Novi Sad Solar Thermal Plant Feasibility Study and E&S
About the project
Enova successfully supported the implementation of the Feasibility Study and Environmental & Social Assessment for the planned Novi Sad Solar Thermal Plant in Serbia. The project was financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and developed in cooperation with the Public Utility Company “Novosadska toplana”.
The initiative aimed to support Novi Sad’s transition to a fourth-generation district heating system by integrating solar thermal technology, pit thermal energy storage, and a heat pump system into the city’s existing district heating network. At the time of assessment, Novi Sad’s district heating system relied entirely on natural gas. The project was therefore expected to play a crucial role in reducing this dependency, stabilising heating prices, and strengthening energy security. Recognising its strategic importance, the Government of the Republic of Serbia classified the project as one of its three major energy initiatives for 2024.
The proposed project is expected to deliver significant benefits:
- Reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support Serbia’s renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.
- Provide long-term stability in heating prices by mitigating exposure to natural gas price fluctuations.
- Demonstrate replicable solutions for other district heating systems across the Western Balkans.
Enova’s role
Enova provided expert support in developing a comprehensive Feasibility Study and Environmental & Social Assessment in with national legislation, EU standards, EBRD Performance Requirements (PRs), and international best practice. The assignment addressed technical, environmental, and social aspects, ensuring the project’s bankability, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability.
Our services included:
- Feasibility and financial analysis of integrating solar thermal technology and pit thermal energy storage in the district heating system.
- Environmental and social assessment, including audits of existing operations and identification of project-related impacts and risks.
- Preparation of key project documentation:
- Environmental and Social Audit and Assessment Report (ESAAR) with an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)
- Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP)
- Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP)
- Non-Technical Summary (NTS)
- Green Economy Transition (GET) Report, assessing alignment with the Paris Agreement and EBRD’s GET framework
- Financial Analysis Report and Financial Model
- Procurement and Implementation Strategy.