We deliver sustainable energy strategies and solutions that benefit enterprise bottom lines, increase energy security, enhance electricity grid stability, support local and national government objectives—such as better air quality—and improve lives
We spoke with Bonnie Norman and Rob Russo of E3 International about their work in advancing sustainable energy strategies across the globe, their impact in Serbia, and how collaboration and innovation drive their success.
What is the core business of E3 International (E3I)?
— Rob: Based in Belgrade and Washington, DC, with offices around the world, E3I helps our clients achieve their energy transition and risk mitigation goals.
We’ve successfully completed over 800 energy efficiency, renewable energy, and infrastructure resilience projects in more than 20 countries. We deliver sustainable energy strategies and solutions that benefit enterprise bottom lines, increase energy security, enhance electricity grid stability, support local and national government objectives—such as better air quality—and improve lives.
What sets E3I apart?
— Bonnie: E3I’s expert team not only delivers high-quality feasibility studies but also—more importantly—operationalises change and implements best-in-class engineering, finance, and digital solutions so our clients achieve measurable benefits. We prioritise listening to and working closely with clients to build their capacity to achieve transformative results, such as the innovative new financial products for multi-family building energy improvements recently established at four banks in Serbia with E3I support.
Who are your partners and clients?
— Rob: We work with development finance institutions, governments, international development organisations, donors, banks, investors, NGOs, utilities, hospitals, municipalities, and enterprises across all sectors.
What are some E3I project highlights?
— Bonnie: For USAID Serbia Better Energy—as Local Implementation Lead—we laid digital, financial, policy, and engineering groundwork and built local capacity for scaling up energy-saving investments in the residential building sector and for advancements in the district heating sector.
For USAID’s Serbia Energy Efficiency Activity, we designed and implemented projects to improve district heating systems, including the largest district heat system solar thermal project in the Western Balkans region.
— Rob: With the support of the Austrian Development Agency, GIZ, EPS, and others, we developed and showcased at the UN COP our Sustainable Land, Livelihoods, and Energy Initiative for the Western Balkans, which develops sustainable biomass supply chains and markets, onsite renewables, and new value chains for coal mining areas. This has led to a pending biomass boiler conversion with sustainable biomass supply for EPBiH Tuzla in partnership with EBRD ReDEWeB. As Technical Consultant (Lead) for the EBRD Western Balkans Sustainable Energy Finance Facility, we deployed nearly EUR 200 million in investment in over 400 energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across most sectors. We are also involved internationally in smart electric grid improvements.
What makes your collaboration work?
— Bonnie: Rob has long been a leader in providing innovative energy solutions, especially in this region.
— Rob: Bonnie brings expertise in commercial real estate and is an international leader in green banking and blended finance investment for sustainable energy and resilience. E3I’s key strength, though, is our local team of talented, experienced experts.
What challenges lie ahead and what needs to be done?
— Bonnie: Uncertainty is on the rise, and energy security is a growing concern around the world. We help our clients make better energy transitions, proactively reduce risk, and improve livelihoods and lives—both now and for future generations.