SURVEY WITH CITIZENS ON THEIR VISIONS AND IDEAS
ABOUT THE SET-UP OF BIOENERGY VILLAGES
IN CROATIA, MACEDONIA, ROMANIA,
SERBIA AND SLOVENIA
Copyright: REGEA
Project Title: Bioenergy Villages (BioVill) - Increasing the Market Uptake of Sustainable Bioenergy Grant Agreement N° 691661
Deliverable N° 3.6 5 Reports on the survey in the target countries
Lead Partner: North-west Croatia Regional Energy Agency
Submission date: March 2017
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme
under Grant Agreement N° 691661
Imprint
This document is issued by the consortium formed for the implementation of the BioVill project under Grant Agreement N° 691661 by the following partners: GIZ - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (Germany) WIP – Wirtschaft und Infrastruktur GmbH & Co Planungs- KG (Germany) KEA - Klimaschutz- und Energieagentur Baden-Württemberg (Germany) AEA – Österreichische Energieagentur Austrian Energy Agency (Austria) REGEA – Regionalna Energetska Agencija Sjeverozapadne Hrvatske (Croatia) SDEWES-Skopje – International Centre for Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems - Macedonian Section (Macedonia) GEA – Asociatia Green Engergy (Romania) GIS – Gozdarski Institut Slovenije (Slovenia) SKGO – Stalna Konferencija Gradova i Opstina (Serbia) Lead Partner for the compilation of this document: North-west Croatia Regional Energy
Contact: North-west Croatia Regional Energy Agency Andrije Žaje 10 10000 Zagreb Croatia Tel: +385 1 3098 315 Fax: +385 1 3098 316 E-mail: [email protected] URL: www.regea.org Authors of this report: Martina Krizmanić, Valerija Vrček, Miljenko Jagarčec, Ivana Horvat, Velimir Šegon – REGEA Vasil Bozhikaliev, Natasa Markovska,– SDEWES-Skopje Daniel-Alexandru Cosnita, Maria Gaspar, Boglarka Vajda, Lajos Vajda – GEA Miodrag Gluscevic , Tanja Cvetkov, Ivan Milivojevic – SKGO Darja Kocjan, Dr. Nike Krajnc – GIS
Copyrights: © 2017 by authors. No part of this work may be reproduced by print, photocopy or any other means without the permission in written from the main authors. Disclaimer: Neither GIZ nor any other consortium member nor the authors will accept any liability at any time for any kind of damage or loss that might occur to anybody from referring to this document. In addition neither the European Commission nor the Agencies (or any person acting on their behalf) can be held responsible for the use made of the information provided in this document. Further information about the BioVill project on: www.biovill.eu
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
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Contents
List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................................ 4
List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Abbreviations and acronyms ..................................................................................................................................... 6
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 7
1.1 The BioVill Project ...................................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 Scope of the task/deliverable and structure of the report ..................................................................... 7
2. Structure and content of the questionnaire ................................................................................................ 8
3. Overall results of the survey ........................................................................................................................ 9
4. Results of surveys per partner country ...................................................................................................... 12
4.1 Croatia ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.2 Macedonia ............................................................................................................................................... 22
4.3 Romania ................................................................................................................................................... 28
4.4 Serbia ........................................................................................................................................................ 34
4.5 Slovenia .................................................................................................................................................... 39
References .............................................................................................................................................................. 44
Annex ................................................................................................................................................................. 45
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
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List of Figures
Figure 1: Current way of heating in the BioVill target villages ................................................................................ 9
Figure 2: Attitude of interviewees towards biomass as a source for heating ...................................................... 10
Figure 3: Expectations of interviewees on a district heating system based on biomass ..................................... 10
Figure 4: Number of houses related to the period of construction in Perušić ..................................................... 12
Figure 5: Share of RES used worldwide according to the opinion of the interviewees in Perušić ...................... 13
Figure 6: Current way of heating in Perušić ........................................................................................................... 13
Figure 7: Level of satisfaction with current way of heating in Perušić ................................................................. 13
Figure 8: Monthly heating costs per household in Perušić ................................................................................... 14
Figure 9: Attitude of interviewees towards biomass as a source for heating in Perušić ..................................... 14
Figure 10: Expectations of interviewees towards a district heating system based on biomass in Perušić ....................................................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 11: Reasons for weak usage of biomass as an energy source according to the interviewees in Perušić ................................................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 12: Main objectives and drivers for the establishment of a bioenergy village according to the opinion of the interviewees in Perušić ............................................................................................. 16
Figure 13: Number of houses related to the period of construction in Lekenik .................................................... 17
Figure 14: Share of RES used worldwide according to the opinion of the interviewees in Lekenik ..................... 18
Figure 15: Current way of heating in Lekenik ........................................................................................................... 18
Figure 16: Level of satisfaction with the current way of heating in Lekenik .......................................................... 18
Figure 17: Monthly heating costs per household in Lekenik ................................................................................... 19
Figure 18: Attitude of interviewees towards biomass as a source for heating in Lekenik .................................... 19
Figure 19: Expectations of interviewees towards a district heating system based on biomass in Lekenik ...................................................................................................................................................... 20
Figure 20: Reasons for weak usage of biomass as an energy source according to the interviewees in Lekenik .................................................................................................................................................. 20
Figure 21: Main objectives and drivers for the establishment of a bioenergy village according to the opinion of the interviewees in Lekenik ............................................................................................. 21
Figure 22: Number of houses related to the period of construction and the national typology category of the residential sector in Kichevo ......................................................................................... 22
Figure 23: Share of RES used worldwide according to the opinion of the interviewees in Kichevo ..................... 23
Figure 24: Current way of heating in Kichevo .......................................................................................................... 23
Figure 25: Level of satisfaction with current way of heating in Kichevo ................................................................. 23
Figure 26: Monthly heating costs per household in Kichevo .................................................................................. 24
Figure 27: Attitude of interviewees in Kichevo towards biomass as source for heating ....................................... 24
Figure 28: Expectations of interviewees towards a district heating system based on biomass in Kichevo ...................................................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 29: Reasons for weak usage of biomass as an energy source according to the interviewees in Kichevo .................................................................................................................................................. 25
Figure 30: Main objectives and drivers for the establishment of a bioenergy village according to the interviewees in Kichevo ..................................................................................................................... 26
Figure 31: Potential stakeholders for the establishment of a district heating system in Kichevo ........................ 26
Figure 32: Share of RES used worldwide according to the opinion of the citizens of Ghelinta and Estelnic ...................................................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 33: Level of satisfaction with with current way of heating in Estelnik and Ghelinta .................................. 29
Figure 34: Monthly heating costs per household in Estelnik and Ghelinta ............................................................ 29
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
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Figure 35: Attitude of interviewees towards biomass as a source for heating in Estelnik and Ghelinta ..................................................................................................................................................... 30
Figure 36: Expectations of interviewees towards a district heating system based on biomass in Estelnik and Ghelinta ............................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 37: Most promising bioenergy sources in the region according to the opinion of the respondents in Estelnik and Ghelinta...................................................................................................... 31
Figure 38: Reasons for weak usage of biomass as an energy source according to the interviewees in Estelnik and Ghelinta ........................................................................................................................... 32
Figure 39: Main objectives and drivers for the establishment of a bioenergy village according to the interviewees in Estelnik and Ghelinta............................................................................................... 32
Figure 40: Number of houses related to the period of construction and the National Typology for Residential Sector Categories in Kostojevici ........................................................................................... 34
Figure 41: Distribution of living and heated space per National Typology for Residential Sector Categories in Kostojevici .......................................................................................................................... 34
Figure 42: Share of RES used worldwide according to the opinion of interviewees in Kostojevici ....................... 35
Figure 43: Current way of heating in Kostojevici ..................................................................................................... 35
Figure 44: Level of satisfaction with current way of heating in Kostojevici ............................................................ 36
Figure 45: Monthly heating costs per household in Kostojevici .............................................................................. 36
Figure 46: Attitude of interviewees towards biomass as a source for heating in Kostojevici ............................... 36
Figure 47: Expectations of interviewees towards a district heating system based on biomass in Kostojevici ................................................................................................................................................. 37
Figure 48: Reasons for weak usage of biomass as an energy source according to the interviewees in Kostojevici ............................................................................................................................................. 37
Figure 49: Opinion of the respondents in Kostojevici regarding environmental aspects and financial support for biomass utilization ................................................................................................. 38
Figure 50: Main objectives and drivers for the establishment of a bioenergy village according to the interviewees in Kostojevici ................................................................................................................ 38
Figure 51: Number of houses related to the period of construction and the national typology category of the residential sector in Dole pri Litiji.................................................................................. 39
Figure 52: Share of RES used worldwide according to the opinion of interviewees of Dole pri Litiji ................... 40
Figure 53: Current way of heating in Dole pri Litiji .................................................................................................. 40
Figure 54: Current way of water heating sources in Dole pri Litiji .......................................................................... 41
Figure 55: Level of satisfaction with the current way of heating in Dole pri Litiji .................................................. 41
Figure 56: Monthly heating costs per household in Dole pri Litiji........................................................................... 41
Figure 57: Attitude of interviewees towards biomass as a source for heating in Dole pri Litiji ............................ 42
Figure 58: Promising market-segments in the region of Dole pri Litiji ................................................................... 42
Figure 59: Reason for weak usage of biomass as an energy source according to the opinion of respondents in Dole pri Litiji .................................................................................................................... 43
Figure 60: Main objectives and drivers for the establishment of a bioenergy village according to the interviewees in Dole pri Litiji ............................................................................................................. 43
List of Tables
Table 1: Distribution of the filled out questionnaires per partner country ........................................................... 9
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
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Abbreviations and acronyms
CO2/CO2 Carbon dioxide EU European Union EUR Euro Mio. Million NGO Non-government organization RES Renewable Energy Sources
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
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1. Introduction
1.1 The BioVill Project
BioVill is a three years project supported by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme with a budget of around EUR 1.99 Mio. The project started in March 2016 and is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in collaboration with 8 partners from the BioVill target partner countries Croatia, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia, as well as from Germany and Austria.
Many South East European countries have high biomass potentials, but they are often not or only inefficiently used for local energy supply and regional economic development. Thus, the overall objective of the BioVill project is to support the development of regional bioenergy concepts and the establishment of bioenergy villages in Croatia, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia. This will be achieved by identifying suitable biomass value chains according to local and regional needs and transferring existing experiences in Austria, Germany and other European countries to the South-Eastern European partners. Thereby the market uptake of domestic bioenergy supply chains will be increased and the role of locally produced biomass as a main source of energy supply and added value for the local and regional economy will be strengthened.
Core activities of the BioVill project include national and local framework analyses, technological and economic assessments of local bioenergy value chains, development of the institutional set-up and energy management concepts for the potential Bioenergy villages as well as capacity building on financing schemes and business models. As a key factor of success the BioVill project uses a multi stakeholder approach fostering the involvement and active participation of the citizens and all relevant stakeholders in the planning and implementation process.
Major results of the BioVill project will be the initiation of at least five bioenergy villages in the target partner countries up to the investment stage for physical infrastructure, the raise of public acceptance and awareness of a sustainable bioenergy production and its commercial opportunities as well as increased capacities of users and key actors in business and legislation to sustainably manage bioenergy villages and to enact national and EU legislation. Altogether the BioVill project will contribute to the expansion and sustainability of the bioenergy markets in the European Union.
1.2 Scope of the task/deliverable and structure of the report
This report is a compilation of the 5 country reports summarizing the results of the surveys which were conducted in seven target villages of the five BioVill partner countries.
Main objective of the survey was to receive information from the citizens and stakeholders of the prospective bioenergy villages in the partner countries about their visions, ideas and expectations regarding bioenergy concepts, models and technologies which could be implemented in their villages. This will contribute to closely involve the citizens in the project activities in order to ensure public acceptance of the set-up of bioenergy value chains.
In order to collect the information a master questionnaire was developed by REGEA. The target country partners
then adapted it to the local framework conditions (when necessary), translated and distributed it to the relevant
citizens and stakeholders in the target villages in Croatia, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia and finally
analysed the results.
The structure and content of the questionnaire are prescribed in chapter 2 of the report. Chapter 3 contains an
overview of the results of all target villages and a summary of the key findings and conclusions. In chapter 4 the
specific results per country and target village are presented, including a statistical evaluation of the feedback
received. Last but not least, in the annex the questionnaire is presented.
The results given in this report are very helpful for the project partners and local authorities to learn more about
the visions and expectations of the target village citizens and to receive first-hand information on how the
citizens perceive the bioenergy village approach. Thus, the results of the analysis will also be presented and
discussed at the information days for the target villages and will be considered when elaborating the bioenergy
village concepts.
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
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2. Structure and content of the questionnaire
The questionnaire used for the Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas was developed by REGEA and
translated and distributed by all partners. It contains 19 questions which were divided into the following two
main sections:
General facts about the households. Questions referring to the number of the households members, year of construction and surface of living and heated space, and
Visions and ideas. Questions referring to the awareness of the citizens about renewable energy sources, energy used for heating, overall consumption of energy for heating as well as opinions and ideas for the development a bioenergy village.
The first part of the questionnaire contains questions regarding general facts about the households to roughly
assess the heat demand potential in the village. Furthermore questions regarding the construction year and
material used for the construction of the buildings were included since this allows conclusions on the technical
characteristics of the construction of the objects, e.g. the used material and thermo-isolation components, as
well as on the specific energy consumption in households.
The second part of the questionnaire starts with some questions to assess whether the surveyed citizens and
stakeholders are familiar with the topic of renewable energy resources. It is followed by questions on the
satisfaction of the citizens with the existing way of heating and on their interest and willingness to change the
current heating system and to connect their houses to a biomass based district heating system. Further
questions are related to the citizens’ expectations to such a district heating system and to their knowledge about
potential support factors and incentives as well as bottlenecks for the use of renewable energies in their villages.
The questionnaire ends with questions about the knowledge and interest of the citizens and stakeholders to
implement the bioenergy village concept and to actively participate in and contribute to the implementation
process.
Besides gathering information and opinions the aim of the survey was also to increase the awareness of the
citizens and stakeholders about the use of renewable energy sources and environmentally friendly heating
systems and thus to motivate them to actively participate in the project implementation.
Some questions of the master questionnaire prepared by REGEA were adapted to the specific local conditions in
the partner countries. The survey was performed in two ways: either by face to face or by telephone interviews.
The questionnaire is attached in the Annex of the report.
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
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3. Overall results of the survey
This chapter summarizes the key findings from the survey results for all 5 BioVill partner countries. The results presented in this report are based on a total of 299 filled questionnaires received from the surveyed
citizens and stakeholders in the seven target villages. The questionnaires were distributed by the respective
project partners to all relevant households and public institutions in the target villages, e.g. to those households
and institutions who might be potential users of a future biomass based district heating system or to those who
are located close enough to the potential area of the heating grid. The table below shows the distribution of the
received questionnaires per partner country.
Country Number of questionnaires per country
Croatia 61
Macedonia 104
Romania 89
Serbia 22
Slovenia 23
Total 299
Table 1: Distribution of the filled out questionnaires per partner country
The results of the survey reveal that the most common energy source for heating and hot water is wood fuel,
probably due to its low costs and indigenous availability. The figure below shows the currently used resources
for heating in the target villages in Croatia, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia.
Figure 1: Current way of heating in the BioVill target villages
Four types of heating resources were offered as possible answers: fuel oil, wood/biomass/pellets, electricity and
natural gas. 75% of the interviewees currently use wood. The second most used energy source is fossil fuel oil
(15%). The shares of electricity (7%) and natural gas (3%) used for heating and hot water are very small.
The analysis of the survey results of all targeted countries shows a large consciousness of the local communities
regarding the existence, potentials and benefits of renewable energies. In addition, more than half of the
surveyed citizens and stakeholders would like their village to be transformed into a bioenergy village which
produces and uses its own energy from local sources, primarily biomass (see Figure 2). This can be seen as the
first step in implementing and developing of a bioenergy village.
14,94%
74,81%
6,81%
3,44%
Current way of heating
Fuel oil
Wood /biomass /pellets
Electric heating
Natural gas
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
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Figure 2: Attitude of interviewees towards biomass as a source for heating
In Figure 2 is shown that more than 75% of the interviewees would like to change the current system of heating
to a more efficient source and the same number also expressed a high interest in a sustainable and efficient
biomass based heating. More than 50% are willing to connect their houses to a biomass based district heating
grid and only a share of less than 20% is not willing to do so at the moment.
In all target countries most of the surveyed citizens and stakeholders specified lower heating costs as the most
expected result of the development of a biomass based district heating system. They also expect that the district
heating system provides heat for space heating and for hot water. According to their opinion, the resources for
the district heating system should be produced locally. The district heating system should be fully operated on
renewables and exclude fossil fuels. The total number of answers is presented in the figure below.
Figure 3: Expectations of interviewees on a district heating system based on biomass
Furthermore, most of the interviewees specified the lack of financial mechanisms and the lack of technology as
the main reasons for the currently weak usage of biomass as a source for energy production and heating. Also,
they stated the reduction of heating costs, the creation of new jobs in the region and the reduction of CO2
emissions as the main objectives and driving forces to switch to a biomass based district heating system.
Main conclusions which can be drawn from the results of the survey are that most of the surveyed citizens and
stakeholders in the target villages have a significant desire and willingness to change their current way of heating
52,70%
77,39%
72,42%
17,85%
22,61%
27,58%
29,45%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Would you be willing to connect your house toa district heating system based on biomass?
Are you interested in sustainable and efficientbiomass heating?
Would you like to change your current way ofheating to a more efficient source of heating
energy?
Attitude towards biomass as source for heating
Maybe No Yes
226
17
10
42
55
43
77
129
75
0 50 100 150 200 250
The costs for district heating should be lower
The costs for district heating should be the same as the currentcost
The costs for district heating could be slightly higher
The district heating system shoud require less space than thecurrent heating system
The district heating system should be owned by the local citizens
The economics of the district heating system should betransparent
The biomass from the district heating system should be sourcedlocally
The district heating system should provide heat for spaceheating and for hot water
The district heating system should be operated fully onrenewables and exclude fossil fuels
Expectations for district heating system based on biomass
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
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to a more sustainable and efficient source and are interested connecting their houses to a district heating
system based on biomass. The received answers show the existing awareness of the local community regarding
the potentials of bioenergy in their villages and a great interest in using locally produced biomass as a source of
energy production. But the results also show the opinion of the respondents regarding existing obstacles for the
introduction of a biomass based heating system, e.g. lack of financial incentives and technology, lack of local
initiatives and support by the national and local authorities and thus, the further need for support and education
of the local communities within the framework of the BioVill project.
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
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4. Results of surveys per partner country
4.1 Croatia
Perušić
Perušić is a village in Lika-Senj County, Croatia. The village has 330 households and 909 inhabitants. In December
2016, the Perušić municipality conducted the survey “Awareness and Attitudes about Biomass Energy for setting
up a bioenergy village”. The survey was based on a questionnaire distributed to all relevant citizens and public
institutions of Perušić, especially to those who are potential users of a future biomass based district heating, in
order to determine their attitudes towards bioenergy and a biomass based heating system.
In total 33 questionnaires were distributed to households and public institutions and all of them replied. The
average number of household members in Perušić is 3.27 and thus, is larger than the average for the Republic of
Croatia which is 2.98 members per household. This survey confirmed that there are the most four-member
households which are approximately 25% of the total number, while the greatest increase was recorded in
households with two people.
The most frequently used construction material of residential objects was brick (54%), followed by concrete
bricks (30%), stone and regular bricks were 12%, while a facade sheath with 5cm Styrofoam was represented
with 3%. The average surface area of residential objects in Perušić amounts to 95m². The methodology of energy
audits of buildings1 defines the organization of buildings in five periods, corresponding to the time of their
construction: 1. prior to 1940, 2. 1941-1970, 3. 1971-1987, 4. 1988-2005, 5. 2006-present. The average age of
residential houses in Perušić is approximately 40 years, and most of the objects, about 55%, were constructed in
the period between 1941 and 1970, mainly in the 1960's. Because of the war during the 90's and the change in
the number of inhabitants, the dynamic of construction decreased. Thus, during the 90's and after 2000 just
about 14% of residential objects were newly constructed. The distribution of buildings according to their
construction period is shown in the figure below.
Figure 4: Number of houses related to the period of construction in Perušić
The question, which renewable energy resource is the most used resource worldwide, shows that citizens in Perušić are highly informed about the existence of RES. The results of the statements of the interviewees regarding usage of RES worldwide are given in the next chart.
1 http://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/dodatni/431982.pdf
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
prior to 1940
1941-1970
1971-1987
1988-2005
2006-present
Number of houses
Year
s o
f th
e co
nst
ruct
ion
Distribution of houses related to the time of construction
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
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Figure 5: Share of RES used worldwide according to the opinion of the interviewees in Perušić
The results show that 37% of the interviewees believe that sun energy is the most used renewable energy
resource worldwide, 33% believe that it is water and 18% that it is the biomass, while the remaining 12%
consider that it is wind.
The following question referred to the “Currently used way of heating”. Four types of resources were offered as
an answer: fuel oil, wood/biomass/pellets, electricity and natural gas.
Figure 6: Current way of heating in Perušić
From the figure it is visible that most of the interviewees (88%) use wood, while the shares of those using
electricity (6%), fuel oil (3%) and gas (3%) are almost negligible. Firewood is the most frequently used energy
source in the households of Perušić.
The next question requested from the interviewees to express how satisfied they are with the currently used
way of heating. The respondents expressed a high level of satisfaction with their current way of heating, as can
be seen in the following scheme.
Figure 7: Level of satisfaction with current way of heating in Perušić
37%
33%
12%
18%
Renewable energy resources used worlwide according to citizens of Perušić
Sun
Water
Wind
Biomass
3%
88%
6%
3%
Current way of heating
Fuel oil
Wood /biomass/pellets
Electric heating
Natural gas
27%
67%
6% 0
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Very satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
Level of satisfaction with current way of heating
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
14
27% claimed to be very satisfied with the current way of heating and 67% stated to be satisfied. None of the
respondents answered that they are very dissatisfied with the current way of heating and a slight dissatisfaction
with the current way of heating was expressed by 6%.
The next question aimed to discover the monthly heating costs in Perušić. Most respondents (64%) answered
that their monthly heating costs vary between EUR 50 and 150. 13% specified costs below EUR 50 and 18%
between EUR 150 and 250. The answers of 2% and 3% of the interviewees, which stated monthly heating cost
between EUR 250 and 500 and over EUR 700 respectively, belong most probably to respondents from public
institutions.
Figure 8: Monthly heating costs per household in Perušić
The survey also examined the local population’s awareness of renewable energy resources and their economic
efficiency as well as the readiness of households and institutions in Perušić to change the current way of heating.
The results are shown in the next figure.
Figure 9: Attitude of interviewees towards biomass as a source for heating in Perušić
The obtained results clearly show that citizens and stakeholders in Perušić will likely change their current way of
heating. They also expressed high interest in a sustainable and efficient biomass heating. With regards to their
willingness to connect their houses to a district heating system, the answers were also positive (52% -yes; 39% -
maybe and 9% - no). Perušić has a significant potential of biomass for energy production because it is located in
a region with a long tradition of the local community to use the local wood resources. Existing climate
conditions, meaning the long winters, request a significant amount of energy and a reliable source, but on the
other hand, also cause higher heating costs. Since many elderly people live in Perušić, the inhabitants find it
difficult to cut the firewood by oneself. Thus, they are interested in a centralised heating system based on
13%
64%
18%
2% 0% 3%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
< 50 € 50 to 150 € 150 to 250 € 250 to 500 € 500 to 700 € >700 €
Monthly heating costs per household
17
24
25
3
9
8
13
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Would you be willing to connect yourhouse to a district heating system based on
biomass?
Are you interested in sustainable andefficient biomass heating?
Would you like to change your currentway of heating to a more efficient source
of heating energy?
Attitude towards biomass as source for heating
Maybe No Yes
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
15
biomass which would offer them a higher comfort. With their own wood resources they would be able to
compensate the monthly instalments for the new heating system, and in that way also encourage the local
economy.
The expectations of the citizens and stakeholders towards such a district heating system have been asked in the
10th question. Interviewees had the possibility to choose more than one answer. The summary of their
expectations is provided in the following chart.
Figure 10: Expectations of interviewees towards a district heating system based on biomass in Perušić
The results show that most of the people in Perušić expect the heating costs of such a district heating system to
be lower than the current ones. Many of them also anticipate that the system should be operated fully on
renewables excluding fossil fuels and the district heating system should provide heat for space heating and for
hot water (both 15 answers). Only a part of them expects that biomass for district heating should be sourced
locally, that the heating system should require less space than the current heating system and that the economic
aspects of the district heating system should be transparent. And only a few respondents expect that the system
should be owned by the local citizens.
The next question is related to the peoples’ opinion on the most promising bioenergy sources being available in
larger quantities in their region. As expected, firewood is taking the largest portion with 23 answers. The pellets
have been chosen 13 times, wood chips 8 times, wood briquettes 1 answer and other sources have not been
chosen by the citizens of Perušić.
Continuing with the next question, the citizens should indicate the main reasons of weak usage of biomass as an
energy source. The respondents prioritized the lack of technology as the main reason (22 answers), followed by
the lack of financial mechanisms (10 answers) and the lack of biomass potential in the region (4 answers).
Detailed results are shown in the following figure.
28
1
11
4
10
14
15
15
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
The costs for district heating should be lower
The costs for district heating should be the same as the currentcost
The costs for district heating could be slightly higher
The district heating system shoud require less space than thecurrent heating system
The district heating system should be owned by the local citizens
The economics of the district heating system should betransparent
The biomass from the district heating system should be sourcedlocally
The district heating system should provide heat for space heatingand for hot water
The district heating system should be operated fully onrenewables and exclude fossil fuels
Citizens expectations towards a district heating system based on biomass
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
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Figure 11: Reasons for weak usage of biomass as an energy source according to the interviewees in Perušić
Most of the respondents in Perušić consider that the main objectives and driving forces to switch to a biomass
based district heating system would be the reduction in heating costs (19 answers), a support of the local
economy (13 answers) and job creation (8 answers). Only a few of them also have chosen reduction in CO2
emissions. The results are given in the next figure.
Figure 12: Main objectives and drivers for the establishment of a bioenergy village according to the opinion of the interviewees in Perušić
The last questions were asking about the knowledge and interest of the citizens and stakeholders in Perušić to
implement the bioenergy village concept and to actively participate in and contribute to the implementation
process. The majority of respondents in Perušić want their village to be turned into a bioenergy village which
produces and uses most of its energy from local biomass and other renewable energy sources. 28 out of 33
interviewees answered positive and only 5 gave a negative response to this question. When asked what are the
main reasons for this decision, the interviewees stated economic interest, less pollution, better and cheaper
heating, more work opportunities, cleaner environment, better use and increase of existing biomass resources in
the village, rehabilitation of the village and overall progress. Asked who are potential stakeholders to be involved
in the process of the establishment of a biomass based district heating in their region interviewees named the
state, local authority, citizens, local forest offices, local company Viševica Komp Ltd. and public utility companies.
A great majority of the respondents look optimistic on the prospect of becoming a bioenergy village. Asked
whether they want to participate in and contribute to BioVill project’s workshops or working groups 26
households responded positively but stated that it should be according to their capacities.
10
4
22
1
1
1
3
0 5 10 15 20 25
Lack of financial mechanism
No potential of biomass in area
Lack of technology
Depends on local stakeholders
Requires greater support from the local authorities
Concerns abouts its environmental impacts
Others
Reason of weak usage of biomass as an energy source
3
8
13
5
19
1
0 5 10 15 20
Make money
Create work
Support local economy
Decrease CO2 emissions
Reduction of heating costs
Others
Main objectives and drivers of establishing a bioenergy village
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
17
Lekenik
The Lekenik municipality is located in the northern part of the Sisak-Moslavina county, in the central part of
Croatia. It includes 18 settlements with a total population of 6,043 or 2,134 households and about 950 holiday
homes (country houses used only part time). In November 2016, the municipality of Lekenik conducted the
survey “Awareness and Attitudes about Biomass Energy for setting up a bioenergy village” in one of the
settlements were the bioenergy village approach shall be implemented. 28 questionnaires were distributed to
the relevant households and public institutions and all of them replied. The average number of household
members based on questionnaire sample is 4.71 persons which is much higher than the countries average.
According to the results of the survey, almost all buildings are constructed with brick, except one which is
constructed with clay blocks and one where the construction material was not specified. Energy performance
and building characteristics, as well as the energy consumption, are largely determined by the construction
period. The methodology of energy audits of buildings defines the organization of buildings in five periods,
corresponding to the time of their construction: 1. prior to 1940, 2. 1941-1970, 3. 1971-1987, 4. 1988-2005, 5.
2006-present. The distribution of houses which have been analysed in Lekenik is presented in the figure below.
Figure 13: Number of houses related to the period of construction in Lekenik
The average age of the surveyed residential houses in Lekenik is 42 years and most of the buildings were
constructed in the period between 1971 and 1987. The total surface of living space is 3,764 m2 with 3,132 m
2 of
heated surface, or 83%. The average of living space is 134m², with an average of heated surface of 116m².
Regarding the awareness on the bioenergy topic, based on the survey, it can be concluded that the respondents
from Lekenik already have a basic knowledge on renewable energy sources. When asked if they know what
renewable energy resources are, 23 (82%) answered with “Yes” and only 4 (14%) answered with “No” (one did
not give an answer on the question). Most of the interviewees consider solar energy as the most used renewable
energy source worldwide. The next figure shows renewable energy resources which are most used worldwide
according to the opinion of the respondents from Lekenik.
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
prior to 1940
1941-1970
1971-1987
1988-2005
2006-present
Number of houses
Year
s o
f th
e co
nst
ruct
ion
Distribution of houses corresponding to the time of their construction
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
18
Figure 14: Share of RES used worldwide according to the opinion of the interviewees in Lekenik
In Lekenik most of the surveyed houses are currently using wood as the source for heating (68%), while natural
gas is used by 21% and electricity by only 11%. Fuel oil is not present as a heating source in Lekenik. The
distribution of answers is shown in the figure below.
Figure 15: Current way of heating in Lekenik
Most of the interviewees are really satisfied with the current way of heating. 54% expressed that they are very
satisfied and 39% expressed that they are satisfied with the current situation. 7% of the respondents expressed
their dissatisfaction with the current way of heating but none of them is “Very dissatisfied”. The high level of
satisfaction might be caused by the actually low prices of firewood in Croatia. The figure below shows the level
of satisfaction of the respondents in Lekenik.
Figure 16: Level of satisfaction with the current way of heating in Lekenik
64% 13%
3%
20%
Renewable energy resource used worlwide according to citizens of Lekenik
Sun
Water
Wind
Biomass
0%
68% 11%
21%
Distribution of the heating sources
Fuel oil
Wood /biomass /pellets
Electric heating
Natural gas
54%
39%
7% 0%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Very satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
Level of satisfaction with current way of heating
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
19
A large share of the interviewees (64%) specified monthly heating costs of up to EUR 250. The answers of the
21% and 7% which stated that they pay EUR 500-700 per month and more than EUR 700 per month respectively
belong most probably to respondents from public institutions. The answers regarding the monthly heating costs
are presented in the figure below.
Figure 17: Monthly heating costs per household in Lekenik
Questions 7, 8 and 9 of the questionnaire are related to the attitude of the interviewees in Lekenik towards
biomass as a source for heating. The results are presented together in the figure below.
Figure 18: Attitude of interviewees towards biomass as a source for heating in Lekenik
The results confirm that the majority of respondents from Lekenik are interested in changing the current way of
heating to a more efficient and sustainable (biomass based) source. Also 43% expressed their willingness to
connect their house to a district heating system based on biomass and 28% of them were not sure yet and
answered “Maybe”. Only 8 respondents answer with “No”.
The citizens were also asked about their expectations of such district heating system and had the possibility to
choose more than one predefined answer. The results show that the expectations are mostly related to lower
heating costs (79%), only one respondent would accept also slightly higher heating costs. Furthermore,
according to 32% of the interviewees the district heating system should be owned by the local citizens and
should require less space than the current heating system. A summary of the expectations is given in the
following figure.
21%
18%
25%
7%
21%
7%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
< 50 € 50 to 150 € 150 to 250 € 250 to 500 € 500 to 700 € >700 €
Monthly heating costs per household
12
13
16
8
15
12
8
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Would you be willing to connect your house to a districtheating system based on biomass?
Are you interested in sustainable and efficient biomassheating?
Would you like to change your current way of heatingto a more efficient source of heating energy?
Attitude towards biomass as source for heating
Maybe No Yes
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
20
Figure 19: Expectations of interviewees towards a district heating system based on biomass in Lekenik
Regarding the question “What are the most promising bioenergy sources being available in larger quantities in
your region”, most of the respondents (86%) have chosen firewood. Since multiple answers were possible, in
total 42 answers were given. Firewood had been chosen 24 times, agricultural crops 6 times, wood chips and
other sources (e.g. straw, residues) 5 times, wood pellets 2 times and wood briquettes have not been chosen at
all.
With the next question, the interviewees had the chance to give a statement on their opinion about the reasons
of the currently weak usage of biomass as an energy source. According to the results, the lack of financial
mechanism is seen as the main reason (16 answers) and the lack of technology is seen as the second important
reason (10 answers). All other options were chosen only by a few respondents.
Figure 20: Reasons for weak usage of biomass as an energy source according to the interviewees in Lekenik
Most of the interviewees (61%) consider that using biomass for heating is more environmentally acceptable than
the current way of heating. 19 or 68% of them believe that there are already available incentive mechanisms for
using bioenergy resources for heating and energy production.
In the opinion of 46% of the respondents, the main driving force for establishing a bioenergy village is the
possibility to reduce the current heating costs. Also job creation and the possibility of making money were seen
as very favourable objectives and driving forces. The next figure shows the distribution of the provided answers
22
3
1
9
9
3
5
5
7
0 5 10 15 20 25
The costs for district heating should be lower
The costs for district heating should be the same as the currentcost
The costs for district heating could be slightly higher
The district heating system shoud require less space than thecurrent heating system
The district heating system should be owned by the loal citizens
The economics of the district heating system should betransparent
The biomass from the district heating system should be sourcedlocally
The district heating system should provide heat for spaceheating and for hot water
The district heating system should be operated fully onrenewables and exclude fossil fuels
Expectations for district heating system based on biomass
16
3
10
1
4
0
1
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Lack of financial mechanism
No potential of biomass in area
Lack of tehnology
Depends on local stakeholders
Requires greater support from the local authorities
Concerns abouts its environmental impacts
Others
Reason of weak usage of biomass as an energy source
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
21
Figure 21: Main objectives and drivers for the establishment of a bioenergy village according to the opinion of the interviewees in Lekenik
The interviewees were also asked to name potential stakeholders and key actors for the process of developing
and implementing a bioenergy model and concept in their village. According to their opinion, the top 3 most
important stakeholders should be the local and regional authorities, the national authorities and the local
population. As further important stakeholders have been mentioned, e.g. local farmers, private sector,
representatives of the public buildings, private forest owners and owners of the wood based industries.
The last questions were asking about the knowledge and interest of the citizens and stakeholders in Lekenik to
implement the bioenergy village concept and to actively participate in and contribute to the implementation
process. Most of the respondents (71%) answered positively to the question regarding the establishment of a
bioenergy village which produces and uses most of its energy from local biomass and other renewable energy
sources in their village and they will support the idea. Asked for their expectations, visions and ideas for the
development of a bioenergy village, they specified among others: reducing heating costs and CO2 emissions,
creating new jobs, increasing efficiency of the heating system, connecting at least 70% of households to the
heating network, as well as developing the local economy which will lead to a higher standard of living. A
majority of 61% of the respondents would like to participate in workshops and working group meetings and one
is even willing to contribute as a lecturer.
8
9
6
6
13
2
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Make money
Create work
Support local economy
Decrease CO2 emissions
Reduction of heating costs
Others
Main objectives and drivers of establishing a bioenergy village
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
22
4.2 Macedonia
The implementation of the bioenergy village approach in Kichevo is foreseen in a densely-populated area which
includes residential and public buildings (e.g. kindergarten, elementary school, high school). This area covers
around 0.5 km² and 3,000 citizens or approximately 780 households. In the beginning, the complex “Lameli”,
consisting of 9 blocks of flats which already have a (currently not working) central heating system, is considered
to be the most suitable area for starting the implementation of the bioenergy village approach. Therefore the
questionnaire was distributed only to those private households located in this complex. In the future, also other
households shall be involved. The total number of distributed questionnaires is 104. The questionnaire prepared
by REGEA was adapted to the local framework conditions, e.g. the 14th
question on existing incentive
mechanisms was excluded due to experts’ opinion.
The first section of the questionnaire regarding “Composition of the household” was answered by 103
interviewees (99 %). The average number of persons per household is 4.4 resulting in more than 400 citizens
being involved in the survey. Most of the respondents have answered that their house has a solid construction
consisting of: clay bricks, bricks, concrete, concrete blocks, cement, iron, timber, tiles and gypsum boards and
was built in the period between 1976 and 1990. Moreover, the average surface of living space per household is
74.7m² and the average heated living area accounts to 62.7m². The detailed answers given to the question
regarding the year of construction of their houses are illustrated in the following figure (answered by 89
interviewees or 86.4 %).
Figure 22: Number of houses related to the period of construction and the national typology category of the residential sector in Kichevo
The second part of the questionnaire starts with a question on the awareness of the citizens about the BioVill
project. Only 26 respondents (25%) could answer with yes, because just one information meeting with the local
authorities has happened until the survey was performed and an information event for the citizens is only
planned for a later date. The question on the awareness about renewable energy sources (RES) got 89
affirmative answers (85.6%), which shows that citizens are highly informed about the existence of RES. The
results of the next question - most used RES worldwide - are given in following figure.
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
1946-1960
1961-1975
1976-1990
1991-2005
after 2005
Number of houses according to the year of construction and national typology residential sector category
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
23
Figure 23: Share of RES used worldwide according to the opinion of the interviewees in Kichevo
Some of the citizens could not decide and have given multiple answers (119 answers in total). Most of the
answers refer to the sun as the most used RES (52.1%), followed by water with 26.9 % of all answers.
The households’ current way of heating (response rate 100%) is shown in the next figure.
Figure 24: Current way of heating in Kichevo Most of the respondents (72%) answered that they use wood (firewood) as heating source. Only 21% rely on
electrical heating.
The interviewees expressed a high level of satisfaction with their current way of heating. About 85% of the
interviewees answered that they are very satisfied or satisfied as shown in the next figure.
Figure 25: Level of satisfaction with current way of heating in Kichevo
The households’ monthly heating costs (response rate 96%) are presented in the following figure.
52%
27%
8%
13%
Renewable energy sources used worlwide according to citizens of Kichevo's location
Sun
Water
Wind
Biomass
7%
72%
21%
0%
Current way of heating
Fuel oil
Wood /biomass /pellets
Electric heating
Natural gas
17,3%
67,3%
11,5%
1,9%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Very satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Verydissatisfied
Level of satisfaction with current way of heating
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
24
Figure 26: Monthly heating costs per household in Kichevo
The results show that the majority of households (53% of respondents) pay less than 50 EUR per month for
heating. This is due to the low prices of firewood and electricity in Kichevo and Macedonia in general, but also
because of illegal wood logging. Compared to the minimum gross monthly salary in Macedonia - which amounts
to 14,223 Denar (231 EUR) in 20162 - even these low costs must be considered as high for the Macedonian
citizens.
The answers to questions 7, 8 and 9 are presented together in the next figure (response rate question 7: 100%,
question 8: 97% and question 9: 98%).
Figure 27: Attitude of interviewees in Kichevo towards biomass as source for heating
According to the answers given, citizens will likely change their current way of heating, about 80% of the
interviewees stated yes. 78% also expressed a high interest in sustainable and efficient biomass heating. With
regards to their willingness to connect their houses to a district heating system, the answers were also positive,
63 respondents stated “yes” and another 28 answered “maybe”.
The expectations of the interviewees on such a district heating system have been examined with the next
question. The respondents had the possibility to choose more than one answer. The summary of their
expectations is elaborated in the following figure.
2 http://www.eurokonsaltplus.com.mk/?p=1856
52,9%
33,7%
3,8% 2,9% 0,0%
2,9%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
< 50 € 50 to 100 € 100 to 150 € 150 to 200 € 200 to 250 € >250 €
Monthly heating costs per household
63
78
83
11
23
21
28
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Would you be willing to connect your house to a districtheating system based on biomass?
Are you interested in sustainable and efficient biomassheating?
Would you like to change your current way of heating to amore efficient source of heating energy?
Attitude towards biomass as source for heating
Maybe No Yes
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
25
Figure 28: Expectations of interviewees towards a district heating system based on biomass in Kichevo
The results show that the majority of the people expect the heating costs to be lower than the current heating
costs (84 answers). In their opinion, the district heating system should provide heat for space heating and for hot
water (55 answers). Only a minor share expects that the system should be operated fully on renewables
excluding fossil fuels (23 answers) and that the system should be owned by the local citizens (20 answers).
The following question was focussing on the people’s opinion on the most promising bioenergy sources being
available in larger quantities in their region. As expected, firewood was chosen by most of the respondents (99
answers). Pellets have been chosen only 21 times, briquettes 11 times, agricultural crops 3 times and wood chips
and others/straw/residues received just one answer.
With the next question the interviewees could indicate their opinion on the main reasons of weak usage of
biomass as an energy source. According to the results the lack of information and knowledge is seen as the main
reason (45 answers). Other main reasons are the lack of technologies (33 answers) and the lack of financial
mechanisms (32 answers). Details are presented in the following figure.
Figure 29: Reasons for weak usage of biomass as an energy source according to the interviewees in Kichevo
There is a strong belief among the citizens that obtaining heating energy from biomass is more environmentally
acceptable than the current way of heating, 93 respondents (89%) affirmed this.
84
10
8
14
20
14
55
23
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
The costs for district heating should be lower
The costs for district heating should be the same as thecurrent cost
The costs for district heating could be slightly higher
The district heating system shoud require less space than thecurrent heating system
The district heating system should be owned by the localcitizens
The biomass from the district heating system should besourced locally
The district heating system should provide heat for spaceheating and for hot water
The district heating system should be operated fully onrenewables and exclude fossil fuels
Expectations for district heating system based on biomass
32
8
33
14
21
20
45
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Lack of financial mechanism
No potential of biomass in area
Lack of technology
Depends on local stakeholders
Requires greater support from the local authorities
Concerns abouts its environmental impacts
Lack of information and knowledge
Reason of weak usage of biomass as an energy source
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
26
23
49
4
3
14
7
3
1
2
3
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
local population/citizens/ihabitants/households/dwellings
institutions/municipality/local authorities/mayor
experts
public enterprises
government/national authorities/ministries
investors/private investors/firms/companies
local business community/economic chamber
public-private partnerships
intelectuals/education system
all
Potential stakeholders of the district heating system establishment according to the surveyed citizens from the prospective location
In the following figure the answers of the respondents on the question (multiple answers possible) about the
main objectives and drivers for the establishment of a bioenergy village are presented.
Figure 30: Main objectives and drivers for the establishment of a bioenergy village according to the
interviewees in Kichevo The aim of reducing the heating costs is predominant with 65 answers (37%). Another 53 answers (30%)
highlighting the aim of decreasing the CO2 emissions and 26 answers prioritised job creation and financial
benefits.
In the following citizens have been asked to define potential stakeholders to be involved in the establishment
process of a district biomass based heating system in their village and to specify reasons why they should be
involved. 64 interviewees have responded, giving one or multiple comments. The answers are presented in the
figure below.
Figure 31: Potential stakeholders for the establishment of a district heating system in Kichevo
In summary, the most important stakeholders for establishment of a biomass based district heating system
according to the opinion of the respondents in Kichevo are a) the local authorities b) the local population and c)
the national authorities. Citizens further emphasized the role of the local authorities and their influence and
engagement in additional comments. According to them, the municipality should cooperate closely with the
public enterprises or even be part of public-private partnerships that would be in charge of operating the
prospective district heating system. The possibility of fixing the waste disposal issues in Kichevo was also
mentioned in the comments. On the other side, some of the interviewees also underlined private companies as
key drivers. Several of them think that all mentioned stakeholders should be involved in the planning and
implementation process, but particularly the citizens who will likely use the system in the future. The dwellings
have been pointed out as possibly interested in such a project. And the system should be accessible for citizens
26
26
53
65
4
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Financial benefits
Create jobs
Decrease CO2 emissions
Reduction of heating costs
Others
Main objectives and drivers of establishing a bioenergy village
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
27
with lower wages. The respondents also see the implementation of the heating system as a possibility to save
energy, reduce air pollution and introduce clean ways of heating which will lead to a cleaner town of Kichevo.
In the next question, citizens were asked to give their first affirmative or negative answer to the establishment of
a bioenergy village which produces and uses most of its energy from local biomass and other RES. The majority,
85 respondents (82%), welcomed the idea.
The following question (multiple answers possible) was focussed on the citizens’ ideas/expectations/visions
regarding the transformation of a part of the Kichevo municipality towards a bioenergy village. The highest
shares of answers prioritised as most relevant expectations a) environment protection and preservation to
improve the health situation of the population, b) reduction of heating costs and c) creation of new jobs. To
underline these results some of the respondents stressed the fact that Kichevo is one the most polluted towns in
Macedonia, especially in winter time. Furthermore it was proposed to use the water (steam) from the
Thermoelectric Power Plant Oslomej as a heating source for the heating system, despite the fact that Oslomej is
facing huge problems with coal supply (the excavated coal is almost exhausted) and at the moment is not
operating during the whole year. Other respondents expect the construction of a district heating plant and a
district heating network as an outcome of the BioVill project and wanted to see the district heating system being
established as soon as possible. Some required detailed information about the project and further presentation
of its objectives and realisation.
With the last question, the possible participation of the citizens in workshops and working groups has been
queried. 65 interviewees (75% response rate) stated that they are willing to actively participate at workshops
and working group meetings and 13 respondents are willing to take part in the BioVill project activities also as
experts or lecturers.
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
28
4.3 Romania
The survey with citizens of the two selected villages from Romania, Ghelinta and Estelnic, was conducted by GEA
by face to face interviews in November 2016. The results are presented for both villages together. According to
the decision of the local working groups the survey was focussed on buildings and households which are located
in the center of the villages, since the planned local heating system in its first phase shall include the public
buildings and the surrounding residential and non-residential buildings.
In the two communes the survey covered in total 89 buildings - 55 in Ghelinta and 34 Estelnic - most of them
residential buildings but also some non-residential buildings, e.g. a school, some local shops and a guesthouse.
Originally it was planned to involve even more buildings/households, but due to time reasons and the absence of
citizens it could not be realised.
The average number of persons per surveyed household is 3.11. The houses are built of wood or bricks or a
combination of both. But in each village there are also several blocks of concrete. In Estelnic the average living
space of the surveyed households is 107 m² with an heated living space of 71 m² (76%); in Ghelinta the figures
are 104m² and 78m² (82%) respectively. Also the answers about the knowledge of the citizens on renewable
energy sources vary between the villages. 39% of the inhabitants from Ghelinta consider that water is the most
used renewable energy resource worldwide, followed by biomass (27%). In contrary, only 26% of the inhabitants
from Estelnic consider water as the most used renewable energy resource, but a larger share of 31% of the
respondents selected biomass and solar energy.
Figure 32: Share of RES used worldwide according to the opinion of the citizens of Ghelinta and Estelnic About 59% of the respondents from Estelnic are already aware of the EU project BioVill in which their
municipality participates, in Ghelinta this number is smaller, only 44% knows about the BioVill project.
The great majority of the citizens in both villages specified wood/pellets/biomass as the current way of heating.
100% of the households from Ghelinta and 98% from Estelnic are using firewood; the remaining 2% in Estelnic
are using electricity for heating. The villages have no natural gas, and no one uses heating oil or other types of
fuel for heating.
As can be seen in the following figure, the majority of the population in Estelnik and in Ghelinta is satisfied (75%)
or even very satisfied (7%) with the current way of heating. Only 16% and 2% of the participants in the survey
stated that they are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. No major differences in the results exist between the
villages.
23%
39%
11%
27%
Renewable energy resource most used worldwide according to citizens from Ghelinta
sun
water
Wind
Biomass
31%
26%
12%
31%
Renewable energy resource most used worldwide according to citizens from Estelnic
sun
water
wind
Biomass
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
29
Figure 33: Level of satisfaction with with current way of heating in Estelnik and Ghelinta
The next table presents the results on the question about the monthly heating costs per household in the
villages Estelnik and Ghelinta. The results vary between the two villages and in Ghelinta not all of the
interviewees were able to specify their monthly heating costs. As can be seen in the table the majority of the
respondents have monthly heating costs between 50 and 150 EUR or even lower than 50 EUR; and no one is
paying more than 250 EUR. Nevertheless, taking into account the low salaries/incomes of the citizens in the
villages, these costs can be considered quite high.
Monthly heating costs per household (in EUR)
Estelnic (% of answers)
Ghelinta (% of answers)
< 50 29 36
50 to 150 56 60
150 to 250 15 4
250 to 500 0 0
Figure 34: Monthly heating costs per household in Estelnik and Ghelinta
The attitude of the surveyed citizens regarding biomass as source of heating energy is very positive. 70% of the
interviewed persons in both villages would like to change the current way of heating to a more efficient source
of heating energy, and 82% are interested in a sustainable and efficient biomass heating. In contrary, asked for
their willingness to connect their houses to a district heating system based on biomass, most of the respondents
are still uncertain, about 30% in Estelnik and 50% in Ghelinta. About 30% in Estelnik and 40% in Ghelinta
answered positive and 30%/20% responded they do not want to be connected to a district heating system based
on biomass. Previous experiences with inefficient heating systems during socialist times and the lack of
knowledge about modern biomass based heating technologies could be identified as main reasons for this
reluctance. The following figure presents the detailed results for the both villages together.
7%
75%
16% 2%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Very satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Verydissatisfied
Level of satisfaction with the current heating
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
30
Figure 35: Attitude of interviewees towards biomass as a source for heating in Estelnik and Ghelinta
In the following the participants of the survey (and potential users of biomass heating) were asked about their
expectations on a future district heating system based on biomass in Estelnik and Ghelinta.
According to the given answers, the respondents expect from such a district heating system:
to have lower heating costs (77 answers);
that it provides heat for space heating and for hot water (43 answers);
that the economic calculations of the heating system should be transparent (42 answers);
that the necessary biomass resources should be produced locally (34 answers);
that it should be owned by the citizens of the villages (22 answers);
that it should be operated fully on renewables and exclude fossil fuels (18 answers);
that it should require less space than the current heating system (6 answers) Only 3 respondents stated that the heating costs could be the same as the current cost and 1 person answered
that the costs for district heating could even be slightly higher. The next figure presents the detailed results for
both villages.
43,18%
23,86%
18,18%
29,55%
32,95%
81,82%
70,45%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Would you be willing to connect your house to a districtheating system based on biomass?
Are you interested in sustainable and efficient biomassheating
Would you like to change your current way of heating to amore efficient source of heating energy
Attitudes towards biomass as a source for heating
Yes No Maybe
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
31
Figure 36: Expectations of interviewees towards a district heating system based on biomass in Estelnik and Ghelinta
In the opinion of the majority of the population of both villages participating in the survey the most promising
bioenergy sources being available locally is firewood (63%) followed by wood chips (19%) other sources like
straw and local residues (6%) and agriculture residues (5%). The main reason for the high share of answers
specifying wood as the most promising bioenergy resource might be the fact, that both villages are located in
Covasna county, which is densely covered with forests; 47 % of the county is covered by forests of hardwood
and softwood. The results do not differ much between the villages, thus they are presented together in the
following figure.
Figure 37: Most promising bioenergy sources in the region according to the opinion of the respondents in Estelnik and Ghelinta
The following question is focussing on the opinion of the citizens regarding the weak usage of biomass as an
energy source. Most of the respondents think that lack of financial mechanisms and the lack of technology are
0 20 40 60 80 100
The costs for district heating should be lower
The costs for district heating should be the same as the currentcost
The costs for district heating could be slightly higher
The district heating system shoud require less space than thecurrent heating system
The district heating system should be owned by the loal citizens
The economics of the district heating system should betransparent
The biomass from the district heating system should be sourcedlocally
The district heating system should provide heat for spaceheating and for hot water
The district heating system should be operated fully onrenewables and exclude fossil fuels
Gelinta Estelnic
Firewood 63%
Wood chips 19%
Wood pellets 4%
Wood briquettes 3%
Agricultural crops (e.g. maize)
5% Others / straw /
residues 6%
The most promising bioenergy sources being available in larger quantities locally
Firewood
Wood chips
Wood pellets
Wood briquettes
Agricultural crops (e.g. maize)
Others / straw / residues
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
32
the main reasons. As other reasons were mentioned the lack of information, followed by the lack of interest of
the local stakeholders and the need for a greater support from local authorities. The figure below shows the
distribution of results.
Figure 38: Reasons for weak usage of biomass as an energy source according to the interviewees in Estelnik and Ghelinta
The vast majority of people surveyed in Estelnik and Ghelinta (87%) consider that using heat energy from
biomass is more environmentally acceptable than the current way of heating. Regarding to the existence of
incentive mechanisms for using bioenergy resources the opinions are divided, 52% of the respondents are aware
that there are mechanisms for stimulating the usage of bioenergy for heating, but 42% stated that there are no
incentive mechanisms and the financial support for establishing bioenergy villages in the country is week.
With the next question the interviewees were asked about the main objectives and drivers for the establishment
of a bioenergy village (multiple answers possible). According to the opinion of the surveyed citizens in Estelnik
and Ghelinta these are:
Lower heating costs (56 answers)
Job creation (41 answers)
Support to local economy (36 answers)
Reduction of CO2 emissions (18 answers)
Business opportunities (18 answers) The results are almost similar for both villages - only the answer regarding the support to the local economy was
chosen more often by the citizens of Estelnik compared to Ghelinta - and thus are presented together in the
figure below.
Figure 39: Main objectives and drivers for the establishment of a bioenergy village according to the interviewees in Estelnik and Ghelinta
0
14
16
25
37
51
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
No potential of biomass in area
Concerns abouts its environmental impacts
Requires greater support from the local authorities
Depends on local stakeholders
Others
Lack of technology
Lack of financial mechanism
Reason of weak usage of biomass as an energy source
56
41 36
18 18
1 0
10
20
30
40
50
60Main objectives and drivers of establishing a bioenergy village
Cheaper heating costs Create work Support local economy
Decrease CO2 emissions Make money Others
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
33
Finally, asked about their willingness to become a bioenergy village, 97% of the surveyed participants in Estelnik
and 87% in Ghelinta have agreed, that their village should be transformed into a bioenergy village which
produces and uses most of its energy from local biomass and other renewable energies. Furthermore, from the
two villages, 75 people want to participate in the workshops organized within the framework of the BioVill
project, and 6 already expressed their willingness to participate also as experts or lecturers. 8 people have not
responded to this question.
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
34
4.4 Serbia
The survey in the partner village Kostojevici was conducted as a series of interviews based on the predefined
questionnaire during the first half of October 2016. Interested citizens of the village were invited by the local
administration to join the survey. In total 22 out of 142 registered households in the village took part at the
interviews. This represents 15% of the total number of households and 74 inhabitants, i.e. 18% of entire
population of the village which accounts for 413 citizens. The average number of household occupants based on
the sample is 3.36. Other households were also interested to contribute to the survey but were not able to
participate in the interviews in the given time frame.
All of the 22 respondents stated that their houses are constructed with hard material, e.g. bricks, blocks or
combination of the two. Based on National Typology of Residential Sector all of the buildings belong to one of
the following categories according to the year of the construction: B (1919-1945), C (1946-1960), E (1971-1980)
or G (1991-2012). As shown in the following figure most of the surveyed building belong to category E which
means that they are built between 1971 and 1980.
Figure 40: Number of houses related to the period of construction and the National Typology for Residential Sector Categories in Kostojevici
The survey covered a total of 2,227m² of living space (in average 101m² per household) out of which around
70% i.e. 1,565.5m² is heated (in average 71m² per household). The following figure shows the distribution of
living and heated space per category.
Figure 41: Distribution of living and heated space per National Typology for Residential Sector Categories in Kostojevici
Based on the survey results it can be concluded that the citizens of Kostojevici have a fair knowledge about the
BioVill project and also a general understanding on renewable energy sources. 73% answered that they are
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
B (1919-1945)
C (1946-1960)
E (1971-1980)
G (1991-2012)
Number of houses
Number of houses per National Typology for Residential Sector Category
51.6%
54.8%
91.2%
77.6%
0
200
400
600
800
1000
B (1919-1945) C (1946-1960) E (1971-1980) G (1991-2012)
Livi
ng/
hea
ted
sp
ace
in m
2
Heated space per National Typology Category
Cumulative living space per Category Cumulative heated space per Category
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
35
aware of the BioVill project and 27% replied with “No”. When asked if they know what renewable energy
resources are, 91% replied affirmatively and 9% replied negative. The citizens of Kostojevici consider
hydropower as most prominent renewable energy source worldwide with energy from the sun on the second
and biomass on the third place as shown in the following figure.
Figure 42: Share of RES used worldwide according to the opinion of interviewees in Kostojevici
As shown in the following figure, currently more than half of the surveyed households use fuel oil for heating
(59.1%), while biomass is used by 36.4% and electricity by 4.5% of the households. Natural gas is not present as
heating source in the village.
Figure 43: Current way of heating in Kostojevici
The level of satisfaction with the current state of heating among the respondents is very high. More than 80% of
the interviewees stated that they are satisfied or very satisfied with the current way of heating. Reasons for this
good assessment might be the relatively favourable ratio between the price and the quality of the heating
service. The majority of interviewed households pay less then EUR 150 per month for heating, 32% stated that
the pay between 50 and EUR 150 per month and 55% even below EUR 50. Distribution of the answers regarding
level of satisfaction and heating costs is given in the following figures.
Sun 28%
Water 48%
Wind 0%
Biomass 24%
Renewable energy resource most used worldwide according to citizens of Kostojevici
Sun
Water
Wind
Biomass
Fuel oil 59,1%
Biomass 36,4%
Electricity 4,5%
Current way of heating
Fuel oil
Wood /biomass /pellets
Electric heating
Natural gas
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
36
Figure 44: Level of satisfaction with current way of heating in Kostojevici
Figure 45: Monthly heating costs per household in Kostojevici
According to the results of the survey, the attitude of the citizens towards biomass as source of heating energy is
in general very positive. As can be seen in the following figure, more than 80% of the households answered
positively on the questions related to biomass as a sustainable and efficient energy source, as well as regarding
their willingness to connect the houses to a local heating grid supplied by heat based on biomass.
Figure 46: Attitude of interviewees towards biomass as a source for heating in Kostojevici
When asked about the most promising bioenergy sources being available locally, the majority of interviewees
replied that it is firewood (87%). Wood chips were named in 9% of the answers and agriculture residues got 4%
of the answers.
The interviewees expect from a district heating system to have lower heating costs, economical issues should be
made transparent and the biomass used for the district heating system should be produced locally. Furthermore
4,5%
77,3%
18,2% 0,0%
Very satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Level of satisfaction with a current way of heating
54,5%
31,8%
13,6%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
< 50 € 50 to 150 € 150 to 250 €
Monthly heating costs per household
18
19
18
4
3
4
0 5 10 15 20
Would you like to change your current way of heating toa more efficient source of heating energy?
Are you interested in sustainable and efficient biomassheating?
Would you be willing to connect your house to a districtheating system based on biomass?
Attitude towards biomass as source for heating
No Yes
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
37
it should provide heat for both, space heating and for hot water and it should be operated fully with renewables
and exclude fossil fuels.
Figure 47: Expectations of interviewees towards a district heating system based on biomass in Kostojevici
The opinion of the citizens from Kostojevici regarding the weak usage of biomass as an energy source differs, but
most of the interviewees think that lack of technology and financial mechanisms as well as lack of support by the
local authorities and lack of initiatives of the local stakeholders are the main reasons. The next figure presents
the results in details.
Figure 48: Reasons for weak usage of biomass as an energy source according to the interviewees in Kostojevici
As provided in the next figure, the vast majority of the interviewees in Kostojevici agree that a district heating
system based on biomass is more environmental friendly then the current system. They also think that financial
support for the biomass utilization is weak.
15
2
8
10
11
12
0 5 10 15 20
The costs for district heating should be lower
The costs for district heating should be the same as the currentcost
The costs for district heating could be slightly higher
The district heating system shoud require less space than thecurrent heating system
The district heating system should be owned by the loal citizens
The economics of the district heating system should betransparent
The biomass from the district heating system should be sourcedlocally
The district heating system should provide heat for spaceheating and for hot water
The district heating system should be operated fully onrenewables and exclude fossil fuels
Expectations for district heating system based on biomass
8
4
11
7
7
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Lack of financial mechanism
No potential of biomass in area
Lack of technology
Depends on local stakeholders
Requires greater support from the local authorities
Concerns abouts its environmental impacts
Others
Reason of weak usage of biomass as an energy source
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
38
Figure 49: Opinion of the respondents in Kostojevici regarding environmental aspects and financial support for biomass utilization
The surveyed citizens of Kostojevici consider the reduction of heating costs as the main objective and driving
force to switch to a biomass based district heating. A lower share also specified the reduction of CO2 emissions,
the support of the local economy and the creation of job opportunities as drivers for the establishment of a
bioenergy village.
Figure 50: Main objectives and drivers for the establishment of a bioenergy village according to the interviewees in Kostojevici
Regarding the question, who are potential stakeholders for the process of establishment of a district biomass
heating in their region and who should be involved, the respondents in Kostojevici named among others the
state, local authorities and politicians, citizens – especially the potential users of the district heating system,
public utility companies, local environmental organizations and NGOs. A great majority of the households
benevolently look on the prospect of becoming a bioenergy village. When asked, if they want their village to be
developed towards a bioenergy village which produces and uses most of its energy from local biomass and other
renewable energy 19 out of 22 interviewees answered positive with two negative and one undecided reply. As
the main reasons for this decision, the stakeholders named economic interests, better and cheaper heating,
more job opportunities and higher income, but also reduced pollution, cleaner environment and use of waste
materials and resources as well as prevention of migration from the village to the cities and overall progress in
the village.
Last but now least, when asked whether they would like to participate in the BioVill project’s workshops or
working groups most of the interviewees responded positively, but highlighted that it should be according their
capacities. 18 respondents agreed to actively participate in the workshops and working groups and four of them
could not answer to the question.
19
7
3
15
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Do you consider that obtaining heating energy frombiomass is more environmentally acceptable than the
current way of heating?
Are there any incentive mechanisms for using bioenergyresources for heating and energy production which
produce and use most of its energy from local biomassand other renewable energies in your country?
Opinion of the stakeholders regarding environmental aspects and financial support for biomass utilization
No Yes
5
7
6
8
17
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Make money
Create work
Support local economy
Decrease CO2 emissions
Lower heating costs
Main objectives and drivers of establishing a bioenergy village
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
39
4.5 Slovenia
The local community Dole pri Litiji is a distinct rural area which consists of 28 villages with approximately 760
inhabitants. The largest village and at the same time the center of the local community is Dole pri Litiji - which
was chosen as the target village for the BioVill project in Slovenia. In the survey only the central part of the
village was included. The more distant houses were not included since it seemed uneconomical to connect them
to a potential district heating system.
The survey in the village Dole pri Litiji was conducted as a series of face to face interviews (20) and telephone interviews (3) based on the predefined questionnaire. It took place during the second half of November 2016. The survey included 23 questionnaires covering 5 non-residential buildings (3 public buildings and 2 private enterprise buildings) and 18 residential buildings (thereof one block of apartments). All questionnaires were counted equally regardless of the purpose of the building. Out of 45 registered households in the village, 33 households are covered by the survey which represents 73% of the total number of households. For one apartment block including 16 households just one interview with the manager of the block was made. The sample includes 79 inhabitants which represents 63% of entire population of the village (126 citizens). The average number of household members based on the sample is 2.36 which is less than the average of the whole village, which is 2.8 persons per household.
All 23 houses covered by the survey are constructed with hard material, e.g. bricks, concrete or a combination of
both and stone with loam. Based on National Residential Building Typology (TABULA), all buildings belong to one
of the following categories according to the year of the construction: A (to 1945), B (1946-1970), C (1971-1980),
D (1981-2002), E (2003-2008) or F (after 2009). The following figure presents the distribution of houses per
TABULA typology. The average age of the houses included in the survey is 55 years and most of the houses were
built in the years between 1981 and 2002.
Figure 51: Number of houses related to the period of construction and the national typology category of the residential sector in Dole pri Litiji
The residential buildings included in the survey cover a total living space of 3,372m² (in average 102m² per
household) out of which 81% i.e. 2,732m² is heated (in average 82m² of heated space per household).
Based on the survey results, it can be concluded that the citizens of Village of Dole pri Litiji already heard about
the BioVill project and have a general understanding of the topic of renewable energy sources. When asked if
they are aware of the BioVill project that is supporting their village to become a bioenergy village, 100% replied
with “Yes”. The local community is facing a threatening problem of an aging population therefore the citizens are
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
until 1945
1946-1970
1971-1980
1981-2002
2003-2008
after 2009
Number of houses per National Residential Building Typology
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
40
highly aware of the importance of a district system because of their inability to manage their own heating
system.
The citizens of Dole consider only 2 types of RES used worldwide, wood biomass as the most prominent
renewable energy source and energy from the sun on the second place as given in the following figure.
Figure 52: Share of RES used worldwide according to the opinion of interviewees of Dole pri Litiji
Regarding the current way of heating the question was divided into two parts and it was separately asked for
space and water heating. Furthermore, the interviewees should also specify the type of wood fuels, i.e.
firewood, chips or pellets. Currently more than half of the surveyed households use wood fuels for space heating
(59%), out of which 65% are using firewood and 35% pellets. Fuel oil is used by 35% of the households while only
3% use an electrical or solar based heating. The following figure shows the distribution of the heating sources.
Figure 53: Current way of heating in Dole pri Litiji
Currently households mostly use electric boilers for water heating (29%), followed by wood fuels and heat
pumps. In case of using wood fuels the water heating system is usually connected with the space heating boiler.
The next figure shows the distribution of the water heating sources according to the answers of the respondents
in Dole.
8%
92%
Renewable energy resource used worlwide according to citizens of Dole
Sun
Water
Wind
WoodBiomass
35%
59%
3% 3%
Current way of space heating
Fuel oil
Wood fuels
ElectricheatingHeat pump
Natural gas
Sun
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
41
Figure 54: Current way of water heating sources in Dole pri Litiji
As can be seen in the next figure, the level of satisfaction with the current system of heating is very high among
the respondents. But most of the interviewees also added that they do not have any other option.
Figure 55: Level of satisfaction with the current way of heating in Dole pri Litiji
The majority of interviewed households pay between 50 and 150 EUR per month for heating. The next figure
provides the distribution of the monthly heating costs of the households per categories.
Figure 56: Monthly heating costs per household in Dole pri Litiji
18%
25%
29%
25%
3%
Current way of water heating
Fuel oil
Wood fuels
ElectricheatingHeat pump
Natural gas
52% 48%
0% 0% 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Very satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied
Level of satisfaction with current way of heating
20%
65%
15%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
< 50 € 50 to 150 € 150 to 250 €
Monthly heating costs per household
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
42
In general, the attitude of the citizens of Dole towards biomass as a source of energy is very positive. More than
90% of the respondents answered that they are interested in a sustainable and efficient biomass heating and
that they are willing to connect their houses to a district heating system based on biomass. An important reason
for the connection to district heating grid is convenience and ease of use, especially for elderly people. The
distribution of answers is shown in the next figure. The only limitation for connecting their houses to a district
heating system are the heating costs for which more than half of the interviewees said it should not be more
than the current heating costs.
Figure 57: Attitude of interviewees towards biomass as a source for heating in Dole pri Litiji
When asked about the most promising bioenergy sources being available in their region all of interviewees
replied that it is firewood, which is reasonable, because the village belongs to a densely forested rural area
where a long tradition of wood harvesting already exists. Regarding the question about most promising market-
segments in their region, the majority of interviewees put the wood and service industries on the first place,
followed by agriculture and commercial industry. Results are shown in the next figure (multiple answers
possible).
Figure 58: Promising market-segments in the region of Dole pri Litiji
The citizens’ opinions regarding low usage of biomass as an energy source differ. 30% (7 answers) of the
interviewees think that lack of financial mechanisms is the strongest reason and almost 39% (9 answers) of the
interviewees specified other reasons, e.g. that biomass is already used enough or that there is a lack of
information. The following figure presents the answers of the respondents (multiple answers possible).
22
21
10
1
1
13
Would you be willing to connect your house to a districtheating system based on biomass?
Are you interested in sustainable and efficient biomassheating?
Would you like to change your current way of heating toa more efficient source of heating energy?
Attitude towards biomass as source for heating
Yes No
16 15
9
4 4
16
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
Woodindustry
Agricultureindustry
Commercialindustry
Buildingsector
Foodindustry
Serviceindustry
Promising market-segments in region
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
43
Figure 59: Reason for weak usage of biomass as an energy source according to the opinion of respondents in Dole pri Litiji
The respondents from Dole generally assess the district heating system based on biomass more environmental
friendly than the current system or they answered that they have a new boiler which is environmentally
acceptable. Furthermore, all interviewees are also aware of the initiatives to establish a village which produces
and uses most of its energy from local biomass and other renewable energies.
The vast majority of citizens surveyed in Dole consider the reduction of heating costs as the main objective and
driving force to switch to biomass fuelled district heating system. As further important reasons, the support of
local economy and job creation were mentioned. The distribution of answers (multiple answers possible) is
shown in the next figure.
Figure 60: Main objectives and drivers for the establishment of a bioenergy village according to the interviewees in Dole pri Litiji
When asked which are the main stakeholders for the establishment process of district biomass heating in their
region and who should be involved, the interviewees named among others the state, the municipality and local
authorities/politicians, the regional and local community, the citizens/future users of the district heating system,
local suppliers (e.g. wood chip producers), and forestry institutions and professionals.
Furthermore, all respondents stated that they like the idea of becoming a bioenergy village which produces and
uses most of its energy from local biomass and other renewable energies. Regarding the question, if they would
like to actively participate in BioVill project’s energy cooperative more than 80% answered “Yes”. And when
asked, if they would like to actively participate in BioVill project’s workshops and events to initiate the bioenergy
village even more than 90% responded with “Yes”. Both results show the high motivation of the surveyed
citizens to support the implementation of the bioenergy village approach in Dole pri Litiji.
7
0
3
4
4
9
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Lack of financial mechanism
No potential of biomass in area
Lack of technology
Depends on local stakeholders
Requires greater support from the local authorities
Others
Reason of weak usage of biomass as an energy source
1
6
11
3
19
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Make money
Create work
Support local economy
Decrease CO2 emissions
Reduction of heating costs
Main objectives and drivers of establishing a bioenergy village
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
44
References
Analysed questionnaires and short report from Croatia
Analysed questionnaires and short report from Macedonia
Analysed questionnaires and short report from Romania
Analysed questionnaires and short report from Serbia
Analysed questionnaires and short report from Slovenia
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
45
Annex
QUESTIONNAIRE - Awareness and Attitudes about Biomass Energy for setting up a bioenergy village in target countries (Croatia, Romania, Slovenia, Macedonia and Serbia)
The BioVill Project
The BioVill project is a three years project supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. The objective of BioVill is to initiate, promote, and guide bioenergy villages in Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia and Romania up to the investment stage. The project started in March 2016 in collaboration with 9 partners from the target countries, as well as from Austria and Germany. More details on the BioVill project are available at www.biovill.eu.
BioVill aims at identifying suitable biomass value chains according to local and regional needs. It will mainly involve the use of solid woody and agricultural biomass as well as the production and use of biogas. All relevant stakeholders on local and regional level are involved in the planning and implementation process (multi stakeholder approach). In this way, all relevant aspects of sustainability – the ecological, the economical, and the social – are considered as equally important during the development as a bioenergy village. In Germany, Bioenergy Villages are already a successful model as around 80 municipalities have adopted the above mentioned principles; also in Austria and other European Countries good examples can be found.
What is the objective of the questionnaire?
The primary objective of this questionnaire is to get feedback from potential future users of biomass heating, assess the total energy potential of biomass and examine the attitudes of the population on setting up a bioenergy village. The results of this questionnaire will give guidelines for further improvement of local energy issues. One of the activities envisaged within the BioVill project is the collection of information from all citizens and stakeholders of the villages.
In that regard, for the purpose of ensuring high quality of the project through involvement and obtaining feedback from relevant citizens and stakeholders, please fill in the attached questionnaire.
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
46
Questionnaire form
Please choose one of the offered answers (fulfil with the sign "X") or specify/write.
About your Household: How many people live in your household? ____________________ Construction Material of your house: ________________________________
Year of construction of your house: __________________________________
Total surface of your living space: __________________m2
How many square meters of your house are heated? ___________________m2
About your visions and ideas
1. Are you already aware of the EU project BioVill in which your municipality participates?
2. Do you know what renewable energy resources are?
3. Which renewable energy resource is the most used resource worldwide in your opinion?
4. Please specify your current way of heating
5. Please specify a level of satisfaction with a current way of heating
6. What are your monthly heating costs
Yes
No
Yes
No
Sun
Water
Wind
Biomass
Fuel oil
Wood /biomass /pellets
Electric heating
Natural gas
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
< 50 €
50 to 150 €
150 to 250 €
250 to 500 €
500 to 700 €
>700 €
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
47
7. Would you like to change your current way of heating to a more efficient source of heating energy?
8. Are you interested in sustainable and efficient biomass heating?
9. Would you be willing to connect your house to a district heating system based on biomass?
10. What would be your expectations for such a district heating system
11. What are the most promising bioenergy sources being available in larger quantities locally in your region?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Maybe
The costs for district heating should be lower
The costs for district heating should be the same as the current cost
The costs for district heating could be slightly higher
The district heating system should require less space than the current heating system
The district heating system should be owned by the local citizens
The economics of the district heating system should be transparent
The biomass from the district heating system should be sourced locally
The district heating system should provide heat for space heating and for hot water
The district heating system should be operated fully on renewables and exclude fossil fuels
Firewood
Wood chips
Wood pellets
Wood briquettes
Agricultural crops (e.g. maize)
Others / straw / residues?
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
48
12. What do you think is the reason of weak usage of biomass as an energy source?
13. Do you consider that obtaining heating energy from biomass is more environmentally acceptable than the
current way of heating?
14. Are there any incentive mechanisms for using bioenergy resources for heating and energy production which
produce and use most of its energy from local biomass and other renewable energies in your country?
15. What are the main objectives and drivers of establishing a bioenergy village in your region?
16. Who are potential stakeholders for a district biomass heating establishment process in you region? Who
should be involved and why? (Please specify/write your opinion)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
17. Do you want your village to be turned into a bioenergy village which produces and uses most of its energy
from local biomass and other renewable energies?
Lack of financial mechanism
No potential of biomass in area
Lack of technology
Depends on local stakeholders
Requires greater support from the local authorities
Concerns abuts its environmental impacts
Others
Yes
No
Yes
No
Make money
Create work
Support local economy
Decrease CO2 emissions
Cheaper Reduce heating costs
Others
Yes
No
BioVill – D 3.6: Survey with citizens on their visions and ideas
49
18. If you answered “yes” to the previous question, what would be your ideas/expectations/visions for the development of your village as a bioenergy village?
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19. Please indicate whether you would like to actively participate in workshops or in the working groups to be
established in the framework of the initiation of the bioenergy village within the BioVill project
As lecturer
As participant