Jems
Within the framework of the Interreg IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 project SMART STEP, a two-day advanced training workshop on energy efficiency was successfully held at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Slavonski Brod.
The workshop brought together project partners: the Center for Development and Support Tuzla, Tuzla Canton, Brod-Posavina County, and the University of Slavonski Brod. It represents a key activity in strengthening the capacities of the Energy Transition Centres currently being established in Tuzla and Slavonski Brod.
The event gathered representatives of universities, public institutions, and the wider expert community, including students, professors, and energy professionals. Through a combination of expert lectures and interactive discussions, participants enhanced their knowledge of modern technologies and approaches in energy efficiency and energy transition, with a particular focus on the needs of manufacturing SMEs.
The first day of the workshop focused on heat pump technologies, covering their technical characteristics, performance, and practical application through techno-economic analyses and design guidelines. The second day addressed photovoltaic systems, including regulatory frameworks, investment feasibility, system design, and their impact on the electricity grid.
In addition to the technical content, the workshop highlighted the broader strategic importance of the SMART STEP project. As emphasized during the event, the project, running from July 2024 to early 2027 with a total value of approximately EUR 2,3 million, includes concrete investments such as energy renovation of buildings, installation of solar power systems, and development of tools for monitoring and improving energy use in SMEs.
The workshop also underscored the importance of human capacity development for the future Energy Transition Centres, which are envisioned as centres of excellence providing research, training, and technical support to enterprises. Active participation of students and academic staff further confirmed the importance of embedding energy transition topics into education and research systems.
At the same time, the event reinforced the value of cross-border cooperation, enabling knowledge exchange and the development of joint initiatives between partners from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Overall, the workshop demonstrated how international cooperation projects such as SMART STEP contribute to knowledge transfer, innovation, and the development of sustainable energy solutions, strengthening the foundation for a more competitive and climate-resilient regional economy.
