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

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Energy Portal

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

Photo: KEY-The Energy Transition Expo

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

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

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

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

An Open Innovation Route

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

 

Photo: KEY26 promo

The Start-up & Scale-up Area

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

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

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

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

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

The Lorenzo Cagnoni Innovation Award

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

Green Jobs&Skills: Training Transition Professionals

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

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

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

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

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

Source: KEY Energy 2026

A Unified Portal for Citizen Energy Communities Launched

Photo: Environment Improvement Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Environment Improvement Center

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

Photograph generated via AI

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

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

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

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

My First Garden

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

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

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

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

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

How to Buy a Rural Property with a Subsidy

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

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

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

Can I Install Solar Panels in the Countryside?

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

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

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

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

Milena Maglovski

Serbia to Host World Environment Day 2027

Foto- ilustracija: Freepik (jcomp)

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

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

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

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

Energy portal

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

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Martin Adams)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Energy portal

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

Photo-illustration: Freepik (wirestock)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Energy portal

Montenegro One Step Closer to Integration into the European Electricity Market

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Thomas)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Energy Portal

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.

Energy portal

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.

Energy portal

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.

Energy portal

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

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (lukas-lehotsky)

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

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

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

More:

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

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