Continuing the local strategy in the field of sustainable energy, the Municipality of Timișoara implements, starting with June 2019, as a partner, the project "Smart and Sustainable Energy Consumption", acronym (SASEC), funded under the Interreg IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Program Romania-Serbia.

The project brings together four partners: Zrenjanin as the main beneficiary and the Regional Agency for Socio-Economic Development - Banat from Serbia, as well as the Municipality of Timișoara and the Sustainable Energy Cluster from Romania - ROSENC, as project partners from Romania. The partnership revolves around a common idea, to contribute to the achievement of the "20-20-20" objectives of the Energy and Climate Package of the European Union, by promoting sustainable energy in local communities in the cross-border region, but also to improve the capacity of local authorities. in the planning and management, in an integrated way, of actions for energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.

During the entire implementation period of the project, which will end in March 2021, the project partners planned:

Provide institutional support for sustainable energy development measures and the implementation of the principles of energy efficiency in the cross-border region - by building and establishing a Regional Energy Efficiency Center - Banat in Zrenjanin;
Improve the capacity of competent authorities and promote the cross-border network of environmental education and research;
Contribute to raising awareness and sensitization of target groups and residents about the importance of energy savings and the use of renewable sources in energy production, in order to develop a sustainable society;

The project envisages: the construction of the first smart building in Banat and the establishment of a Regional Center for Energy Efficiency - Banat in Zrenjanin, the development of a Master Plan for Sustainable Energy in the Central District of Banat, research and data collection on energy efficiency for buildings and public facilities, a series of trainings for different target groups, as well as pilot actions in schools in high schools in Zrenjanin and Timisoara, all designed to bring the young generation, through information and education, the concept of sustainable energy and energy saving.

The official launch of the project will be followed by the Opening Conference, which will take place in Timisoara.

The total value of the project is EUR 852,001.50 for the planned activities on both sides of the border.

The project is funded by the European Union (85%) and co-financed by the Romanian Government (13%) and the project partners (2%), through the Romania-Serbia Interreg-IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Program.