Saving GRAS company through solar panel energy production

Belmin Selimbegović, a twenty-two-year-old automation and electronics engineer, member of the Association of Innovators of BiH, owner of one patent and several innovations, today offered a solution that would enable the GRAS company to produce electricity for its needs, sell surplus energy, and in the long term, pay off all its debts. This is the GRAS for EKO future project, based on the idea of installing flexible solar panels on the support poles of the contact lines, reports Patria.

These panels would be installed on the existing poles, along the route from Ilidža to the UNSA Campus, covering an area of 35,000 m2. They would generate over nine million kWh of energy annually, while GRAS consumes about two million kWh annually, meaning GRAS could sell the difference of seven million kWh.

Selimbegović also provided a mathematical calculation showing that GRAS paid 1.4 million KM for electricity consumption last year. With the implementation of this project, GRAS would earn about 5 million KM annually from electricity, in agreement with the energy sales agencies. It has been calculated that the investment in the project would amount to about 20 million KM, and the investment could be recouped within four years, and the accumulated debt of the GRAS company, which amounts to 120 million KM towards the Tax Administration, could be paid off in annual installments.

The warranty for the project is 20 years, so the estimated profit for that period is huge.

- Eighty million marks is the exit price – how much could be 'extracted' from this project. So, this is a project that would build itself, sustain itself, and lay the foundation for other projects – Selimbegović said.

The idea is supported by the Old Town Municipality

The Old Town Municipality supported the author and his work, recognizing its significance, and once again expressed support for young people in their efforts to succeed in BiH and offer quality ideas to this country. The Mayor of the Municipality, Ibrahim Hadžibajrić, stated that he is completely convinced of the feasibility of this idea.

- The significant financial problems of the cantonal company GRAS are well-known, and this project would provide a solution to long-standing problems, permanently. Belmin Selimbegović is an innovator recognized worldwide, a recipient of various awards. I believe that cantonal ministries and Sarajevo municipalities will show interest in helping to realize this project, I see no reason why it shouldn't happen – said Hadžibajrić.

The estimated time for the realization of this project is 1.5 to two years. Regarding the financing of the investment, Selimbegović emphasized that this is a project for the entire Bosnia and Herzegovina, that it cannot help the country out of crisis, but it can be a start. More such projects would contribute to a much better situation in the entire country, and therefore all levels of government should be involved.

- Twenty million marks for the implementation of the project can be secured, for example, by the municipalities through which the tram line passes, but the Sarajevo Canton, as well as the Federation of BiH and the state level, should also be involved – said Selimbegović.

The presentation was also attended by the director of the GRAS company, Avdo Vatrić, who stated that such projects are beneficial for GRAS, as well as for society.

- GRAS transports about 60% of its total passenger numbers using electric power, and when that energy comes from renewable sources, it would reduce pollution in our urban environment, especially in winter conditions. I believe that this project, in addition to its ecological benefits, also has a financial effect, so this idea should be supported – said Vatrić.

If this project were to come to life, Sarajevo would become the first metropolis in the region with such a concept and the largest "urban" solar power plant covering an area of 35,000 square meters.