Investing in Digitalisation for Happier Customers and Employees

02.12.2021

white-prozor — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Buildings and homes are the largest energy consumers in Serbia but, at the same time, this also means that they have the highest energy-saving potential.

Sunce Marinković, which specialises in producing and installing energy-efficient windows and doors, recognised this potential a long time ago. The company started as a small family locksmith workshop, founded in 1929 by Aleksandar Marinković, and is now run successfully by his grandson Vladimir.

What were the company’s biggest challenges?

“Nowadays, more workers from Serbia leave the country to work abroad, which has contributed to an increase in labour costs here. This made us realise that we need to work on our competitiveness and productivity,” explains Vladimir.

“We invested in new equipment, which allows us to produce faster and with greater capacity, and we digitalised our workflow to improve planning, communication and control. The overall aim was to shorten the production cycle and delivery deadlines.”

The company purchased two machines with a loan from Banca Intesa and received a grant worth EUR 43,000, funded by the European Union (EU). The loan and grant were secured through a programme supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the EU, which provides financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Serbia to help them become more competitive and reach EU standards.

Digitalising internal work processes was part of another project supported by the EBRD and EU – Advice for Small Businesses – through which Sunce Marinković engaged a consultant who worked with them for 18 months.

How did the investment in digitalisation help you to improve your productivity?

“We have on-site production workers, as well as field workers who are in charge of distributing products and installing them at the clients’ sites. To ensure maximum productivity, it is essential to establish effective work processes and communication between these two teams,” says Vladimir.

He adds that this is especially important in case there is a problem in the field. Any deviation from the plan leads to a blockage of all subsequent activities, which could cause massive disruptions of the work processes.

“The new system will allow us to receive real-time feedback from the field, track products and delivery, set up personal reminders for workers, and so on. With a full overview of the initial plan and the actual situation, a project manager will be able to react promptly and prevent chaos in the supply chain,” explains Vladimir.

Expected benefits of such a system are shorter delivery times and more satisfied clients but also a higher level of employee satisfaction, because the system will eliminate repetition of tasks due to inefficient communication.

What are the gains of investing in digitalisation?

“Customer expectations in terms of delivery time and quality of service are constantly growing, while the highly competitive environment pushes companies to lower their sales prices. The only way to survive in this environment is to enhance operations and lower internal costs. In order to make this possible, companies must transform and currently, ‘digital transformation’ promises the best results,” explains Janko Pavlović, the consultant who develops innovative software solutions and who worked with Sunce Marinković.

EBRD and EU support

Improving access to finance and helping SMEs become more competitive is key to economic growth, especially in Serbia where SMEs employ the biggest share of the country’s workforce.

In this regard, the EBRD provides specialised credit lines for SMEs through a network of local partner banks, while the EU has secured incentive grants worth up to 20 percent of the loan amount. So far, more than EUR 70 million has been allocated to these credit lines.

In addition to finance, the EBRD provides business advice and “know-how” to help SMEs improve their performance and growth. The programme draws on the know-how of a network of international advisers and local consultants to help transform a wide range of businesses, looking at areas including strategy, marketing, operations, quality management, energy efficiency, financial management. The programme typically covers 50-75 percent of the net project costs for SMEs, thanks to EU funding support.

Source: EBRD

Ministerial Council decides in the Tuzla 7 case

02.12.2021

At its meeting yesterday, the Ministerial Council decided that Bosnia and Herzegovina breached its obligations under Energy Community law with regard to the Tuzla 7 project.

The public utility Elektroprivreda Bosne i Hercegovine intends to build a new lignite fired power plant in Tuzla financed by a loan of the Chinese Export-Import Bank.

The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina issued a guarantee to secure this loan. The national State Aid Council decided that the terms under which this guarantee was granted does not involve State aid. The Energy Community Treaty includes a principle prohibition of State aid in Article 18.

Following up on a Reasoned Request by the Secretariat and having heard its Advisory Committee comprised of five independent lawyers, the Ministerial Council decided yesterday that the decision of the State Aid Council was in breach of Article 18 of the Energy Community Treaty, as the guarantee was not issued on commercial terms.

The Ministerial Council’s verdict concludes a long procedure which included cooperation with the State Aid Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as a mediation process. Bosnia and Herzegovina must now rectify the breach.

“Yesterday’s decision is a landmark for the Energy Community. It is now clear that Contracting Parties of the Energy Community must apply the same level of scrutiny as the European Union in verifying direct or indirect support granted to undertakings in the energy sector. It is equally clear that the Energy Community institutions can, and will, enforce this obligation by infringement actions.” says Dirk Buschle, Deputy Director and Legal Counsel of the Secretariat.

Source: Energy Community

Wind Auctions in Serbia – Final Chapter of the Regulatory Reform

01.12.2021

wind-turbine-vetropark — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

In the second half of November, the authorities intensified their activities on finalization of the regulatory reform of the renewables sector in Serbia commenced in the beginning of the year with work on new Law on Use of Renewable Energy Sources.

After the Government decided about the quota for subsidizing new wind power plants – set at 400 MW, the Energy Agency of Serbia published the maximum price for auctions for these facilities. The maximum price is set at 55.7 EUR/MWh and the stakeholders received this information with mixed feelings (at best).

The day after the maximum price was published, the Government adopted the decrees regulating the market premium and the model market premium agreement. The market is anticipating soon adoption of the decree regulating balancing responsibility of the renewables producers (within and out of premium system), the last piece needed to complete the framework (in respect of wind power plants), although under the strict letter of the law auctions might take place even without this decree.

Timing for the first auctions

The Ministry of Mining and Energy can publish the public call for the first auctions within 30 days as of publication of the maximum purchase price. As the Energy Agency published the maximum purchase price for the wind power plants on 25 November, the public call for the first auctions can be published as early as 25 December 2021.

Participation in auctions

To be able to participate in the auctions, the producers of energy from renewable energy sources (the Producers) must fulfill numerous conditions. Most importantly:

1) Capacity: power plants of capacity of at least 500 kW and wind power plants of capacity of at least 3 MW are eligible.

2) Project development stage: mid-advanced development, specifically the final and enforceable energy permit for the plant, and valid location conditions or construction permit/approval of performance of works.

3) Possibility to connect to the system: it must be ensured that the project can be connected to the system – the Producers must submit either the confirmation of the transmission system operator that the are planning document in place enabling the construction of the connection infrastructure, or the conditions for design and connection of the plant to the distribution system (if the plant will be connected to the distribution system).

4) Financial instrument: the Producers must submit the financial instrument – either the first demand, unconditional, irrevocable bank guarantee issued in accordance with the decree or cash deposit in the amount of EUR 30 per kW of the bidding capacity of the plant. Winning bidders will need to increase the security to EUR 60 per kW to ensure the COD is reached within deadlines.

Market premiums – CfD

The market premium agreement is set as contract for difference. This means that if the price that the winning bidder has offered (the Winning Price) is higher than the market reference price (the Reference Price), the winning bidder will receive the difference between the Winning Price and the Reference Price. However, it goes both ways – if the Winning Price is lower than the Reference Price, the winning bidder is the one that should pay the difference.

The Reference Price will be determined according to the price on the day-ahead organized electricity market SEEPEX.

The Winning Price will be adjusted for inflation in Eurozone.

Deadlines for reaching COD

The decrees set out the deadlines for the realization of the projects after the auctions, which depend on the project development stage before the auctions.

In particular, if a bidder has not obtained the construction permit for the plant before the auctions, it will have to: (i) obtain the construction permit and the approval to the environmental impact assessment study (or the decision that the study is not needed) within two years as of the date on which the decision on granting premiums has become final; and (ii) obtain the status of the privileged producer and reach COD (i.e. obtain the energy licence, connect the plant to the system, obtain the use permit for the plant, etc.) within the additional three years.

The bidders that had in place the construction permit for the plant before the auctions will have only three years as of the date on which the decision on granting premiums has become final to reach COD. This means that they will have three years to finish construction and obtain the use permit, obtain the energy licence, connect the plant to the system, ensure special metering, etc.

The status can be extended for additional year in case the power plant is constructed.

The decree also allows extension in case of Force Majeure. However, as a step back from the previous system, the decree does not explicitly allow extension in case of acts and omissions of the competent authorities.

Deposit for refurbishment

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Alex Eckermann)

The privileged producers will also have to pay a monthly cash deposit for removal of the plant and remediation of the land, during the validity of the market premium agreement. The amount of the cash deposit amounts to EUR 0.02 per kW for solar plants, to EUR 0.066 per kW for wind power plants and 0.033 for other plants.

Even though introduction of this deposit has the basis in the law, it represents unnecessary burden on the privileged producers considering that the security for refurbishment of the land should be dealt with on case by case between producers and land owners.

Source: Karanovic & partners

A Solar – Powered Catamaran

01.12.2021

solarni-katamaran — Photo: Confluence Belgrade

Floating islands of waste are real ecological disasters since they endanger water streams, the function of the hydropower plants, and the safe water supply. Moreover, they have a devastating impact on all the living world in the water. That problem initiated the idea of a vessel that could make the environment healthier and the whole society.

Nemanja Ilić, one of the Confluence Belgrade student team members, has had the great pleasure of joining this project. They have started with the support of the professors of the Shipbuilding Department and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering management.

“We wanted to come up with a solution that would slow down and cut down the pollution of the river and other water surfaces in our country as well as worldwide. Nature is given to us, but we have to take care of it if we want it to repay us with its beauties and benefits”, Nemanja says.

The conceptual design

The base of the Sava Eko vessel is the hull of the Sava 1 ship, which was used at the Hidrocontest competition in Saint-Tropez in 2018. The vessel should consist of two hulls connected with stiffenings, making that way one vessel, a catamaran. The dimensions of the prototype of this two hulls vessel should be 2,54 x 1,48 m. The ship is supposed to be steered by a remote control system. The operator would 89 navigate the catamaran from the land towards the critical points in the water streams where the waste is held. The cameras and video links would provide a good overview of the situation. Nemanja says they plan to build a large ve- ssel (6 × 2.5 m) that a pilot would steer.

“The idea is to set up solar panels to supply the electromotor with energy. We will also need a battery for energy storage and a backup when there is no sunshine.”

In focus:

The realization of this project requires significant financial support, so Nemanja invites all the sponsors who recognize the idea and the vision of the Confluence Belgrade team to join and help, contributing that way to the process of nature conservation.

The challenges of the craftwork

While they were working on the Sava Eko project, the students could roll up their sleeves for the first time. They got down to making the catamaran hull like real artisans.

“We had to commit ourselves to the practical work too so we could gain the sense of the way the ship construction itself breaths. We had to learn that what was written on the paper doesn’t have to be performed the same way and that we 90 needed time, work, and effort to coordinate these two parts of the project”, Nemanja says. He points out that the students managed to handle work in the workshop, where they checked all the ideas and calculations from the pre-project.

Prepared by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine WATER RESOURCES.

This is what illegal mining in the Amazon looks like

30.11.2021

Amazonija_šuma — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Illegal mining in the Amazon – a threat to local communities’ health and livelihoods – continues to advance in the region. Last week, rumours that gold was found in the Madeira River, in the south of the Amazon, caused hundreds of rafts to head to the region, causing panic to those who know how destructive the mining is to the rivers of the Amazon.

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A post shared by Greenpeace Brasil (@greenpeacebrasil)

The unusual movement caught the attention of the local population and showed how the miners operate on the Madeira River: without any discretion or concern the illegal exploitation of gold would make the authorities take any action. The rafts were located in the city of Autazes, 110km from Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas state. The invasion of miners in the region was documented by Greenpeace Brazil last Tuesday, 23 November, which confirmed the illegal activity.

The miners came from other cities in the Amazon such as Humaitá, where they count on the support of businessmen and politicians who have been promoting this illegal activity for many years. However, the exploration was met with concern about the environmental damage that causes to the health and livelihoods of those who depend on the river, since mining for gold releases mercury and contaminates the water.

Questioned by the press, both the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Sustainable Natural Resources (Ibama) and the Amazonas Environmental Protection Institute (Ipaam) – reported that they were aware of what was happening and were investigating. But with Bolsonaro’s administration stripping down resources from such government bodies and enabling the destruction of the environment, illegal miners feel empowered to carry on with little concern.

Source: Greenpeace

Energy Community Meets to Advance Off-Grid Renewables in Pursuit of SDGs and Climate Goals

29.11.2021

solar-panels-solarni-paneli — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Andreas Gucklhorn)

Organised by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the fifth edition of the International Off-grid Renewable Energy Conference (IOREC) will take place virtually next week from 7 to 9 December 2021. Now open for registrations, this year’s IOREC will shed light on the urgency to accelerate electrification efforts underscoring the specific opportunity of off-grid renewable energy solutions offer in achieving universal access to energy, the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development and climate goals during this critical decade of action.

While the number of people without access to electricity declined from 1.2 billion in 2010 to 759 million in 2019, under current plans and policies 660 million people will still live without access to energy in 2030. According to IRENA’s World Energy Transitions O utlook report, off-grid renewables still represent only one per cent of the overall finance for projects to expand energy access, despite growth in annual financing commitments from USD 6 million in 2008 to around USD 460 million in 2019.

Policies for and investments in off-grid renewable energy are seen as central to a just and inclusive energy transition that supports the achievement of both socioeconomic and global climate ambitions.

“Off-grid renewables are a fundamental component of the energy transition and a pillar of sustainable development,” said Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA. “Global efforts to tackle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have served as an unsettling example of the consequences of an energy system defined by inequities and centralised models of generation. The next period of global development will be based on an energy system that is fundamentally different. Off-grid renewable technologies are at the leading edge of this shift.

“There is undoubtedly strong momentum for the transition but to move fast enough we need collective and coordinated actions by public and private sectors to mobilize investments and scale up the deployment,” continued Mr. La Camera. “IOREC will take place against this backdrop.”

Since its first edition in Accra, Ghana, 2012, IOREC has become a leading global platform for knowledge sharing on enabling policies, tailored financing, innovation in business models and technology, as well as on the socio-economic benefits of off-grid renewables.

The biannual conference will promote the deployment of off-grid systems at a global level, highlighting their role in improving and providing essential services in education and the agri-food & water sector. Additionally, as a follow-up to the first International Conference on Renewable Energy Solutions for Healthcare Facilities held in 2018 and in the context of the ongoing global pandemic, the upcoming edition will host a session on the crucial role of off-grid renewables in the provision of healthcare.

To encourage collaborative action, a virtual networking will be organized in parallel by IOREC’s industry partner, the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE). The virtual networking will provide participants with an opportunity to connect and set up meetings with potential business partners, public and private investors, and policymakers attending the event.

For more information and to register for the 5th IOREC, click here.

Source: IRENA

Empowering Communities to Reap the Multiple Benefits of Renewable Energy

27.11.2021

solar — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Sungrow Emea)

The participation and ownership by citizens or members of a defined community in a renewable energy project creates local socio-economic value and helps foster more positive attitudes towards renewables. This, in turn, increases citizen support for the energy transition, which further contributes to accelerating a just and inclusive transition. In this regard, the IRENA Coalition for Action analyses 11 renewable energy initiatives from across the world, showcasing best practices and the various socio-economic impacts to societies.

In some communities, the increased access to energy simply means longer hours to conduct more activities, which leads to more productivity that generates additional income. In Timor-Leste, the electricity produced from the Village Lighting Scheme’s solar home system has enabled communities to undertake night-time economic activities, by repairing fishing nets and weaving fabric at night.

In Canada’s 3NE solar farm project, the decision-making process that engages all stakeholders in the indigenous nations improved the community’s energy literacy. This enabled them to manage the project well under budget and to invest in other sustainability initiatives targeting food security and energy sovereignty. The Nations were further able to convert wood salvaged from the solar farm into stock and create a now-thriving wood-fuel business that provides additional income to the three Nations.

Increased access to water brought about by the AfrikaSTARK 1 project of community solar-powered irrigation has increased agricultural productivity and supported the municipality of Blendio’s (Mali) response to COVID-19. The electricity generated by this Malian-German partnership also helps local women carry out their main activity of vegetable gardening. Harvesting and economic activities in the village have increased and livelihoods improved.

Similar impact is shown in Nigeria. The solar PV mini-grids installed by the Sosai Renewable Energies project in two villages in northern Nigeria enabled solar dryers to be installed for local farmers to process their produce. Around 30 women farmers from both communities are trained in handling produce, drying produce, in hygiene standards, and packaging. All of these skills are transferable to other professional endeavours that would benefit these women in improving their livelihoods.

Sosai Renewable Energies also contribute to local job creation by employing local staff in the communities to monitor solar photovoltaics (PV) mini-grids and ensure that households and businesses are paying for the energy services on time. The initiative trained these staff in record keeping and basic troubleshooting, and provided them with a monthly base pay as well as a percentage of all funds collected from the payment of energy services.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Zbynek Burival)

Job creation is also one of the socio-economic benefits generated by Enercoop, France’s largest co-operative renewable energy supplier that seeks to decentralise its organisation as much as possible to deal with energy issues on a local level. With the growth of its network across France, it is now able to employ 235 people and to diversify its activities to bring more benefits to communities, through a solidarity fund that finances energy poverty alleviation projects. Meanwhile, within the largest renewable energy cooperative in Spain, Som Energia, local groups can even launch their own complementary initiatives.

In Japan’s Hotoku Energy and Shonan Power community energy partnership, the benefits are extended to social causes in the community. Shonan Power’s customers are contributing 1 percent of their bills to support community initiatives. This contribution is used for the revitalisation of local industries, environmental activities, disaster prevention efforts, culture and arts, as well as the provision of meals for children in need.

Social causes are also supported by the Tulila Hydroelectric Plant, a community energy project that supplies reliable hydropower in rural Tanzania. A portion of the revenues earned by selling electricity to the national utility is used to support charity work, which includes delivering education for 2 000 pupils, nutrition and orphanage services, and operating the only health-care facility in the Chipole area.

In some of the renewable energy projects analysed by the Coalition, the benefits are extended outside the community. In Mainz, Germany, the regional solar PV systems constructed by UrStrom eG citizen energy co-operative also supply 100 percent green electricity to an e-car sharing programme. The e-car programme is now leading a transport revolution that helped establish national and European organisations focused on e-mobility.

Similar amplified benefits can be seen in Citizens Own Renewable Energy Network Australia (CORENA). The initiative has expanded beyond renewable energy to electric vehicle (EV) projects. CORENA has also been able to advise groups in establishing their own revolving funds to support renewables.

All of the initiatives analysed in the Coalition’s paper highlight the importance of direct engagement in decision-making and financing. The different local contexts within which community energy initiatives are deployed also provide important lessons learned. In the case of Suriname’s Waterpower station Bëkyooköndë & Duwata, integrating local practices into governance structures, adapting financial practices to local infrastructure challenges, and considering the availability of local components contribute to the success of the community hydropower project.

Source: IRENA

IRENA and OLADE Reinforce Commitment to Boost Renewables in Latin America and the Caribbean

25.11.2021

The Latin American Energy Organisation (OLADE) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), have signed a new agreement to work closely in efforts to scale up the deployment of renewable energy in the Latin American and Caribbean region as it pursues ambitious 2030 goals.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Alfonso Blanco, the Executive Secretary of OLADE and the Director-General of IRENA, Francesco La Camera, builds on a partnership signed in 2012, and establishes a general framework of collaboration to strengthen policy frameworks and stimulate low-carbon investment flows through a series of initiatives including investment forums and efforts to promote regional energy integration.

“Latin America and the Caribbean is a vast region that holds significant renewable energy and is presented with a compelling opportunity to lead the energy transition”, said Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA. “This partnership will facilitate the pursuit of the region’s ambitious aims established under the RELAC initiative, which targets 70 per cent renewables in power generation by 2030.”

IRENA and OLADE pledged to work closely last year as the COVID-19 outbreak threatened lives and economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean. IRENA analysis has shown that putting the transition at the heart of the recovery could create more than three million regional jobs and offers economic returns of up to USD 8 per dollar invested.

OLADE’s Executive Secretary, Alfonso Blanco, said “OLADE and IRENA share a belief that strengthening energy cooperation can foster sustainable development, help increase energy access, and promote the scaling-up of renewable energy projects in Latin American and the Caribbean”

“Latin America has an important concentration of hydroelectric energy however our efforts will focus on increasing the penetration of other renewable resources in the region such as wind, solar, geothermal,” Blanco continued. “In this context and within the framework of the ambitious RELAC initiative to achieve 70 percent renewables in power generation by 2030, we look forward to working closely with IRENA.”

In Latin America, 61 percent of power generation capacity is from renewables.

Renewable energy accounts for more than a 26 percent share of the region’s primary energy supply, among the highest shares of renewables in the world.

IRENA’s Future of Solar Photovoltaic report highlighted that the region’s solar energy capacity alone could grow by a factor of 40 by 2050 to more than 280 GW thanks to an abundant resource endowment and strong enabling policies. In addition, geothermal, wind and bioenergy all play an increasingly important role in the region’s low-carbon energy mix.

Source: IRENA

Where to Charge an E-bike or E-scooter?

24.11.2021

e-scooter_e-trotinet — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The past year has shown us the importance of being ready for significant changes. Since many people have worked from home, with limited mobility and restricted use of public transport, the need for alternative solutions has arisen. It has opened the space for the breakthrough of the favorite two-wheelers. Bikes and scooters, especially those electrically powered, became a real urban hit.

They are economical, practical, and don’t pollute. They can provide us a faster ride to a destination. We don’t have to worry about where to park them. There is enough parking space for them everywhere. Free one.

All of this is very important, mainly if e-bikes and e-scooters help us cut down the emission of harmful gases. However, people avoid the ride on the central streets because the participation of e-scooters in traffic has not been regulated. The Road Traffic Safety Agency (ABS) has already been working on the new Law on Road Traffic Safety. So, it is expected that this traffic area would be regulated soon, improving the safety of the e-scooters owners and other participants in traffic.

According to announcements, we will rely on the experience of other countries when enacting regulations in this area. The Slovenian law regulation is the closest one to Serbia. It limits the ride of e-scooters to pavements and bike paths. The speed is limited to a “walking speed “of 6 kilometers per hour. The penalty for breaking the speed limit is 40 euros, which can be applied in our country. The speed limit provides more safety since the risk of injury increases with a faster ride.

However, it seems that provisions of the law that will be enacted won’t affect much the popularity of two-wheelers. Easy managing, possibility to avoid traffic jams and safety of e-scooters are predominant reasons for choosing this means of transport, especially among younger generations.

In focus:

What bothers the owners of bikes and scooters?

There are places in Belgrade provided for parking bicycles, but things are not so great when speaking of safe and secure parking and charging e-bikes and e-scooters. Lately, the citizens of Belgrade and visitors with electric two-wheelers may relax and relieve. They can park and charge their favorite e-scooters and e-bikes at the special parking place.

The Smart City station represents the joint of safe parking and place for charging electric “wheels “and is located in the Little Kalemegdan Park, between the staircase and the Tsarigrad Road. Charging is free for everybody. With this station, Belgrade joined a few prominent world cities, which enabled the citizens the advantages of parking this type of eco-friendly vehicles.

To unlock the parking space, you need a Bikeep app on your smartphone or RFID card. There are four security levels so you can leave your vehicles parked or on charging without stress. The two-wheelers are secured with steel construction, video surveillance, alarm, and signal forwarding in case of an attempt of stealing. When you get to the parking place, place your card on the reader or unlock it using the app. Then you park your scooter or bike and lock it. Red light signals it is locked. To unlock it, you do the same – tap your card or use the app.

Prepared by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine WATER RESOURCES.

Global energy efficiency progress is recovering – but not quickly enough to meet international climate goals

23.11.2021

environmental-protection-priroda — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

A rapid expansion of technologies and solutions that drive more efficient use of energy across the economy is necessary to keep global climate pledges within reach, according to a new IEA report, which urges governments to take the lead in mobilising the required increase in investment.

Global progress on energy efficiency has recovered this year to its pre-pandemic pace, but that was already well short of what would be needed to help put the world on track to reach net zero emissions by mid-century, according to Energy Efficiency 2021, the IEA’s annual market report on the topic. Total annual investment in energy efficiency worldwide needs to triple by 2030 to be consistent with a path towards reaching net zero emissions by 2050, as set out in the IEA’s Roadmap to Net Zero by 2050.

The IEA’s latest global assessment of market and policy trends in energy efficiency highlights the urgent need for stronger implementation of clean energy policies – with energy efficiency at their core – in order to reach international climate goals. This is the first update of the IEA’s energy efficiency market report since a raft of new spending commitments aimed at supporting the economic recovery were announced by governments over the course of 2021.

The report comes shortly after the end of the COP26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, whose final statement specifically called for the rapid scaling up of energy efficiency measures, recognising their key role in decarbonising energy systems.

“We consider energy efficiency to be the ‘first fuel’ as it still represents the cleanest and, in most cases, the cheapest way to meet our energy needs. There is no plausible pathway to net zero emissions without using our energy resources much more efficiently,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. “A step change in energy efficiency will give us a fighting chance of staving off the worst effects of climate change while creating millions of decent jobs and driving down energy bills.”

The report notes that governments have scaled up existing, employment-intensive efficiency programmes, but it also highlights that substantial potential for job creation remains untapped. For example, investments in the energy efficiency of buildings – a well-established driver of construction jobs – are expected to rise by 20 percent in 2021 compared with pre-pandemic levels. Even with this record level of spending, the report details how 4 million more jobs could be added by 2030 by further increasing spending on efficient buildings, appliances and other measures in line with the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario.

Source: IEA

Flash Flood Guidance System: Vision 2030

23.11.2021

poplave-poplava-flood — Foto ilustracija: Unsplash ( Easton Mok)

Flash floods cause more than 5,000 deaths worldwide annually, exceeding any other flood-related event. As the global population increases, especially in urban areas, and societies continue to encroach upon floodplains, the need for flash flood early warning systems becomes more paramount.

In response to this need, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, and the Hydrologic Research Center (HRC) formed a partnership in 2007 to develop and implement an early warning flash flood forecasting system (Flash Flood Guidance System – FFGS) for global application.

As of 2021, over 3 billion people in 67 countries are being provided early warnings of potential flash flooding through their National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) working in concert with their National Disaster Management Agencies.

The “Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) with Global Coverage – Vision 2030” virtual event took place on 16 November 2021, and was attended by 140 representatives from 50 countries.

The goal was to bring together the users of the national and regional systems to show the latest achievements after the FFGS Global Workshop which has held in Turkey in 2019, share best practices on the use of flash flood guidance products, and discuss sustainability in order to ensure long-term operations and service delivery.

The latest achievements also include the development the FFGS centralized online training platform, a one-stop-shop for trainers and trainees to access free distance learning resources, including hands-on material, case studies and videos, to ensure that no one is left behind.

A Training Simulator interactive application is now being used to train operational forecasters in the effective usage of necessary data and products in order to improve flash flood forecasting skills and actionable communication with the users of flash flood warnings.

The approved FFGS Sustainability Strategy is the product of joint efforts of FFGS member countries, WMO’s Standing Committee on Hydrological Services and FFGS Partners. It sets out a vision and approach for the future development and implementation of FFGS in order to save lives and livelihoods. It was approved by the Extraordinary World Meteorological Congress after receiving endorsement from the Hydrological Assembly.

The strategy brings us new aspects and visions to ensure the sustainability of the FFGS for the benefit of current and future generations as we keep facing with the increasing frequency and severity of flash floods all over the world.

South Asia Flash Flood Guidance System Radar Hydrology Training

Activities on capacity building and improvements of early warnings of flash floods in the South Asia region are advancing with the South Asia Flash Flood Guidance System (SAsiaFFGS) Radar Hydrology Training.

In five weeks of virtual training (25 October-15 November 2021), more than 80 weather radar experts, operational meteorological and hydrological forecasters from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka learnt about the use of weather radar data in FFGS for the estimation of precipitation. The inclusion of weather radar data into FFGS will provide better detection of weather systems and rainfall amounts that can cause flash flood events.

Representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Hydrologic Research Center and WMO joined the opening session.

Source: WMO

ABB to equip twelve Himalaya Shipping bulk carriers with shaft generator solutions for maximum efficiency

22.11.2021

ABB_to_equip_twelve_Himalaya_Shipping_bulk_carriers-ABB_Marine_and_Ports — Foto: ABB

ABB will deliver an integrated scope of solutions with permanent magnet shaft generators at its core for twelve 210,000 dwt bulk carriers owned by the Bermuda-based Himalaya Shipping.

ABB technology will improve the energy efficiency of ultra-large bulk carriers by up to 4 percent while saving about 20 percent of space on board compared to a conventional solution.

The innovative capesize vessels will be among the most efficient ships of their type on delivery from New Times Shipbuilding in Jiangsu, China, starting from 2023.

ABB’s equipment package for Himalaya Shipping’s ultra large bulk carriers will feature innovative shaft generators with a Power-Take-Off (PTO) solution, comprising new drive systems and permanent magnet technology, improving the energy efficiency of these vessels by up to four percent while enhancing operational flexibility. ABB’s full scope of supply for the Himalaya Shipping vessels also includes low-voltage drives and transformers, as well as engineering, project management and commissioning services.

The ships’ energy systems align with goals set out in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and Carbon Intensity Index (CII).

Shaft generator performance gains exploit the inclusion of permanent magnet technology and new ACS880 single drive systems from ABB, the drive system delivering greater responsiveness for the changing power needs of a bulk carrier depending on the speed, bulk freight weight, and electrical load changing.

The possibility to choose the most efficient operational option from several alternatives allows reducing fuel costs by 3-4 percent, while the footprint of the equipment package is approximately 20 percent smaller compared to equivalent units featuring synchronous excitation machines. In addition, higher power density enabled by ABB’s solution allows reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

“ABB’s latest series of shaft generators support our initiatives to ensure optimized ship efficiency, reduce CO2 / NOx emissions and deliver maximum performance using less power in a package that is compact, robust and easy to maintain,” said Jan Andersson from SeaQuest, Himalaya Shipping consultant.

“We are honored to build these innovative dual-fuel bulk carriers,” said Qiaohua Dong, Deputy Director of Ship Design Institute of Jiangsu New Times Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. “With more strict emissions regulations and requirements, our shipyard should also adapt to new technologies and solutions. It is the first time for us to install ABB’s latest shaft generator system. By utilizing this energy-efficient system, it will also help us to develop the capability of building an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly future.”

“This contract marks a significant milestone for our new generation of permanent magnet shaft generator-based solutions, with improved energy efficiency,” said Michael D. Christensen, Global Segment Manager Dry Cargo, ABB Marine & Ports. “The solution offers a range of benefits to help shipowners and operators enhance efficiency and reduce emissions without the need for additional investments compared to a standard synchronous excitation machine. Furthermore, the ABB ACS880 drive system ensures supreme performance and the very best uptime in class.”

Based on simplicity in construction, integrating permanent magnet technology onboard a vessel is straightforward, while reducing maintenance costs due to the absence of the carbon brushes which need frequent replacement in synchronous excitated machines.

In addition to newbuild vessels, ABB’s permanent magnet technology is also relevant for existing ships, where retrofitting shaft generator systems offers a practical option for improving energy efficiency and cutting emissions.

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.

ABB’s Process Automation business is a leader in automation, electrification and digitalization for the process and hybrid industries. We serve our customers with a broad portfolio of products, systems, and end-to-end solutions, including our # 1 distributed control system, software, and lifecycle services, industry-specific products as well as measurement and analytics, marine and turbocharging offerings. As the global #2 in the market, we build on our deep domain expertise, diverse team and global footprint, and are dedicated to helping our customers increase competitiveness, improve their return on investment and run safe, smart, and sustainable operations.

Source: ABB

Car Leasing and Rental Company Plans to Cut Fleet’s Carbon Emissions by a Quarter by 2025

22.11.2021

traffic-jam-saobraćaj-auto — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Nirmal Rajendharkumar)

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is investing EUR 10 million in a EUR 48 million sustainability-linked bond issued by Autonom, a Romanian car leasing and rental company.

This is Romania’s first sustainability-linked bond and the debut issuance under Autonom’s five-year EUR 250 million corporate bond programme.

Autonom’s services include car leasing, fleet management and short-term rental of vehicles. The company is raising finance to pursue environmentally friendly growth. It aims to expand the car fleet to meet increased demand from local business, while reducing its carbon footprint.

In line with its sustainability strategy, by 2025, the company plans to cut the operating fleet’s carbon emissions by 25 percent, and by 51 percent by 2030.

Mark Davis, EBRD Regional Director for Romania and Bulgaria, said: “Autonom’s sustainability-linked bond is a milestone for Romania as the first instrument of this type issued locally. By launching this programme, which underpins Autonom’s ambitious sustainability strategy, the company signals its commitment to significantly reducing its carbon footprint, which is consistent with decarbonisation objectives of European Union countries. We are proud to support Autonom in its sustainability journey.”

Marius and Dan Ștefan, the co-founders of Autonom, commented: “We believe that the future belongs to companies with valuable, transparent, and responsible business models. These criteria will become a benchmark for all and we believe that the Romanian capital markets will provide extraordinary opportunities for local companies that care about their impact in the society. We appreciate the thoughtful advice, the passion for excellence and the strong commitment of the EBRD. We are grateful for the Bank’s trust, dedication and support for our ambitious vision.”

Founded in 2006 in Piatra Neamț by entrepreneurs Marius Stefan and Dan Stefan, Autonom has more than 500 employees and operates a fleet of over 9,000 cars. It is a member of the EBRD’s Blue Ribbon programme, which delivers tailor-made financing and sector-specific advice – covering operational, management and financial advisory – to high-growth small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) over the course of five years.

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Romania and has invested EUR 9.3 billion through 477 projects in the country to date, with 77 percent of that in the private sector.

Source: EBRD

New mobility as a solution for decarbonization of transport in Serbia

21.11.2021

punjenje_električnih_automobila — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Marek Rucinski)

The Covid-19 pandemic has shown the essential role and necessity of transport, especially when the movement of people, goods, and services is severely limited. Before the crisis, continuous economic growth wasn’t harmonized with climate change, considering that today’s market economy was built on the dominant use of fossil fuels.

For a significant cut of this dependency of the economy on coal, it is crucial to make alternatives widely available and establish appropriate incentives for sustainable solutions.

The new way of thinking about public policy recognizes green mobility as the only way to transition to a green economy in approach and at the necessary scale. In December 2020, the EU adopted The Strategy for sustainable and smart mobility by which were established guidelines for sustainable and smart solutions in transport, aiming for at least 30 million vehicles with zero emissions of harmful gases to be on roads throughout Europe by 2030. Furthermore, the EU Green Deal calls for even a 90 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions that come from transport, with a view to reaching a climate-neutral economy in the EU by 2050.

Decarobonization of the transport sector is also one of the main pillars of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans that has been supported by the leaders of the Western Balkans countries in November 2020 on the summit organized in Sofia within the Berlin process.

In focus:

The essence of e-mobility is promoting climate-neutral ways of transport. Although technological innovations, costs optimization, and favorable regulatory environment in more developed economies accelerated the expansion of e-mobility, in countries in development, that process is still just emerging. Undoubtedly, e-mobility comes with certain drawbacks such as higher prices of electric vehicles, initial capital expenses for electric charging, a longer time for battery charging, problems in traveling long distances, etc.

Given that, the economy of scale is vital for the extensive implementation of e-mobility. At the same time, the price of electric vehicles is closely connected to the expenses of lithium-ion batteries, which make for approximately 30 percent of the production costs. Due to the drop in batteries costs, the price of electric vehicles has significantly reduced over the last decade. On the other hand, the difference between electricity price and fossil fuels’ price has also become relatively small. It is not surprising that on a global level, electric vehicle demand is expanding.

How to encourage the implementation and usage of electric vehicles?

First, we need a straightforward course of public policy supported by powerful appropriate regulations to enable participation of the private sector, and that way to provide sufficient means to policy implementation with the following goals:

1. Stimulation of individual transition toward electric vehicles in the field of private cars and light commercial vehicles in urban areas (for example, financial subsidy for electric vehicles owners, perks in toll payment and parking favoring electric vehicles, possibility to use the bus lane, etc.)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Michael Marais)

2. Stimulation of commercial transporters for the economy of scale (introducing electric buses with batteries, promoting trams and trolleybuses with or without charging solutions, etc.)

3. Introduction of EV charging infrastructure.

Secondly, the key element for the development of electric mobility is promoting market economy principles and innovations. It is necessary so that the private sector can adjust and offer new innovative solutions in vehicle production and related supply chain. At the same time, besides electric vehicle production, we should work on other environmental issues such as investments in waste management and lithium-ion battery recycling.

In addition, it is vital to improving the grid to support the needed infrastructure for electric vehicle charging. The strategy for increasing electricity production from renewable energy sources will also require significant investments in the distribution network capacity that has to be sufficient enough for the projected growth in demand.

Prepared by: Dejan Zlatković, the regional economist at the EBRD for the Western Balkans

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine WATER RESOURCES.

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