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New Google Data Center to Use Renewable Energy and Battery Storage for Up to 100 Hours

Photo-illustration: Freepik (vecstock)

Google plans to build a new data center in the city of Pine Island, in the U.S. state of Minnesota, which will be powered by electricity from new renewable energy sources.

In addition, the project includes the installation of an iron-air battery (batteries based on iron and air) with a capacity of 30 GWh and a power output of 300 MW, currently the largest battery system in the world in terms of gigawatt-hour capacity. The batteries are developed and manufactured by the U.S. company Form Energy, and the system will be able to store energy for up to 100 hours.

According to the U.S. energy company Xcel Energy, with which Google has signed a power supply agreement for the new data center, the project will include 1,400 MW of wind turbines, 200 MW of solar panels, and 300 MW of long-duration energy storage. Google will cover all costs for the new grid infrastructure, so existing Xcel Energy customers will not see their bills increase.

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This project is one of the largest in the field of long-duration energy storage and significantly contributes to the goals of the state of Minnesota to increase the share of electricity generated without carbon dioxide emissions.

Data centers are a key part of the digital economy infrastructure, as they support services used daily by billions of people, including YouTube, Google Maps, the Google Search engine, and Google Workspace.

Energy Portal

Serbia Plans to Increase Gas Imports from Azerbaijan to 1.4 Billion Cubic Meters Annually

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Martin Adams)

During the 12th Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council in Baku, Assistant Minister of Mining and Energy for Oil and Gas, Saša Koković, emphasized the importance of energy security and cooperation between Serbia and Azerbaijan.

He highlighted that energy security is a matter of national safety and resilience to geopolitical risks. Recent years have shown that security of supply can be ensured through the diversification of sources and routes, as well as through strong regional cooperation.

Speaking about bilateral cooperation, Koković particularly emphasized the strategic importance of Azerbaijan.

“Results of the cooperation achieved so far are reflected in signed agreements in the field of energy, with a focus on natural gas, renewable energy sources, and the exchange of experience in the application of new technologies. The latest agreement on the design, construction, and management of a 500 MW gas power plant confirms the strong foundation of energy cooperation between our countries,” Koković said.

The power plant near Niš will produce 350 MW of electricity and 150 MW of thermal energy, with significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to conventional coal-fired thermal power plants.

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Koković added that during 2024, the first year of gas cooperation between Serbia and Azerbaijan, 113.7 million cubic meters of gas were delivered, while last year the volume increased to 253.9 million cubic meters, with a further upward trend expected this year.

“In discussions with representatives of the company SOCAR, we are considering increasing deliveries to 1.4 billion cubic meters annually, by the completion of the gas power plant in Niš planned for 2030,” the assistant minister stated.

Regarding regional cooperation, Koković recalled that gas interconnections with Hungary and Bulgaria, as well as the planned ones with Romania and North Macedonia, enable bidirectional flows and greater system flexibility, as well as the possibility of hydrogen transport in the future.

“In this way, we are building a regional network that increases the stability of all our energy systems. For Serbia, access to LNG terminals is also important, as they expand the range of supply sources, especially during periods of increased consumption and market instability,” Koković concluded.

Energy portal

More Than Energy: How Solar Panels Are Transforming Aquaculture

Photo: AI generation

Solar panels are no longer tied exclusively to rooftops or farmland. Exploring new horizons, they are increasingly being seen on terraces, above parking lots, and over sea surfaces, in search of solutions that, beyond producing clean energy, also provide additional benefits. Researchers at Taiwan’s university have shown that solar systems can offer new possibilities even when installed over fish and shellfish ponds.

Climate change, which is felt especially strongly during the summer months, has a pronounced negative impact on aquaculture. More frequent and intense heat waves threaten fish and shellfish, while also making the work of producers who manage these farms more difficult. High temperatures do not only affect aquatic organisms directly; they also accelerate water evaporation from ponds, increasing the need for pumping and raising operational costs.

To explore solutions, scientists conducted a study in which they developed a computer model showing the relationship between weather conditions, water quality, shellfish growth, and solar energy production.

Experiments were carried out under different scenarios—from ponds with no panels at all to cases where up to 70 percent of the pond surface was covered with solar panels. In this context, the panels act as a natural “cooler”: water beneath them remains cooler, reducing heat stress for aquatic organisms. At the same time, the shade decreases water evaporation and allows farms to use their own clean energy to operate the ponds, further reducing costs.

At first glance, it might seem that the shade created by solar panels severely limits conditions in the ponds, but for shellfish, direct and intense sunlight can often be more harmful than partial shading. Certain challenges still exist, however. Phytoplankton—microscopic organisms that form the base of the diet for shellfish and other filter feeders—require sunlight to grow. Too much shade can reduce food availability and slow shellfish growth. The study showed that 40 percent pond coverage by panels can reduce shellfish yields by about a quarter. Still, income from electricity production can offset this loss.

As an optimal solution, the researchers recommend around 45 percent coverage, as this maintains roughly 70 percent of typical shellfish production while maximizing solar energy benefits.

Another advantage of these systems is significant water savings, which are especially important in coastal areas where water supply is often limited or expensive. Reduced evaporation can save up to 30 percent of water, lowering operational costs and increasing resilience during dry periods.

Although the study focused on shellfish cultivation, the same principle can be applied to fish ponds, shrimp farms, and other types of aquaculture, with shading levels adjusted to the needs of different species.

Katarina Vuinac

The Ministry presents measures to stabilize the milk market after producers’ protests

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Angelina Litvin)

Serbia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management met in Belgrade with representatives of the “Šajkača” Farmers’ Association and the Association of Milk Producers of Šumadija and Pomoravlje, who had staged protests and road blockades in recent days. The meeting focused on outstanding issues in the dairy sector and options to stabilize the market and improve the position of producers.

According to the ministry, an overview of the current situation was presented during the talks, and it was assessed that dairies currently have no cheese stocks, after domestic companies purchased surpluses, with the ministry supporting the placement of cheeses through retail chains. Minister Dragan Glamočić said this, as he put it, marked a first step toward easing market pressures and creating room for further milk purchases, calling on producers to notify the ministry if any dairy claims it still has stocks.

Milk purchase prices were also discussed. The minister said the state cannot administratively set the farm-gate price, but that the ministry is in daily communication with the dairy industry and has appealed for an increase. According to him, some dairies have already raised the price by five dinars per liter, while talks with the remaining companies are expected to continue in the coming days.

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The ministry also announced the introduction of contractual obligations between producers and processors, i.e., buyers. Glamočić said a decision on mandatory written contracts should be placed on the agenda of a Serbian government session as early as next week, and that farmers will also take part in defining the key elements of the contracts. Penalties for failing to comply with contractual obligations, according to the announcement, will amount to up to two million dinars.

The minister also noted that, in March, the procedure should begin for a Draft Law on Trading Practices, which, as stated, would more precisely regulate payment deadlines within the supply chain. According to him, this area has so far not been regulated in a systemic way.

As part of measures to protect domestic production, Glamočić said an initiative has been launched to raise tariffs on milk powder—by nine percent for imports from the European Union and by 20 percent for imports from third countries. At the same time, he said talks with the European Commission are continuing on the possible introduction of levies on cheeses and milk powder.

The ministry also announced a new Rulebook on the declaration, labeling and advertising of food, which would introduce a graphic “100% from Serbia” label for products whose ingredients are entirely of Serbian origin. A campaign to encourage consumption of domestically produced milk and dairy products was also announced.

He also said procedures for subsidy payments have been accelerated and announced that payments of 18,000 dinars per hectare will begin as early as tomorrow, explaining that applications are processed immediately upon receipt, without waiting for the public call to close.

Energy portal

Serbia and Hungary Deepen Economic Cooperation

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (krakenimages)

Last week in Belgrade, more than 200 businesspeople from 117 companies across various sectors gathered for the Serbian-Hungarian Business Forum.

According to Marko Čadež, President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, bilateral trade between Serbia and Hungary reached 3.4 billion euros last year, placing Hungary among Serbia’s five largest foreign trade partners. He added that Hungarian investments in Serbia have exceeded 1.5 billion euros, and the forum is expected to further stimulate a new investment cycle.

The forum particularly highlighted the opening of a new area of cooperation in high technology, including opportunities for technological partnerships, digitalization, industrial transformation, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in business operations.

The official website of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce notes that an important step was the signing of a Memorandum on the financing of small and medium-sized enterprises, with the expectation that agreements reached at the highest level will be translated into concrete business deals, investments, and new jobs.

One of the topics discussed was potential additional collaboration in the automotive industry, given the arrival of Stellantis in Serbia, as well as investments by the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD and battery producer CATL in Hungary. This opens opportunities for Serbian and Hungarian companies to participate in supply chains for both conventional and electric vehicles.

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Regarding the railway sector, passenger traffic between the two countries on the Belgrade–Budapest high-speed line is planned to start by March 27. Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó noted that freight rail traffic on the new line between Budapest and Belgrade has already begun, emphasizing that this connection links the southern European port with Western Europe, while the route through Serbia becomes the fastest and most efficient.

He added that currently ten freight trains operate between the two cities, with the number expected to increase to 16 trains per day in March, including four trains on the Vienna–Budapest route, establishing a direct Vienna–Belgrade line.

More about the discussions at the Serbian-Hungarian Business Forum can be read here.

Energy portal

Copper Market Under Pressure – Record Prices and Refining Risks

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Copper prices reached record levels this year, surpassing 14,500 dollars per ton in January 2026, after crossing 12,000 dollars per ton for the first time at the end of 2025. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the price increase has been driven by short-term supply disruptions and tariff uncertainties, as well as long-term factors – primarily strong demand resulting from the electrification of the energy system and the development of artificial intelligence (AI), alongside challenges in opening new mines. Lower interest rates, a weaker dollar, and greater investor interest in physical assets have further amplified the price growth.

Although high prices may appear favorable for producers, pressure is increasingly shifting to the copper refining sector. The rapid expansion of smelting capacities in China is creating imbalances in the middle of the supply chain and increasing risks to market stability.

Demand for copper in the coming years could rise sharply due to the power grid, electric vehicles, construction, data centers, and other sectors. However, the IEA warns that the copper market could face a supply deficit of around 30 percent by 2035. Copper content in mines has declined by 40 percent since 1991, while the discovery of new deposits has dropped sharply – of all deposits found over the past 35 years, only five percent were discovered in the last decade. Additional pressure comes from the fact that it typically takes about 17 years from discovery to production start for a new mine, and many large projects today experience delays and cost overruns.

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While high copper prices seem advantageous, smelters are not earning enough. Processing charges (TC/RC) have fallen to record lows, in some contracts even to zero, creating risks for the midstream of the supply chain. Some smelters still profit from by-products – gold, silver, and sulfuric acid – but their prices are volatile, making revenue uncertain.

The IEA explains that different types of smelters have varying resilience. For example, integrated smelters linked to mines better withstand low charges as they have their own concentrate and lower costs. In contrast, independent smelters that purchase concentrate on the market are most vulnerable to falling TC/RC and concentrate shortages.

Moreover, China’s growing influence in copper refining creates a strategic vulnerability. Today, China produces about 50 percent of the world’s refined copper, and further market concentration could threaten the supply to critical sectors, including energy, transport, AI, and defense. If TC/RC remain low and by-product prices fall, many smelters outside China could become unprofitable, further strengthening China’s share in global copper refining.

The IEA report notes that the global copper industry needs diversification and coordination between mines and smelters, while governments should monitor the situation and take measures to ensure stable and secure copper production for future energy and technological needs.

Energy portal

European Commission probes Romania’s request for more aid and a longer restructuring period for CE Oltenia

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Dominik Vanyi)

The European Commission launched an in-depth investigation at the end of February into the amended restructuring plan for Romania’s state-owned energy company CE Oltenia, in order to determine whether the proposed increase in state aid complies with European Union rules. Opening the procedure does not prejudge the final outcome, but marks a new stage in the assessment of the notified changes.

CE Oltenia holds an important place in Romania’s power system, as it is engaged in both lignite mining and electricity generation. Back in January 2022, the European Commission approved restructuring aid for CE Oltenia worth about EUR 2.66 billion for the 2021–2026 period, concluding that the plan could enable the company to return to long-term viability.

The restructuring approved at the time was not conceived as financial support for maintaining the existing business model, but as a deep transformation of the company. The plan envisaged a gradual reduction in reliance on lignite and a shift toward generation based on natural gas and renewable energy sources. According to the Commission’s decision, the process was meant to include technical and technological changes, organisational and managerial restructuring, environmental protection measures, and financial consolidation.

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In operational terms, this meant closing or placing part of the existing lignite-fired units and mines into reserve, while simultaneously building new capacity. The plan provided for the development of eight solar parks, one small hydropower plant and two gas-fired units, with a total of around 2,060 MW of new capacity, including 1,325 MW from gas, 735 MW from solar power plants and 9.9 MW from hydropower. At the same time, the restructuring also included a reorganisation of operations, workforce reallocation, and investments aimed at meeting stricter environmental standards and carbon dioxide emission costs.

In other words, the goal was for CE Oltenia to evolve from a company almost entirely reliant on lignite into an energy system with a significantly lower share of coal and a greater reliance on gas and renewable sources. It was on that basis that the Commission concluded in 2022 that the restructuring could be compatible with EU state aid rules.

Current situation

The new investigation was opened after Romania notified an amended plan in December 2025, requesting that the total aid be increased to EUR 2.86 billion, while the deadline for completing the restructuring would be extended by a further three years, until the end of 2029. The reason given was delays in implementing replacement projects, primarily the new gas-fired and solar capacity that is expected to take over part of the role currently played by lignite-based facilities.

The European Commission is now assessing whether the extension of the restructuring period is justified and whether the amended plan can still ensure the company’s long-term viability.

Energy portal

Applications Open for State Subsidies for the Purchase of Electric Vehicles

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (CHUTTERSNAP)

Electronic applications have opened for subsidized purchases of new exclusively electric vehicles, with requests now submitted via the Portal eUprava. A key novelty is that the entire procedure—from application and document submission to receipt of the official decision in the eMailbox—is carried out exclusively online, without visiting service counters.

For this measure, RSD 170 million has again been allocated this year, while the deadline for submitting applications is September 30, 2026, or until the funds are exhausted. State support for the purchase of electric vehicles amounts to up to 5.000 euros. The Ministry of Environmental Protection notes that if the funds are spent before the deadline, it will seek to secure additional resources, as was done last year.

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The Minister of Environmental Protection, Sara Pavkov, stated that the new procedure has been maximally simplified and that electronic applications should enable faster processing of requests, as well as easier access to subsidies for both citizens and businesses. She added that interest in this measure exceeded expectations last year, and that digitalization could further encourage the purchase of environmentally friendly vehicles this year.

That interest exists even before the end of the first day of applications is evidenced by the fact that a large number of requests from individuals and legal entities were submitted as early as midnight. Competent institutions assess that the new procedure could speed up the allocation of subsidies and further support the wider adoption of electric vehicles in Serbia.

Energetski portal

Bulgaria in the Final Phase of Construction of the Vertical Gas Corridor

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

The construction of the section of the Vertical Gas Corridor located on the territory of Bulgaria has entered its final phase of implementation. As announced on the official website of the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy, two projects within this initiative are scheduled to be put into operation by the end of 2026. The initiative connects gas infrastructure along the south–north axis and opens up opportunities for the transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to regional markets.

These projects will enable the transmission of LNG, including supplies from the United States, via Greece to Ukraine and countries of Central and Eastern Europe, further strengthening the diversification of supply sources and regional energy security.

Speaking at a ministerial meeting held in Washington, Bulgarian Minister of Energy Traycho Traykov stated that Bulgaria is the first country to have launched concrete construction works on the Vertical Gas Corridor, positioning itself as one of the key drivers of regional initiatives aimed at strengthening energy security.

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As part of the project, activities are currently underway to increase capacity at key interconnection points, including Kulata/Sidirokastro on the border with Greece and Negru Voda/Kardam on the border with Romania. The Vertical Gas Corridor functions as an energy “highway” running from south to north, enabling the transport of up to 10 billion cubic meters of LNG annually to Ukraine and the wider region via the Negru Voda 1/Kardam interconnection point.

In the meantime, Bulgaria has applied for partial grant funding from the European Union’s Modernisation Fund. If approved, the funds would allow for the establishment of a competitive tariff structure, benefiting both domestic and regional users of the gas transmission network.

Additionally, during the course of next year, the commissioning of interconnector points near Stara Zagora and Komotini in Greece is planned, with increased capacity. Beyond their strategic role in diversifying supply sources, these projects are expected to provide greater flexibility in managing natural gas deliveries and facilitate easier access to new markets, according to the statement from the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy.

Energy Portal

Innovation District at KEY – Cutting-edge Ideas for the Future of Energy

Photo: KEY-The Energy Transition Expo

The energy transition requires places where ideas can be translated into concrete applications and new skills that can transform theory into industrial practice.

With its Innovation District, KEY – The Energy Transition Expo becomes the epicentre of sustainable innovation, consolidating its role as a growth accelerator and development platform for young Italian and international enterprises operating in the energy sector.

The new layout of the IEG (Italian Exhibition Group) event, scheduled to take place from 4th to 6th March at Rimini Expo Centre, confirms that an entire hall, D4, will host innovation. Within this space, the Green Jobs&Skills initiative will foster the encounter between supply and demand for jobs that involve new sustainable skills.

Another feature will be the BEX – Beyond Exploration stand to promote the new expo-conference on space economy and commercial space flight, organised by IEG in collaboration with the Emilia-Romagna Region and scheduled to take place from 23rd to 25th September at Rimini Expo Centre.

An Open Innovation Route

The Innovation District was conceived as an authentic open innovation route to connect start-ups with consolidated companies and potential investors, thus encouraging product and service innovation and the establishment of new sustainable businesses. The area aims to promote companies that invest in research and development, giving visibility to their most advanced solutions and functioning as a catalyst for the technological evolution of sectors involved in the energy transition.

 

Photo: KEY26 promo

The Start-up & Scale-up Area

Within the Innovation District, the Start-up & Scale-up area will feature the most cutting-edge ideas and projects in KEY’s seven product sectors: solar, wind, hydrogen, energy efficiency, energy storage, e-Mobility and Sustainable City.

Presenting these will be 32 innovative Italian and international Start-ups and SMEs selected from the 67 companies that responded to the Call for Start-ups organized by Italian Exhibition Group in collaboration with ITA – Italian Trade Agency, ART-ER (consortium company from Emilia-Romagna active in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship), Fondazione MAI (part of the Confindustria system), ANGI (National Association of Young Innovators) and Plug and Play Tech Center, the largest global open innovation and venture capital platform.

The seven most innovative young companies, one for each sector of the event, will be awarded a plaque of recognition.

The solutions on display will range from energy efficiency to electric mobility with a strong presence of Artificial Intelligence applied to energy management to monitor consumption in real time, detect anomalies and optimize resources, thus reducing waste and maximizing savings for large factories, companies, citizens and energy communities. Projects featured will include highly innovative heat pumps, gravitational storage systems that capture and conserve energy, advanced monitoring technologies that integrate satellite images, drone surveys and terrestrial sensors, innovations that automate technical project management and improve the performance of existing systems, such as self-cleaning treatments for photovoltaic panels, and integrated platforms to install and monetize for electric vehicle and e-bike charging points.

These will be joined by models based on the collaborative economy that connect companies with citizens who want to invest in solar energy, and services to help users understand, conceptualize and create the business opportunities that sustainability and the energy transition enable. The research will bring solutions for developing reactors that make the most of catalysts, and recyclable thermoplastic materials for wind turbines to the show.

The Lorenzo Cagnoni Innovation Award

On Wednesday 4th March at 5.15 pm in the Innovation Arena, the seven KEY exhibitors who presented the most cutting-edge projects, one for each of the event’s product categories, will be awarded the Lorenzo Cagnoni Innovation Award with an official plaque in recognition of the excellence achieved. The initiative is designed to promote all those companies that have committed years to the development of increasingly innovative products and services in the field of energy transition.

Green Jobs&Skills: Training Transition Professionals

Employment in the energy sector is a major source of global job growth. However, the supply of new, qualified workers is not keeping pace with market needs.

To help bridge this gap and encourage the encounter between job supply and demand in the energy and sustainability fields, KEY 2026’s Innovation District will include the Green Jobs&Skills initiative, in collaboration with Green Factor, which targets recent graduates and school-leavers from technical institutes, young professionals, workers who want to focus on sustainability, and companies looking for talent.

For those who wish to enter the green job market, the project is an opportunity for career orientation.

The event’s official website, accessible from desktops or via apps, includes a digital space specifically for “green jobs”. Here, exhibiting companies can promote a vertical event aimed at talent acquisition. Interested students, professionals and researchers can pre-register for the presentation and send their CV or cover letter directly via the platform.

The entire day of Friday 6th March will be dedicated to training and career orientation. Furthermore, in collaboration with ENEA and CNA, a Hackathon will be launched in which energy students at Technical Institutes from all over Italy will compete for three days.

Source: KEY Energy 2026

A Unified Portal for Citizen Energy Communities Launched

Photo: Environment Improvement Center

With amendments to the Energy Law at the end of 2024, the Republic of Serbia formally introduced the possibility of establishing citizen energy communities, building on the prosumer (consumer-producer) model introduced in 2021. This further expanded the framework for collective, decentralized energy generation, including citizens who do not have their own rooftops for solar power plants.

Although key secondary legislation is still pending, the Environment Improvement Center (Centar za unapređenje životne sredine) has launched the portal energetske-zajednice.rs with the aim of consolidating available information on the legal and practical functioning of energy communities in Serbia.

“Energy communities represent a new institutional framework in Serbia that enables collective participation by citizens in energy production and sharing, as well as in other energy-related activities such as energy efficiency, energy storage, e-mobility services, and even selling energy on the market.

Since there had previously been no central place for information, we launched the portal with the intention of clearly explaining the concept of citizen-led energy communities. Our goal is to provide up-to-date information on the legislative framework, its implementation and further development, and to inspire and empower citizens through examples showing that it is possible to produce and share energy in a way that is solidarity-based, local and responsible. Energy communities are a natural continuation of the process of democratizing the energy system, and we believe the energy transition can only be successful if citizens are involved as active participants, not merely consumers,” said Ivana Jovčić, Director of the Environment Improvement Center.

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The portal energetske-zajednice.rs offers key information on energy communities in Serbia—from explanations of terms and types of communities, conditions for establishment, membership and activities, to an overview of applicable legislation and energy-sharing models. The portal also provides a practical guide, explanations of procedures, and examples from European countries, giving citizens a clear picture of how energy communities function and how they can be established in practice.

“We have long been taught that energy is too complex, that it is the domain of large systems, large investors, and big decisions made behind closed doors. The energy communities portal is a place where knowledge and information are accessible to everyone, and also a place where, through examples, we dismantle the myth that energy is reserved only for large energy companies.

Energy communities are not a technical detail in the law—they are a political idea. The idea that local communities have the right to decide. The idea that profit does not have to flow far from where energy is produced. The idea that energy communities can become a tool for reducing energy poverty. In that sense, energy communities are first and foremost social projects, and only then energy projects,” added Vladan Šćekić, Program Director of the Environment Improvement Center.

Source: Environment Improvement Center

How to Start a New Life in the Countryside: Garden, Home, and Energy

Photograph generated via AI

Political instability, economic uncertainty, and oversaturation with low-quality content—whether in the media or on our plates—are once again raising questions about the meaning and quality of life in the system we know.

More and more people want to regain control over their food and time, to live more slowly, and to create space for what truly matters—family.

Just a few years ago, it seemed that the exodus from villages was unstoppable, as young people were drawn to the dynamic urban lifestyle, while rural life appeared hard and monotonous. However, the situation is gradually changing. Many of my acquaintances (and even those who share their experiences publicly online) are now actively considering a return to nature, peace, and the harmonious life that only the countryside can offer.

If you are thinking about returning to your ancestral home or buying one of the many abandoned properties across Serbia, below are some useful articles and websites that can help you find your spot for a self-sufficient life.

My First Garden

Planning and planting a garden can seem daunting, especially if it’s your first time growing your own food.

If you are a beginner, I recommend checking out guides that are written in a clear and practical way. Agromedia offers a very useful guide on how to plan your garden for maximum yield, to confuse pests, and to attract beneficial insects.

There is also a seasonal planting calendar by Supstrati Maki, which can help you plan your planting schedule to avoid planting too early or too late.

If you want to dive deeper into food production, AgroNET has prepared a comprehensive manual, Vegetables and Fruits: From Harvest to Market, and in the Manual for Organic Production you can find useful information on natural soil fertility, animal- and plant-based fertilizers, and more.

I believe these resources are more than enough to confidently start gardening and soon enjoy your first harvest.

How to Buy a Rural Property with a Subsidy

For several years, the government has offered programs that allow young people to buy a house in the countryside with no personal contribution. This program, run by the Ministry for Rural Care, is intended for individuals up to 45 years old, married or unmarried couples, and single parents. The house you purchase becomes your permanent property. The program covers 100% of the house’s value up to 1,500,000 RSD.

You can check all the conditions and necessary documents for the 2026 program here, so you can start collecting everything in advance.

This program has enabled hundreds of families to start completely new lives—it might be your opportunity as well.

Can I Install Solar Panels in the Countryside?

Those considering a return to the countryside also need to think about stable electricity supply. The good news is that solar panels are perfectly feasible for rural homes, and the procedure is fairly straightforward. For home solar systems up to around 10 kW, no building permit is required, and registration as a prosumer is done through EPS. You can see how to obtain prosumer status here.

If you want to get solar panels on your property with the help of subsidies, the best approach is to contact your local municipality and find out when they will announce the energy efficiency program that includes solar power installation. This is important so you can have all your documents ready in time.

If you prefer to finance your solar system yourself, experts estimate that the investment will cost between €3,000 and €15,000, depending on system size, equipment quality, and additional features like batteries. Engineers at CEEFOR can provide more precise information on how much your ideal solar installation would cost and the best solution for you—roof-mounted or ground-mounted, with or without battery storage.

In recent years, more households have turned to solar energy—not only for savings but also for the sense of taking control of their electricity.

Milena Maglovski

Serbia to Host World Environment Day 2027

Foto- ilustracija: Freepik (jcomp)

Serbia has been selected to host World Environment Day 2027 under the United Nations Environment Programme (United Nations Environment Programme – UNEP), the Ministry of Environmental Protection announced.

World Environment Day is observed annually on June 5, beginning in 1973, following its establishment the previous year at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment. Today, this date represents the most significant global platform for raising awareness of environmental challenges and promoting sustainable solutions.

The host country has the opportunity to demonstrate leadership in environmental protection, present national policies and best practices, and attract the attention of the international community through high-level events. The observance is accompanied by strong global media visibility and an international campaign led by UNEP.

According to information published on the official World Environment Day website, the host country is expected to organize and finance a range of activities, including public policy forums, public and educational campaigns, and other events aimed at strengthening environmental awareness. The host also actively contributes to UNEP’s global efforts to inform and engage the public on environmental protection issues.

Energy portal

Moldova accelerates energy integration with the EU: from April 1, it opens the gas market to large consumers

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Martin Adams)

Moldova entered 2026 with ongoing energy sector reforms. According to information from the Energy Community Secretariat, in 2025 Moldova was, for the second year in a row, ranked as the leading reformer among the Energy Community Contracting Parties in implementing measures that support integration with the EU energy market.

In other words, the comparison does not refer to all European countries or EU member states, but to the group of countries that are part of the Energy Community framework and are aligning their energy legislation with EU rules. This group also includes Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia.

One of the key steps in this process is due on April 1, 2026, when Moldova plans to abolish regulated gas prices for large consumers (not households), including energy and district heating companies, industry, and commercial users, which, according to some data, account for around 55 percent of national gas consumption. The transition to market-based pricing will be gradual. Liberalization for medium-sized consumers is planned by April 2027, while households, small businesses, and providers of essential services will still be able to choose between regulated supply and market-based contracts.

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Progress in the gas sector comes after the 2021–2022 crisis, when supply disruptions exposed the risks of relying on a single supplier. In the meantime, Moldova has worked on diversifying supply sources and routes, while additional room for competition and more secure supply is seen in strengthening regional gas flows.

Among the important elements cited is the full operationalization of reverse flow on the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline, which could open up greater opportunities for gas deliveries, including LNG via Greece.

At the same time as reforms in the gas sector, Moldova’s electricity sector reached an important institutional milestone in 2025 by fully transposing the package of regulations for electricity market integration. This paved the way for future integration with the EU internal electricity market even before formal EU membership, pending expected verification by the European Commission.

At the same time, a nationwide power outage in January 2026 highlighted vulnerabilities in the system and underscored, as one of the priorities, the development of cross-border infrastructure, especially with Romania, as well as better access to monthly electricity auctions with EU partners, according to the Energy Community website.

According to the Energy Community, Moldova also continued to make progress in decarbonization, as confirmed by the launch of a second renewable energy auction in December 2025.

One of the next priorities highlighted for 2026 is the establishment of a carbon pricing mechanism aligned with the EU ETS.

Energy portal

Congo Basin countries present plans to develop carbon markets in the forest sector

Photo-illustration: Freepik (wirestock)

Six Congo Basin countries — Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo — have presented strategic plans for carbon markets and climate finance in the forest sector. Developed with the support of the World Bank, the plans aim to turn the region’s vast forest wealth into a powerful driver of climate-resilient growth, sustainable development, and new green jobs.

These plans provide country-specific strategies, enabling each nation to credibly engage in global carbon markets and mobilize results-based financing. A particular focus is placed on countries with high forest cover and low deforestation rates, positioning forests as engines of sustainable development.

The plans also emphasize the need for stronger institutional coordination, fair benefit-sharing, and digital monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems, in line with the Paris Agreement. While some countries, such as Gabon and the Republic of the Congo, already have pilot projects in place, others are in the early stages of preparation for integration into the global climate finance system.

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According to the World Bank, forests represent more than climate regulation — they are also a financial asset. The strategic plans demonstrate how countries can transform natural capital into concrete investments that generate revenue and resilience for local communities.

The plans support countries in aligning laws and national frameworks with the Paris Agreement, engaging the private sector and communities, attracting investment, and developing technical capacities. Special attention is given to the inclusion of Indigenous peoples and local communities in the process.

These strategic documents combine environmental protection, economic development, and job creation, enabling Congo Basin countries to shift from forest conservation policies toward forest-driven growth, opening a new era of climate finance in the region.

Energy portal

Montenegro One Step Closer to Integration into the European Electricity Market

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Thomas)

The Secretariat of the Energy Community announced that on February 15, Montenegro finalized the transposition of the Electricity Integration Package by adopting the last two legal acts – government regulations that define the operational rules of the power system, procedures for emergency situations, and system restoration.

Combined with the Energy Law and the new Law on Cross-Border Exchange of Electricity and Natural Gas, Montenegro now has a modern, clear, and stable legal framework, the Montenegrin Ministry of Energy and Mining stated.

This regulatory leap represents a key prerequisite for joining the Single Day-Ahead Coupling (SDAC) and the Single Intraday Coupling (SIDC) of the European Union – mechanisms that enable more efficient trading, more stable supply, and better integration of renewable energy sources. Thanks to the new rules, Montenegro can access these mechanisms even before full EU membership.

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Montenegro has thus become the third contracting party of the Energy Community to fully transpose the Electricity Integration Package, after Serbia and Moldova. The Secretariat of the Energy Community expressed its readiness to provide full support to Montenegro in the effective implementation of the new framework and in accelerating the development of a market based on competition and sustainability.

The Ministry of Mining and Energy of Montenegro stated that by adopting the two legal acts, Montenegro has achieved one of the key milestones in its energy transition, significantly improving the competitiveness of its electricity market and opening the door to deeper integration into European energy flows.

– Through these achievements, our country sends a strong message: Montenegro is ready for integration into the regional and European electricity market, with a stable and transparent legal framework that guarantees security of supply, competitiveness, and sustainable development – the Ministry noted.

Energy Portal

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