• The Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P) begins operations in Belarus
• Resources worth €17 million will be available to local municipalities
• Largest pledge of €10 million made by the EU
• Funds will be available to district heating, solid waste management, street lighting, transport and energy efficiency projects
The Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P) was officially launched in the Belarusian capital Minsk today. The event was attended by representatives of the Belarusian ministries, municipalities, donor-countries and International Financial Institutions (IFIs).
The E5P donor-countries have already pledged over €17 million to support projects in Belarus implemented by IFIs. The EU, with a pledge of €10 million, is the largest fund contributor to date, while Belarus has also committed €1 million. Other contributions came from Estonia, Germany, Poland and Sweden. More countries are expected to join the E5P in Belarus in near future.
“The EU pledged 10 million EUR as contribution to the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P), which is one of the support instruments that were established in conjunction with the Eastern Partnership. We welcome Belarus participation and commitment to E5P. In its capacity of the largest contributor to the Fund, the European Union wishes to see E5P as a catalyst of action. This concerns both policy action and sound investments into sustainable infrastructure for the benefit of citizens and the environment. In order to move forward we need to work together to ensure that supportive policies are designed and adopted and a solid pipeline of projects is prepared. We are ready to hold policy discussions involving all relevant stakeholders on the Belarus side as well as the donors,” stated Ms Andrea Wiktorin, Head of the EU Delegation to Belarus.
“The Republic of Belarus considers the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P) as a unique instrument that could make a substantial impact on improving ecological situation and reducing energy use in the region. We are encouraged that we had an opportunity to join E5P as a Contributor and the country of operation. The Republic of Belarus highly appreciates the support of our bilateral partners in this regard. Over the past few years, a significant step forward has been taken on the way to implementing energy efficient and environment friendly measures and technologies. We are determined to continue our development in this direction preserving balance between national interests and international standards. The Republic of Belarus, not in words but in deeds, shows its commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals. We are always open to a constructive and mutually respectful dialogue,” stated Mr. Dmitry Matusevich, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Belarus.
The first €2 million grant from E5P in the country will be provided to the Puhovichi Solid Waste project implemented by the EBRD. It will help construct the country’s first regional and more environmentally friendly landfill which will be built in accordance with the EU standards. The new landfill is expected to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by an equivalent of 6,764 tonnes of CO2 annually and save a total of €3 million in operating costs.
The E5P is a €200 million multi-donor fund designed to promote energy-efficiency investments in the Eastern Partnership countries such as Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. The E5P resources are used as grants alongside loans from IFIs to help improve energy efficiency and environment, contributing to economic competitiveness and policy dialogue. The E5P grants mainly support the following sectors: district heating, solid waste management, street lighting, local transport and the insulation of public buildings. The EBRD acts as the fund manager of E5P on behalf of its donors and participating IFIs.
For further information on E5P, please contact:
Ewa Manik, E5P Principle Manager
Email: manike@ebrd.com
www.e5p.eu
