The city of Osijek has made significant strides in harnessing solar energy, with solar power plants installed on various public buildings across the municipality. According to the City of Osijek, solar power plants have been integrated into the infrastructure of several key locations, including a high school playground, BIOS Business Incubator, kindergartens Sarvaš, Latica, Ivančica, and Mak, as well as the water utility Vodovod Osijek, the Cultural Center, sports halls Jug 2 and Zrinjevac, shooting range Pampas, municipal swimming pools, and elementary schools Ljudevit Gaj, Vijenac, and Tin Ujević.
Notably, the investment in installing a solar power plant at the Central Cemetery stands out, amounting to almost EUR 102,000. This initiative received financial support from the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund (FZOEU), covering 40% of the total cost.
Mayor Ivan Radić emphasized the significant impact of the PV plant on reducing electricity expenses for the city’s cemetery operator, Ukop. It is anticipated that the solar power plant will generate approximately 70% of the electricity required for the cemetery’s operations, resulting in annual savings estimated at EUR 18,000.
The ownership of solar power systems on 18 buildings lies with the local authority, contributing substantially to achieving energy efficiency objectives, Mayor Radić highlighted. These installations are designed to cover 70% of the electricity consumption of the respective structures.
Looking ahead, the city of Osijek is committed to further investments in energy renovation projects for its buildings. With EUR 900,000 secured for the refurbishment of a kindergarten in the Mačkamama district, plans are underway to incorporate solar power plants into the renovated building. Additionally, similar installations are slated for the Children’s Theater building, with preparations underway for solar panels on nine additional elementary schools.
Vedran Novokmet, CEO of Ukop, emphasized the significance of the investment, particularly for the Central Cemetery, which represents the largest energy consumer. Considering the expected annual savings and the initial investment, the project is projected to yield returns within 40 months, highlighting the economic viability of solar energy initiatives in Osijek.