First solar trees installed in Stari Grad

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Two solar trees have been installed on Trg oslobođenja Alija Izetbegović and in the immediate vicinity of Vijećnica, which will use solar energy to illuminate the surrounding area, but also serve as solar chargers for mobile phones, tablets, and other devices. This is part of the project "First Solar Tree of the Municipality of Stari Grad" which points to the importance of using renewable energy sources, and was realized by the Municipality and the Fund for Environmental Protection of FBiH.

"We have enabled citizens, as well as numerous tourists, to use solar trees for the first time in Stari Grad to charge mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, as well as for free Wi-Fi in public areas. Also, the development of an application is underway through which we will encourage users to preserve the environment and emphasize the importance of using renewable energy sources," said the Mayor of the Municipality of Stari Grad, Ibrahim Hadžibajrić.

"We will soon select the best student conceptual solution for the third solar tree through a project by the Association of Engineers on a global level, where the best student work will be awarded a prize of 2,500 KM," he added.

The municipal Department for Local Development, which prepared the project, explained that the installed solar trees, using solar energy, will serve to illuminate the immediate surrounding area, and as a free hotspot in the old town core. An integral part of the tree is also a bench that will serve for rest. The solar tree is envisioned to become a gathering point for young people with "practical use" and education about renewable energy sources.

"By the end of the month, the application will be operational and will be free and available to all users of smartphones and tablets with the Android operating system. It will be in the form of a picture book with animated content, aiming to raise awareness among young people about environmental problems and the importance of using energy from renewable sources, and it will be in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian and English," announced the Department for Local Development.

The project "First Solar Tree of the Municipality of Stari Grad" was financed by the Fund for Environmental Protection of FBiH with 20,000 KM and the Municipality of Stari Grad with 10,000 KM.