Background The use of biomass and solar energy in Slovakia remains low, and thus the combustion of solid fossil fuels is keeping emission levels high. These fuels mostly originate outside of the country, limiting employment opportunities in the energy sector. Additionally, cheap and low-quality fossil fuels are usually burned in inefficient devices (stoves, furnaces and boilers) without regard to fire safety, air emissions and related negative health effects. The potential for using local renewable energy sources in Slovakia is estimated to be 20% of gross energy consumption for biomass (especially in heating) and 5% for solar energy (very promising for heating water). Long-term jobs could be created through the effective use of local renewable energy sources, strengthening the regional economy, especially in poorer regions. In line with the EU Action Plan for Biomass, the Slovak government developed a national Biomass Action Plan 2014-2020, encouraging the use of locally available raw materials. BIOMASA´s experience shows that only 10% of local governments and the larger public are adequately informed about the possibility of using biomass and solar power to meet their energy needs. Objectives The main objective of the project is to promote the use of biomass and solar energy for heating buildings and water in Slovakia. Specific aims include: Increasing the effective use of renewable energy, targeting a shift of energy source in 300 buildings; Improving Slovak citizens' awareness of and confidence in the use of these energies, with the goal of enabling a 5% annual increase in biomass and solar energy use and a decrease of CO2 emissions; Creating a functional ‘Eco-cluster' involving organisations working in the field of biomass and solar energy. This will include training for (potential) members, project team members and stakeholders in biomass and solar energy issues; Organising a major awareness campaign, to include: special events for representatives of local government and the private sector; activities for school students (such as educational events, competitions, excursions, ‘Open Doors’, etc); and dissemination of information about the project through international exhibitions, excursions for international students, and scholarships for students from other EU countries. Expected results: The project expects to achieve the following results: A 30% increase in biomass and solar energy use in Slovakia; Replacement of fossil fuel-based heating systems in 300 buildings, leading to a reduction of CO2 emissions by 20 000 tonnes over the course of the project; Creation of a ‘Eco-cluster’ with a minimum of 15 members by the end of the project; and A 50% increase in students' awareness of biomass and solar energy.