The Green Transition Begins at the Local Level – The Example of Lapovo

The energy transition today represents one of the most important development challenges, but also a major opportunity for local communities to improve the quality of life of their citizens. As the President of the Municipality of Lapovo, I believe that local governments play a key role in this process, because it is at the local level that energy policies gain concrete application and real impact.

Cities and municipalities are closest to citizens and therefore have a responsibility to initiate programs that help households reduce energy consumption, improve energy efficiency, and lower living costs in the long term. One important step in this direction is our municipality’s participation in the national program for the energy renovation of houses and apartments.

In October 2025, the Municipality of Lapovo signed an agreement with the Ministry of Mining and Energy of the Republic of Serbia on co-financing the Program for the Energy Renovation of Family Houses and Apartments, implemented within the project “Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency for Citizens.” Through this, we joined a network of local governments that are actively working to improve energy efficiency and provide citizens with concrete support to upgrade their homes and reduce energy costs. A total of 4,000,000 dinars has been allocated for the implementation of this program, of which the Ministry provides 2,000,000 dinars, while the Municipality of Lapovo allocates the same amount from its own budget. These funds are intended for measures that contribute to improved household energy efficiency, such as replacing exterior joinery, installing thermal insulation, upgrading heating systems, as well as installing heat pumps, solar panels, and other modern energy solutions. Through this program, citizens can receive co-financing of up to 50% for individual energy renovation measures, up to 65% for packages of measures, while socially vulnerable citizens may receive up to 90% financial support.

Energy renovation of buildings is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy consumption. Better insulation, more efficient heating systems, and the use of renewable energy sources bring multiple benefits. They reduce household costs, increase energy security, and contribute to environmental protection. For this reason, I believe that local governments must act as active partners of the state in implementing such programs.

At the same time, I believe that local governments should lead by example and demonstrate how investments in energy efficiency can benefit the community. By reducing energy consumption in public buildings, schools, and institutions, significant budget savings can be achieved, and these funds can then be redirected to other important projects, from infrastructure improvements to new investments in local development. In this way, energy efficiency is not only an environmental protection measure, but also a responsible approach to public financial management.

Lapovo already stands as an example of how local communities can contribute to the development of green energy. One of the largest solar power plants in Serbia has been built in our municipality, generating electricity from renewable sources and contributing to a more stable and sustainable energy system. Such projects demonstrate that the green transition is not only a strategic goal at the national level, but also a real development opportunity for local communities, an opportunity for new investments, economic growth, and the creation of a more sustainable future.

I believe that the energy transition can only be successful if there is cooperation between the state, local governments, and citizens. When efforts are aligned to improve energy efficiency and develop renewable energy sources, the conditions are created for sustainable development and a higher quality of life in local communities. That is why in Lapovo we will continue to support initiatives that contribute to a greener, more efficient, and sustainable future.