Deliverables Review and assessment of the SAFIRE-LP model Software Safire LP was installed in selected city. Required data were entered and analysed. Simulated scenarios confirmed initial expectations. Significant potential for CHP units installation and solar as well as geothermal energy utilization was identified. Proposed scenarios were focused on utilization of RES in domestic and commercial sectors for DH systems and HDW preparation. Project potential (geothermal source) was identified in open-air swimming pools as well. Local energy planning process in SR is on very low level. Only a few Slovak regions have local energy plans, which are focused on RES utilization. Benchmarks or standard tools for local energy planning dont exist by now. There is significant lack of information sources and experts in this field. Program Safire LP is overcoming some of these problems and barriers. Its exploitation and application in SR has direct influence on RES utilization in our regions and on energy import. Synergy effects are reduction of CO2 emissions, employment increase as well as others social benefits. Standardisations of planning process and rising of awareness are very important. Significant barriers and problems were identified in: lack of technical information about energy systems in municipalities and about possibilities of utilization of RES in these systems. Development of a local sustainable energy-planning tool: SAFIRE-LP model The model development process has been completed successfully, with a completely new version of SAFIRELP produced, translated and distributed to the partners. This version has a completed updated design and user interface, it has been programmed in completely new software, it can be used with all versions of the Windows operating system, it now focuses on Local Sustainable Energy Planning, and it has much more user friendly and useful outputs. These conclusions have been proven through the application of three successful case studies with municipalities in Lithuania, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia. Tradable Green Certificates (ASCerT) The policy framework for RES-E across in Europe currently follows the subsidiarity principle. This may change post the Commissions reviews of support schemes in 2005, but the challenge is considerable given the range of national circumstances and the diversity of RES-E sources to be supported. The following key conclusions are made in the five countries involved in ASCerT (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania): - Harmonisation of national green certificate systems before integration is cheaper than retro-fitting schemes for integration. - The prospects for international trade are limited at present, but could increase in the future as regional green certificate markets emerge or is bilateral reciprocity arrangements are made between countries. - Limited public funds exist for supporting renewable, - The indicative RES-E targets are challenging. Searching for OpenAIRE data... There was an error trying to search data from OpenAIRE No results available
