Reducing Barriers for Development of Biomass Markets in Serbia
- Although the Project was approved in January 2014, the signing of the Project Document was four months delayed (May 21, 2014) because of early elections in Serbia. Besides, the implementation of the Project faced a six months delay upon signing the Project Document due to the state of emergency caused by the heavy floods in May 2014.
- The National Project Director was appointed in August 2014 and the Project office was established in September 2014. The Biomass Support Unit (BSU) started with operations only in the second half of December 2014 after the appointment of its members. The Project Manager was in place as of January 2014. The BSU Coordinating Officer was recruited in December 2014 and started his duties in January 2015, while the Project Assistant was recruited in October 2014.
- The project had a slow start, and had to approach implementation under significantly changed circumstances, than anticipated by the ProDoc, as described later on in the report. However, the project team reinvented its implementation strategy very successfully and adapted to the changing conditions and, as a result, has already achieved its key end-of-project targets.
- At the same time regulatory, financial and market framework conditions in Serbia have also improved.
- The fact that among the six awarded projects under the Investment Grant Mechanism (IGM) there was not a single wood biomass project needs to be further assessed and addressed.
- Having this in mind some project activities have to be modified or cancelled, and others reinforced or introduced in order to address actual circumstances under which the Project will continue to operate.
- The Project could benefit from a no-cost duration extension to capitalize on the current momentum generated by quick implementation of IGM and give time for additional activities which are to be implemented to get traction and produce results.
- Evaluation Information
- Corporate Outcome and Output
UNDP Strategic Plan 2018-2021
Output 1.5. Inclusive and sustainable solutions adopted to achieve increased energy efficiency and universal modern energy access (especially off-grid sources of renewable energy)
Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities
1: Environment & Sustainable Development
2: Others
