Call for EOIs: Technical Support in Developing Geothermal Studies and Analyses (Serbia)

The technical support will be provided through the “Geothermal Energy in Serbia” project.

What is meant by technical support?

• A maximum of two public entities will have the opportunity to receive technical support, which includes the development of:
  • Feasibility Study for the use of geothermal energy in heating/cooling,
  • Study on geothermal potential, including, if applicable, some exploration works, and/or other preparatory activities, and/or
  • Cost-benefit study demonstrating benefits from the introduction of geothermal energy into the energy mix.
• UNDP will provide expert support (including Slovak expertise) necessary for the development of the above-mentioned studies. Developed studies will equip the applicants with technical documentation needed for accessing the funds for introducing the geothermal energy into the energy mix.
• UNDP shall facilitate the collaboration between selected applicants and relevant IFIs to enhance project financing options.
• In addition, UNDP shall provide selected applicants with opportunities to enhance capacities and build knowledge for expanding the use of geothermal in heating/cooling systems, facilitate new partnerships, technology and knowledge exchange with Slovakia.

What is expected?

• Demonstrated high potential to develop bankable geothermal projects that enable applicant’s access to finance. When expressing interest for the support under this Call, applicants are expected to provide evidence that demonstrates this potential. In particular, this includes but is not limited to:
  • Preparatory work on the target location, survey of the location and some preliminary data about temperature, water quantity and earth heat properties already available on site or relevant data from existing geothermal resource on target location, or in its vicinity.
  • Evidence of preliminary negotiations with financing sources (e.g., banks, IFIs) underway, or proof of available internal resources for investment in geothermal. For instance, EBRD through their ongoing project  in District Heating Companies; KfW, CEB through their ongoing projects.
  • Proven ownership of the facility, to the extent that construction license can be obtained (e.g.,to conduct energy retrofit, construct new building, introduce geothermal).
  • Proven ownership of the property in the target location where surveys are to be conducted. License for exploration would be considered a very strong asset.
  • Demonstrated capacity for project management, including for obtaining permits for exploratory work and implementation later on.
  • Public entities submitting an application shall have consent from the founder (e.g., ministry or local self-government) or evidence that such consent shall be obtained without hinderance.

Eligibility Criteria

• Public entities(e.g.,heating companies, health, educational, sport facilities, social or other public institutions)that plan to introduce geothermal into their energy mix, in areas with proven geothermal potential.

Selection Process

• The project team will review the applications to make sure that they have been filled in correctly and that they meet the eligibility criteria, before submitting them to an independent evaluation panel of experts.
• A team of qualified experts will be in charge of reviewing and evaluating applications.
• During the selection process, there is a possibility of organizing interviews with the applicants, about which UNDP will timely inform the applicants.
• Based on the evaluation criteria, the panel of experts will evaluate the applications, and two applicants will receive technical support for the development of studies for introducing geothermal into energy mix by public entities.

For more information, visit UNDP.