Environmental research

Project Description Two local schools and Sport Hall in Kocani, (the eastern part of Macedonia) uses annually more then 100 tons of heavy oil for its district heating. This project intended to reduce the use of heavy oil and improve the maximum use of geothermal water. These activities were accompanied with public awareness and educational activities (meetings, exhibition, brochure/posters, environmental event, etc.) where citizens and pupils from the Municipality of Kocani were introduced to the advantages of utilization of the renewable energy resources with accent on utilization of geothermal potential in the region of the Municipality of Kocani. Project achievements Repaired and reconstructed heating installation of the two local schools in Kocani; decreased by 50% usage of heavy oil and additional heating with lot cleaner (and several times cheaper) geothermal water. Reduced annual consumption of oil from 80 tons to 40 tons heavy oil, while annual emissions of CO2 (kg) was reduced from 255 tons to 127.5 tons. Organized public awareness campaign by organizing: o debate on renewable energy sources with emphasis on the existing potential of geothermal waters in the Municipality of Kocani, with the participation of experts, citizens and representatives of the local government, o education in both schools about climate change, conserving energy and the benefits of using renewable energy resources, o Competition in the literary and artistic works with topics of climate change and energy saving. o Eco weekend with pupils awarded for artistic and literary works, schools eco patrols and volunteers of the NGO. o Printed and distributed a.) brochure on geothermal waters in the Municipality of Kocani, location, basic information, the potential of geothermal water in Kocani and opportunities for exploitation and b.) flyer with a description of the project, achieved results and directions for further action. Follow up In order to finalize the energy efficiency system of the elementary school St. Cyril and Methodius - Kocani, the NGO in cooperation with the Municipality of Kocani is planning to apply for another GEF SGP project, within which, the following activities are planned: replacing old windows with new double glazed windows, installing saving light bulbs and PV panels, etc. Taking into account the positive results of the implemented project activities, the NGO will continue to initiate and prepare projects for expanding geothermal water for heating for schools, kindergartens, hospitals and local institutions listed as preferred users of the geothermal potential of the Municipality of Kocani.

Macedonia