The World Bank’s Digitrans program supports the digitalization of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). In its Slovakia pilot, Aspiro conducted 349 interviews with MSME top-management and an outreach effort to enable these interviews. Aspiro coordinated outreach, scheduled interviews, and improved participation rates reaching more than 80% success by optimizing communications and implementing motivational measures. The gathered dataset will inform the further global roll-out of Digitrans by the WB. Aspiro also supported the World Bank in sharing lessons learned with other consultants.

The State Housing Development Fund of Slovakia (Štátny fond rozvoja bývania, ŠFRB) is a government initiative to support affordable housing development and improvements in Slovakia. Aspiring to increase the efficiency of its financing mechanisms and contribute to faster development of affordable housing in Slovakia, ŠFRB has contracted Aspiro to analyse key parameters of the Fund’s activity in comparison with peer institutions in other EU countries and to suggest improvement scenarios.

The digital opportunities study in Aktobe, Kazakhstan, was part of piloting the City Digitalisation Initiative (CDI) by the EBRD. The Bank had previously commissioned Aspiro to develop a methodology for exploring digital transformation opportunities in cities. The Aktobe study entailed a detailed assessment of the city’s digital readiness based on this methodology, including infrastructure, IT systems, and human resources. Following exchanges with Kazakh stakeholders, several investment project ideas were scoped, with focus on their cost vs benefits.

We have been approached to provide support in preparation of the heating pipeline Dukovany NPP to Brno DH project (Czech Republic) by strengthening consultancy team in initial definition of financing needs, structuring of suitable proposals / combinations of financing (public/EU sources, loans from commercial banks, loans and possibly grants from international financial institutions), support in setting the parameters of loans in relation to the needs and possibilities of the end customer, support in negotiating loan conditions (collateralization, covenants and other obligations of the borrower) with financial institutions and project preparation according to IFI standards.

Aspiro has been requested to support the project management unit of project of preparation of project documentation in relation to nuclear power plant Dukovany (Czech Republic). The scope of our services provided in a role of subconsultant consisted of project management support, and quality assurance.

Within the EBRD’s support of the transition to sustainable, low-carbon economies, this project considered Albania’s ambitions and renewable energy investments. The EBRD commissioned the Grid Flexibility and Storage Assessment Study, with the main beneficiary the Albanian Transmission System Operator. Aspiro assessed Albania’s decarbonization potential, identified and compared technologies for energy storage systems suitable for the country. We examined government energy goals and ongoing projects and studies. We estimated the balance between electricity supply and demand up to 2033 projecting trends in hydroelectric power plants (HPP), renewable energy sources (RES), nuclear power plants (NPP), and gas plants projects.

For a private sector client, we have prepared a methodology and evaluation model as part of the project “Preparation of a multi-factor evaluation model for potential technology subcontractors for energy projects, especially for EPC projects.” The output of the project is applicable for various types of energy sector projects, including projects of renewable energy sources (RES), nuclear power plants (NPP), and thermal or district heating plants (DH).

We have provided consultancy service to the engineering team in relation to the construction of the Mochovce 3 & 4 NPP (Slovakia), namely supported the review the progress of the budgeted costs (Committed and Accrued values) and making a best estimate of any overrun amount, in relation to fulfilment of Investor’s undertakings in relation to its financing and loan agreements.

The private sector arm of the World Bank Group, IFC, supports initiatives aimed at decarbonizing European value chains, emphasizing energy storage solutions. IFC engaged Aspiro to conduct a comprehensive market assessment within Europe, covering EU and Western Balkans, and scoping regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and market trends, particularly related to planned regional investments in renewable energy sources (RES), hydroelectric power plants (HPP), nuclear power plants (NPP), and gas plants. The study’s outcomes included the identification of potential demand for battery storage and the formulation of a go-to-market strategy.