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

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Martin Adams)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo-illustration: Freepik (wirestock)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Energy portal

Montenegro One Step Closer to Integration into the European Electricity Market

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Thomas)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Energy Portal

German industry lost 124,000 jobs in 2025: Is the pressure spilling over to Serbia as well?

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Ant Rozetsky)

German industry reduced its workforce by around 124,000 in 2025, according to an analysis by consulting firm EY based on data from the Federal Statistical Office. The study says industrial employment fell by 2.3 percent, down to about 5.38 million people, covering companies with at least 50 employees.

The biggest decline was recorded in the automotive industry, which, by EY’s estimate, lost around 50,000 jobs. The chemical and pharmaceutical sector reported roughly 2,000 fewer employees. The analysis also notes that industry revenues fell by 1.1 percent in 2025, while the fourth quarter of 2025 marked the tenth consecutive quarter of declining revenues. According to the data, the automotive, paper, and textile sectors posted declines, while the metal industry and electrical engineering recorded growth, DPA reports.

Compared with 2019, before the pandemic, industrial employment in Germany is lower by around 266,000 jobs—about 5 percent—while the automotive sector alone has lost roughly 111,000 employees over that period, a drop of around 13 percent. At the same time, the textile and metal industries have seen employment fall by 16 percent and 13 percent, respectively.

Such trends in the EU’s largest industrial economy are also reflected in countries closely tied to European supply chains, including Serbia—particularly through the automotive sector and metal processing industry. When demand weakens in the EU and orders decline, the pressure often moves down the supply chain, a topic we recently covered in more detail.

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In Serbia’s case, the Independent Metalworkers’ Union of Serbia said that during 2025 as many as 12,640 workers were placed on paid leave with compensation equal to 60 percent of their salary, for periods longer than the legally prescribed 45 working days. According to the union, this practice led to the dismissal of more than 6,000 workers in 2025, and the negative trend has continued into 2026.

The union warns that this case will not be isolated, as similar measures are being announced in other automotive-industry companies in Serbia. Although these measures are, according to the union, formally implemented in line with current legislation, the union sees the core problem in the workforce structure: a large number of workers have less than 10 years of service, meaning severance pay in the event of job loss is most often below 200,000 dinars—an amount the union says is insufficient to ensure basic economic security.

Taken together, EY’s analysis for Germany and the union’s messages in Serbia point to a similar pattern: industrial cycles in the EU—especially in the automotive industry—are increasingly directly affecting jobs in countries that are part of Europe’s manufacturing network as well.

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Bulgaria: Experimental Biomass Co-Firing to Begin Soon at Maritsa East 2 Thermal Power Plant

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Brian Wangenheim)

At the Maritsa East 2 thermal power plant in Bulgaria, experimental co-firing of waste wood biomass is set to begin by the end of February. Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy, Zhecho Stankov, stated that in the initial phase of the experiment, five percent of biomass will be added to lignite coal, with the share gradually increasing to 30 percent.

Once this level is reached, the price of electricity generated at the state-owned thermal power plant could be reduced by up to 50 euros per megawatt-hour.

At the same time, carbon dioxide emissions are expected to be reduced by around 50 percent.

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The fuel switch has also been discussed with the management of two private thermal power plants – Maritsa East 1 and Maritsa East 3 – which operate with the participation of U.S. capital.

The introduction of waste wood biomass into the electricity generation process is the result of a year-long, structured effort to identify sustainable development solutions for the Maritsa East energy complex, involving leading representatives of the energy sector and the scientific community with proven expertise.

Energy Portal

Đedović: Preparation for the Construction of a Nuclear Power Plant Will Take Around Four Years

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Wim van 't Einde)

Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović chaired the first meeting of the Interministerial Expert Working Group tasked with examining the justification for embarking on the development of nuclear energy. Together with the Group for the Preparation and Implementation of the Nuclear Energy Program, this body will form the future National Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO). The establishment of NEPIO is expected in the coming weeks, according to a statement from the Ministry of Mining and Energy.

As the Minister emphasized, Phase 1 will be completed by mid-next year and will include a comprehensive analysis of the necessary legislative framework, as well as technical, safety, market, and human resource requirements. This phase will involve all relevant institutions and the wider public, alongside cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The outcome of this phase will be a comprehensive report and a proposal for Serbia’s national position on the application of nuclear energy.

This will be followed by Phase 2, which involves preparation for the construction of a nuclear power plant. According to Đedović Handanović, the entire initial preparation process would take around four years.

As part of the analysis, the potential involvement of domestic industry in the nuclear program will also be considered. The first four studies will be prepared in cooperation with the French company EDF, with the support of the French Development Agency, based on an intergovernmental agreement between Serbia and France.

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“We will rely on the French electricity utility, but as far as the specific technology to be used is concerned, no decision has yet been made, and this will be subject to further analysis. The location where the plant would be built will have to meet all safety criteria, but all of this will be decided in the years ahead. Our industry can contribute to the development of the nuclear program, and it is important that these potentials are identified and analyzed in a timely manner in order to strengthen the value chain in our country. The contribution to the local economy, for example, in the United Arab Emirates during the development of its nuclear program, amounted to around USD 7 billion,” the Minister stated.

Đedović Handanović also recalled that 20 national institutions have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of nuclear energy, which provides a foundation for coordinated work on this long-term and complex project.

Members of the Interministerial Expert Working Group will include representatives of numerous institutions, among them the Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinča, the Nikola Tesla Electrical Engineering Institute, the Serbian Nuclear Society, SRBATOM, Nuclear Facilities of Serbia, Elektromreža Srbije, Elektroprivreda Srbije, as well as several ministries.

The working group faces a multi-year task of establishing the foundations for introducing nuclear energy into Serbia’s power system, with the aim of increasing the country’s long-term energy security.

Energy portal

New Equipment at EPS at the Kostolac Open-Pit Mine “Drmno”

Photo: EPS

At the Kostolac open-pit mine “Drmno,” the installation of a new self-propelled conveyor, worth 10.6 million euros, has been completed and it is expected to be put into coal production starting in April.

Dušan Živković, General Manager of Elektroprivreda Srbije, said after visiting the “West” assembly site that 2025 is a historic year for coal production at the Kostolac “Drmno” mine.

“More than 10 million tonnes have been produced, which is a record achieved by everyone working here. That is why it is important that we continue with modernization, which will enable even better results. Continuous modernization of equipment is key to long-term energy stability, and this project is yet another proof of a strategic approach to the development of the energy system,” Živković emphasized.

The mining sector of Elektroprivreda Srbije produced seven percent more coal last year than in 2024, the company announced.

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“Every new machine at an open-pit mine means greater and more efficient production. It is also a guarantee of the stability of our mining sector,” Živković underlined.

The completion of the bandwagon conveyor assembly was also visited by Ivan Janković, Assistant Minister of Mining and Energy for Geology and Mining. He pointed out that EPS investments in mining are continuing and that in 2025 they have reached 18.8 billion dinars.

“It is very important that the planned investments have been fully implemented and that the largest assembly of mining equipment for as many as four systems at RB Kolubara is progressing very well. The Ministry of Mining and Energy will continue to support investment projects that ensure energy security and stability,” Janković said.

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From Desert to Pasture: Solar Energy That Changes Lives

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Sam Carter)

Solar power plants are no longer just projects of the future – they are already shaping the present and the world ahead. What remains is to consider how they can be used in the best possible way: how to make them truly sustainable, not only in terms of producing green energy, but also by reducing waste, protecting the environment, and creating additional benefits for local communities.

Large-scale solar power plants are often criticized when they are built on agricultural land, due to concerns that they take up space needed for food production and local crops. However, as with many things in life, good planning and a smart approach can turn a potential problem into an advantage.

An example from China, from the Talatan Gobi Desert, shows how solar power plants can do more than simply maintain existing conditions – they can improve land that was once barren. For decades, this area was affected by severe sandstorms and prolonged periods of drought. As a result, local residents, especially herders, were left with infertile land that could not be put to productive use.

The trust that local authorities placed in solar energy as early as 2012 has today resulted in something that few could have imagined at the time. A solar power plant spanning more than 300 square kilometers is not only one of China’s major solar hubs, but also a clear example of how energy projects can transform completely unproductive land.

Densely installed solar panels act as a natural barrier against wind and sand, creating a cooler microclimate and reducing water evaporation. Periodic cleaning of the panels allows rainwater and washing water to seep into the soil, further nourishing it. These conditions have created an ideal environment for vegetation growth – so favorable that in some areas grass has grown over one meter high, to the point that it began to reduce the efficiency of the panels.

The solution came through cooperation with local herders. Instead of using costly and demanding mowing equipment, the overgrown grass is now managed by flocks of sheep grazing freely beneath the panels. To further improve conditions for the animals, technicians adjusted the layout and height of the panels, increasing the spacing and elevating them to allow sheep to move and graze without obstruction.

Development of the project in this area is still ongoing, and once completed, the green grazing area is expected to expand to 450 square kilometers, enabling the annual production of more than 100,000 tonnes of grass. Herders are allowed to bring their sheep for grazing during a specific period each year, from June to October, and the solar park is used by 18 surrounding villages with a total of around 20,000 sheep.

Katarina Vuinac

Gas in Europe – Romania Leads the EU, While Norway Is the Key Supplier Outside the Union

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (sebastian-morelli-peyton)

Romania remains at the top of natural gas production within the European Union, but this does not change the continent’s strong dependence on imports.

Over the past two years, Romania has grown into the largest producer of natural gas within the European Union, overtaking Netherlands, which for decades was synonymous with European gas production. According to Eurostat, Romania produced 359,943 terajoules (TJ) of gas in 2024, enough to secure first place in the EU that year, ahead of the Netherlands (322,642 TJ) and Germany (136,227 TJ).

Romanian domestic media report that the country has retained its leading position within the EU in gas production in 2025 as well, alongside the Netherlands, which closely follows. Although these figures are still relatively high by EU standards, both markets have recorded a decline compared to 2024, in line with the longer-term trend of decreasing domestic gas production in Europe.

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However, total EU production remains significantly lower than consumption. In other words, even when a single member state accounts for around one third of EU gas production, this still represents only a small share of the bloc’s overall energy balance.

For this reason, the answer to the question of who produces the most gas in Europe depends on whether the focus is on the EU or on the continent as a whole. When considering Europe more broadly, the key producer and supplier is Norway, which is not an EU member state but has become the most important supply partner following the reduction of Russian deliveries, and was the largest gas supplier to the European Union during the previous year. In addition to Norway, suppliers in 2025 also included the United States, the United Kingdom, Azerbaijan, Algeria, and Russia.

Energy Portal

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.

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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.

In focus:

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.

More:

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.

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