Switzerland is supporting four Romanian cities applying for the Energy City label. One of these is Cluj-Napoca. The city has replaced 11 old diesel buses with zero-emission electric buses. The buses, co-financed by Switzerland, have been in circulation since June 2018 and will make it possible to cut CO2 emissions by 700 tonnes annually. This project has attracted a lot of interest in Romania, since the 11 electric buses are the first of their kind nationwide. The quiet, zero-emission electric buses – comfortable for passengers and equipped with disabled-access platforms and WiFi – are setting new standards for public transport.
The Cluj-Napoca bus project is part of an Energy City programme financed by Switzerland's contribution to the countries of the enlarged EU. Cities that want to take part develop an action plan to promote renewable energies, environmentally sustainable mobility and efficient resource use. Based on one such action plan in Cluj-Napoca, in addition to electromobility Switzerland is also supporting energy efficiency renovations to public buildings and energy-saving LED street lighting. The cities of Arad, Brasov and Suceava are taking part in the programme alongside Cluj-Napoca. Cities in structurally weak regions also receive financial assistance from a fund for sustainability projects.
