Sofia’s burned lesson: Why the Western Balkans must ditch waste incineration
November 25, 2025
While Western Balkan governments scramble to solve their energy and waste crises by turning to incineration, a clear lesson is emerging from the EU: burning waste is a dead end.
Serbia’s district heating crisis: Gas dependence fuels price volatility
July 1, 2025
Serbia’s district heating sector is facing an unprecedented crisis, driven by an overreliance on imported fossil fuels – particularly fossil gas – and an inability to control energy prices. This dependence puts the sector at a significant risk of collapse in the coming years, threatening the basic heating needs of millions of citizens. It also underscores the urgent need for the Serbian government to diversify the district heating system by integrating sustainable renewable energy sources.
Landmark moment for Berlin’s heating transition: BTB bids farewell to coal
May 26, 2025
On 20 March 2025, Berlin marked a major milestone in its energy transition. Blockheizkraftwerks- Träger- und Betreibergesellschaft mbH (BTB) – one of the city’s district heating suppliers – officially burned coal for the last time at its Schöneweide district heating plant. This decisive step paves the way for a cleaner, smarter, and more collaborative energy future for the German capital – and beyond.
Why the EBRD must end support for primary forest biomass in the Western Balkans
May 7, 2025
This issue paper presents case studies from Bosnia and Herzegovina that highlight how EBRD-backed large-scale biomass projects have faced significant challenges related to sustainability, affordability, and fuel supply.
Unlocking Serbia’s district heating potential: The public energy services company model in focus
April 11, 2025
The Western Balkans is facing a pressing energy crisis, largely due to outdated district heating systems that waste vast amounts of energy. In Serbia alone, district heating networks serve over 700,0000 households, yet inefficiencies have led to energy losses of up to 12 per cent, resulting in higher costs and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Energy consumption per square metre is nearly triple that of western Europe, mainly due to poor insulation and ageing infrastructure. Rising energy prices and reliance on often imported fossil fuels make energy efficiency an economic necessity.
Bihor County leads Romania’s geothermal heating revolution with EU support
January 27, 2025
Geothermal energy is becoming an increasingly popular way to heat homes and buildings across Europe. Efficient use of this renewable energy source not only significantly lowers heating costs compared to gas-based systems, but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves urban air quality.
Unmasking the biomass dilemma in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
January 17, 2025
As EU law regulating bioenergy is not yet sufficient to avoid climate and nature damage, this report outlines why forest biomass needs to be treated with caution in the Western Balkans.
Heating the heights: Žabljak’s bold move towards sustainable warmth
December 11, 2024
Perched 1,456 metres above sea level in the Durmitor National Park in Montenegro, Žabljak, the highest urban settlement in the Western Balkans, is looking for new heating solutions. A 2020 pre-feasibility suggested biomass, but determined to avoid air pollution and deforestation, the local authorities set out to find a better way forward.
Closing the door on waste incineration for district heating in central and eastern Europe
December 2, 2024
Member States and public financing must align with EU principles and avoid investments that lock them into unsustainable practices like waste incineration.
Unfit for 55: How EU climate money is supporting gas-fired heating in Slovakia
October 3, 2024
Despite a marked drop in fossil-gas consumption, Slovakia supported district heating systems to run on fossil gas with EUR 55 million from the EU’s Modernisation Fund.
