Home Blog

ENTSO-E Publishes Final Report on the Causes of the Power Outage in Spain and Portugal

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Thomas)

The European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) has published the final report of the Expert Panel on the power outage of 28 April 2025 in continental Spain and Portugal. In addition to identifying the causes of this event, the report also provides recommendations to strengthen the resilience of Europe’s interconnected electricity system.

The results of the investigation show that the outage was caused by a combination of several interrelated factors, including system oscillations, shortcomings in voltage and reactive power control, differences in voltage regulation practices, rapid reductions in generation and generator disconnections in Spain, as well as uneven system stabilisation capabilities.

These factors led to a rapid increase in voltage and cascading disconnections of generation units, ultimately resulting in the power outage.

More:

To prevent similar events in the future, the recommendations highlight the need to improve operational practices and system monitoring, as well as to ensure closer coordination and more efficient data exchange among power system actors.

The report also underlines the importance of adapting regulatory frameworks to better reflect the increasingly dynamic and evolving nature of modern power systems.

More about the final report can be found here.

Energy portal

H-Bridges in the Semifinals of IEEE IFEC 2026 at the IEEE APEC Conference

Photo: H-Bridges

The student team H-Bridges from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade, is participating in the semifinal stage of the prestigious international competition IEEE International Future Energy Challenge (IFEC), held as part of the IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition (APEC 2026) in San Antonio, USA, from March 22 to 26. The presentation of the team’s results to the judges took place on March 22, while the results regarding advancement to the next stage are expected in mid-April.

Photo: H-Bridges

H-Bridges brings together students who, through year-long multidisciplinary projects, develop innovative and energy-efficient technical solutions. For seven consecutive years, the team has successfully presented its work at the IFEC competition, organized under the auspices of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the world’s leading organization in the field of electrical and electronics engineering.

The IFEC semifinal stage gathers 11 of the best student teams from around the world, who present and defend their technical solutions before an international jury. At this stage, not only innovation is evaluated, but also the team’s ability to develop a reliable, efficient, and functional device capable of operating in real-world conditions. It is in the semifinals that student projects are tested against global technical standards and compared with solutions developed by top young engineers worldwide, highlighting those with potential for further industrial application. For this reason, the cost of the device is also an important evaluation criterion.

More:

The IEEE APEC conference is one of the most significant global events in the field of power electronics, bringing together leading researchers, engineers, and representatives of technology companies from around the world. The conference showcases state-of-the-art solutions in power conversion, energy management, and transport electrification, and hosting the IFEC semifinals within such an environment further emphasizes the importance and prestige of the competition.

This year’s task for the H-Bridges team is to develop a bidirectional on-board charger for electric vehicles—a device that, in addition to conventional battery charging, enables energy to be fed back from the vehicle to the power grid. This concept, known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G), represents one of the key steps toward the development of smart energy systems, where electric vehicles become active participants in balancing electricity supply and demand.

Developing such a device requires achieving high efficiency, compactness, and reliability, which represents a significant engineering challenge even in industrial environments. According to the competition requirements, the solution must meet strict technical criteria, including a nominal power of 1 kW, a minimum efficiency of 92 percent at nominal load, high power density, and plug-and-play functionality. In addition to performance, special attention is given to device safety, electrical isolation, reliable operation in both directions of energy flow, as well as the economic feasibility of the selected components.

This year’s H-Bridges team consists of 25 members and is organized into three sub-teams: hardware, firmware and control, and fundraising and public relations. During the one-year project cycle, students independently go through the entire process—from concept and design, through prototyping and testing, to presenting their solution before an international jury. This approach allows students to gain experience that goes beyond the scope of traditional academic education. The team’s motto is: “Save on iron and copper through the smart use of silicon and software.”

Consistency in results is one of the greatest strengths of the H-Bridges team. The team has won first place at the IFEC competition twice—in 2005 and 2019—when they developed an electric bicycle drive that successfully passed all technical tests without penalty points and achieved outstanding efficiency. In addition to these victories, the team has reached final rounds multiple times and secured high second-place finishes, with a total of nine international awards and recognitions. Furthermore, over the past seven years, H-Bridges members have received 12 national awards, and notably, four startup companies in Serbia have emerged from the H-Bridges team.

H-Bridges

Titan Group – a Leader in the Sustainable Use of Alternative Fuels

Photo: Titan Group

At a time when European industry is rapidly transforming under the pressure of decarbonization and the transition to clean energy sources, energy-intensive sectors increasingly recognize that the use of alternative fuels is not only desirable but essential. The cement industry, one of the most energy-intensive industrial sectors, stands at the heart of the sustainable transition, as every ton of clinker produced entails significant energy consumption. The use of waste-derived fuels enables the industry to reduce its reliance on fossil resources, enhance energy security, and drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions. This practice has become standard within the European Union – the average share of alternative fuels in the cement industry reaches 46.5 percent, confirming that this approach has long been part of best available techniques and a key driver of sector decarbonization.

It is precisely in this area that Titan Group demonstrates the full strength of its industrial leadership and strategic vision.

120 Years of Responsible Business

Titan Group is an international company with more than a century of experience in the production of cement and construction materials. Today, it operates in 25 countries worldwide, manages cement plants in 10 countries, and employs more than 6,000 people. With an annual production capacity of approximately 27 million tons of cement and related materials, the company meets the needs of local markets and global partners while remaining committed to the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

Its activities encompass the entire value chain – from the production of clinker, cement, and concrete, to aggregates and mortars, as well as the transport and distribution of construction products. By utilizing natural raw materials and introducing innovations into its production processes, the Group provides reliable construction materials that contribute to safe housing, high-quality infrastructure, and long-term societal value.

The company is an active participant in global sustainability initiatives and is committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Its membership in the UN Global Compact initiative, the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), and CSR Europe confirms its dedication to responsible business practices, transparency, and the continuous improvement of environmental protection standards.

IN FOCUS:

Climate Responsibility Strategy and the Role of Alternative Fuels

The cement production sector, together with the energy and transport sectors, has a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Titan Group began addressing these challenges as early as the early 2000s, initially through active participation in the Cement Sustainability Initiative (CSI), and subsequently by adopting its own Climate Change Strategy in 2006. This strategy focuses on increasing energy efficiency, developing cement with lower clinker content, and, in particular, on the use of waste-derived alternative fuels through co-processing.

Alternative fuels, such as SRF (Solid Recovered Fuel) and RDF (Refuse-Derived Fuel), are produced by treating the non-recyclable fraction of municipal, commercial, and industrial waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. Their composition includes paper, plastics, textiles, and small quantities of wood—materials that possess significant calorific value but are not suitable for further recycling. By introducing these fuels into the clinker production process, Titan Group simultaneously replaces fossil fuels and enables the most efficient use of valuable energy and material resources from waste.

Prepared by Milena Maglovski

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine DIGITALIZATION

New Solar Power Facility at the Pančevo Oil Refinery

Photo: Ivan Kićanović

A new 550 kW solar power plant has been installed on the rooftops of six buildings at the Pančevo Oil Refinery, representing another in a series of projects delivered by MT-KOMEX for NIS a.d. Novi Sad. MT-KOMEX is a leading domestic contractor in the field of solar energy and a pioneer of industrial energy transition in Serbia.

The solar power plant is distributed across approximately 2,720 m² and is installed on six non-production facilities. A total of 1,053 Luxor Solar photovoltaic panels, each with a nominal output of 580 Wp, generate electricity primarily for the refinery’s own consumption, while surplus energy is fed into NIS’s closed distribution system under the prosumer (buyer–producer) model.

Special attention was given to ensuring system reliability under demanding industrial conditions. The installation of 13 Huawei inverters with a total nominal capacity of 300 kW, along with 527 optimizers, ensures high efficiency of each solar string, even in conditions of partial shading. The system includes DC and AC distribution cabinets, cable junction boxes, and a SMART Logger system, enabling advanced real-time management and monitoring.

IN FOKUS:

As the project contractor, MT-KOMEX once again applied its proven technical solutions—from precise planning of panel layouts on both flat and pitched rooftops to the integration of the solar power plant with the medium-voltage network of the closed distribution system at the 6 kV level, which supplies the entire refinery.

With the construction of this new solar power plant in Pančevo, NIS further strengthens the use of renewable energy sources within its facilities, while MT-KOMEX confirms its position as a company that continuously raises standards in the solar energy sector and delivers new benchmark projects in industrial environments. Once again, it is demonstrated that the transition to cleaner and more secure energy is built—panel by panel.

Prepared by Milena Maglovski

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine DIGITALIZATION

Vision-Led Energy Transition: What BiH Can Learn from Greece

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Constantinos Kollias)

Greece ranks among Europe’s frontrunners in the development of renewable energy sources, with approximately 65% of renewables in its energy mix. For this reason, the country’s experience represents a valuable guideline for Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is only now entering a decisive phase of its energy transition. In an interview for our magazine, the Ambassador of Greece to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ioanna Efthymiadou, discusses the key opportunities and challenges awaiting BiH, the mistakes that should be avoided, the importance of environmental protection, as well as the prospects for cooperation between Athens and Sarajevo in the fields of energy, environmental protection, and access to European funds.

Q: Bosnia and Herzegovina has significant potential for renewable energy sources. Based on Greece’s experience, where do you see the greatest opportunities, but also the main risks for BiH in the coming years?

Photo: Courtesy of Ioanna Efthymiadou

A: As you may know, Greece’s current energy mix is comprised of approximately 65% Renewable Energy Sources, reflecting substantial progress in its energy transition. During his recent visit to Sarajevo, the Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Theoharis Theoharis expressed Greece’s readiness to support Bosnia and Herzegovina during its energy transition. This support could build upon Greece’s experience in deploying renewable energy, reforming energy markets, and aligning national policies with EU energy and climate objectives.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a significant regional electricity producer, but renewable penetration beyond hydro remains limited.

BiH and Greece share certain similarities: strong potential for renewable resources and dependence on coal. Greece’s experience suggests that the greatest opportunities lie in the rapid deployment of solar and wind, where costs are low, resources are abundant and projects can be developed relatively quickly. Like Greece, BiH could also benefit from repurposing coal regions into renewable and storage hubs, combining energy investments with job creation and retraining to support a just transition. If aligned with EU market rules, renewables could strengthen energy security, reduce exposure to carbon pricing, and establish BiH’s position as a regional electricity exporter.

At the same time, slow permitting could delay projects and deter investors unless regulatory frameworks are harmonized and made predictable. Electric Grid constraints represent another major risk: without timely investment in transmission, flexibility, and storage, high shares of renewables may lead to curtailment and system instability. Finally, a poorly managed coal phase-out without care for workforce retraining , could create social resistance, especially in mining regions, undermining the necessary  support for the transition.

In short, BiH could draw from Greece’s experience if it combines clear long-term policy signals, grid modernization, and early just transition planning so as to avoid locking the country into delays and rising economic costs as Europe accelerates its decarbonization phase.

Lessons learned from Greece’s Renewable Energy Transition:

  • Structured, predictable policy and strategic vision are of the essence. Greece’s ambitious National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) and strong policy frameworks helped drive a rapid uptake of solar and wind, with renewables increasingly dominating electricity supply. Aligning incentives, regulations and long-term targets builds investor confidence is essential for sustained private investment.
  • Grid modernization and flexibility remain a crucial factor. As Greece added renewables, it also prioritized grid reinforcement, interconnections with neighbors, and system flexibility tools (like storage and balancing capacity). These are vital for handling variable generation from solar and wind. Without sufficient storage and transmission upgrades, high shares of renewables can risk grid stability and curtailment.
  • Community and decentralized energy can support inclusion. Greece is experimenting with energy communities and decentralized generation to promote participation and tackle energy poverty.
  • Just transition planning is also essential. Greece managed to begin phasing out coal (lignite) generation while planning for social impacts on affected regions — an approach BiH could adapt for its coal-dependent areas.

IN FOCUS:

Q: Greece has undergone an accelerated energy transition in a relatively short period of time. In your opinion, which mistake should Bosnia and Herzegovina avoid on this path?

A: If we could share one lesson with you, it should be this: speed should not run ahead of system readiness and social consensus. As an example, renewable capacity may expand faster than the grid nominal capacity, storage capacity and market structure that could absorb it. The result could include curtailment, congestion, rising balancing costs, and growing local opposition, which may slow new projects and complicate planning.

Renewable build-out should not be treated as a goal per se. Instead, it should be integrated from the start with grid reinforcement, flexibility, and coordination among key stakeholders.

The social dimension of the coal exit should not be underestimated either. Moving too fast without concrete retraining, investment, and local ownership risks backlash that could stall the entire transition.

And finally, regulatory volatility should be avoided. It is therefore advisable to prioritize a balanced approach: develop renewables always in line with grid capacity, social awareness, and stable rules. That may appear slower, but it is far more resilient and ultimately faster in delivering a durable energy transition.

Q: How can Bosnia and Herzegovina develop renewable energy projects while at the same time preserving rivers, forests, and biodiversity, especially considering sensitive ecosystems?

A: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s energy transition may be as much about quality as capacity. Expanding renewables while protecting nature is possible if the approach is selective, spatially aware, and institutionally robust.

For example, as you know, small projects in sensitive rivers sometimes bring limited energy benefits but significant ecological and social trade-offs. BiH might consider avoiding areas of high biodiversity or protected rivers. Spatial planning could help steer projects toward sites such as degraded land, post-industrial areas, and rooftops while minimizing impacts on forests, rivers, and migration corridors.

Environmental governance, independent assessments, and long-term monitoring support better outcomes, especially if local communities are involved and share in the benefits.

Q: How important is it for Bosnia and Herzegovina to align its energy and environmental policies with European standards, and what kind of support can Greece provide in this process?

A: Alignment with European energy and environmental standards (EU Green Deal, Fit for 55, and Energy Community obligations) is essential for BiH’s energy landscape and for its economic stability. Without alignment, BiH risks losing access to regional electricity markets, facing higher costs from carbon measures, and deterring investment due to regulatory uncertainty. Carbon pricing, sustainability requirements, environmental assessment, and grid access increasingly influence electricity exports. Early alignment can help BiH avoid sudden shocks and maintain market access.

Greece’s experience illustrates the value of stable, EU-compatible rules.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (James Ting)

The country’s renewables boom accelerated once investors trusted the legal framework, while EU environmental acquis helped shift debates from Whether to build renewables towards to Where and How. For BiH, alignment could anchor governance, strengthen biodiversity protection, improve water management, and ensure public participation, particularly in areas with strong opposition to poorly sited projects.

Last but not least, aligning with EU environmental standards will help tackling severe air pollution, which, unfortunately plagues many of the country’s (and the region’s) cities and presents a serious health hazard.

Greece can support BiH by sharing experience on transposing EU energy and environmental legislation, managing grid integration of renewables, planning transitions in coal regions, and maintaining policy stability.

Interviewed by Jasna Dragojević

Read the whole interview in Energy portal Magazine DIGITALIZATION. 

Slovenian Government Mitigates Diesel, Petrol and Heating Oil Price Increases

Foto-ilustracija: Pexels

The Slovenian government has announced measures in response to rising oil prices caused by geopolitical developments in the Middle East.

According to reports, excise duties on diesel and heating oil are planned to be reduced to the lowest level allowed under European Union legislation. In addition, a temporary and extraordinary measure will ease the impact of the CO₂ levy, and the excise duty on petrol will also be lowered.

This approach aims to mitigate the impact of global price increases on end-user prices in the country.

More:

The Slovenian government warns that without intervention, the price of diesel and heating oil would rise by around 26 cents per litre, while petrol would increase by about 18 cents. Thanks to the measures, the price rise will be significantly lower, amounting to roughly 12 cents for diesel and heating oil, and slightly less for petrol.

Authorities have also noted increased pressure on petrol stations in border areas due to incoming foreign drivers but emphasized that, in accordance with European Union rules, it is not possible to restrict fuel sales to certain categories of consumers.

However, enhanced monitoring of cross-border fuel transport from Slovenia has been announced.

Energy portal

How Can Serbian Heavy Industry Remain Competitive by 2030?

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Christopher Burns)

As the EU accelerates the green transition, Serbia’s energy-intensive industry is facing increasing environmental requirements, rising costs, and regulatory uncertainty. The Association of Serbian Energy-Intensive Industry (ASEII) today brings together key companies from the steel, cement, and fertilizer sectors to ensure their voice is clearly represented in the development of energy and climate policies. We spoke with Stanislava Simić, Director of ASEII, about the challenges, opportunities, and priorities ahead.

Q: To begin with, could you introduce the Association of Serbian Energy-Intensive Industry—what sectors does it represent, what are your key objectives, and what role do you play in supporting this part of the economy?

A: The Association of Serbian Energy-Intensive Industry was established as a joint platform of five leading industrial companies from the steel, cement, and fertilizer sectors, with the aim of uniting the voice of industries that form the backbone of Serbia’s real economy. The founding members of the Association are Metalfer Steel Mill, Elixir Group, Holcim Serbia, Moravacem, and Titan Cementara Kosjerić.

The Association was formed to ensure the active participation of energy-intensive industry in shaping national and European energy and climate policies, particularly in the context of decarbonization and the transition toward climate neutrality. ASEII’s mission is to advocate for a fair, predictable, and competitive regulatory framework that enables long-term investment, technological innovation, and industrial resilience, while simultaneously meeting climate objectives.

Q: When it comes to current challenges, how would you describe the position of the energy-intensive industry in Serbia in the context of stricter environmental criteria and increasingly demanding EU regulations?

A: The pace set by the European Union is certainly ambitious and particularly challenging for Serbia, given that we are starting the energy and environmental transition from different baseline conditions. While companies within the EU have access to dedicated funds, subsidies, and well-developed infrastructure to support the energy and environmental transition, the domestic industry is gradually aligning with similar standards, but with a more limited range of available support instruments.

Energy pricing remains one of the key factors of competitiveness, especially in terms of cost predictability and long-term planning. An additional challenge lies in waste management, where infrastructure capacities and administrative procedures are still under development, affecting operational flexibility.

IN FOCUS:

For this reason, it is important that Serbia’s energy and industrial policies evolve in parallel with the regulatory alignment process, and that industry receives ongoing support through investment mechanisms, infrastructure projects, and realistic transition timelines. Within such a framework, it is possible to preserve the industrial base while strengthening competitiveness and meeting increasingly stringent environmental requirements through a partnership approach involving the state, industry, and international stakeholders.

Q: CBAM is already affecting domestic companies—how is this impact currently manifesting, and what are the main obstacles your members are facing?

A: CBAM is already having a tangible impact on domestic companies, even though it remains in an early phase of implementation. The impact is primarily reflected in increased business uncertainty, as the legal framework has been adopted, but the implementing by-laws defining specific rules and procedures are still pending. At this stage, companies do not have full clarity on the obligations they will face, which complicates production, procurement, and export planning, and, in certain cases, material and raw material flows have slowed.

In a broader context, major economies such as the United States, the EU, and other global actors are implementing strong industrial protection measures alongside their climate policies. In this regard, the domestic industry expects that Serbia, in line with its capacities and stage of European integration, will also provide support to companies facing new regulatory requirements.

Q: How can the domestic industry remain competitive and respond to the obligations introduced by CBAM, particularly in comparison with companies from the EU?

A: Preserving the competitiveness of the domestic industry under the conditions introduced by CBAM requires accelerated, yet sustainable decarbonization, supported by appropriate financial and regulatory mechanisms. A particularly important role in this process is played by the increased use of secondary raw materials and alternative fuels, which are already an integral part of production processes within our member companies, but whose full potential has not yet been realized. Greater utilization of secondary raw materials, alternative fuels, and more efficient waste flows—alongside further alignment of waste treatment and transit regulations with EU rules—would enable industry to simultaneously reduce emissions and optimize production costs.

Electricity generated from renewable sources represents another key pillar of the transition. A stable regulatory framework increased installed capacity, and the possibility of concluding long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) would provide companies with the certainty needed for investment planning and carbon footprint reduction.

With a predictable regulatory environment, accessible investment mechanisms, and ongoing dialogue among all stakeholders, the industry would be able to adapt to CBAM requirements, maintain competitiveness, and become an active participant in the European green transition.

Interview by Milena Maglovski

The interview was published in Energy portal Magazine DIGITALIZATION

World’s largest fertiliser plant using green hydrogen to produce 260,000 tonnes annually

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

In Paraguay, the construction of the Villeta Green H₂ fertiliser plant, based on green hydrogen, is planned. Once completed, it will produce around 260,000 tonnes of low-carbon calcium ammonium nitrate per year. The green hydrogen used will be generated entirely from renewable energy sources.

During the construction and operational phases, the project is expected to create more than 5,000 new direct and indirect jobs.

The European Investment Bank (EIB), through its development arm EIB Global, will finance the project with up to USD 95 million. The project is being developed by the UK-based company ATOME PLC, which has managed all phases of planning and development from the very beginning.

More:

Once completed, the project is expected to become one of the first industrial-scale fertiliser plants using green hydrogen outside the European Union, and the largest in the world when it begins operations.

The project is part of the wider Global Gateway initiative, through which the European Union strengthens its strategic partnership with Latin America and supports sustainable development and innovation in the region. In addition to environmental benefits, the project will also enhance regional competitiveness and the diversification of the fertiliser market, particularly for major agricultural hubs in Brazil and Argentina.

Energy portal

Slovenia invests 25 million euros in electric vehicle charging network

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

The Government of Slovenia announced the launch of two public calls for the development of a new generation of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging parks, marking an important phase in the country’s electromobility development in 2026. Through these two programs, a total of 25 million euros in non-refundable funding will be provided.

As highlighted, the planned investments cover key transport corridors of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), as well as areas across various statistical regions where adequate charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is currently lacking.

One of the programs is aimed at developing high-power charging infrastructure along major transport routes. Projects applying for funding must include at least five charging points, with at least one designated for heavy-duty vehicles. The charging capacity must be at least 150 kW for light vehicles and 350 kW for heavy-duty vehicles.

More:

The second program focuses on the development of charging infrastructure outside the road TEN-T network, with the aim of improving accessibility in smaller towns and regions with lower population density, as well as in areas that are not directly connected to major transport routes.

This program supports investments in AC chargers with a capacity of 11 to 22 kW and DC chargers ranging from 50 to 350 kW. Each project must include at least 10 charging points, with DC chargers accounting for no more than 30 percent of the total. Charging points must be publicly accessible for at least 16 hours per day and comply with the technical requirements of the European AFIR regulation as well as national legislation.

Both programs introduce advanced requirements in line with European legislation. Charging points must be digitally connected, interoperable, and capable of two-way communication with the power grid, including data exchange with the NAP portal and reliable user identification.

Special attention is given to the user experience – operators will be required to provide simple and transparent payment options, ad hoc charging without contracts, and regular maintenance of the infrastructure for at least five years after project completion.

Energy Portal

Digital Energy Management in Hotels – The Role of the ABB KNX System

Photo: ABB

Digitalization in the building sector today represents one of the key tools for reducing energy consumption and achieving climate targets. Hotel facilities, which operate 24 hours a day and consume high amounts of energy per room, present a particularly challenging environment. For this reason, smart automation systems, such as the global KNX standard, are becoming an important part of energy-efficiency and sustainable building management strategies.

One of the most representative examples is the Geneva Marriott Hotel—a facility in which KNX has become the “silent conductor” of the entire environment. Across 263 rooms, more than 1,500 luminaires and as many as 4,500 power outlets are connected into a single smart network that responds to guest presence, time of day, and desired comfort level. Guests enjoy personalized scenes such as welcome, sleep, or do not disturb, while lighting, climate control, and blinds automatically adjust to the needs. The result is a perfect harmony between aesthetics and technology—an experience that is felt, not seen.

ABB KNX demonstrably delivers 20–40 percent energy savings, representing a significant savings in hotels with a large number of rooms. Automatic shutdown of lighting, cooling, heating, and power outlets when a guest leaves the room, along with dynamic HVAC regulation, directly reduces operating costs. In facilities operating 24/7, such optimization becomes a key factor of financial sustainability.

Operational efficiency is equally valuable. Staff can monitor room status at any time: whether a room is occupied, whether do not disturb is activated, whether energy is being consumed unnecessarily, or whether a fault has occurred. Automated room preparation before guest arrival, optimization of public spaces, and centralized consumption monitoring simplify reception and technical operations, reducing the need for manual checks and freeing staff to focus on what truly matters to guests.

ABB KNX provides what is often sought: absolute design freedom. With Busch-Jaeger premium lines—from glass and metal frames to intelligent card switches, iceLight modules, thermostats, and advanced KNX panels—technology fully integrates into the interior design vision, enhancing rather than occupying the space. Elegant surfaces, minimalist forms, and the possibility of switch branding ensure that every detail visually “belongs” to the hotel.

IN FOCUS:

One of the most important advantages of KNX is its openness. This means a hotel is not tied to a single manufacturer or generation of devices. ABB equipment can be combined with hundreds of other KNX devices available on the market, reducing investment risk and ensuring long-term scalability. The system can be expanded without changing the infrastructure—new rooms, spa centers, restaurants, or conference halls can be easily integrated into the existing network.

In modern hotels, KNX installations rarely operate in complete isolation—they are typically integrated into a broader Building Management System (BMS) that consolidates various building subsystems: HVAC, fire protection systems, security cameras, hotel reservation software (PMS), and more. Integration of ABB KNX systems with BMS platforms can be achieved in multiple ways, depending on the platform used, but in practice, standards such as BACnet/IP and Modbus are often applied for communication between the KNX network and the supervisory system. Integration with PMS, GRMS, and BMS platforms enables unified management of all key aspects of hotel operations.

Although KNX systems require professional configuration during initial commissioning, once operational, they are relatively easy to maintain. ABB offers diagnostic tools, such as i-bus® Tool, that allow integrators to connect remotely, check device status, test communication, and more. If a hotel adds new rooms or undergoes renovation, the integrator can incorporate new devices into the ETS project and adopt the existing configuration without altering what is already functioning.

This protects the investment in the long term—KNX installations from 2025 can be upgraded in 2030 with new components that remain compatible (both backward and forward), thanks to the standard. ETS (Engineering Tool Software) is the official software used for designing and commissioning KNX installations.

Foto: ABB

In practice, one of the most valuable attributes is KNX stability. It operates on a wired bus system, is independent of Wi-Fi, is designed for continuous operation, and is minimally susceptible to interference. For hotels that simply cannot afford downtime, this reliability is a value that no wireless technology can replace.

Guests can easily control all aspects of their room environment via elegant and intuitive panels. For example, glass ABB tacteo® KNX sensors provide a premium experience—at the touch of a single button, guests can dim the lights, lower the blinds, and adjust the temperature for a sleep scene.

That ABB solutions truly push the boundaries of what is possible is illustrated by another symbol of modern engineering. Recently, the sky above Dubai lit up with a spectacular façade light show on the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, marking its 15th anniversary. The reason is simple yet impressive: for 15 years, ABB has ensured a reliable power supply for all key systems of this giant—from lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning to elevators and the famous fountains that reach up to 150 meters into the air.

This example perfectly illustrates what ABB does worldwide: enabling critical systems to operate flawlessly, making facilities more efficient, productive, and sustainable, and ensuring that even the most demanding projects exceed expectations. This is the essence of ABB’s philosophy—Engineered to Outrun.

When this global expertise is combined with the flexibility and stability of the KNX standard, it becomes clear why ABB KNX solutions are present in prestigious hotels worldwide: JW Marriott Dubai, Sheraton Grand Dubai, Marriott Singapore, Courtyard by Marriott Warsaw Airport, as well as luxury resorts of brands such as Bvlgari and Yas Viceroy.

The same applies to our region. In Serbia, projects such as Hotel Mona and the hotel in Rajićeva have already been realized, while one of the most significant KNX projects currently underway is King’s Circle Residence at Slavija—a premium hotel-residential complex being developed in phases. This project positions Belgrade among cities adopting the most advanced hospitality standards.

In the context of European decarbonization and energy transition goals, smart buildings and automation are becoming key elements of sustainable development. ABB KNX represents an example of how digital infrastructure can simultaneously enhance user comfort, reduce energy consumption, and ensure long-term investment sustainability.

In the rapidly evolving world of hospitality, ABB KNX has therefore become much more than a technological standard—it has become a strategic advantage.

ABB

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine DIGITALIZATION

Siemens: A Reliable Partner in the Digitalization of the Energy Sector

Foto: Siemens

Given the pioneering implementation of Process Bus technology, the SS 400/110 kV Bor 6 has become a reference for a technological breakthrough in the domestic power system and a model for a new approach to management and monitoring.

The project was implemented through the joint efforts of the Siemens Smart Infrastructure team in Serbia and experts from the Elektromreža Srbije (EMS) team, with the goal of establishing a solid foundation for next-generation digitized substations.

Unlike traditional plants, where analog signals travel through hundreds of meters of copper cables, in SS Bor 6 digitized measurements are transmitted exclusively by optical communication. This reduces the demand for cables, accelerates information processing, and ensures greater reliability of the entire system.

The Merging Unit plays a key role, collecting analog values from conventional transformers and converting them into Sampled Values.

The data provided is then distributed to protection and control devices via the Ethernet network. This architecture enables faster testing, simpler diagnostics, and greater flexibility in substation operations, particularly for future upgrades and expansions.

The successful application of the innovative technology is supported by prior experience gained on the SS Belgrade 3, where optical measuring transformers were used for the first time in Serbia. This project played a significant role in transferring practical knowledge about the integration of optical measurement systems into existing protection architecture, as well as about Process Bus technology. The difference between the two projects is reflected in their scope and complexity: while Belgrade 3 was a prelude, Bor 6 is the first fully digital structure in practice.

IN FOCUS:

During the execution of the works, a special challenge was the implementation of the SIPROTEC 5 Merging Unit device and the establishment of a redundant communication network based on the PRP protocol. The goal was to synchronize the operation of all components without interruption while synchronizing multiple data sources simultaneously. Despite the complexity, the project was completed three months ahead of schedule, which is the result of the coordinated work of teams on the ground and detailed preparations during the testing phase.

FAT tests conducted at the request of EMS simulated a whole range of operating scenarios – from standard conditions to failures and extreme loads – with the aim of confirming the stability and responsiveness of the system in real operation. The results showed that the process bus structure provides a high level of reliability, especially in situations requiring immediate measurement validation and rapid protective action.

With the introduction of this solution, SS Bor 6 has become a reference project for future digital substations in Serbia. Reduced maintenance costs, a higher level of data availability, and easier integration of new technologies make Process Bus the right solution, tailored to current needs for further development of the electricity transmission network.

Milorad Jovičić, Sales Manager at Siemens Serbia, Smart Infrastructure Division, notes that this project represents an important milestone: by implementing the Process Bus System in Bor, we have demonstrated that domestic teams can deliver the most demanding technological projects. This experience opens up space for more advanced digitalization of substations in the coming years.

Siemens

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine DIGITALIZATION

Energy Sector and Gender Equality: The Situation in Serbia and the Region

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

Gender equality is one of the key conditions for a fair and clean energy transition, which is why increasing attention is being paid to empowering women and ensuring their greater participation in the energy sector, especially in leadership positions. Governments and institutions across the Energy Community are launching initiatives in this direction, but, as noted by the Energy Community Secretariat, women remain underrepresented in the nine contracting parties. These include Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Georgia, Moldova, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Ukraine, where, according to analyses by the World Bank, OECD, and other sources, women make up only about 17–18 percent of the energy sector workforce.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Secretariat asked its contracting parties to highlight efforts to promote gender equality in the energy sector, including education, leadership opportunities, and inclusive policies.

On behalf of Serbia, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, Minister of Mining and Energy, responded. She noted that stereotypes portraying energy sector jobs as primarily for men are increasingly being challenged, and women are now more present and visible. They currently lead three major state-owned energy companies and have for years headed the relevant ministry.

The minister also shared results from a survey conducted among women under 30 in Serbia, which showed that over 93 percent support the transition to renewable energy, while more than 85 percent believe that the sector’s development would have a positive social and economic impact. At the same time, respondents were less optimistic about the opportunities available to women in the industry, indicating that certain stereotypes persist.

The findings show that women recognize the importance of the energy transition and want to play an active role in it. The minister concluded that it is up to everyone—both in the public and private sectors—to create opportunities and promote equal prospects for women and men alike.

Energy Portal

Did you know that glass and ceramics do not mix in recycling – and here is why

Photo-illustration: Pixabay

When we throw an empty bottle into a glass recycling container, we rarely think about what happens afterward. We usually assume that it will simply be collected, melted, and turned into a new bottle or jar. And indeed, glass is one of the few materials that can be recycled almost endlessly without losing its quality. However, for this process to work properly, the glass stream must be clean.

This is exactly where a problem arises that many people do not expect – ceramics.

Special attention to this issue was drawn by the European initiative Close the Glass Loop, which at the beginning of 2026 organized an expert episode of the series “90 Minutes to Close the Loop”, dedicated to the quality of glass collection in the hospitality sector. The focus was on ceramics, one of the most common yet often overlooked contaminants in glass recycling.

At first glance, glass and ceramics look similar. When a plate, cup, or piece of porcelain breaks, many people assume that such waste can be disposed of together with glass. However, in the industrial recycling process, the difference between these two materials is enormous. While glass melts and is transformed into new packaging, ceramics have a completely different structure and melting temperature. Because of this, they do not melt together with glass in furnaces but remain as solid inclusions in the new product.

Such small impurities can cause major problems in production. Pieces of ceramics sometimes manage to pass even through advanced sorting and quality control systems. When they end up in new bottles or jars, they can weaken the structure of the glass, increasing the risk of breakage during filling, transportation, or use. In industrial plants this can lead to production interruptions, equipment damage, and significant financial losses, and in the worst case even safety risks for workers and consumers.

One of the places where the quality of collected glass is particularly important is the hospitality sector. Hotels, restaurants, and cafés – known as the HORECA sector – use large quantities of glass packaging for beverages and food on a daily basis. In Europe and the United Kingdom there are more than two million such establishments, and they generate a significant portion of glass waste. Estimates show that this sector accounts for around 17 percent of the total glass recycling potential, while as much as about 30 percent of beverages in the European Union are consumed precisely in hospitality establishments.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Jay Wennington)

In tourist countries, restaurants and hotels often operate like large households, but with a much more intensive pace of work. During a single day they can generate large amounts of empty bottles and jars, which means that proper waste separation becomes a key step for the quality of recycling. However, work in such an environment is often fast and dynamic, with limited space, seasonal peaks in activity, and high employee turnover. For this reason, mistakes in waste separation sometimes occur.

Experts emphasize that the solution is not complicated, but it does require organization and awareness. Clearly labeled containers, simple rules for waste separation, and short staff trainings can make a big difference. When staff know that a broken cup or plate should never end up in a glass container, the risk of contamination is significantly reduced.

The use of recycled glass plays a huge role in the development of the circular economy. Every time glass is reused as a raw material, the need for the exploitation of natural resources such as sand is reduced, as well as the energy consumption in the production of new products. This reduces carbon dioxide emissions and the amount of waste sent to landfills. However, all of these benefits depend on the quality of the collected material.

That is why the message from experts is very simple, yet important: proper waste separation begins where the waste is generated. When glass is collected separately and without contamination, it can once again become a new bottle, jar, or glass – many times over.

The next time you separate waste, remember this simple rule. Glass goes into the glass container, but ceramics do not. This small difference helps glass recycling truly work and allows this material to remain in a closed loop of use.

Milena Maglovski 

Recycling and Raising Environmental Awareness in the Municipality of Brod

Foto: Selmir E Žepč@n

The Municipality of Brod is working intensively to improve waste management, focusing on recycling construction materials, remediation of the municipal landfill, and public education—thereby contributing to a greener transition. We spoke with Milan Zečević, Mayor of the Municipality of Brod, about the main challenges in this process and the advantages this local community possesses.

Q: The Municipality of Brod is actively improving construction waste management through the CrossWaste project. Could you tell us more about the objectives of this project?

A: As a border local community, the Municipality of Brod fits within the eligibility requirements of numerous public calls under IPA policies. Accordingly, we applied for one of the calls published for 2023/2024, together with the Municipality of Borovo, as the call required one municipality from within the EU and one from outside the EU.

The CrossWaste project focuses on the management of construction waste, primarily generated through the removal of deteriorated and derelict buildings within our municipality. The project includes the preparation of several supporting documents, training activities, and awareness campaigns targeting our youngest population with regard to environmental protection and raising ecological awareness among our citizens.

The main component of the project involves the procurement of specialized machinery (a crusher) to process the aforementioned construction material and convert it into aggregate suitable for the rehabilitation of unclassified and gravel roads in the Municipality of Brod. In other words, this process is conceived as part of a recycling cycle in which waste is transformed into a sustainable and useful material.

In the long term, we believe that the project’s greatest impact will not lie solely in acquiring the crusher but in fostering a stronger sense of environmental responsibility among our citizens as part of the broader vision of a greener transition for our local community.

Q: Where does the development of the Local Environmental Action Plan (LEAP) currently stand, and what did the survey you conducted reveal?

A: Within the framework of the CrossWaste project, the Municipality of Brod developed the LEAP, which involved assessing all environmental capacities, existing realities, threats, and development opportunities that our municipality can offer in the implementation of new environmental standards.

Our idea is to integrate a more developed environmental awareness throughout the entire municipality. However, this unfortunately requires continuity, as well as political, social, and community partners who will consistently implement, improve, and pass on these efforts to future generations.

The survey results indicate that the public in Brod demonstrates a relatively high level of awareness regarding environmental issues. The main concerns relate to illegal dumping sites, water quality, and flood risks. At the same time, citizens proposed concrete measures—from education and improved organization to strengthening waste management systems and enhancing institutional accountability.

IN FOCUS:

Q: Could you clarify the current status of works at the municipal landfill, the planned environmental protection measures, and the timeline for completing the remediation?

A: The remediation of the municipal landfill is certainly one of the biggest challenges our local community is facing, not only in terms of environmental protection but also in terms of efficient disposal of newly generated waste. At the landfill site, waste has been disposed of improperly, and without planning for a long period of time, we believe for over 30 years, which is, after all, also the case in other local communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Therefore, this issue is among the most urgent, requiring not only a temporary solution but also a planned, systematic approach.

The fire that broke out at the landfill, thanks to the great effort and coordination of all competent services, remained under control, but it also served as a unique opportunity for all of us to understand how important the issue of municipal waste disposal truly is.

The analysis we conducted by reviewing the operations of the unit of the municipal company responsible for waste collection and disposal, as well as the surveys we carried out, showed that over the past 10 years, the amount of waste we produce has drastically increased, which further supports the thesis that we are becoming an increasingly consumer-oriented society.

For example, over the past 10 years, the Municipality of Brod has experienced a significant population outflow. Still, despite a reduction in the number of municipal service users, there has been a considerable increase in the gross mass of waste. One of the biggest problems is certainly the process of selecting and separating mixed municipal waste, and we believe that the first step, which we are currently working on, is selecting and separating PET packaging, which accounts for the largest share of the volume of newly generated waste.

At present, the municipal landfill is implementing the second phase of remediation. The first phase included extinguishing the fire and introducing order into the waste disposal process so that we would not again reach a stage of uncontrolled landfill growth. A significant part of the access roads to the landfill has been completed, a regular gate control service has been introduced, and video surveillance has been installed, all to secure and regulate citizens’ access to this area.

The construction of internal roads within the landfill is currently underway. By the end of this year, we plan to significantly intensify activities related to the separation of PET packaging from other types of waste.

Interview by Jasna Dragojević 

The interview was published in Energy portal Magazine DIGITALIZATION

Serbia’s energy plan: 1,500 MW of new capacity, gas-fired power plants, and the start of a nuclear program

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay (planet_fox)

Serbia’s energy sector is facing major changes and, according to Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović, the country could add around 1,500 MW of new state-owned electricity generation capacity by 2030, equivalent to about 20 percent of its current capacity.

Speaking to RTS, the minister said that significant investments in electricity generation, gas and oil infrastructure, as well as the start of nuclear program development, are expected by 2035. The plan includes the construction of new gas-fired power plants and a stronger expansion of renewable energy sources, while a dedicated project is the gas-fired power plant in Niš, which is expected to be implemented in cooperation with an Azerbaijani company.

As stated on the Ministry’s website, additional investments in solar power plants and wind farms are also planned, with Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) set to play an important role. She recalled that most of the solar and wind projects awarded support through auctions have signed long-term power purchase agreements with EPS.

“More than 90 percent of those power plants have contracts with EPS at prices below market levels,” the minister said.

She highlighted the Bistrica pumped-storage hydropower plant as one of the most important projects in the coming period, noting that it should enable a higher share of renewable energy in the power system.

According to the minister, Bistrica is the most complex project currently under development and requires a large number of procedures and permits.

The construction permit for the main facility is expected by the end of the year, she said, adding that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has also played a significant role in the project and has been assessing it for some time. Construction could begin as early as 2027, provided financing is approved.

More:

The minister also addressed criticism of EPS’s operations, stressing that it is necessary to increase electricity generation in state-owned facilities because domestic generation is the most cost-effective option. She noted that EPS has increased its capacity by 426 MW over the past year and a half.

She added that last year was made even more difficult by extremely poor hydrology — the driest year in the past 31 years — which caused hydropower plants to generate significantly less electricity, nearly 30 percent less than in 2023.

Serbia, however, is also facing obligations toward the European Union regarding carbon dioxide emissions reductions, the minister said, explaining that there is an issue of so-called carbon tax — a tax on CO2 emissions. EPS is the largest emitter due to its reliance on coal-fired thermal power plants, while baseload power could be replaced through gas-fired or nuclear power plants.

Referring to these challenges, the minister said that Serbia is also considering the development of a nuclear program, with expectations that construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant could begin by 2035. In preparing the project, the state is cooperating with France’s EDF, one of Europe’s largest power companies, which can provide expert support and experience.

The minister added that major investments in gas infrastructure are also planned, including the construction of around 1,000 kilometers of new gas pipelines and the expansion of gasification in parts of eastern and western Serbia, including Paraćin, Negotin and Zlatibor.

As she recalled, work is also under way on the expansion of the Banatski Dvor gas storage facility, with most of the works expected to be completed within the next year. The storage capacity should be increased to around 750 million cubic meters of gas, while the construction of a new gas storage facility, Tilva, is also planned.

In addition to gas, another important project is the new oil pipeline between Serbia and Hungary. The project is expected to reduce dependence on a single oil supply route. Works could begin as early as late summer or early autumn this year.

At the end of the interview, the minister also spoke about challenges related to Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS). According to her, the negotiations involve several international actors, including companies such as MOL Group and ADNOC.

Energy portal

European Commission launches initiatives to strengthen offshore wind infrastructure

Photo: Pixabay

The success of auctions in Poland and the United Kingdom, as well as the North Sea Summit in Hamburg, has given new momentum to Europe’s offshore wind sector. At the summit, the North Sea countries committed to provide two-sided Contracts for Difference (CfD) for 10 GW of offshore wind annually between 2031 and 2040, and to remove regulatory barriers for Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). At the same time, the European wind industry announced it would mobilize 1 trillion euros of economic activity in Europe, create 91,000 new jobs, and invest 9.5 billion euros in the value chain, including manufacturing, port infrastructure, and specialized vessels.

However, strengthening the capacity of ports and specialized vessels remains a priority to ensure that these gains are maintained in the coming years. Their importance lies in being a key link in Europe’s offshore wind supply chain.

For this reason, the European Commission has introduced two new initiatives – the EU Ports Strategy and the EU Maritime Industrial Strategy – aimed at developing and modernizing port and maritime infrastructure.

According to WindEurope, European port capacity is already lagging behind demand, meaning an additional 2.1 billion euros in investment is needed on top of the 4.7 billion euros already invested in recent years.

More:

The EU Ports Strategy recognizes the need for new investments and calls on Member States to better align port infrastructure modernization with the development of offshore wind projects. The strategy foresees faster permitting for port expansion, while port electricity infrastructure should be treated as a project of overriding public interest. Member States are also encouraged to accelerate grid connections and improve port electrification, although these steps alone will not be sufficient without additional funding.

The EU Maritime Industrial Strategy focuses on strengthening and protecting Europe’s shipbuilding industry by ensuring a level playing field with non-European shipyards. The EU plans to monitor policies in other countries to detect potential unfair trade practices, while coordinated public procurement and faster permits for shipyard upgrades aim to ensure stable demand. WindEurope supports these measures but emphasizes that additional funding is urgently needed.

The strategy also promotes the development of vessels for offshore wind farms, focusing on high-value segments where Europe already has strong industrial potential, such as offshore support vessels and cable-laying ships. A Maritime Industrial Value Chain Alliance will be established to identify new business opportunities for the European maritime industry.

At the same time, recent events have once again highlighted the vulnerability of Europe’s energy system to geopolitical shocks. Natural gas prices in Europe have risen by more than 40% following the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East on 28 February, reaching their highest level since 2023, further impacting industrial competitiveness.

In this context, offshore wind is considered one of Europe’s key options to reduce dependence on expensive and volatile fossil fuel imports, concludes WindEurope.

Energy portal

123...422Page 1 of 422