EU and Egypt Step Up Cooperation on Climate, Energy and the Green Transition

16.06.2022

zaštita_životne_sredine — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Mo Gabrail)

Today in Cairo, on the occasion of the visit of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and her meeting with Egyptian President El Sisi, the EU and Egypt issued a joint statement on climate, energy and the green transition.

“We are starting to tap into the full potential of EU-Egypt relations, by putting the clean energy transition and the fight against climate change at the heart of our partnership. I look forward to working with Egypt as COP27 Presidency to build on the good momentum from last year in Glasgow. Egypt is also a crucial partner in our efforts to move away from Russian fossil fuels and towards more reliable suppliers”, said president von der Leyen.

The EU and Egypt will join efforts to implement the Paris Agreement and ensure ambitious outcomes at COP27, which takes place in Sharm El-Sheikh in November. The joint statement commits both parties to work together on a global just energy transition, on improving adaptation capacity, mitigating loss and damage due to climate change, and on increasing climate finance to respond to the needs of developing countries.

The cooperation will have a particular focus on renewable energy sources, hydrogen, and energy efficiency. The EU and Egypt will develop a Mediterranean Hydrogen Partnership to promote investments in renewable electricity generation, strengthening and extension of electricity grids, including trans-Mediterranean interconnectors, the production of renewables and low carbon hydrogen, and the construction of storage, transport and distribution infrastructure.

Securing alternative gas supplies for Europe

In light of the new geopolitical and energy market reality after the war in Ukraine and in line with the REPowerEU plan, the EU and Egypt will accelerate and intensify their energy partnership. Security of gas supply is a common concern. Today in Cairo, European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, together with Minister El Molla and Minister Elharrar signed a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding between the EU, Egypt and Israel for the export of natural gas to Europe.

The three parties will work together on the stable delivery of natural gas, in a way that is consistent with long-term decarbonisation objectives and based on market-oriented pricing. Natural gas from Israel, Egypt and other sources in the Eastern Mediterranean region will be shipped to Europe via Egypt’s LNG export infrastructure.

The parties will promote the reduction of methane leakage, and in particular examine new technologies for reducing venting and flaring and explore possibilities for the utilisation of captured methane throughout the entire supply chain. They will also endeavour to ensure that future investments will not cause pollution of the marine or land environment.

Source: European Commission

ABB To Lead Turnkey Project For Largest Shore-To-Ship Solution In France

09.06.2022

Port of Toulon, which handles over 1.6 million ferry and cruise passengers annually, has committed to ABB Shore Connection technology at a key stage in its sustainability drive.

With around 1,300 yearly calls from ferries and cruise vessels right in the heart of the city, the port of Toulon plays an important role in developing the attractiveness of the region for business and tourists. The port is also central to the “Zero-smoke stopovers” plan by the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (Région Sud PACA), which aims to electrify the docks of Toulon, Marseille and Nice to enable emission-free stays for vessels

Shore-to-ship power connections allow ships to turn off diesel generators during port calls. For shipowners, this means savings on fuel and maintenance costs while switching to cleaner and more sustainable energy. Cruise and ferry passengers, as well as local residents benefit not only from cleaner air, but also from less noise and vibrations generated when ships are docked.

“Toulon is the first Mediterranean port to supply power to all of its docks. This is an innovative project built on an intelligent energy flow management system with a unique energy mix. With the support of ABB as well as the Région Sud PACA and our partners, we are significantly improving air quality in the port, while maintaining business activity. The shore-to-ship power connection will eliminate more than 80 percent of pollutant emissions. It will also save 9,000 hours of vessels running on diesel annually. For the ferry activity in the city of Toulon alone, this adds up to a reduction in sulfur emissions equivalent to those of 50,000 cars in a year,” said Hubert Falco, President of the Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis.

“Technically, this project is developing a new, intelligent smart grid power network using digital technology to manage energy flows from several interconnected sources. The infrastructure makes it possible to optimize overall energy efficiency while limiting the carbon footprint,” said Frédéric Mestivier, designer and technical director of the power project for the Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis.
ABB is leading the consortium selected to manage and execute this turnkey project, with commissioning due in 2023. The ABB solution will be capable of delivering enough energy to cover the needs of three ferries calling to port simultaneously, or one cruise ship. Vessels will have the possibility of 50 or 60Hz power connections. As part of the consortium, Eiffage Construction will carry out the civil engineering work, and Fauché will be responsible for installing and connecting the equipment.

Through the innovative design established by the Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis, the system implemented with ABB equipment will have the ability to automatically adjust the energy mix to supply vessels through the local power network (Enedis), with solar energy produced from a photovoltaic shelter, as well as an energy storage system made up of lithium batteries. The system will help to smooth consumption peaks while allowing the storage of excess solar energy production. It will also be able to use other renewable energy sources such as fuel cells, as they become available.

“We are honored to have been selected by Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis to work on this innovative project,” said Jyri Jusslin, Head of Service, ABB Marine & Ports. “We commend the Toulon authorities for grasping this opportunity. It sets a course for a more sustainable future with smart systems that already exist today.”

Sustainable transportation, including marine and inland vessels, will play an important role in the goal set by France to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 in accordance with the climate plan announced in 2017.

Worldwide, ferries transport around four billion passengers and 370 million vehicles every year, according to trade association Interferry². The International Maritime Organization has adopted a strategy to reduce annual emissions by at least 40 percent by 2030 and 70 percent by 2050, and the passenger transport is under pressure to achieve these targets.
As a leader in electric shipping and smart port technology, ABB offers comprehensive shore connection solutions comprising state-of-the-art infrastructure both onshore and on board vessels. ABB’s shore-to-ship power technology has already been integrated by over 50 ports around the world to support the objective of reducing emissions and striving towards sustainable maritime transport.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries.

Source: ABB

Top 10 OTP Banka Generator Zero Carbon Footprint Reduction Projects Selected

08.06.2022

Hemp bioplastics production system, mobile application for prevention and reducing household food waste, self-sustainable greenhouses or biotic material as a substitute for styrofoam are just some of the innovative solutions that have entered the finals of OTP Bank’s Generator Zero competition. This year, as many as 72 unique projects have been received, all contributing to the reduction of carbon footprints, whereas ten selected finalists will compete for the winning project title.

The most creative competitors will present their solutions in the great final and the winner will be awarded a two million dinars prize, as well as the support of OTP Bank in the further implementation and promotion of the project. Solutions for collecting and recycling cigarette butts, monitoring and management vehicles system, a bicycle application, a solution for reducing food waste, a project for manual paper manufacturing, as well as an electrical-work platform for farmers will all compete for the main prize.

Support will be provided to this year’s finalists through all communication channels of the Bank, as well as through media promotion and promotional material in the form of videos and photos, whereas the winner may expect to receive two million dinars, as well as valuable prizes from this year’s partners which certain finalists we also receive. Further, the bank will enable the presentation of the project at the OTP Lab innovation hub of the parent OTP Group, present in 11 countries in Europe, as well as in the Portfolio Investment Fund.

In focus:

Partners who recognized the importance of this year’s Generator ZERO, and whose representatives are members of the jury, besides representatives of OTP Bank, include: ICT Hub, Mastercard, Serbia Innovates, Digital Serbia Initiative, Bosch, Belgrade Open School, Netokracija, Schneider Electric, Bosch, OTP Lab and Portfolio Investment Fund. OTP Banka is the largest corporate and retail creditor and a market leader in factoring, leasing and e-commerce services. It focuses on innovation and digitalization of its business, which provides customers with new benefits with focus on improving digital banking and user experience. Green transition and commitment to sustainable business and environmental projects is one of the key strategic directions.

The presence of OTP Bank in 91 cities with 184 branches allows clients across Serbia to have access to a wide range of products and services, an efficient offer tailored to their specific needs, and to a network of almost 300 ATMs – the country’s largest. Let us recall that Generator is a perennial project of OTP Bank dedicated to all entrepreneurs and innovators who want to contribute with their ideas and projects to on current topics during times marked by digitalization. The project has been running since 2017 and has so far supported innovative entrepreneurial ideas, students with entrepreneurial innovation, it helped SMEs transform digitally, and rewarded those entrepreneurs who helped micro, small and medium enterprises overcome the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the United Nations, it would be necessary to reduce the carbon footprint by 45 percent by 2030, in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ELECTROMOBILITY.

Celebrate World Ocean Day with the Blue Belt Programme

08.06.2022

okean_voda — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Anastasia Taioglou)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Francesco Ungaro)

Covering over 70 per cent of the planet the Ocean has a major role in everyday life. It produces at least 50 per cent of the planet’s oxygen, is home to most of earth’s biodiversity, and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. The ocean is also key to the world economy and an estimated 40 million people will work in ocean-based industries by 2030.

The Blue Belt Programme continues to assist British Overseas Territories in their work to protect their diverse marine ecosystems across the globe.

After an exciting year, in which the Programme has expanded into new geographies and created new sub-programmes, the programme is marking World Ocean Day 2022 in several ways.

Today the programme welcomes UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs) and Blue Belt Programme partners to London, to showcase their recent work and future ambition.

The Blue Belt welcomes the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI) to the Programme today. These tropical islands become the first UKOT located within the Caribbean to join the full Blue Belt Programme.

In St Helena the new state of the art Blue Belt Programme funded Marine Centre will officially open at a public event in Jamestown today.

The Blue Belt Programme Annual Update 2021/22 is published today, highlighting key work from across the UKOTs and the Programme over the last 12 months.

Source: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science

COVID-19 Slows Progress Towards Universal Energy Access

08.06.2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a key factor in slowing progress toward universal energy access. Globally, 733 million people still have no access to electricity, and 2.4 billion people still cook using fuels detrimental to their health and the environment. At the current rate of progress, 670 million people will remain without electricity by 2030 – 10 million more than projected last year.

The 2022 edition of Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report shows that the impacts of the pandemic, including lockdowns, disruptions to global supply chains, and diversion of fiscal resources to keep food and fuel prices affordable, have affected the pace of progress toward the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 7) of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy by 2030. Advances have been impeded particularly in the most vulnerable countries and those already lagging in energy access. Nearly 90 million people in Asia and Africa who had previously gained access to electricity, can no longer afford to pay for their basic energy needs.

The impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on energy have been compounded in the last few months by the war in Ukraine, which has led to uncertainty in global oil and gas markets and has sent energy prices soaring.

Africa remains the least electrified in the world with 568 million people without electricity access. Sub-Saharan Africa’s share of the global population without electricity jumped to 77 per cent in 2020 from 71 per cent in 2018 whereas most other regions saw declines in their share of the access deficits. While 70 million people globally gained access to clean cooking fuels and technologies, this progress was not enough to keep pace with population growth, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“International public financing for renewable energy needs to accelerate, especially in the poorest, most vulnerable countries. We have failed to support those most in need. With only eight years left to achieve universal access to affordable and sustainable energy, we need radical actions to accelerate the increase of international public financial flows and distribute them in a more equitable manner, so 733 million people who are currently left behind can enjoy the benefits of clean energy access”, said Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency.

Source: IRENA

Mihajlovic: We Will Provide Enough Energy for the Winter, I do Not Expect Shortages or Restrictions

08.06.2022

električna energija - struja — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Fre Sonneveld)

Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Serbia and Minister of Mining and Energy, Prof. Zorana Mihajlovic, PhD, said that the state is doing everything to provide enough energy for the winter and that, according to everything we have, no shortages or restrictions are expected.

“The whole of Europe and the world are preparing for winter, and so are we. We are committed to providing sufficient quantities of crude oil, petroleum products, coal, electricity. We already have serious quantities of gasoline, LPG, fuel oil, kerosene in reserves, and we will work on raising the reserves of oil and oil derivatives to 90 days, although that is not an obligation. According to everything we have at our disposal and everything we have set aside as a state, I do not expect that there will be a shortage or restriction”, said Mihajlovic as a guest on TV K1.

She added that the sixth package of EU sanctions gives the Russian Federation a period of six months for crude oil and eight months for petroleum products, so that countries find a way to ensure the supply of oil and derivatives of other origins than Russia.

“Until now, NIS has not only procured Russian oil, but also oil from Iraq and other countries. It is certain that it will cost us financially, because other countries will have to reorient themselves, which will increase demand and prices will go up. “But whatever happens, our task is to provide our country with everything we need,” she said.

When it comes to gas supply, Mihajlovic said that thanks to the agreement between the two presidents, Serbia has provided 2.2 billion cubic meters of gas a year from Russia, and that it consumes about three billion cubic meters of gas a year.

“The difference will be provided partly from the gas storage in Hungary, partly from the gas storage in Banatski Dvor, and next year we will have the opportunity to get about 40 percent of the gas through the Nis-Dimitrovgrad gas pipeline.” We expect it to be primarily gas from Azerbaijan, and talks are already underway to reserve capacities for the moment when the construction of that gas pipeline is completed, “Deputy Prime Minister explained.

As for EPS, Mihajlovic said that EPS is currently importing a part of electricity consumption and that the state has enabled that company to import the missing coal until it raises its own production to the required level.

“We will have to spend probably a billion euros by the end of the year for the import of electricity and coal just because someone did not do their job.” “With everything that EPS is now investing and undertaking, primarily in the mines, we should have the production of electricity at the beginning of 2024, which can cover our needs,” said Mihajlovic.

Source: Ministry of mining and energy

FAO And WFP Warn Of Looming Widespread Food Crisis As Hunger Threatens Stability In Dozens Of Countries

07.06.2022

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today issued a stark warning of multiple, looming food crises, driven by conflict, climate shocks, the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, and massive public debt burdens – exacerbated by the ripple effects of the war in Ukraine which has pushed food and fuel prices to accelerate in many nations across the globe. These shocks hit in contexts already characterized by rural marginalization and fragile agrifood systems.

The ‘Hunger Hotspots – FAO-WFP early warnings on acute food insecurity’ report issued today calls for urgent humanitarian action in 20 ‘hunger hotspots’ where acute hunger is expected to worsen from June-September 2022 – to save lives and livelihoods, and prevent famine.

The report warns that the war in Ukraine has exacerbated the already steadily rising food and energy prices worldwide, which are already affecting economic stability across all regions. The effects are expected to be particularly acute where economic instability and spiralling prices combine with drops in food production due to climate shocks such as recurrent droughts or flooding.

“We are deeply concerned about the combined impacts of overlapping crises jeopardizing people’s ability to produce and access foods, pushing millions more into extreme levels of acute food insecurity,” said FAO Director-General QU Dongyu. “We are in a race against time to help farmers in the most affected countries, including by rapidly increasing potential food production and boosting their resilience in the face of challenges”.

“We’re facing a perfect storm that is not just going to hurt the poorest of the poor – it’s also going to overwhelm millions of families who until now have just about kept their heads above water,” warned WFP Executive Director David Beasley.

“Conditions now are much worse than during the Arab Spring in 2011 and 2007-2008 food price crisis, when 48 countries were rocked by political unrest, riots and protests. We’ve already seen what’s happening in Indonesia, Pakistan, Peru, and Sri Lanka – that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We have solutions. But we need to act, and act fast,” he warned.

Key findings

The report finds that – alongside conflict – frequent and recurring climate shocks continue to drive acute hunger and shows that we have entered a ‘new normal’ where droughts, flooding, hurricanes, and cyclones repeatedly decimate farming and livestock rearing, drive population displacement and push millions to the brink in countries across the world.

The report warns that worrisome climatic trends linked to La Niña since late 2020 are expected to continue through 2022, driving up humanitarian needs and acute hunger. An unprecedented drought in East Africa affecting Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya is leading to a fourth consecutive below-average rainfall season, while South Sudan will face its fourth consecutive year of large-scale flooding, which will likely continue to drive people from their homes and devastate crops and livestock production. The report also expects above-average rains and a risk of localized flooding in the Sahel, a more intense hurricane season in the Caribbean, and below-average rains in Afghanistan – which is already reeling from multiple seasons of drought, violence and political upheaval.

The report also emphasises the urgency of the dire macroeconomic conditions in several countries – brought on by the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and exacerbated by the recent upheaval in global food and energy markets. These conditions are causing dramatic income losses among the poorest communities and are straining the capacity of national governments to fund social safety nets, income-supporting measures, and the import of essential goods.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Anna Pelzer)

According to the report, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan and Yemen remain at ‘highest alert’ as hotspots with catastrophic conditions, and Afghanistan and Somalia are new entries to this worrisome category since the last hotspots report released January 2022. These six countries all have parts of the population facing IPC phase 5 ‘Catastrophe’ or at risk of deterioration towards catastrophic conditions, with up to 750,000 people facing starvation and death. 400,000 of these are in Ethiopia’s Tigray region – the highest number on record in one country since the famine in Somalia in 2011.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, the Sahel, the Sudan and Syria remain ‘of very high concern’ with deteriorating critical conditions, as in the previous edition of this report – with Kenya a new entry to the list. Sri Lanka, West African coastal countries (Benin, Cabo Verde and Guinea), Ukraine and Zimbabwe have been added to the list of hotspots countries, joining Angola, Lebanon, Madagascar, and Mozambique which continue to be hunger hotspots – according to the report.

Scaling up anticipatory action to prevent disasters

The report provides concrete country-specific recommendations on priorities for immediate humanitarian response to save lives, prevent famine and protect livelihoods, as well as anticipatory action. The recent G7 commitment highlighted the importance of strengthening anticipatory action in humanitarian and development assistance – ensuring predictable hazards don’t become full-blown humanitarian disasters.

FAO and WFP have partnered to ramp up the scale and reach of anticipatory action, to protect communities’ lives, food security and livelihoods before they need life-saving assistance in the critical window between an early warning and a shock. Flexible humanitarian funding enables FAO and WFP to anticipate humanitarian needs and save lives. Evidence shows that for every US$1 invested in anticipatory action to safeguard lives and livelihoods, up to US$7 can be saved by avoiding losses for disaster-affected communities.

About the report

Identified through forward-looking analysis, the ‘hunger hotspots’ have the potential for acute food insecurity to increase during the outlook period. The hotspots are selected through a consensus-based process involving WFP and FAO field and technical teams, alongside analysts specialized in conflict, economic risks and natural hazards.

The report provides country-specific recommendations on priorities for anticipatory action – short-term protective interventions to be implemented before new humanitarian needs materialize; and emergency response – actions to address existing humanitarian needs. The report is part of a series of analytical products produced under the Global Network Against Food Crises, to enhance and coordinate the generation and sharing of evidence-based information and analysis for preventing and addressing food crises.

Source: FAO

North Macedonia Adopts National Energy and Climate Plan, Commits to Accelerate Energy Transition During Secretariat’s Visit to Skopje

06.06.2022

Photo-Ilustration: Pixabay (dimitrisvetsikas1969)

Director Artur Lorkowski and Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of North Macedonia, Fatmir Bytyki, agreed to step up cooperation to accelerate the just energy transition during their meeting in Skopje on 31 May. The meeting coincided with the adoption of the final National Energy and Climate Plan by the Government of North Macedonia, following the Secretariat’s recommendations.

Director Lorkowski said: “I congratulate the Government of North Macedonia for setting a clear energy transition pathway by adopting the National Energy and Climate Plan. This reflects the country’s dedication to decarbonisation and transformation of its economy and energy system to face the new challenges of the 21st century. Today, we agreed that the Energy Community Secretariat will be a strong partner for North Macedonia to advance a socially acceptable energy transition, aligned with the ambitions of the European Green Deal. North Macedonia can count on the Secretariat’s hands-on support.”

Deputy Prime Minister Bytyki said: “North Macedonia remains committed to its obligations under the Energy Community Treaty and the Paris Agreement, despite the challenges posed by recent developments. The Government’s adoption of the Energy and Climate Plan testifies to this. Moreover, several large and strategically important renewable energy projects that will ensure our energy security and diversification away from fossil fuels are underway. We look forward to enhanced cooperation with the Energy Community Secretariat to make the just energy transition a reality.”

During his mission to Skopje, the Director also met with the State Secretary in the Ministry of Economy, Razmena Cekic Duroviq, Head of EU Delegation to North Macedonia, David Geer, the President and Board members of the Energy Regulatory Commission and directors of electricity and gas companies. The meetings focused on the state of energy sector reforms in North Macedonia and advancing the decarbonisation agenda in the face of the current situation on the energy markets. Director Lorkowski invited all stakeholders to actively engage in an inclusive process of setting 2030 targets for energy efficiency, renewables and greenhouse gas reduction in 2022.

The Director was accompanied by Deputy Director Dirk Buschle and Senior Energy Lawyer Rozeta Karova.

During his visit, the Director addressed the Skopje Economic and Finance Forum on the energy and green transition in North Macedonia. During his intervention, Director Lorkowski underlined that the present energy crisis is no reason to pause the energy transition but rather it reflects the urgency of accelerating the uptake of energy from renewable sources and phasing out of fossil fuels. Continued energy market reforms were needed to make the sector fit for the energy transition.

Source: Energy Community

Stockholm+50 Closes With Call for Urgent Environmental, Economic Transformation

06.06.2022

lavander_lavanda_butterfly_leptir — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Ivan Jevtić)

Hundreds of speakers attending Stockholm+50, have called for real commitment to urgently address global environmental concerns and for a just transition to sustainable economies that work for all people.

The two-day international meeting concluded with a statement from co-hosts Sweden and Kenya, drawn from Member States and stakeholders through the meeting’s plenaries and leadership dialogues. The statement contains several recommendations for an actionable agenda, including, among others, placing human well-being at the centre of a healthy planet and prosperity for all; recognizing and implementing the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment; adopting systemwide changes in the way our current economic system works, and accelerate transformations of high impact sectors.

“We believe that we have – collectively – mobilized and used the potential of this meeting. We now have a blueprint of acceleration to take further,” Sweden’s Minister for Climate and the Environment, Annika Strandhäll, said in her closing remarks. “Stockholm+50 has been a milestone on our path towards a healthy planet for all, leaving no one behind.”

Stockholm+50 featured four plenary sessions in which leaders made calls for bold environmental action to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Three leadership dialogues, hundreds of side events – including several youth-led sessions – and webinars, as well as series of regional multi-stakeholder consultations in the run-up to the meeting enabled thousands of people around the world to engage in discussions and put forward their views.

“The variety of voices and bold messages that have emerged from these two days demonstrate a genuine wish to live up to the potential of this meeting and build a future for our children and grandchildren on this, our only planet,” said Keriako Tobiko, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for the Environment. “We didn’t just come here to commemorate, but to build forward and better, based on the steps taken since 1972.”

“We came to Stockholm 50 years after the UN Conference on the Human Environment knowing that something must change. Knowing that if we do not change, the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste will only accelerate,” said Inger Andersen, Secretary-General of Stockholm+50 and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme.

“Now we must take forward this energy, this commitment to action to shape our world,” she added.

Source: Stockholm+50

Island Vacation and EV – Ideal Choice

05.06.2022

luka_ostrva_Hrvatska — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Lucian Petronel Potlog)

Innumerable Croatian islands, which captivate with their hospitality and rich scents of Mediterranean cuisine, are fittingly the favorite summer resorts in Europe. In addition to all the qualities, Hvar, Krk, Lošinj, Korčula, and other islands scattered on the Adriatic Sea can boast, visitors will soon have more reason to spend their vacation in one of these destinations, which, will soon become green oases.

Promotion of renewable energy sources, followed by the transition to electric vehicles, are two important segments of the Croatian islands’ green agenda, we were told by Maja Jurišić, Head of the Island Movement. Founded in 2017 as a civil society organization, the Island Movement is a unique platform of experts and islanders who seek to respond to the needs of island communities in the process of the green and digital transition.

The vision of the Island Movement is self-sustainable and self-sufficient island communities, independent of the mainland in every respect. As explained by our host, the main mission of the Movement is to provide islanders with advisory and logistical support in projects contributing to that vision. We are truly thankful to Hrvoje Prpić, president of the Strujni Krug (Electric Circuit) Association, and his valuable knowledge about electromobility on Croatian islands, who also contributed to this issue of the magazine, explaining in detail all the advantages of introducing electric vehicles on the islands, the state of battery charging infrastructure and preconditions for the accelerated green transition of island communities.

The Strujni Krug Association was founded merely two years ago, but more than 1,000 members quickly embraced it. Most of the members are individuals, although the Circuit has over 100 different companies which, in addition to finding the possibility of marketing their products, see the association as a great lobbyist who can help the state adjust the laws to market needs, explains Prpić.

In focus:

Why EV on the island?

The wider adoption of electric vehicles is essential for the country’s decarbonization in general, not just the Croatian islands. However, the electrification of traffic on the islands stands out as a special topic because drivers face fewer obstacles when switching to electric cars, and thanks to the numerous benefits that islanders can have after the complete ending of fossil vehicle use.

“Switching to electric vehicles on the islands is far easier because old electric vehicles with a range of less than 100 km can be used, and their prices are already very affordable, and vehicles can be charged thanks to solar panels, which have also become very affordable”, explains Prpić.

For those considering buying an electric car discouraged by underdevloped charging infrastructure, islanders, on the other hand, have an advantage because, according to the president of the “Electric Circuit”, Croatian islands have a much better battery charging infrastructure than the number of vehicles requires. In addition, electric cars can be charged at any outlet, avoiding problems arising in urban areas where residents must park their vehicles in public parking lots, unlike islanders who can park in their backyards or garages.

Prepared by: Milena Maglovski

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ELECTROMOBILITY.

Community Fridge – Leave Whatever You Can, Take Whatever You Need

02.06.2022

zajednički frižider — Photo: Sara Đuka / WWF Adrija

We have to ask you to pay special attention to this text at the very beginning. Take a moment and think about how much food you threw away during the previous week or month and what type of food usually goes stale in your fridge. Research conducted in Serbia indicates that we buy more food than we need, which is why a part of it, in fact as much as 35 kg per person per year, ends up in waste bins.

On the other hand, it is quite normal to feel uncomfortable when throwing away food. If you have not yet had a suitable place to dispose of surplus food that would meet the urgent needs of vulnerable groups, now there is a solution devised by Emilija Bojić and Tamara Stojković from the “Community Fridge” initiative.

They’ve got the idea of a community fridge after learning that waste from the food and textile industries has a very negative impact on the climate. The amount of such waste is just incredible. Globally, some 1.3 billion tons of various foods are thrown away every year. Locally obtained data, determined by the research of the Environment Improvement Center, indicates that every person in Serbia throws away food worth 10,000 dinars a year. At the same time there is a significant number of people in our country who are starving. Tamara and Emilija managed to realize the opportunity to execute their idea of a community fridge as part of the WWF project “The climate remains on the young”.

Besides the environmental aspect of the project, these climate activists introduced a humanitarian element, giving a special significance to the initiative.

In focus:

“Now we can redirect food that would otherwise end up in the waste to socially endangered groups. It is important to point out that when we throw away food, we throw away a piece of forest, river, or land. In addition, food that ends up in waste impairs the quality of the soil and emits greenhouse gases”, says Emilia.

It took as much as six months to install just one fridge, which was a total surprise to the two activists. Tamara says that there were many obstacles, from the initial research of the Law on Food Donations, searching for organizations and individuals who would support them, organizing volunteers, to informing the public about the fridge.

“As far as notification is concerned, we were most concerned about how we will inform end users, considering that they do not use social networks so much”, Emilija explains.

However, the initiative became known very quickly, and the endusers received information through the media and then spread it among themselves.

How did it all start?

Tamara and Emilija met at the WWF open competition “The climate remains on the young”. Tamara wanted to reduce waste from the food industry and Emilija from the fashion industry. They were united by the idea of Community Fridges and Wardrobes.

“We started with the fridge first because it is more difficult to install, mostly because of the legal regulations on food donations. From the beginning of the process, WWF has provided us with priceless mentoring that will be so important throughout our careers. The Belgrade Food Bank was among the first to recognize the potential and decided to help us without hesitation, both in practice and with numerous important tips. The same was done by the humanitarian organization June 28, which donated a refrigerator to us, while Dorćol Platz was kind enough to provide us with the spot. Thanks to Andrej Kolosov’s artistic contribution, the fridge was painted accordingly”, says Tamara.

The shared fridge is regularly replenished by the donations made by the Belgrade Food Bank and all the individuals with their food donations. Volunteers take daily care and keep the fridge clean, watching out not to issue any unsafe food. Such food is disposed of in compost.

Prepared by: Milena Maglovski

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ELECTROMOBILITY.

The Netherlands, Germany Announce Joint North Sea Drilling Operation

02.06.2022

The Netherlands and Germany will drill for gas in the North Sea together, with production expected to start in 2024, the Dutch government has announced.

According to the Dutch government’s website, production will take place in the North Sea, about 19 kilometres north of Schiermonnikoog and Borkum. A pipeline is being constructed to get the gas onto the shore.

To satisfy the concerns raised by environmentalists, the platform will be moved away from a local oyster project, and water released during production will be filtered.

On the Dutch side, permits to start drilling were issued by State Secretary Johannes Alexander Vijlbrief on Wednesday (1 June).

Since Gazprom announced it would stop supplying gas to the Netherlands on Tuesday (31 May) after Dutch wholesaler GasTerra refused to bow to the Kremlin’s demand to pay in roubles for fear of breaching EU sanctions, the Dutch want the process to speed up.

However, on the German side, the state of Lower Saxony, which decided against issuing permits for the projects last year, “is now making a different decision because of the war in Ukraine”, the Dutch ministry said.

Source: EURACTIV

“Days Of Good Wind” Conference To Be Held On The 2nd And 3rd Of June In Dubrovnik

01.06.2022

Dani-dobroga-vjetra-2022-800x469 — Foto: Promo / Dani dobrog vetra

More than 250 participants from Croatia, countries in the region and Europe, are coming to Dubrovnik for the “Days of Good Wind” conference, being held from June 2nd to 3rd, and organized by Renewable Energy Sources Croatia – announced the association.

At the conference where “wind creates synergy”, during the presentations and panels the guests can expect the latest information from the RES sector and wind energy development, as well as networking – the statement said.

The conference will be opened by Maja Pokrovac, Director of Res Croatia. Giles Dickson, Director of WindEurope, will greet the participants for the first time as a guest at the conference, and Dubrovnik Mayor Mate Frankovic, Dubrovnik-Neretva County Prefect Nikola Dobroslavic and State Secretary of the Croatian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development Ivo Milatic will also address the audience.

Registration with the acquisition of accreditation starts on Thursday, June 2, at 2.30 pm, and the official opening of the conference is scheduled for 4.30 pm.

Source: eKapija

Greece-Bulgaria gas interconnector operational from 1 July

31.05.2022

gas_pipeline_gasovod — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Quinten de Graaf)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Danil Sorokin)

The gas connection between Bulgaria and Greece will start operating on 1 July, with Bulgaria poised to receive one billion cubic meters of gas from Azerbaijan – enough to meet the country’s needs during summer, with prices expected to be lower than Russian gas.

The launch of the gas interconnector became possible after the Bulgarian and Greek energy regulators took a joint decision to licence the gas connection operator – ICGB. The decision was fast-tracked due to the war in Ukraine, which has led to the suspension of Gazprom’s gas supplies to Bulgaria. Authorities in Sofia have rejected Russian demands to change contracts and pay for natural gas in rubles.

The gas connection with Greece will be of key importance for the security of gas supplies and the formation of favorable prices for consumers in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian energy regulator commented. Azeri gas is delivered through the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TANAP), which passes through Turkey and Greece and reaches Italy.

The gas interconnector allows the transfer of three billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas with the possibility of increasing to five bcm when installing more powerful compressor stations, Half of the capacity of the gas connection is reserved by Bulgarga, and the remaining capacity will be traded on the open market.

The launch of the interconnector is a success for Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov.

In July, Bulgaria expects two liquefied natural gas deliveries from the US at prices lower than Gazprom’s. All this means that at least until the beginning of the heating season in the autumn, Bulgaria will have provided the necessary gas supplies and sufficient supplies for at least partial filling of the gas storage in Chiren.

At the end of April, Gazprom suspended gas supplies to Bulgaria. The government in Sofia has refused to comply with a demand from Moscow to open a ruble account with Gazprom Bank to pay for gas supplies because the contract pays in dollars. Russia does not give any guarantees at what rate it will convert dollars into roubles, which threatens Bulgaria’s energy security, the government said.

Russian gas was also cut off for Poland and Finland, as they also refused to open ruble accounts.

Source: EURACTIV.com/EURACTIV.bg

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