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Solar Power Brings Europe Significant Savings Amid Middle East Crisis

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

The events in the Middle East have prompted countries around the world to increase investments in renewable energy, and a new report from SolarPower Europe highlights just how much solar power is currently contributing to Europe’s savings.

Data shows that the EU’s existing solar capacity saved more than 110 million euros per day on gas imports between March 1 and 17, reducing the overall gas import bill by 32 percent.

During these two and a half weeks, the EU’s solar capacity generated 19.9 TWh of electricity. Producing the same amount of energy from gas-fired power plants would have cost around 1.9 billion euros – an additional 32 percent on top of the 6 billion euros the European Commission estimates was spent on fossil fuel imports during the same period. More precisely, from March 1 to 31, total savings reached 3.77 billion euros.

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If gas prices rise above the average March levels, solar energy savings could reach nearly 67 billion euros by the end of 2026. According to SolarPower Europe’s medium scenario for future solar deployment, cumulative savings by the end of the decade could reach 170 billion euros.

SolarPower Europe emphasizes that, in addition to expanding solar capacity, it is urgent to develop flexible solutions such as battery storage, smart grids, and demand management, in order to further reduce dependence on gas and stabilize electricity prices.

The increased use of fossil fuels also affects periods when the most expensive fuel sets the price for all electricity on the market, so such measures directly contribute to lower costs for industry and households.

Energy portal

European Commission Examines French Support for New Nuclear Reactors

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (distelAPPArath)

In November 2025, France presented to the European Commission a plan to support the construction and operation of six new nuclear reactors, with a total capacity of 9,990 MW. The new units will be built in pairs at existing nuclear power plant sites – Penly, Gravelines, and Bugey – with commissioning planned between 2038 and 2044 and an expected operational lifespan of 60 years. The total project cost is currently estimated at 72.8 billion eruos.

The project aims to increase the security of electricity supply in France and neighboring countries, as well as to contribute to the EU’s decarbonization goals. Under EU Treaties, Member States have the right to determine their own energy mix, and accordingly, France has opted, within its national energy policy, for a stronger development of nuclear energy.

The European Commission, however, has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether the planned public support complies with EU State aid rules. This is a standard procedure for complex aid packages, allowing France and interested third parties to submit comments.

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France plans to support the project through a subsidized loan covering 60 percent of the investment, a 40-year two-way contract for difference, and a risk-sharing mechanism for unforeseen circumstances, with the support directed to Électricité de France S.A. (EDF), the state-owned energy company and operator of France’s nuclear fleet.

Although the European Commission’s preliminary assessment recognizes the importance of the project for supply security and decarbonization, the investigation will determine whether the aid package is proportionate, whether it distorts competition – particularly by potentially strengthening EDF’s market position – and whether it is fully compliant with EU rules.

The outcome of the investigation will show to what extent Member States can use public funds for large nuclear projects in accordance with EU electricity market rules.

Energy portal

Romania Declares Crisis Situation on the Crude Oil and Petroleum Products Market

Photo-illustration: Freepik (frimufilms)

An emergency ordinance declaring a crisis situation on the crude oil and petroleum products market has officially come into effect in Romania. According to the Romanian Government, the ordinance applies to the period from April 1 to June 30, 2026, but it may be extended depending on developments in the Middle East.

The ordinance was adopted with the aim of protecting citizens and the economy in light of events on the energy market.

The first measure under the ordinance concerns restrictions on the export of crude oil and diesel. Companies wishing to export to the European Union are required to obtain prior approval from the competent authorities, and penalties are envisaged for failure to comply with this obligation.

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The next measure applies to fuel producers, importers, and distributors, who will be required to limit trading margins to the average levels recorded in 2025.

Another measure allows for a reduction in the share of biodiesel in gasoline, which will help limit the final price for consumers.

Energy portal

Croatia Releases 35,000 Tons of Diesel from Reserves to Support the Stabilization of the European Energy Market

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

In order to contribute to joint European efforts to stabilize the energy market, the Government of the Republic of Croatia has decided to release 35,000 tons of diesel fuel from mandatory oil and petroleum product reserves onto the market.

According to Croatia’s Minister of Economy, Ante Šušnjar, this decision does not constitute an emergency measure nor is it a result of supply disruptions; rather, it is part of a coordinated action reflecting solidarity with countries more heavily affected by the current challenges on the global energy market.

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The decision was made following a meeting of the International Energy Agency on March 10, where a coordinated release of 400 million barrels of crude oil equivalents from strategic reserves was agreed upon to mitigate disruptions caused by transit issues through the Hormuz Strait and the decline in production in the Middle East.

Although not a member of the Agency, Croatia participates in joint European activities. The country will release 35,000 tons of diesel onto the market, representing about 4.7 percent of its mandatory reserves, with the government announcing that these quantities will be replenished in a timely manner.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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