30/06/2022

TV Show ‘Ecological Hour’ on Energy Poverty and Environmental Protection (VIDEO)

The theme of the second episode of “Ecological Hour” is “Energy Poverty and Environmental Protection.” The show is part of the project “Environmental Response to the Mining Expansion in Timočka Krajina,” funded by the EU and implemented by the association “Za Drinking Fountains” in collaboration with partner organizations from Bor and Zaječar.

In the broader context of the current energy crisis resulting from the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, the show discusses how this situation affects our energy resources and heating methods for the upcoming winter without significantly jeopardizing the environment. Guests on the show included Zvonko Damnjanović from the Civic Library “Europe” in Bor and architect Branko Konić from Zaječar.

Damnjanović mentioned at the beginning of the show that at the end of the previous year, the National Coalition for Reducing Energy Poverty adopted a proposal defining energy poverty. This is a crucial step for developing and implementing strategic documents such as an integrated climate and energy plan and an energy development strategy until 2040. According to the adopted definition, energy poverty is a condition where a household lacks sufficient means to secure the necessary amount of energy for a healthy and dignified life in a way that doesn’t compromise other basic needs of the household or the broader community.

He also highlighted that the National Coalition is an important government body that brings together not only relevant ministries but also representatives from the non-governmental sector and international organizations. The goal is to determine specific measures and public policies that will bring improvements for all citizens.

Given the challenging situation globally with difficult access to energy due to significantly higher prices, Damnjanović suggested that we might use this as an opportunity for energy transition, turning towards renewable energy sources, not just wood but also the air and water around us.

Architect Branko Konić discussed in the show how energy efficiency can alleviate energy poverty by explaining methods to insulate the buildings we live in and thus reduce energy consumption.

In an interview for “Ecological Hour,” Mayor Boško Ničić of Zaječar announced that citizens of Zaječar will be able to apply for financial assistance in the energy renovation of residential buildings in just one month. This assistance includes the replacement of joinery, stoves, boilers, insulation, or the installation of solar panels. For this purpose, the City of Zaječar and the Ministry of Mining and Energy have allocated a total of 20,000,000 dinars, with citizens contributing 50% to the implementation of this program.

This show was produced within the project “Environmental response to mining expansion in Timočka Krajina” funded by the European Union, and implemented by the Association “Za Drinking Fountains”, the Association of Young Researchers Bor, Civic Library “Europe” Bor and Children’s Center Zaječar. The content of the show is entirely responsibility of these associations and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.