Symposium “Enef 2025” opened: Science and innovations in the service of the energy transition

International scientific and technical symposium “Enef 2025” dedicated to topics of energy efficiency in constructing buildings, electro-energy field, heating systems, cooling systems and A/C, as well as transition to renewable energy sources, was opened on 12 June 2025 in the Technology Center “Lanaco” in Banja Luka.

A two-day symposium is organized by the Faculties of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy of the University of Banja Luka, with support by the Republic of Srpska Association of Energy Workers. Representatives of the academic community, industry, public sector, and international organizations from 7 countries (including Norway, Serbia, and North Macedonia) participate in this year’s symposium. A total of 19 papers will be presented – 16 scientific and 3 technical.

The Vice-Rector for Scientific Research Activity and Development, Prof. Aleksandar Ostojić, PhD, addressed the audience on behalf of the University of Banja Luka.

He pointed out that events like “Enef” are a platform for knowledge exchange, connecting different actors and creating solutions that will contribute to sustainable development and a better quality of life.

“Enef 2025” unifies themes that today, more than ever, have a decisive impact on our social and economic development – the issues of energy efficiency, use of renewable energy sources, as well as harmonization with European regulations and green transition. This year’s symposium gathers participants from the academic community, industry, public sector, international organizations, and local community, which represents a very valuable combination of knowledge, experiences, and visions”, said the Vice-Rector.

“The University of Banja Luka remains strongly dedicated to the development of science and innovations, and supports such initiatives that connect knowledge with practice. Symposium ENEF is an example of synergy among institutions, academia, industry, and society in whole, which is a precondition for quality and sustainable development,” said Prof. Ostojić.

Chairman of the Organizational Board of the Symposium, Prof. Milovan Kotur, PhD, said that the goal of the event is to answer the topical challenges in the energy field:

“We wish to be a bridge between the present and the future in this respect.”

The Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Darko Knežević, PhD, said it is necessary to invest in renewable energy sources, and raise awareness on the importance of energy efficiency:

“We are not running behind when it comes to the theory, but we are behind in practice. More should be done to ensure that the general population understands the importance of energy efficiency. There is room for improvement in that respect.”

Professor of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Petar Gvero, PhD, added that the daily needs of citizens will also be discussed at the Symposium.

“Topics on energy efficiency should be getting higher significance,” said Prof. Gvero.

“Enef” symposium is of multidisciplinary character and is one of the leading events in the Republic of Srpska and the region for the presentation of new research results and developments in the field of energy efficiency and sustainable energetics.

The event was attended by the President of the UNIBL Steering Board, Prof. Biljana Antunović, PhD.

Photo: D. Desnica