2. Justification
Preliminary energy studies in Pazardjik region (7 municipalities) have showed that the main share in the municipal energy expenses belongs to the heating base on oil. Increase in the oil price makes impossible to maintain a normal microclimate in public buildings (schools, hospitals, etc) There is a huge need to find alternative solutions based on local resources.
For realization of investment projects for renewbale heating aimed at CO2 reduction at local level requires cooperation of several businesses and companies. This can not happen without availability of one integral project ? EE&RES. That is why there is a need for depth feasibility study that would include energy audits in public buildings and development of a business plan for local biomass technology. ( Pilot enterprise for about 3000 t. Chips for city of Panagurishte).
3. Location - Municipality of Panagurishte and other 6 municipalities, Pazrdjik Region, Bulgaria
4. Project Target Groups - local community (politicians, administrators, market players, NGOs, students, citizens) that will manage its economic and energy development in a sustainable way.
5. Goal and expected impacts
Demonstration of the CO2 reduction trough actions at municipal level - feasibility study on energy savings and biomass heating implementation for public buildings in a typical Bulgarian small and medium municipality.
6. Objectives
? Reduction of CO2 (about 2 500 tons) emissions in result of replacement oil for heating by biomass, identification and realisation of 35% energy savings in public buildings.
? Conducting of detailed biomass resource assessment study on establishment of local biomass enterprise (public- private partnership) for production of chips for renewable heating supply of public buildings.
? Based on recommendations of energy audits of public buildings for implementation of energy efficiency measures, it will be given proof of the changing of existing heating systems by new equipment based on biomass. The experience will be implemented in 7 municipalities..
? Creation of municipal sustainable energy plans
? Presentation of feasibility study to the Municipal council for a decision making.
? Preparation of integrated investment project for structural funds as well as for other International and European programs
? Preparation for tender documents for selection of ESCO investor for implementation the fuel part of the project.
? Dissemination of the project results among the other municipalities in Bulgaria.


7. Major activities
Major activities will focus on economic biomass resource assessment study, identification of the best technologies power generation and facility heating, capital cost, labour requirements, land storage, output, financial incentives, site assessment, access to biomass supply and road networks, etc.; energy auditing of public building according to the Bulgarian regulation of energy performance of buildings, social, economics impacts and benefits; business planning for implementing renewable energy development, preparation of tender documents. The Panagurishte experience will be implemented among the other 6 municipalities in Pazardjik region.
Time framework ? 11 months
8. Sustainability
Main factor for sustainability is the establishment of a public ? private biomass enterprise for fuel production. It will be the base for wide scale application of biomass heating for the community as a hole (including residential buildings taking into account effective heating solutions)