Within the framework of the Panel III Programme declared for the development period 2014-2020, the energy modernisation for some 380 thousand panel dwellings may start countrywide, Minister of National Development Zsuzsa Németh announced in Budapest on 10 December, 2013. Considering the achievements of the Panel I-II Programmes as well, the Government is thus to ensure the energy modernisation of the complete stock of 700 thousand panel dwellings in Hungary by 2020.

The implementation of Panel III may contribute to improving the dwelling and living conditions and reducing the overhead costs of over 1 million citizens.

Concurrently with successfully completing the refurbishment of 320 thousand panel dwellings in Hungary within the framework of the Panel II Programme, the Ministry of National Development started preparations for the Panel III Programme in November 2013. The professional and interest representation organs concerned were also involved in the preparatory activities. The first phase of the programme aimed at the comprehensive refurbishment of another 380 thousand panel dwellings is to start after the Government’s approval of the National Building Energy Strategy in February 2014, Zsuzsa Németh said.

The modernisation is to be implemented within the framework of the Green Investment Scheme (GIS) financed from carbon dioxide quota revenues. From the third quarter of 2014, the funds of the Environment and Energy Efficiency Operational Programme (EEEOP) for energy tender purposes may also be made available for Panel III. Beyond generating an expected volume of contracts worth over HUF 500 billion for the Hungarian construction industry, the Panel III Programme may successfully implement the energy efficiency modernisation of the total stock of panel buildings in Hungary by 2020.

The tender to be launched for panel block communities is to assign priority importance to the requirement that the comprehensive refurbishments should use, where possible, renewable energy. The programme is to serve applicants’ interests by retaining the contractor qualifying system and simplifying administration.

Attaining at least 40 percent energy saving level is a realistic goal according to Minister of State for Climate Policy Attila Imre Horváth, whereby an energy reduction of almost 13 PJ may be implemented with the Government’s help by 2020. By launching the Panel III Programme, the Government may contribute to improving the dwelling and living conditions and permanently reducing the overhead cost of over 1 million citizens.

(Ministry of National Development Communications Department)