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Romania Strengthens Renewable Energy Capacity with 190 Megawatts of Solar Power

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Michael_Pointner)

Romania is launching the construction of three solar power plants with a total capacity of 190 megawatts (MW), enough to supply electricity to more than 160,000 households.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is investing 34 million euros in the project, as part of a 121 million euros financing package. The project is also financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Romanian bank BCR. The three companies that will build and operate the power plants are jointly owned by the Norwegian renewable energy company Scatec ASA (65 percent) and Defic (35 percent), a platform for the development and investment in renewable energy sources.

The planned locations are in the counties of Olt and Dolj, in the Oltenia region, which borders Bulgaria and the Danube River. According to the EIB, construction will begin this month, while full commercial operation is expected in September 2027.

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The new facilities are among the largest solar projects in Romania and will accelerate the country’s transition away from fossil fuels, contributing to emissions reductions and increased energy independence. Two of the three planned solar plants have already secured Contracts for Difference (CfD) through a government auction held in 2024, covering around two thirds of the project’s expected output for nearly 15 years. The municipalities where the three solar power plants will be located are Dobrun and Sadova.

“Accelerating investment in renewable energy is essential for Europe’s economic strength, energy security, and climate ambitions. By supporting a major new solar portfolio in Romania, we are helping to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable electricity, while also promoting economic cohesion and the green transition,” said Ioannis Tsakiris, Vice-President of the EIB.

The project also supports Romania’s goal of having renewable energy sources account for more than 38 percent of final energy consumption by 2030, as well as the EU’s target of reaching at least 42.5 percent over the same period.

The implementation of these power plants is expected to further strengthen regional development, create new jobs, and contribute to enhancing Romania’s energy security.

Energy portal

Croatia: Draft Law on the Development of Nuclear Energy for Civil Purposes Presented

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (lukas-lehotsky)

In Croatia, a Draft Law on the Development of Nuclear Energy for Civil Purposes has been presented, which for the first time systematically regulates the legal framework for the development of nuclear energy in the country.

On this occasion, Croatia’s Minister of Economy, Ante Šušnjar, emphasized that this represents a strategic step forward in strengthening energy security, the competitiveness of the Croatian economy, and the long-term sustainability of the electricity system.

As stated on the Ministry’s website, the goal is for at least 30 percent of total annual electricity needs to be covered by nuclear sources by 2040.

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The law defines the next steps: within the first six months, the preparation of an Action Programme is planned, which will serve as the basis for conducting the necessary expert studies and analyses. Subsequently, within one year, the Government is expected to adopt a comprehensive Plan for the Development of Nuclear Energy for Civil Purposes. The decision on a potential location for the construction of a nuclear power plant will be made through a separate legislative act, only after the completion of all relevant expert and regulatory procedures.

This step is part of the broader energy transition of the Republic of Croatia and is aligned with European energy guidelines and policies aimed at strengthening the long-term resilience of the system.

Energy portal

The Invisible Source of Solar Energy for Ancient Buildings

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (D Jonez)

How can we protect rich cultural heritage while simultaneously improving energy efficiency? Ancient buildings—and even entire historic cities—pose a unique challenge, as they require upgrades that must not alter their original appearance.

For this reason, at first glance, it may seem that little has changed in significant historical centers for centuries. Italy, a country where symbols of ancient Rome appear at every turn, has exceptionally well-preserved architecture, including traditional baked clay tiles (terra cotta), thanks to the enforcement of strict visual regulations. Even minor interventions require approval from the powerful state body, the local Soprintendenza. Within such a framework, modern technology often seems out of place—solar panels would likely disrupt the visual concept—yet many historic buildings remain energetically inefficient. However, hidden beneath clay tiles, an intriguing modern idea has taken root.

This is where Dyaqua comes in—a small, family-owned Italian company from Vicenza that has spent years developing materials suited for environments where integrating contemporary technologies is difficult. Their goal was not to create yet another solar panel, but to design a building element that visually belongs to a historic setting while providing at least a modest source of clean energy in places where this was previously impossible. This vision led to the development of Invisible Solar—a photovoltaic module not shaped like a panel, but like terracotta, stone, concrete, or wood.

Beneath the surface—opaque to the eye but permeable to sunlight—lie monocrystalline silicon cells embedded in a unique, durable polymer material. This layer functions on the principle of low molecular density, allowing light to pass through the visible material while the cells beneath generate electrical energy. The material completely replaces a roof or façade tile, both in appearance and mechanical resistance. Although this is not the most efficient solar system on the market, its value lies in enabling energy production without compromising the identity of culturally significant spaces. Here, design, sustainability, and heritage do not conflict—they coexist harmoniously.

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A Project on Home Soil – The Archaeological Jewel of Pompeii

Although visitors may unknowingly walk right beside a solar installationvett that is visually undetectable, the first pilot installation of Invisible Solar tiles—type Coppo – Cotto Rosso—was installed in 2018 in the archaeological park of Pompeii, near the House of the Vettii*. The 1 kWp system was set up as part of the Smart Archaeological Park program, a joint project of the Ministry of Culture and the Italian National Research Council (CNR). The tiles are visually identical to the original Roman terracotta roofing, yet they generate electricity used to power infrastructure within the complex.

In addition to Pompeii, a 2 kWp Invisible Solar system was installed in 2022 on the roof of a theater building in Split. Although a system of this size likely covers only a small portion of the building’s energy needs, its importance once again lies in the fact that solar technology can be applied in sensitive, protected locations.

For this reason, Italy’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage recognized and referenced this “invisible solar energy” several years ago—an acknowledgment that, in practice, opened the door, at least to some extent, for the use of solar power in parts of cities where any alteration had previously been nearly impossible.

The Example of Portugal

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplasj (Andy Holmes)

Italy is not the only place where a historic building has implemented such technology.

In Portugal, the city of Évora demonstrates how modern energy solutions can be integrated into strictly protected historical areas—UNESCO placed Évora on the World Heritage List in 1986. As one of the demonstrator cities of the European project POCITYF, Évora tested BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics) solutions adapted to areas with significant architectural constraints, as explained on the project’s website.

Within this initiative, more than 3,350 invisible solar tiles from Vicenza were installed on the 15th-century Palace of the Counts of Sortelha, currently serving as the City Hall. The tiles were designed to faithfully reproduce the appearance of the traditional roofing material that once covered the palace, just as in the earlier examples. The work was completed in early 2024, and the palace now operates as a discreet solar power plant with a peak capacity of 25 kW—fully integrated into its original architectural style.

A Similar, Yet Distinct Approach

Similar trends are emerging in Alpine regions, where solar technology is integrated in an unobtrusive way, though not necessarily entirely invisible as in the Italian examples or the projects in Pompeii and Évora. In some Swiss mountain villages, rooftop solar modules are shaped to resemble slate tiles—thin, dark-gray natural stone plates traditionally used to cover Alpine houses.

The emphasis is on resemblance, since these modules mimic the color, form, and texture of slate, allowing them to blend into the environment, while still allowing recognition that the material is modern rather than original stone roofing. In other words, they are not replicas of historical materials, but they represent a meaningful step toward architecturally subtle and culturally sensitive adoption of renewable energy.

*The House of the Vettii (Casa dei Vettii) is one of the most famous Roman houses in Pompeii and a representative example of a luxurious urban villa from the 1st century CE. It was named after its owners—two brothers identified as freedmen who rose from the status of slaves to positions of significant social standing.

Prepared by Milica Vučković

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINNES

Sustainability of Europe’s mobility systems 2025

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (md-rumon-munshi)

Transport is fundamental to Europe’s economy and society. It enables the movement of goods and people across regions, supporting markets and sustaining over 10 million jobs while contributing around 5 percent of gross domestic product. It is also responsible for a substantial share of environmental externalities, including GHG emissions, air pollution, noise and congestion. With the EU targeting climate neutrality by 2050, transforming the transport system into a sustainable, low-emission and resilient sector is both imperative and complex.

The European Climate Law formalises the EU’s legal commitment to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Achieving this will require reductions in GHG emissions across all economic sectors. In parallel, the European Commission’s (EC) communication on zero pollution put forward the ambition for 2030 to reduce the health impacts of air pollution and the share of people chronically exposed to transport noise by 55 percent and 30 percent, respectively, compared to 2005 levels. Yet, while most other sectors have achieved substantial reductions over recent decades, transport-related GHG emissions continue to rise. The transport sector accounted for almost a third of the EU’s total GHG emissions in 2023. Pollutants such as ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) show similarly resistant trends.

The sector’s environmental performance is not uniform, however. A closer look at individual transport modes highlights not only diverse trends and technological developments influencing Europe’s GHG and pollution footprint, but also the uneven potential for further emission reductions across modes.

Passenger cars are responsible for around 72 percent of Europe’s transport activity (measured in passenger kilometres). This activity has increased significantly in the last 28 years, peaking in 2019 and already recovering in 2021 after a decline following the COVID-19 pandemic. While public transport offers a more sustainable profile compared to private modes, its share of total passenger transport has changed very little. Passenger cars are still the preferred mode of transport and their number has increased in recent years.

Consumer interest in long-distance train connections across Europe has risen over the past few years, a move which parallels a revival and expansion of sleeper train services. This in spite of the grid not yet being finely integrated enough to offer a substantial alternative to car and aeroplane journeys.

Alongside the growth in passenger transport activity, road freight transport continues to grow significantly. This expansion is expected to continue in the coming years, according to recent EC scenarios. Meanwhile, the relative importance of rail in total freight transport activity decreased by 2023, compared to 1995, but is expected to increase in the coming decade. With high energy efficiency and low GHG and air pollution emissions, an expanding rail sector represents a key opportunity to reduce some of the transport sector’s environmental impacts in the future.

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The decarbonisation of domestic and international aviation and maritime transport faces notable challenges. These modes are projected to account for a progressively larger share of Europe’s GHG transport emissions in the coming decades, rising from around 26 percent in 2023 to over 47 percent in 2050. The selection and large-scale deployment of alternative, sustainable energy carriers, combined with further energy efficiency improvements and a shift to more climate-friendly modes whenever possible, is critical.

EU Member States have achieved significant reductions in most major air pollutants (with the exception of NH3 and N2O) from transport activity. Depending on the pollutant, emissions fell by between 47 percent and 90 percent from 1990 to 2023, thanks to policy measures and technological development. The greatest progress stemmed from reduced exhaust pollutant emissions from road transport, where tighter standards and the development of advanced after-treatment systems played a decisive role.

Emissions of several air pollutants have also declined in the aviation and maritime sectors, though challenges remain. Sulphur oxides emissions have fallen markedly in maritime transport because of ambitious policies. However, further reductions are necessary, particularly of black carbon particles. The climate-forcing effects of emissions other than carbon dioxide (CO2) from aviation are under increasing scrutiny, as their overall impact is two to four times higher than CO2 alone.

To accelerate the sustainable transition of Europe’s mobility system, continued public and private investment in innovation and technology remains essential, alongside effective implementation of existing legislation. Notably, the revised EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) Directive, part of the Fit for 55 policy package, mandates Member States to allocate all EU ETS revenues to climate action, the energy transition and social challenges. The directive also strengthens funding for the innovation and modernisation funds, with the former deploying an estimated EUR 40 billion to demonstrate pioneering low-carbon technologies. Additionally, the EU’s new emissions trading system (ETS2) — covering fuel combustion in buildings, road transport and small industry — should be fully operational by 2028. It will further incentivise emission reductions in these sectors.

Achieving significant reductions in the climate, air quality and noise impacts of European transport will require sustained investment and robust regulation, alongside a broader shift towards a more sustainable mobility system. This includes measures that reduce unnecessary travel, encourage more efficient organisation of freight and logistics, boost multi-modal transport and create conditions that make cleaner and safer transport modes more accessible and attractive to all. Advancing sustainability in transport also means addressing wider objectives, such as improving public health, reducing environmental pressures on urban and rural areas, fostering social inclusion and ensuring a just transition for workers and communities.

Source: EEA

KEY – The Energy Transition Expo Rewrites The Energy Agenda.

Photo: KEY-The Energy Transition Expo

In the current climate of economic and geopolitical instability and increasingly fierce global competition, energy is still a strategic lever for ensuring independence, security, autonomy and competitiveness for Europe and its industrial system. Financing the transition and controlling energy costs is a priority for both end consumers and companies, particularly those that are energy-intensive.

In this context, KEY – The Energy Transition Expo, the leading IEG (Italian Exhibition Group) event on energy transition in Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean basin, scheduled to take place from 4th to 6th March at Rimini Expo Centre, confirms its role as the most important European platform for technologies, services and integrated solutions to accelerate decarbonisation.

“With this new edition, we are consolidating KEY’s role as a global hub for energy transition, open to international dialogue with players, operators, institutions and associations from all over the world, setting ourselves apart through the diversity and comprehensiveness of our exhibition, which makes us unique among other energy trade shows. We will put Europe on centre stage, restoring the leading role it deserves in the great ongoing transformation, and enhancing the industrial and technological skills and wealth of solutions we already have in-house to build a sustainable and competitive energy future,” says Alessandra Astolfi, Global Exhibition Director of Italian Exhibition Group’s Green & Technology Division.

“It is with renewed interest that I look forward to this new edition of KEY – The Energy Transition Expo, an event that I have personally followed closely over the years and which today confirms its status as the beating heart of the energy debate in Italy and Europe. We are not just witnessing a trade show, but an authentic laboratory of energy innovation. The path towards energy security and decarbonisation requires total synergy between institutions and companies. KEY is the ideal platform to accelerate the change of pace needed to make Italy a strategic Mediterranean hub for renewables and new green technologies,” comments Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Minister for the Environment and Energy Security.

“For GSE, the annual appointment with KEY is a valuable opportunity to listen to the needs of companies and associations and to showcase the tools, services and opportunities that GSE provides to support the energy transition and facilitate investment in the sector. At a time when competitiveness and sustainability must go hand in hand, we are committed to helping the production system access the measures available and implement concrete projects, thus contributing to transforming decarbonisation objectives into opportunities for the country’s development,” declares Vinicio Vigilante, CEO at GSE Spa (energy services provider).

KEY 2026 will provide a comprehensive overview of new investment models and innovative solutions for reducing energy bills by bringing together financial institutions, EPC contractors, leading Italian and international companies, associations and institutions.

The focus on finance will also be reflected in the exhibition offer with an entire hall dedicated for the first time to EPC contractors and finance, which are becoming increasingly strategic in the construction of large renewable energy and utility-scale storage plants in light of the recent FER-X decree auctions and the new Energy Release mechanism.

More than 1,000 exhibiting brands are expected to attend, of which approximately 32% will be from abroad, with a significant presence of companies from around 30 countries and over 500 hosted buyers and delegations from around 50 countries, thanks to the valuable and constant collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).

A Japanese delegation is also expected to attend, involved in collaboration with H2IT and Emilia-Romagna Region’s Clust-ER Greentech as part of the hydrogen partnership between the two countries and as a follow-up to IEG’s mission to EXPO OSAKA.

Photo: KEY – The Energy Transition Expo

New Layout To Tell The Energy Supply Chain Story

For the 2026 edition, KEY has extended its exhibition space to approximately 125,000 square metres, occupying almost all the Rimini Expo Centre with 24 halls divided into seven thematic areas: solar, wind, hydrogen, energy efficiency, energy storage, e-mobility and Sustainable City.

The solar sector has been extended the most, confirming the strength of the market and the maturity of this technology, with a significant expansion of the areas dedicated to EPC Contractors, agrivoltaics and companies involved in fixing and mounting systems for the installations. The wind power area has also been increased and will include the focus Su.port – Sustainable Ports for Energy Transition on the role of ports as logistics hubs for the assembly and maintenance of floating farms and hydrogen storage and transportation.

The energy efficiency area, a pillar of KEY’s role as transition enabler, has been enhanced and reorganised with a transversal vision of decarbonisation in both industry and the built environment: a place for exchange and growth in which to explore challenges and opportunities, analyse the latest legislative proposals in support of Energy Service Companies, learn about the tools that favour the adoption of innovative solutions in the energy sector, and discover services and solutions to electrify consumption, optimise production processes, and promote the intelligent use of resources. The halls for this sector will also feature KEY 2026’s new HOME — Healthy, Optimised, Measured, Efficient project, an educational and cultural area that will reproduce a 100% smart, efficient and sustainable building, demonstrating how healthy and energy-efficient buildings are designed, constructed and measured. The programme will also include the presentation of a study by AGICI on the European economy’s decarbonisation trajectories with particular reference to the civil and industrial sectors. The study will propose an estimate of the contribution of energy efficiency integrated with renewable sources and quantify its benefits.

Italy-Africa Cooperation

In line with Mattei Plan priorities and the growing centrality of the African continent in the global energy transition and in European energy and industrial policies, KEY aims to strengthen cooperation between Italy and Africa by connecting companies, institutions and investors to foster new synergies.

Res4Africa will be organising two events, scheduled at KEY on 5th and 6th March, dedicated to Africa’s energy self-sufficiency, focusing on the continent’s economic and sustainable growth, the potential of photovoltaics and storage systems, and the need to strengthen financing instruments to improve access to electricity.

Furthermore, for the first time KEY 2026 will feature the Africa Investment HUB. An area that will host several African industry associations from Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, the Ivory Coast, Senegal and South Africa, providing a space for networking and business meetings.

During the event and as part of the collaboration between KEY and Piantando – B Corp, which initiates, finances and monitors projects with a high social and environmental impact – three solar street lamps will be installed in a village in Malawi.

Scientific Rigour: The International Programme

The KEY conference programme will feature more than 150 events, of which 90 organised by the Technical Scientific Committee and 18 international: an open and strategic forum for discussion with high-quality, rigorous content based on scientific data and evidence, where skills, data, know-how and best practices will come together to support the energy transition.

KEY 2026 will be inaugurated on Wednesday 4th March with an opening ceremony attended by the Minister for the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, and the Director of Sustainability, Technology and Outlooks at the IEA-International Energy Agency, Laura Cozzi.

Further main events scheduled will include the KEY ENERGY SUMMIT on Wednesday 4th March with the presentation of a study conducted by Althesys, which explores the relationship between European and Italian companies’ transition and competitiveness with a specific focus on Italy, the generation-storage-grid triad and energy demand evolution. The same day will see the new edition of ITALIA SOLARE’s ForumTech, which this year will spotlight particularly topical issues such as technological innovation, regulatory developments, and the future of photovoltaics in a day of debates and in-depth discussions with experts, companies and institutions.

On Thursday 5th March, the Report on the state of energy sustainability in the construction supply chain will be presented in collaboration with FEDERCOSTRUZIONI.

Elemens will be organising the conference EPC and Finance: the new phase of renewables to connect banks and EPC Contractors with the aim of promoting new models of collaboration and reducing existing obstacles to the construction of renewable energy plants.

On the same day, the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Environment Programme (UNEP), will be organising Energy and Innovation: MASE International Cooperation for Energy Transition with the aim of analysing opportunities for the Italian private sector and the scientific community, illustrating the tools that the Ministry provides, how to access tenders, selection criteria and possible forms of public-private collaboration within international cooperation programmes. Priority initiatives already underway and guidelines for the active and qualified participation of the Italian system will also be presented.

KEY CHOICE – Unlock the future of PPAs

On Tuesday 3rd March, the day before Key, Rimini’s Palacongressi Congress Centre will be staging KEY CHOICE – Unlock the future of PPA.  Again on the topic of finance, the B2B event, organised by IEG in collaboration with Elemens, aims to encourage networking and interaction between the parties and making drawing up PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) easier.

DPE – International Electricity Expo

The new edition of DPE – International Electricity Expo will also be back and in conjunction with KEY. The event, organised by Italian Exhibition Group in collaboration with the Distributed Generation Association – Motors, Components, Generating Sets, affiliated with ANIMA Confindustria – and the ANIE Federation, focuses on the generation, transmission, distribution, safety and electrical automation ecosystem.

Source: KEY – The Energy Transition Expo

Nina Stanarević dedicates her artisan craft to ecology and sustainable practices

Photo: Energy portal

How everyday, previously used objects can be given a second life is something Nina Stanarević, a graphic designer and hand bookbinder from Banja Luka, demonstrates through her work every day. Her brand, Studio Tisa, is recognized for its commitment to ecology, sustainable practices, and minimalist design inspired by local cultural heritage.

She has built her artisan craft on the principles of the circular economy, creating sketchbooks, journals, and photo albums from recycled, repurposed, and salvaged materials. The items are hand-bound, with wooden or textile covers; no glue is used in the construction, making the binding itself an integral and aesthetically meaningful part of the design.

Photo by Nina Stanarevic

Nina created her first pieces during her studies in 2012–2013, which sparked her passion for bookbinding. As she explains, the ability to creatively repurpose materials has been present from the very beginning.

— Operating according to the principles of the circular economy means that materials must remain in use—either as a product or, when they can no longer serve their original purpose, as components or raw materials. This way, nothing becomes waste, while the product’s and the material’s essential value are preserved. In Studio Tisa, I continuously use other people’s recycled waste as new raw materials, and I also transform my own waste in new ways. Nearly all parts of my products are fully recyclable — Stanarević explains.

Striving for the most sustainable business model possible, she typically uses repurposed textiles for covers, dyes them with natural pigments, and often applies patchwork techniques (joining smaller fabric pieces). She also sources recycled paper and even produces her own from paper waste.

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She dyes the covers using plantsornamental, invasive, and medicinal species alike—and showed us examples colored with dyes extracted from the root of the madder plant and with walnut-based pigments. Her design portfolio also includes wooden items. Among them are bowls crafted from wood that originally served in the production of roulette wheels. These are just some of the sustainability practices she applies in both her business and her personal life.

Nina does not describe her work as revolutionary, as she draws inspiration from the past—from the resourcefulness of earlier generations who knew how to make the most of what they had. Still, it is undeniable that her creations are unique. When it comes to public awareness of such products, she notes that an increasing number of people want items made exclusively for them.

Photo: Energy portal

— I believe people have very quickly forgotten what handmade craftsmanship and small-scale production truly mean—and how much time, effort, and dedication are required to create something with one’s own hands. A large part of my business, as well as my presence on social media and at ArtMarkets, is dedicated to educating the public and bringing them closer to handmade work and artisan crafts. I’ve been active in DIY ArtMarkets and their communities for nearly 15 years, and I think interest is growing. It takes a great deal of effort to educate people. Still, I believe more and more of them want to hold a physical product again—and if that product is made especially for them, then the joy is immeasurable — Stanarević says.

To bring her craft closer to a broader audience, she often holds workshops organized by various institutions, covering a wide range of topics—from the basics of bookbinding to eco- and underconsumption-focused projects, papermaking, and more. Her greatest satisfaction, she says, comes from the act of creating itself—when she has the time and space to explore new things and enjoy the process.

She has been learning the craft through online resources and books since her university days, and her experimentation continues to this day. Her wish is for Studio Tisa to grow into a project that benefits the local community—a socio-cultural center offering workshops on eco-themes and crafts, a gallery, and perhaps even a café, as well as a place where older generations could mentor younger ones.

Prepared by Jasna Dragojević

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINNES

Bobija Project, Western Serbia: New Sampling Indicates Greater Polymetallic Potential

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Shane McLendon)

Australian company Middle Island Resources (MDI), focused on gold and base metals exploration, announced in its publications in September last year that it would carry out geological exploration at the Bobija project in western Serbia, considered prospective for gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc deposits. As previously reported, this marked the first development phase of the portfolio of Konstantin Resources, which was acquired by MDI. The site includes an abandoned mine that has long been inactive. In addition to the former mine, the area is known as the “roof of Azbukovica,” specifically the crest of a hilly-mountainous zone where the Drina River separates Serbia and Republika Srpska. Bobija was originally explored during the former Yugoslavia period, when underground works and several drilling campaigns were conducted in search of barite, lead, and zinc, with indications of gold and silver also identified at that time.

The project is located near Ljubovija and comprises six mineral licenses covering a total of 208 square kilometers, as detailed in the company’s earlier announcement. The first exploration phase focused on the historical Bobija mine area, where barite-sulfide mineralization can be clearly observed in the floor of the former open pit. The company then announced sampling, beginning with rock-chip sampling from outcrops and fractures.

According to the company, based on its geological analogy, Bobija shares many similarities with the well-known Vareš project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which hosts 20.9 million tonnes of ore with average grades of gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc. In other words, this is an underexplored area from a mining and geological perspective, whose value and long-term potential have not yet been established.

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New Soil Sampling Results

The latest results from the Bobija project relate to the wider Tisovik area, where expanded soil sampling confirmed the presence of large, interconnected geochemical anomalies of silver, lead, zinc, and antimony. Compared with earlier stages, the key new development is the significantly broader spatial extent of these anomalies, suggesting that the mineralization signal is not localized but distributed across multiple connected zones.

According to the company’s statement, anomalies were identified over approximately five kilometers along an east-west trend across the target zones of Tisovik, Crvene Stene, and Kozila. This continuity, combined with the simultaneous presence of multiple metals, points to the possibility of a more developed polymetallic system than previously confirmed in the field.

Key new data include peak values from soil samples of up to 7.1 g/t silver, 4,685 ppm lead, 969 ppm zinc, and 1,049 ppm antimony. The company says these results support an interpretation of a robust polymetallic system, while emphasizing that this remains a geochemical-stage exploration program, and that the full significance of the findings will depend on the next exploration steps.

A new sampling campaign has been announced for March 2026, aimed at testing the extensions of anomalous zones across a large area that remains unexplored to date.

Energy portal

How Do Falling EU Orders Impact Serbian Automotive Factories and Employment?

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Myron Mott)

It is no news that Serbia depends on Europe when it comes to markets. Given transport routes, geographic proximity, and the fact that Serbia is part of the same continent, doing business with EU countries is inevitable. However, in the automotive industry – where several European countries were long leading players – the situation has changed significantly, and negative trends are now spilling over to domestic companies. Due to a serious slowdown in activity and fewer orders on the European automotive market, factories in Serbia are facing substantial production cuts, directly creating surplus labor.

Although major companies such as Continental, Bosch, Lear, PKC/Motherson, Grammer, and others still have a strong presence, restructuring is visible in parts of the supplier chain. The clearest recent closure case is LEONI and its branch in Malošište, which shut down after the last cable outputs in December 2025. As announced at the time, around 1,900 jobs were gradually eliminated. At other locations in Serbia – Prokuplje, Niš, and Kraljevo – the company is also facing rising costs. Still, those three factories continue operating on their projects. DRÄXLMAIER (Drexlmaier) also announced the closure of its Zrenjanin plant after 17 years of operations, due to the lack of further orders, with a phase-out planned during 2026.

In a number of cases, plants in Serbia are positioned in lower value-added segments of the automotive chain (e.g., wire harnesses, certain components, and assembly-intensive processes). One of the key issues, in addition to declining demand, is that such activities are often the most vulnerable in times of crisis. Moreover, production of these components can be relocated to locations with lower total costs and more favorable conditions, especially once subsidy periods expire and operations are assessed without initial state support.

In this context, the Independent Metalworkers’ Union of Serbia recently stated that during 2025, as many as 12,640 workers were sent on paid leave with compensation of 60 percent of wages, for periods longer than the legally prescribed 45 working days. According to the union, this practice resulted in more than 6,000 layoffs in 2025, and the negative trend has unfortunately continued into 2026. The situation in southern Serbia is particularly worrying. In addition to the examples above, the union highlighted Yura in Leskovac, which has already announced further production cuts, along with plans to offer employees mutual termination agreements. The company has also requested to place around 300 workers on paid leave throughout 2026. By way of reminder, Yura Corporation has operated in Serbia since 2010 and primarily manufactures wire harnesses for the automotive industry, including cooperation with Kia Motors and Hyundai Motors. Although these are Asian car brands, the supply chain is largely European, since parts produced in Serbia end up in vehicles intended for the EU market or in plants producing for Europe, such as those in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Unlike countries where final assembly, higher automation, and greater value-added are concentrated-making such plants more resilient to market disruptions-labor-intensive plants, including some in Serbia, enter crisis mode more quickly.

An additional sign of broader pressure in Europe’s auto sector was the restructuring announced by Continental itself. In early 2025, the company announced an additional 3.000 job cuts in automotive R&D by the end of 2026, on top of previously announced restructuring. Less than half of those new cuts will be in Germany, indicating that the measure is not tied only to the German market.

The Independent Metalworkers’ Union of Serbia warns that this case will not be isolated, as similar measures are being announced in other automotive companies in Serbia. Although these measures are formally implemented in line with Serbian legislation, the core problem is that most employees in these factories have less than 10 years of service. As a result, their severance pay in the event of job loss is generally below RSD 200,000, which is not enough to secure basic livelihood protection. The union stressed that an urgent, concrete, and responsible response is needed from state institutions, social partners, and the government in order to immediately halt further job losses and prevent deeper social degradation of workers in this sector, the statement said.

As for the causes in Europe, Chinese competition is indeed an important factor, but this mostly concerns the electric vehicle segment (hence the EU anti-subsidy measures/tariffs). It is not the only driver, however. Other pressures include high production costs, a slow and expensive transition to electric vehicles, margin compression, trade tensions, decarbonization-related requirements, and changing consumer preferences and habits.

Energy portal

Montenegro Sets Priorities for Protecting the Adriatic Sea Until 2036

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Wladislaw Peljuchn)

Montenegro has prepared a Draft Strategy for the Protection of the Marine Environment until 2036, establishing a long-term framework for preserving and improving the state of its seas in line with European standards.

The document was prepared as part of Montenegro’s obligations as an EU candidate country, particularly regarding alignment with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC). This directive, together with its 2017 amendments, has been fully transposed into national legislation through the Law on Marine Environment Protection.

The strategy defines the starting principles, spatial, thematic, and temporal scope, as well as the objectives for marine environment management until 2036. The Adriatic Sea under Montenegro’s jurisdiction represents a sensitive marine ecosystem, whose protection is crucial for the sustainable development of tourism, shipping, fisheries, and other economic sectors.

The strategy includes an assessment of the marine environment, identification of major pressures and impacts – such as tourism, maritime traffic, waste, eutrophication, and climate change – and an action plan for monitoring and protective measures. Strategic and operational objectives until 2036 aim to achieve and maintain good environmental status through integrated programs and a monitoring system.

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The document brings together four key annexes: the initial assessment of Montenegro’s marine environment, characteristics of good environmental status and protection objectives, the marine environment monitoring program, and the program of measures to achieve or maintain good environmental status. Each of these documents was previously subject to separate public consultations and received positive feedback from the European Commission.

Since all elements of the Strategy have already been prepared and formally adopted, the Strategic Framework provides a consolidated overview of the marine environment, defined strategic and operational objectives, as well as priorities and expected long-term effects of implementation until 2036.

The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Development has issued a public call inviting the general public – including citizens, businesses, the scientific and professional community, state authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders – to participate in the public consultation on the Draft Strategy. The public consultation will last 20 days from the date of the announcement.

Energy portal

EPS: Stable Electricity Production Without Imports

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Thomas)

According to data from Elektrodistribucija Srbije, around 51,000 citizens will be exempt from paying their January electricity bill, as they were without power for more than 24 hours. The largest number of such households is in Loznica, Čačak, Majdanpek, and Bor, while Elektroprivreda Srbije stated in its announcement that it will also assume part of the compensation costs.

Dušan Živković, CEO of Elektroprivreda Srbije, speaking to RTS about electricity imports, emphasized that EPS currently meets all demand through its own production capacities, meaning that production matches consumption and there is no electricity import.

In January, average daily consumption amounted to around 130 million kilowatt-hours, while in February it stabilized at between 110 and 115 million kWh. Favorable hydrological conditions, which followed a prolonged drought period, further contributed to the stability of the system.

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The statement also notes that EPS imported less coal last year compared to previous years, while future imports will depend on the quality and calorific value of domestically produced coal from the Kolubara basin. As stated, coal production will remain stable, and four new systems in Kolubara are expected to be put into operation this year. Coal stocks at thermal power plant depots are at planned levels, totaling around 1.3 million tons.

Živković also recalled that wind farm and solar power plant projects have been completed, providing an additional 76 MW from renewable energy sources, and that the revitalization of the reversible hydropower plant “Bajina Bašta” is in its final phase.

Speaking about the development of new projects, he noted that priorities include the construction of 1 GW of solar power plants, the reversible hydropower plant “Bistrica,” and, in the long term, the “Đerdap 3” project. He also emphasized that EPS is interested in acquiring developed projects on the market, such as the “Plandište” wind farm, the Pančevo combined heat and power plant (TE-TO Pančevo), and other projects.

Energy portal

Regulation on Air Quality Control Adopted

Photo-illustration: Freepik (frimufilms)

At a session of the Government, the Regulation on determining the air quality control program within the state network was adopted, at the proposal of the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

According to the Ministry, the Regulation will increase both the number of monitoring stations and the number of pollutants being tracked.

Monitoring within the network will be carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), together with 17 public health institutes and institutes across Serbia, as well as the Bor Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

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For 2026, 50 million dinars have been allocated for the continuous financing of monitoring activities.

The increase in the number of monitoring stations is expected to ensure more comprehensive data, which will serve as the basis for adopting concrete measures that deliver results for cleaner air, it was concluded at the session.

Energy portal

Montenegro to Build a 400 kV Transmission Line to Strengthen Interconnection with Bosnia and Herzegovina

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Fre Sonneveld)

Montenegro is launching a project to strengthen the transmission network in the northwestern part of the country. The plan includes the construction of a 400 kV transmission line to the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, a new substation in Crkvičko Polje, as well as the upgrade of the connection with the Piva Hydropower Plant.

The new link with Bosnia and Herzegovina will reduce the risk of congestion on this electricity transmission route and enable the connection of the future Kruševo Hydropower Plant to the transmission system.

The Montenegrin Transmission System Operator (CGES) has secured funding (a grant) for technical assistance in preparing the project documentation through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). This financial instrument was established in December 2009 by the European Commission in cooperation with partner institutions. The optimal solution, i.e. the transmission line corridor, was selected following an analysis based on multiple criteria, including environmental and social impact.

The implementation of this project is also an integral part of the recently adopted Spatial Plan of Montenegro (2024) and the Revised Draft Spatial Plan of the Municipality of Plužine (Draft, 2025).

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When selecting the location, particular attention was paid to creating the preconditions for connecting new energy sources, primarily renewable energy sources (RES).

— The locations of new RES in Montenegro (hydropower plants, solar power plants and wind farms), as well as the need to improve existing interconnections with countries in the region, in line with the adopted national energy development strategy, were taken into account. As a result, the territory of the Municipality of Plužine was identified as the optimal location for the construction of the new 400 kV interconnection — the planning document states.

Public consultations related to the preparation of the 400 kV transmission line construction project will be held on Thursday, 19 February 2026. CGES invites citizens, non-governmental organizations and all interested stakeholders to attend.

Energy portal

New RES Auctions: United Kingdom Adds 1.3 GW of Onshore Wind Capacity

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Pedro Henrique Santos)

Following successful offshore wind auctions, the United Kingdom has awarded contracts for 1.3 GW of new onshore wind capacity in the latest auction round.

Contracts for a total of 28 onshore wind projects were awarded under the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme. Once completed, these projects will generate enough electricity to supply 1.2 million households, while contributing to lower electricity bills for households and businesses.

The largest share of contracts for onshore wind projects was awarded to projects in Scotland, while five contracts were granted in Wales.

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Overall, the latest auctions across all technologies—offshore and onshore wind, solar, and tidal energy—will deliver a total of 14.6 GW of new renewable energy capacity. These projects are expected to support around 10,000 jobs and attract 5 billion pounds in private investment, according to WindEurope.

The United Kingdom aims to reach 27–29 GW of onshore wind capacity by 2030, which means that an additional 7.7–9.7 GW will need to be contracted in the next two auction rounds.

Energy portal

Refund of Part of Excess Gas Revenues Brings Lower Tariffs for Consumers in Moldova

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

Moldova’s National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) has reduced the regulated price of natural gas for households (a price set/approved by the state regulator rather than the free market). As of 4 February 2026, a new tariff of around 14.42–14.43 MDL per cubic metre including VAT applies, which equals approximately €0.72–0.74/m³ depending on the exchange rate and billing date (13.35 MDL/m³ excluding VAT). Compared to the previous price of 16.74 MDL/m³, this represents a reduction of nearly 14 percent.

For comparison, the EU average price for households in the first half of 2025 stood at around €0.114/kWh (€11.43 per 100 kWh), an eight percent decrease year on year. As the Moldovan tariff is expressed in €/m³, the units are not directly comparable; roughly, 1 m³ of natural gas corresponds to about 10–11 kWh, depending on calorific value.

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

The key mechanism that enabled this year’s price cut in Moldova is the regulatory “settlement” of excess revenues at the state-owned supplier. According to ANRE, so-called positive financial deviations reached around 360 million MDL (about €18.5 million), part of which was returned to consumers through a lower tariff. In other words, the regulator used accumulated surplus funds to immediately ease household and business energy bills. In practical terms, February bills in Moldova are calculated using the new tariff from the date the decision entered into force. The adjustment is not limited to households: prices have also been reduced for other consumer categories, including users connected to high- and medium-pressure networks, as reported by Moldovan media.

Along with the decision, ANRE published the cost structure: the largest share of the price still relates to gas procurement in the country (around 58 percent), followed by distribution (around 36 percent), with the remainder covering transmission and supply costs.

For the region, this move signals that public regulatory mechanisms remain crucial in cushioning price shocks on the gas market.

Moldova entered a crisis in 2022 following reduced supplies of Russian gas and regional disruptions in the power system. Subsequently, at the end of 2024, a state of emergency was declared due to the announced complete halt of supplies as of 1 January 2025, upon the expiry of the transit arrangement via Ukraine. The most severe consequences were felt in Transnistria, through problems with heating and hot water, even though the region had for decades been responsible for producing the largest share of electricity. Chişinău accelerated supply diversification and, with EU support, worked to stabilise the energy system.

Energy portal

CEEFOR Strengthens its Operations With Two Additional ISO Certificates

Foto: CEEFOR

In today’s business environment, the trust of clients, partners, and the wider community is built not only on the results a company achieves, but also on how it reaches those results. Expectations for companies have grown significantly – consistent quality and safety, responsible environmental stewardship, and a clearly demonstrated commitment to social responsibility are now essential.

CEEFOR proudly announces that, following the previous three certifications issued by the certification body TMS (9001:2015; 14001:2015; 45001:2018), it has now obtained two additional ISO certificates— ISO 50001:2018 and ISO 27001:2022. International ISO standards provide a framework for recognizing and validating specific business principles. They represent a global language of quality and reliability, shaped by experts from around the world, as well as manufacturers, suppliers, users, and professional associations that understand industry and market needs.

ISO 50001:2018

One of the two newly obtained certificates—ISO 50001:2018—sets international standards for organizations seeking to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Its implementation enables companies to systematically monitor their energy use, identify losses, and implement measures that generate savings. This not only results in direct financial benefits by reducing costs—although that is certainly one of the advantages—but also provides a significant contribution to environmental protection. In essence, the certificate guides and supports companies in aligning their operations with regulations while demonstrating responsibility toward sustainable development.

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ISO 27001:2022

The second standard is ISO 27001:2022, which defines frameworks and best practices for information security and risk management related to data protection. The certificate confirms that the organization implements clear procedures to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the information it handles. This includes a wide range of measures—from technical solutions against cyberattacks and access control policies to plans for responding to security incidents. The standard is increasingly important in today’s digital era, as it assures clients and partners that their data is processed responsibly and in compliance with international regulations such as the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) of the European Union.

In this way, ISO 27001 serves as a key foundation for stable, secure operations in a highly digitalized society. As stated by Miloš Saleta, Head of the Technical Administration Department and Chief Designer at CEEFOR, TMS will regularly monitor the implementation of procedures and conduct annual surveillance audits, with certificate renewal taking place after the third year.

Miloš Saleta / Photo: CEEFOR

“Certificates are not only confirmation that we operate in line with the highest standards—they also represent a commitment to maintain that level of excellence, supported by regular audits conducted by the certification body,” emphasized Miloš Saleta.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), founded in 1947, today brings together more than 170 members worldwide. ISO members are national standardization organizations, and each country has only one representative. Each of these organizations represents ISO at the national level. There are three categories of membership, each offering different levels of rights, access, and influence within the organization.

ISO standards cover various areas of business and offer companies a framework based on globally recognized guidelines and best practices. One of the major advantages of ISO certification is compliance with legal regulations across different countries, reducing the risk of penalties and legal uncertainty. At the same time, commitment to these standards strengthens the reputation of every certified organization.

By obtaining ISO certifications, CEEFOR clearly demonstrates the values on which it intends to build its future development.

Prepared by Milica Vučković

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINNES

Start of Foundation Concreting for Paks II

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Jakob Madsen)

In Hungary, the start of concreting works for the reactor building foundation slab of the Paks II project has been marked, moving the project into the status of a nuclear power plant “under construction.”

As we have reported earlier, Paks II предусматриes the construction of two new VVER-1200 units (Units 5 and 6) as an extension of the existing Paks Nuclear Power Plant. According to available data, about 43,000 cubic meters of reinforced concrete will be needed for the foundation slab, with concreting works planned throughout the year.

The Paks site is located about 100 kilometers south of Budapest. The existing plant consists of four units commissioned between 1982 and 1987, while the intergovernmental agreement on the new units was signed in 2014.

The construction license was issued in 2022, and an earlier agreed framework plan foresees the new units being connected to the grid in the early 2030s. At the end of 2025, the Hungarian regulator issued permits for the start of first concrete works for future Unit 5.

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