The aim of the project "Efficient usage of solar energy for better future - SP-FUTURE" is to achieve sustainability in the cross-border region by reducing enviornmental pollution as in two schools in the cross-border region will be used renewable energy sources. Besides the construction of photovoltaic power plants in both schools - "Anton Popov" in Petrich and "Sando Masev" in Strumica, in the framework of the project are planned and executed the following activities: established a network of teachers in the cross-border region involved in enviornmental issues, conducted trainings, developed and carried out information campaigns to reduce carbon emissions, developed a handbook for teachers as supporting material for environmental education in secondary school; developed a website and calculator for use of solar energy.

Achievements: • Two primary schools are vitalized according EU environmental standards for the energy efficiency- usage of Solar power plant; • Promotion of regional Community renewable projects; • Prepared draft Carbon cutter programme for Municipality of Strumica and Municipality of Petrich; • Annual cost for electricity (used) in the primary schools are reduced up to 50%; • Ten teachers are trained peer-educators in the regions (South- east in MK and South-west in BG); • Network of teachers working on environmental topics is introduced; • One guide for preparation of the lessons plan is developed (for the primary school); • One study visit for the teachers is organized; • Regional Energy Education programme is established; • 200 students from primary and intermediary schools in two border regions has been coached on Renewable energy sources including biomass, hydropower, geothermal, wind and solar.

Donor:Interreg-IPA "Bulgaria – the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" cross-border programme

Value: 432 492 EUR

Period: 07.2012 – 07.2014