Ljubomir MAJDANDZIC

Dr Majdandzic put Croatia on European map of sustainable energy. In more than 20 years he made lots of connections with other experts on local, but also regional level, mostly through The Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund. It is the central point for collecting and investing extra budgetary resources in the programmes and projects of environmental and nature protection, energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources, but also through Croatian professional association for solar energy in which he was the president. In the system of management and control of utilization of EU structural instruments in Croatia, the Fund performs the function of Intermediate Body level 2, for the specific objectives in the field of environmental protection and sustainability of resources, climate change, energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. Dr Ljubomir Majdandzic made strategic activities to improve tasks related to financing of the preparation, implementation and development of programmes and projects and similar tasks in the field of conservation, sustainable use, protection and improvement of the environment, and in the field of energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources.

Dr Ljubomir Majdandzic promoted, established and carried out cooperation with international and national financial institutions and other legal and natural persons, for the financing of environmental protection and energy efficiency. As an expert adviser, he directly supported more than 20 renewable energy (mostly solar) projects for local communities through participation in EU funded projects. 70 scientific and professional papers and several books written by Dr Ljubomir Majdandzic are also translated on several languages to help others to improve and grow on renewable energy field. He transfers his knowledge on more than 10 000 students who continue with good practices in Croatia bat also international on renewable energy field.

Persistence

Dr Ljubomir Majdandzic dedicated his entire professional career – more than 20 years to renewable energy. After graduation, he spent several years as a mechanical engineer working on projects and collecting valuable practical experience and part of his education include study visit to Fraunhofer Solar Energy Institute (2001-2003). For more than 10 years he was the President of the Croatian Solar Energy Association and a real pioneer of solar energy (especially small-scale applications in rural areas and on islands). A project very well known in Croatia – Solar roof Spansko is actually his own family house which was converted in 100% renewable energy home which become an inspiration to many future renewable energy projects.

Impact

Dr Ljubomir Majdandzic made a huge impact in energy terms when in mid-nineties proved by his own example that a 100% renewable household can be achieved not only in ‘developed western Europe’ but also in ‘poor Croatia’ which just started its economic transition. His impact was a motivator and was clear and visible at the level of the City of Zagreb where he lives but also at the national level in Croatia. His house as a flagship pilot project in Croatia has been visited by numerous, mostly young people – students and scientists interested in renewable energy sources and replication of his achievements. During the period between 1994 and 2017, some 20.000 people visited Dr Majdandzic house. He is also a recognized scientist who published more than 70 scientific and professional papers and several books in the field of renewable energy and sustainable development. He also gave over 200 invited lectures at workshops and international conferences. His books and papers – many of them containing case studies and concrete information on implemented projects directly supported development of new projects in all Croatian regions. As a Director of the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, he has strong impact on further development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Under his leadership, the Fund directly supported renovation of app. 4000 houses and 366 residential buildings by energy efficiency standards which made a strong economic impact on regional and Croatian economy.

Strategic Vision

Dr Ljubomir Majdandzic was among first Croatian experts who advocated renewable energy and promoted the concept of Croatia’s 100% renewable energy economy. His vision takes into account an ambitious approach based on best and most advanced EU concepts. He promoted the idea of 100% renewable economy as a basis for prosperous and advanced society – in economic, social and political respect. For over 20 years, Ljubomir Majdandzic is teaching and implementing sustainable energy projects on local and regional level. As an expert adviser, he directly supported more than 20 renewable energy (mostly solar) projects for local communities As a Director of Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund he actively participated in creation of long-term financing supporting schemes which increased capacity of Croatian energy agencies. With very little doubt, it should be emphasized that a well-known project of Bracak Energy Centre would not be implemented without his active support and participation. For many years, Dr Ljubomir Majdandzic participated in EU funded projects and was promoting international cooperation in that subject. With vision of Croatia in the EU Ljubomir was encouraging cooperation projects in the framework of South-East Europe with the clear aim to transfer and multiply best praxis and knowledge.

Leadership

Dr Ljubomir Majdandzic is truly a renewable energy pioneer in Croatia and beyond. He inspired hundreds of students during his classes at several Croatian universities and more than 20.000 people who visited his house – many of them were offered a cup of tea or coffee during inspiring demonstration and speech by the home owner. He was awarded in 2000 with the State Environment Protection Award by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and by the Croatian Energy Association with the Hrvoje Pozar Award. Both awards recognized his unique contribution in developing 100% renewable energy vision for Croatian territories and industry. Whenever there is a public debate about the possible contribution of renewable energy in creating sustainable future for regions and Croatia, his authority is visible and present. This is also recognized and confirmed by public media (TV, newspapers) where he was many time invited to give his opinion and analysis.