The Training Programme for Conducting Energy Audits for Large Energy Consumers in Bosnia and Herzegovina strengthens domestic capacities and supports the energy transition of the industrial sector.

At a time when Bosnia and Herzegovina is intensifying efforts toward more sustainable and competitive economic development, industrial energy efficiency has emerged as a key development priority - with direct implications for business operating costs, economic resilience, and alignment with European standards. In this context, the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining and Industry (FMERI), with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and financial support from the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic, has initiated a systematic capacity-building process for conducting energy audits of large energy consumers in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This initiative forms part of a broader approach aimed at unlocking investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy, strengthening industrial resilience, reducing energy dependency, and fostering sustainable growth. At its core are people and institutions that play a critical role in implementing the energy transition in practice.

The adoption of the Rulebook on Energy Audits for Large Energy Consumers established a clear regulatory framework for the systematic implementation of energy audits in industry. However, its effective application depends on the availability of trained and licensed professionals. In response to this challenge, FMERI and UNDP jointly launched the Training Programme for Conducting Energy Audits for Large Energy Consumers - the first programme of its kind ever established in Bosnia and Herzegovina - marking an important step forward in strengthening domestic professional capacities.

“By adopting the Rulebook, we have established a clear regulatory framework, but its full implementation depends on the availability of trained and licensed professionals. This training programme represents an important step toward improving energy efficiency in industry and creating conditions for new investments,”

emphasizes Aida Jelinić from the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining and Industry.

From 1 to 5 December 2025, the programme brought together 25 mechanical and electrical engineers from across the country, who, through expert-led training, acquired both the knowledge and practical skills required to conduct energy audits in the industrial sector.

“The programme introduces a clearer methodology, harmonized standards, and greater confidence in the quality of energy audits. It is particularly important that the regulatory framework will be applied in practice following certification, which is a prerequisite for measurable energy savings and tangible results,”

notes Enis Ivković, a programme participant.

“The training significantly contributed to my professional development through a combination of theoretical and practical components, including work with real data from large energy consumers. The exchange of experience with trainers and fellow professionals was especially valuable, enhancing our understanding of complex industrial systems and best practices in energy auditing,”

adds Ajla Imamović-Lizde, also a programme participant.

The training was delivered by experienced experts and included the transfer of best European practices and hands-on experience working with large energy consumers. This also involved a site visit to the Atlantic ARGETA d.o.o. Sarajevo production facility, where participants observed industrial systems in operation and collected data for energy analysis.

Through this initiative, UNDP reaffirms its core values - investing in people, strengthening institutions and partnerships, and supporting long-term development. By building domestic capacities for energy auditing, Bosnia and Herzegovina is taking a concrete step toward a more competitive, resilient, and energy-efficient industrial sector, in line with national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The programme was implemented within the framework of the regional project Public and Private Finance for Development, Component 2 – SDGi.