslić & Žepče.
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13:05 - 14:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Lunch Break
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14:00 - 15:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Panel 8. “Electromobility and Sustainable Public Transport: Conditions for Meeting BiH NECP Targets by 2030”
• The key challenges faced by Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region in the implementation of electromobility. • The need for harmonisation of legislation across different levels of government to facilitate the transition towards green and sustainable transport. • The importance of subsidies and other incentive measures as tools for encouraging the uptake and use of electric vehicles and reducing CO₂ emissions in the transport sector. • The identification of solutions that will enable the faster development of electromobility in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in line with European Union objectives and the targets set out in the Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (NECP of Bosnia and Herzegovina). • The objective of the panel is to provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences among policymakers, experts, and electric vehicle users. Organiser: EU4Energy
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14:00 - 15:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Topic: Electrification of Final Energy Consumption Organiser: SECW Moderator: Miroslav Nikolić
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14:00 - 15:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
SEI Sideevent
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15:00 - 16:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Panel 9. “Green Hydrogen 2030: From Roadmap to First Projects in BiH and the Western Balkans”
• Green hydrogen as an important component of the Western Balkans' energy transition, supporting the region’s integration into the European energy market. • Recommendations from the Hydrogen Roadmap for the production and use of green hydrogen in Bosnia and Herzegovina. • Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently developing a National Hydrogen Strategy and implementing its first pilot projects, focusing on the decarbonisation of heavy industry, transport, and the storage of surplus renewable energy, with support from the Central European Initiative (CEI) and Italy. • Green hydrogen as a means of storing electricity generated from renewable energy sources. • Green hydrogen is expected to play an indispensable role in sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as freight transport and heavy industry. Organiser: EU4Energy
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15:30 - 17:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
BiH–Slovenia Cooperation in the Electricity Market– Workshop/Formal Gathering
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia have a long-standing history of cooperation in the energy sector, supported by numerous examples of good practice and shared experience. The development of the electricity market in Bosnia and Herzegovina creates new opportunities to strengthen this cooperation and establish concrete forms of partnership. Slovenian stakeholders, including BSP Energy Exchange and ELES, are important partners for cooperation with BiH stakeholders. Their experience in electricity market structure, operation, and integration with European markets provides a valuable foundation for joint activities, knowledge exchange, and cooperation in the development of the electricity market in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The side event will focus on practical steps and opportunities for strengthening cooperation between BiH and Slovenian stakeholders, with the aim of supporting the development of a transparent, competitive, and integrated electricity market in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The event will be held under the patronage of the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Bosnia and Herzegovina and H.E. Ambassador Damijan Sedar. Organiser: Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Sarajevo and ADEX Group – SOUTP VIP Reception for participants
WEDNESDAY
23rd September 2026
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ENERGY JUSTICE, CRITICAL RAW MATERIALS, INCLUSION AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Energy access for all, CRM, circular economy, reducing energy poverty and advancing a just transition in coal-dependent regions
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08:45 - 09:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Sigma pumpy - who produce and install heat pumps for homes, but also for Power Plants (tbc)
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09:00 - 12:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
GIZ Side Event
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09:00 - 10:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Panel 10. "The New Era of Energy Storage: Integrated Energy Storage Systems - Synergy Between Heat and Electricity Through Batteries, Thermal Storage, and Power-to-Heat Technologies..."
• The increasing share of intermittent renewable energy sources requires greater flexibility and stability of energy systems. • The panel will explore the transition from isolated energy systems to smart sector coupling, with a focus on the integration of the electricity and heating sectors. • Discussions will highlight the role of Power-to-Heat technologies, battery energy storage systems, and large-scale thermal energy storage in integrating renewable energy. • Participants will address technical solutions, regulatory challenges in the Western Balkans, and economic models for enhancing grid flexibility, reducing balancing costs, and strengthening energy system resilience. • The panel will also examine the role of energy storage in district heating systems and the evolving role of consumers as active market participants (prosumers). Organiser: EBRD
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11:00 - 13:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Side event: Net Zero Organiser: Grad Sarajevo
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10:00 - 11:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Panel 11. “ EUSAIR Master Plan of Energy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region”
Organiser: EUSAIR Moderator: Sergio Garribba, Coordinator, EUSAIR Pillar 2. Connecting the Region – Energy Introductory Speaker: Davide Tabarelli, President, Nomisma Energia, Italy/Sanja Kapetina, Head of the Department for Secondary Energy
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11:00 - 12:30 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Side event Organiser: World Vision Bosnia and Herzegovina
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11:00 - 11:55 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Panel 12. “Development and Reinforcement of the Distribution Network to Accommodate Distributed Renewable Energy”
• Increasing the capacity of distribution networks through the transition from 10 kV to 20 kV voltage levels, and the shortening of medium- and low-voltage distribution lines; • Investments in the replacement of outdated transformers, conductors, and poles in distribution networks; • Transition from one-way to two-way energy flows (active networks). • Investments in grid digitalisation, energy production and consumption management, installation of smart meters, and deployment of electricity storage solutions; • The objective is to ensure secure and reliable electricity supply and enable consumers to become “prosumers” (producer-consumers). Organiser: EIB
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11:55 - 12:10 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Coffee Break
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12:30 - 14:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
SERDA Side Event – INFIRE Innovative Financial Solutions for Planning Climate-Resilient and Carbon-Neutral Living Environments.
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12:30 - 14:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
HVAC Systems 2030: The Green Transition of Heating, Cooling and Ventilation in BiH
Organiser: UNDP
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12:10 - 13:10 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Panel 13. “Just Transition of the Energy Sector: From Mines to a Green Future”
- Implementation of the Just Transition Roadmap in coal-rich regions. • Status of defined pilot projects in RMU Banovići d.d. Banovići and mines within JP Elektroprivreda BiH d.d., with a focus on the successful implementation of a just transition; • The necessity of a coordinated, synergistic approach between local communities, mining companies, and governments at all levels, with comprehensive engagement of international projects and financial institutions; • The panel will explore the challenges and opportunities arising from the implementation of just transition strategies, as well as practical examples of cooperation among all relevant stakeholders; • The objective of the panel is to develop concrete recommendations for effective and inclusive transition strategies; • Through dialogue and exchange of experiences, the panel will contribute to creating guidelines for future activities and ensure that the just transition remains a central pillar of a successful energy transition. Organiser: UNDP Introductory Speaker: Rachel Bernice Perks, Senior Mining Specialist, World Bank/ Renaud Meyer, Resident Representative UNDP/ Secretariat of the Initiative for Coal regions in transition
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12:00 - 13:10
Side event
Organiser: EIT RawMaterials
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13:10 - 14:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Lunch Break
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14:00 - 15:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Panel 14. “Critical Mineral Raw Materials in Bosnia and Herzegovina – The Geopolitics of the Energy Transition”
• Geopolitics of the Energy Transition: Analyzing how the surging global demand for strategic minerals (like lithium, copper, zinc, and lead) is reshaping international relations, industrial policies, and security priorities; • BiH’s Strategic Role: Evaluating the potential position and value of Bosnia and Herzegovina within global critical mineral supply chains; • Sustainable Resource Management: Addressing the challenges of managing these raw materials sustainably, ensuring alignment with climate objectives and EU principles; • Actionable Guidelines: Developing strategic recommendations and frameworks for resource utilization in BiH and the wider region. Organiser: DPM Metals
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14:00 - 15:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Mandatory Oil Stocks (EU4Energy)
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15:00 - 16:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Panel 15: “Strategies for Mitigating Energy Poverty”
• A combination of social measures and long-term structural solutions. • Improving energy efficiency (building insulation, façade renovation, and window replacement). • Joint, synergistic subsidy schemes for the transition to sustainable energy sources across all levels of government, aimed at reducing long-term costs (e.g. household solar panels), thereby ensuring long-term reductions in electricity expenses and decreasing dependence on the public grid. • Energy communities: Association of citizens for the joint production and sharing of renewable energy. • Local action plans: Development of concrete municipal and city-level strategies to provide targeted support to the most vulnerable groups in terms of energy supply and affordability. Organiser: EU4Energy
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16:00 - 17:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
Topic: “Geothermal Resources of Bosnia and Herzegovina”
Organiser: Federal Institute for Geology - Mgr. Jan Černík from Czech Geological Survey - Mgr. Pavel Kavina, Ph.D. from Czech Geological Survey
THURSDAY
24th September 2026
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EMERIK BLUM DAY Day Theme: ENERGY SECURITY
Diversification of supply sources, regional cooperation and the development of resilient energy systems.
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09:00 - 10:00 Hotel Hills, Ilidža
ENERGOINVEST – “Vision of the Energy Future”
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10:00 - 11:00 Energoinvest
Panel 16. “The role of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the security of gas supply in Europe / Southern interconnection and LNG supply to Bosnia and Herzegovina”
• The role of liquefied natural gas (LNG) • Industrial competitiveness: Will the price of gas supplied via the Southern Gas Interconnection be competitive with Russian gas, assuming there is no ban on Russian gas imports into European countries? • Gas as a transition fuel enabling the integration of new gas-fired power plants, which will serve as a replacement for aging coal-fired power plants and provide system balancing. • Carbon neutrality by 2050? Organiser: Energoinvest Introductory Speaker: Dr. Sohbet Karbuz, Organisation Méditerranéenne de l’Énergie et du Climat (OMEC Paris) / Energoinvest
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11:00 - 12:00 Energoinvest
Panel 17: “Resilience of Electricity Networks to Contemporary Challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Region”
• Electricity networks in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans face growing challenges due to ageing infrastructure, increasing renewable energy integration, cross-border electricity flows, and climate change. • The region’s integration into the European electricity market requires technical modernisation, stronger institutional capacities, and alignment with the EU regulatory framework. • The panel will discuss the importance of resilient electricity networks through strategic system planning, risk preparedness, emergency response, and enhanced regional cooperation. • Participants will explore practical experiences and future priorities of transmission and distribution system operators, competent institutions, and international partners in strengthening grid resilience and supporting the energy transition. Organiser: GIZ
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12:00 - 13:00 Energoinvest
Lunch Break
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13:00 - 14:00 Energoinvest
Panel 18. "Strengthening Coordination between District Heating Utilities and Competent Ministries for the Decarbonisation of District Heating Systems"
Organizator: SECO/EBRD
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14:00 - 15:00 Energoinvest
Panel 19. “Digital Technologies, Smart Grids and Artificial Intelligence as Enablers of a Future Ecosystem for Energy System Management”
Opening Presentation: Muhidin Lelić, Ph.D., Director & Executive Advisor, Grid Architecture & Integration, Danovo Energy Solutions, Industry Leaders
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15:00 - 16:00 Energoinvest
Panel 20. “Coal Mine Methane: From Hazard to Energy – Harnessing Coal Mine Methane (CMM) in Bosnia and Herzegovina”
• raise awareness of methane emissions from coal mines and their impacts on climate and the environment; • present opportunities for capturing, utilizing, and reducing methane emissions in the mining sector; • discuss the regulatory, institutional, technical, and financial prerequisites for the development of CMM projects; • showcase international experience and good practices in coal mine methane management; • promote dialogue among government institutions, the mining sector, experts, and development partners; • identify potential next steps for advancing coal mine methane utilization projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Organiser: People in Need (PIN), CCAC
FRIDAY
25th September 2026
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INVESTMENT AND FINANCING OF THE ENERGY TRANSITION
Attracting investment and financing RES and EE projects through sustainable financial models
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09:00 - 10:00 Chamber of Economy of the Federation of BiH
Panel 21: “Establishment of Mandatory Oil Reserves”
Organiser: EU4Energy
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10:00 - 11:55 Chamber of Economy of the Federation of BiH
Panel 22. „Energy Efficiency: From Residential Building Renovation to Data Collection”
• First-Hand Renovation Insights: Showcasing practical experiences, challenges, lessons learned, and achieved results from the initial residential building renovation projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina; • Scaling Up Investments: Exploring financing mechanisms, stakeholder engagement approaches, success factors, and recommendations to overcome barriers and accelerate multi-apartment building renovations across the country; • Data Collection & Management: Prioritizing the gathering, monitoring, and management of data regarding implemented energy efficiency measures, specifically tracking energy savings and project impacts; • Evidence-Based Policy & NECP Reporting: Utilizing reliable project data to support policymaking and meet national reporting obligations under the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP). Organiser: GIZ
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12:00 - 13:45 Chamber of Economy of the Federation of BiH
Panel 23. “Assessment of advanced metering infrastructure and building energy management systems in public buildings in South-Eastern Europe”
• Digitalization as a Driver: Digitalizing energy management through technologies like Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS), and Energy Management Information Systems (EMIS) is driving energy efficiency, decarbonization, and EU integration across South Eastern Europe; • Shift to Real-Time Management: These technologies enable a critical transition from manual, retrospective reporting to automated, real-time energy management; • UNECE Assessment: In response to requests from Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia, UNECE developed a comprehensive readiness assessment covering both technical and governance dimensions for AMI and BEMS deployment. • Uneven Regional Progress: Progress remains fragmented across the region, with many countries still restricted by manual data entry, a lack of interoperability standards, limited automated data flows, and technical capacity deficits; • Scaling and Governance Focus: The session emphasizes scaling up from small pilot projects to systematic, regional deployment, transforming EMIS into robust governance tools, and building interoperable digital ecosystems; • BiH Opportunities: While Bosnia and Herzegovina possesses a strong foundation in energy data, enhanced governance and coordination are needed to unlock its full potential both nationally and regionally. Organiser: UNECE Speaker: Dario Liguti, Director of UNECE Energy, Housing, and Land Management Division
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13:50 - 14:00 Chamber of Economy of the Federation of BiH
Closing of SECW 2026 and Announcement of SECW 2027
Join Sarajevo Energy & Climate Week 2025 – Register today and become part of the key discussions on the future of energy, sustainability, and just transition!
News
Wind Power in BiH: Rising Generation Puts Grids, Markets and Investment in Focus
11.01.2026
21.11.2025
30.10.2025
Conclusions
SECW 2024 SUMMARY
SECW in numbers
Lead SECW 2025 partner
General partners of SECW
UNDER THE HIGH PATRONAGE
Supported by
Country partners
Organizer
Technical Organizer
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“I wish you a successful Sarajevo Energy and Climate Week. I hope you feel comfortable in the City Hall because this is your hall as well, and from tonight, this is also your home.”
“This week is an opportunity to exchange ideas, initiate dialogue, and work together to create a sustainable and inclusive energy future.”
Dear enthusiasts of energy and all those engaged with today's important conference topic, I would like to greet you on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Industry. Congratulations to the organizer on this 2nd conference. This topic is of utmost importance in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe, and the entire world, and it is great to see that the 2nd conference has demonstrated a very high level of professionalism.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing great challenges, and this topic should be placed above all other political issues. We should resolve it, and this is something that all politicians should particularly be aware of. Alongside the challenges, there are also opportunities brought by the transition to sustainable energy sources. Climate change is a reality, and its negative impacts are being felt worldwide, including here in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The period between the two conferences, this year and last, has allowed the Government of Sarajevo Canton and its citizens to truly experience how today's conference topic is relevant. Considering the winter we had, a significant amount of finances, energy, and time has been invested in developing winter tourism in Sarajevo Canton and Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are investing in our ski resorts, and the past season has shown us how climate change impacts both finances and the tourism offering.