Petrol's largest public lighting renovation project is underway in the Serbian town of Zaječar
Petrol, together with its partners, is successfully defying the pandemic and is implementing the project to replace almost 10,000 energy-inefficient luminaires in Zaječar as planned. Thanks to a successful public-private partnership, the city's costs will be reduced by more than one million euros in 15 years, and the renovation of public lighting will save more than 3,400 tons of CO2 per year.
The Serbian town of Zaječar entered into a public-private partnership for an energy-efficient renovation of the public lighting system with Petrol and partners Smart Energy Investment and Maxwell Group. The project is currently in the luminary replacement phase, and all work is being carried out in accordance with the planned timeline, which is very encouraging in today's unpredictable times.
The public-private partnership model has once again proved to be extremely functional, as it brings many savings to the city. The city’s costs will be reduced by more than one million euros in 15 years, without the city having to invest own funds in the project or borrow them, as all costs are borne by the private partner. The city will therefore be able to use its funds for other sustainability projects.
Energy savings are not the project’s only achievement, as the renovation of public lighting in Zaječar will reduce emissions by more than 3,400 tons of CO2 per year. Environmental protection remains Petrol’s priority even in challenging times. The company is proud that this partnership in Serbia is the largest project of its kind in the Petrol Group's portfolio so far, as the company will replace almost 10,000 energy-inefficient luminaires with new Schreder and Phillips LED luminaires, which boast a significantly longer lifetime. At the same time, the company and its partners will help the Serbian city of Zaječar with more than 75% savings in electricity consumption. As the price of electricity is expected to rise in the coming period, the total savings of this project are likely to be even greater.
“The city of Zaječar approached the energy renovation of the public lighting system through a public-private partnership, mainly due to the obsolescence and cost inefficiency of the existing lighting system. Energy renovation of the public lighting system brings numerous advantages both in terms of a positive impact on the city’s budget and the environment as well as by improving general and traffic safety. We are pleased that private partner Petrol, together with partners Smart Energy Investment and Maxwell Group, started the renovation within the contractual deadline. Over 3,000 modern energy-efficient LED luminaires have already been implemented and the positive impact on electricity costs is already showing. We are especially pleased that the lighting of the bike trail has already been completed,” said mayor of Zaječar Boško Ničić.
Petrol provides support in the transition towards an energy-efficient future
Energy efficiency is one of the key current trends and at the same time one of the requirements imposed by the European as well as national legislation – the EU deadline for the replacement of old and hazardous luminaries was set in 2019. Public lighting renovation projects are an excellent example of collaboration towards achieving common environmental goals - reducing the carbon footprint and light pollution - while providing light comfort for users of public spaces as well as better traffic and general safety. The latter is reflected in the newly illuminated path for cyclists and pedestrians in Zaječar that boasts 155 new LED luminaries on a four kilometre stretch, which is an exceptional acquisition.
Lighting infrastructure is one of the most important factors in the development of any city, as efficient and smart lighting is one of the key building blocks towards the informatisation of smart cities. Petrol is proud to help municipalities improve energy efficiency and generate savings through common projects.