Chicago’s Municipal Buildings Powered by 100 percent Renewable Energy

11.03.2025

Photo-illustration: Freepik (TravelScape)

As of January 1, 2025, Chicago has transitioned to fully supplying all of its more than 400 municipal buildings with energy from renewable sources. This number includes two international airports as well as nearly 100 fire stations.

According to global media reports, the majority of this energy is sourced from Illinois’ largest solar power plant, which has a capacity of 593 megawatts and generates enough electricity to meet the needs of over 100,000 households. Chicago powers 70 percent of its municipal buildings from this plant, while the remaining energy is obtained through renewable energy credits.

However, it is important to note that the city remains connected to the regional grid, which still heavily relies on nuclear energy. In 2022, Chicago signed an agreement not only to purchase renewable energy but also to leverage its purchasing power to finance new renewable energy projects. This initiative helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions and contributes to the development of new energy sources.

It is estimated that by transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy, the city will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 300,000 metric tons annually. To put it in perspective, this reduction is equivalent to removing more than 60,000 cars from the roads each year.

With this decision, Chicago positions itself among the leading U.S. cities in the fight against climate change.

This transition began approximately ten years ago, and Chicago now has an even more ambitious goal—by 2035, all buildings in the city should be powered by renewable energy.

Energy portal

Japanese Researchers Develop Plastic That Decomposes in the Ocean Within a Day, Returning Phosphorus and Nitrogen to Nature

10.03.2025

vecstock AI freepik — Photo-illustration: Freepik (vecstock - AI)

Japanese researchers have developed a revolutionary material that is not only an alternative to traditional plastic but is also significantly more sustainable than existing biodegradable materials. A team from the RIKEN Centre for Emergent Matter Science explains that this material is a type of plastic that completely decomposes in seawater within a few hours, while in soil, it breaks down in about ten days.

What sets this plastic apart from conventional ones is what remains after its decomposition. Traditional plastic, even when it breaks down into microplastics, persists in nature for hundreds of years and poses a serious threat to the environment. Microplastics can be extremely hazardous to living organisms.

On the other hand, research on this innovative plastic has shown that, upon decomposition in soil, it releases phosphorus and nitrogen—elements that act as natural fertilizers for plants. The non-toxic impact of this material can be attributed to the fact that it is made from compounds commonly used as food additives.

Traditional plastics decompose slowly because they consist of large polymer chains that are difficult to separate. In contrast, this innovative plastic utilizes supramolecules, which are composed of molecules connected by weak bonds. Thanks to this structure, these bonds break easily, allowing the plastic to quickly return to its basic form—a monomer that can be reused.

During production, the team combined two simple monomers: sodium hexametaphosphate, which is used in food additives and fertilizers, and guanidinium sulfate, which can be easily obtained from natural raw materials. When these two monomers are mixed in water at room temperature, they form two layers—a liquid and a gel-like layer. By drying the gel, a glassy, transparent plastic is obtained. Although the plastic is resistant to fire and heat, it decomposes back into monomers within just a few hours when it comes into contact with salt water.

However, if greater durability in marine conditions is required, it is possible to coat the plastic with an environmentally friendly waterproof film to extend its lifespan.

Katarina Vuinac

UNIDO Strengthens Regional Cooperation in the Western Balkans

09.03.2025

business — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Krakenimages)

Reaffirming its commitment to industrial transformation and regional integration in the Western Balkans, UNIDO convened a meeting with representatives of the Permanent Missions to introduce two new regional projects covering Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.

Supported by the Government of Slovenia, the Slovene Enterprise Fund and the Government of Cyprus, these two initiatives focus on green and digital transformation while strengthening capacity-building efforts. The aim is to equip the region’s workforce and industries with skills and tools required in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.

With a longstanding presence in the Western Balkans, UNIDO addresses national development priorities while strengthening the region’s industrial capacities. UNIDO’s approach emphasizes coordinated regional interventions that align with the Western Balkan countries’ aspirations to deepen their integration into European markets and strengthen their global competitiveness.

„Regional cooperation plays a critical role in addressing shared challenges and unlocking new opportunities. European Union member countries are well-positioned to share their transitional experiences and lessons learned. In line with its regional approach, UNIDO has been facilitating this exchange and will continue creating mutually beneficial linkages in the region”, said Fatou Haidara, Deputy to the Director General and Managing Director of the Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations.

UNIDO’s lasting cooperation with Slovenian counterparts is based on an innovative partnership model, fostering the engagement of the private sector, investment promotion and stronger business linkages in the region and beyond. This model is now being scaled up with the engagement of new development partners in the EU and was broadly promoted at the second regional conference held in June 2024.

One of the new projects presented focuses on strengthening supply chain resilience, enhancing quality infrastructure services, and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in meeting EU manufacturing standards in the automotive industry. By integrating regional suppliers into European value chains, the project aims to boost competitiveness and facilitate the sector’s adaptation to EU regulations.

Source: UNIDO

First Solar Power Plant Installed on the Roof of a Volvo Truck Service Center in Serbia

09.03.2025

Since its founding nearly 96 years ago, Volvo Trucks has built its business on strict adherence to high quality, safety, and innovation standards. In recent decades, the company has expanded its mission to place a special focus on environmental protection, establishing itself as an industry leader in sustainable business practices and innovation. As part of its global strategy to reduce its environmental footprint, Volvo Trucks Serbia has taken a significant step forward by installing the first solar power plant on the roof of its service and business center in Novi Banovci.

This project, implemented in collaboration with renewable energy experts, represents a key milestone in achieving ambitious sustainability and energy efficiency goals. The solar power plant on the roof of the Novi Banovci service center is not only an example of innovative approaches in the truck service industry but also tangible evidence of Volvo Trucks Serbia’s ongoing efforts to minimize its environmental impact.

According to expert estimates, solar panel production will meet a large portion of the service center’s electricity needs, with an expected annual output of around 170 MWh, significantly reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. In today’s environment, where electricity prices are continually rising and supply reliability is becoming increasingly uncertain, installing a solar power plant brings multiple benefits.

IN FOCUS:

In addition to reducing electricity costs, the annual reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 70 tons is a significant step toward achieving climate goals. This amount of carbon dioxide is equivalent to planting more than 3,200 trees, further emphasizing the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and conserving natural resources. For the company, this project is just part of a broader strategy to reduce its environmental impact and recognize the importance of sustainable solutions in daily operations.

Volvo Trucks has also taken various measures to reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency in its service and sales centers in Novi Sad, Čačak, and Doljevac near Niš. Across all these locations, Volvo Trucks demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental preservation by implementing green technologies and optimized processes that minimize the negative impact on nature.

Prepared by Milica Radičević

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

Finland Develops the Most Advanced Radioactive Waste Disposal System

08.03.2025

NUKLEARNA ENERGIJA, REAKTOR, RADNIK — Photo-illustration: AI

Finland has recently completed a trial run at its nuclear waste encapsulation facility, marking a significant step toward achieving a safer and more long-term solution for disposing of highly radioactive materials. This approach aims to ensure that the radioactivity decreases to a safe level over the course of several decades. Recognized as one of the most advanced nuclear waste management solutions, this project could serve as a model for other countries facing similar challenges.

What Is Encapsulation and Why Is It Important?

Encapsulation is a technological process in which highly radioactive waste, such as spent fuel rods from nuclear reactors, is hermetically sealed in specially designed containers resistant to corrosion and mechanical damage. These containers are then transported and stored in deep geological repositories, located within stable rock formations at great depths. The objective of this process is to isolate radioactive materials for thousands of years—until radiation levels decrease to a safe threshold.

Finland’s encapsulation facility is part of a broader complex dedicated to the final disposal of nuclear waste. Once the final disposal process begins, spent nuclear fuel will be transported from interim storage to this facility, where it will be securely packed into canisters before being transferred to underground repository tunnels, at depths ranging from 400 to 450 meters. The canisters will then be placed in specially designated deposition holes lined with bentonite clay, which provides additional protection against potential radioactive leakage, as explained by World Nuclear News (WNN).

Completion of the Trial Phase

The Finnish company responsible for this project has recently concluded the trial run of the final disposal process (Trial Run of Final Disposal – TRFD) at the encapsulation facility. The final canister used in this test phase—initiated in August last year—was successfully encapsulated, underwent structural inspection, and was transported to the underground repository at a depth of 430 meters, according to WNN.

During the trial phase, no actual radioactive materials were used; instead, non-radioactive test elements were employed to simulate the process. Once the necessary analyses are completed and any technical improvements are made, the company will receive authorization to officially commence the final disposal of spent nuclear fuel from Finland’s two nuclear power plants.

Energy portal

CircuBot: An Innovation in Recycling That Could Change the Future of Waste Management

08.03.2025

Sajam-tehnike-CircuBot-(1) — Photo: CircuBot

S orting, processing, and reusing waste materials are key steps toward achieving the goals of a circular economy. The CircuBot project, funded by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia as part of the Green Program for Science and Industry Cooperation, offers an innovative solution with the potential to improve recycling processes through automation. Developing a circular economy and more efficient recycling hinges on precise waste separation and sorting. This is precisely where CircuBot introduces a revolutionary approach: automated sorting with the help of robots.

The project responds to the strict regulations of the European Commission, which require member states to reduce municipal waste sent to landfills to 10 percent of total waste by 2035. Considering the current situation, with recycling rates in the European Union ranging from 20 percent to 60 percent and Serbia recycling less than 2 percent of its municipal waste, it is clear that swift action is needed to create a more efficient waste management infrastructure.

While many European Union countries already widely use automated sorting systems, Serbia still relies on manual labor in recycling centers, which not only slows down the process but also creates unsafe working conditions. CircuBot aims to address this issue: by automating waste separation with robots, it increases recycling efficiency and creates safer working environments. This technology could significantly reduce landfill waste and accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

IN FOCUS:

Prototype Development

CircuBot combines advanced robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to develop a system that automatically detects, sorts, and analyzes waste. A prototype system has been developed through the collaboration of two leading Serbian teams in robotics and AI—from the Faculty of Engineering Sciences in Kragujevac and the School of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade. It uses robotic arms, industrial cameras, and advanced computational analysis to identify and separate various types of waste, including PET packaging, cans, and electronic waste. In the project’s initial phase, the team focused on developing the prototype in a laboratory setting, using e-waste samples obtained from leading Serbian e-recycling firms. The prototype concept is based on a robotic arm and an industrial camera that detects waste moving along a conveyor belt. Using images of the waste, the system automatically localizes and classes various waste types, after which the robotic arm physically sorts them. This approach not only accelerates the recycling process but also reduces the need for human labor in hazardous conditions.

In addition to increasing efficiency, CircuBot offers other positive impacts. Automation in recycling significantly improves worker safety and health, creating a more comfortable work environment compared to current conditions, which involve manual sorting in standing positions and often unhealthy surroundings. Furthermore, developing this technology contributes to building a team of robotics, AI, and computer vision experts who will tackle technological challenges and advance the industry.

The CircuBot project will be a key element in accelerating Serbia’s transformation toward a sustainable waste management system aligned with European standards and the goals of a circular economy. This pioneering project not only demonstrates the potential of innovation but also provides concrete solutions to long-term environmental challenges, laying a new foundation for responsible waste management in the future.

At the International Fair of Technology in Belgrade in 2024, the project results were showcased for the first time. Visitors were introduced to the key elements of the prototype, including the mechanism for automated waste sorting and the AI-powered control interface. They had the opportunity to see a live prototype demonstration and engage with team members about technical challenges and the project’s next steps.

The project authors are Arso Vukićević, PhD Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University of Kragujevac; Kosta Jovanović, PhD, Associate Professor at the School of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade; and Dragana Nišić, PhD, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Mining and Geology, University of Belgrade.

CircuBot Project Team

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

DR Congo Plans to Protect 550,000 Square Kilometers of the World’s Largest Remaining Tropical Forest

07.03.2025

šuma , priroda — Photo-illustration: Freepik (wirestock)

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has recently unveiled an ambitious plan to protect and preserve the world’s largest remaining tropical rainforest. President Félix Tshisekedi emphasized that the project will involve the creation of the world’s largest tropical forest reserve along the Congo River Basin, spanning more than 550,000 square kilometers of forest.

This initiative represents a crucial step in safeguarding forest ecosystems within the Congo Basin, whose forests constitute a significant portion of the world’s natural resources. By establishing a green corridor that will connect the Kivu region with the capital, Kinshasa, DR Congo aims not only to preserve the rainforest but also to stimulate economic development and improve the living conditions of millions in the region. The planned expansion of the corridor to over 2,400 kilometers will be a major step toward sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and mitigating the effects of climate change.

According to international media reports, President Tshisekedi underscored that this project extends beyond mere forest conservation, as it will also have a profound impact on local communities. Estimates suggest that the implementation of the green corridor could generate approximately 500,000 new jobs and secure one million tons of food annually for Kinshasa, Africa’s largest city.

The project has received support from the European Union, which has mobilized €1 billion for this purpose. Additionally, the EU has allocated more than 40 million euros in grant funding to promote sustainable agriculture, the use of renewable energy sources, and biodiversity conservation.

Data shared by the World Economic Forum (WEF) indicate that the Congo River Basin serves as the world’s largest tropical forest carbon sink, absorbing 1.5 billion tons of CO2 annually. Furthermore, the basin’s peatlands store nearly 30 billion tons of carbon dioxide. Approximately 60 percent of the forests in this basin are located within DR Congo, which is home to nearly 10,000 unique species.

Energy portal

EBRD Financed Rail Crossing Between North Macedonia and Serbia Receives 2.8 million euros EU grant

07.03.2025

voz - železnica — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Charles Forerunner)

An agreement securing 2.8 million euros grant from the European Union (EU) to develop a joint border railway station between North Macedonia and Serbia was signed today in Skopje by the First Deputy President of the Government and Minister of Transport, Mr Nikoloski and EBRD Head of North Macedonia, Mr Türkmenoğlu.

The EU funds, which are provided through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) , complement a 5 million euros loan already provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and will finance construction and technical assistance.

The joint border crossing will be located in Tabanovce, in North Macedonia, on the Corridor X rail route, which is part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) extension to the Western Balkans region.

Works include upgrading the railway station’s existing buildings and constructing new energy efficient buildings with photovoltaic panels. Once in use, the joint station will be shared by staff from both countries, helping optimise border customs control procedures and reducing waiting times, travel for people and goods. This will lead to better regional connectivity and integration on Corridor X.

His Excellency Michalis Rokas, EU Ambassador to North Macedonia, said that “with the grant of 2.8 million euros, the EU is directly supporting efforts to upgrade the Corridor X railway system and improve regional connectivity. This project aims to transform the barriers that borders create into opportunities for faster connection to the EU. And this is not all. With the new Reform and Growth Facility, the EU’s support for regional connectivity will grow even stronger.”

Fatih Türkmenoğlu, EBRD Head of North Macedonia, said: “This project is a result of joint efforts and coordination between the EBRD, EU/WBIF, and authorities of North Macedonia and Serbia to improve regional cooperation and connectivity, and we are proud to be an important part of it. The EBRD has been helping the country to improve its transport links in the country and with the region, and in the railway sector alone we have invested over 340 million euros.”

“The joint rail crossing between Macedonia and Serbia will improve the communication between the two countries and we will get one-stop-shop crossing for the road and railway traffic. I hope that this will be an introduction towards re-establishing the regular passenger railway line between Skopje and Belgrade, which will require efforts on both sides. The project is worth 7.4 million euros in the construction part, and 250.000 euros for the consultant services and supervision. The Corridor X represents the main economic blood flow of the country, which will improve the movement of goods and people, as well as the export and the import towards and from Europe resulting into new jobs, increased economic activity and faster transit of the passengers and the goods through the country, making it more attractive destination”, said the First Deputy President and Transport Minister Nikoloski.

The project is a key priority for the country and part of the European Commission’s connectivity agenda for the Western Balkans.

Source: EBRD

Two Trees for Every Child – Love That Grows in Nature

06.03.2025

The energy brought by the birth of a pure love has the power to spread miles away. For every love that begins to grow through the birth or adoption of a child in Wales, two saplings simultaneously start to take root—one on Welsh soil and the other under the African sky. This symbolic message of the unbreakable bond between humans and nature began its journey in 2008. Since then, thousands of trees have grown alongside generations of children.

The Plant! Program

More than fifteen years ago, the Welsh Government launched an initiative called Plant! with the idea that for every child born or adopted in Wales, a tree would be planted in the country. The initiative, carried out by the government organization Natural Resources Wales (NRW), lasted until 2023.

To learn more about this program, I visited the official website of the Welsh Government and found some interesting information. The initiative was implemented automatically, without requiring parents or guardians to sign up. Once a tree was planted, a certificate was issued and sent to the child’s address. Interestingly, this document was environmentally friendly, produced from sustainably managed forests. Along with the certificate, a letter provided information about the exact location of the child’s tree, allowing the family to track its growth. Additionally, trees were not planted randomly across Wales but in specifically designated areas that would form new forests over time.

The Planting Continues

The charity organization Size of Wales, which focuses on reforestation and climate action, joined the Plant! program. Before continuing the story, it is important to highlight that this organization places special emphasis on working with partner countries such as Uganda. This is significant because, in 2014, the Plant! program expanded to ensure that for every tree planted in Wales, another one was planted in Uganda. The implementation of this part of the program was taken over by Size of Wales, meaning that today, every child born or adopted in Wales receives two trees. Although the government program ended in 2023, this organization has continued its efforts to this day.

The certificates with tree location details are particularly fascinating for the trees planted in Uganda, considering that they are located on a different continent, thousands of miles away.

The Bigger Goal of Size of Wales

If we take a closer look at the name Size of Wales, we will notice that it translates literally to “the size of Wales.” This is no coincidence. The symbolism behind the organization’s name reflects its main goal: to protect and restore tropical forests worldwide over an area equivalent to the size of Wales.

Uganda holds a special place in the heart of this organization, as it has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world. Data shows that between 2001 and 2020, Uganda lost nearly 920,000 hectares of forest. If this trend continues, the country faces the risk of losing its entire forest cover by 2040.

Indigenous and local communities are the best guardians of forests, as their knowledge has been passed down through generations for centuries. The Plant! program is not the only way this organization contributes to reforestation and the fight against climate change and soil erosion in Uganda. Other initiatives, such as the Mable Trees program, ensure that fruit trees are planted in the gardens of family homes in the Malbe region of Uganda.

Additionally, Size of Wales collaborates with Indigenous peoples and local communities in Latin America, other parts of Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Katarina Vuinac

Global Battery Market: China Leads, Europe Seeks Solutions

06.03.2025

batteries_baterije_energy_storage_skladište_energije — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Science in HD)

The global battery market is undergoing rapid development driven by soaring demand and declining prices. According to the latest report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), 2024 marks a turning point for the battery industry, as demand has surpassed 1 terawatt-hour (TWh) for the first time. At the same time, the average price of batteries for electric vehicles has fallen below $100 per kilowatt-hour, reaching the threshold of cost parity with conventional cars.

China at the Forefront of Global Production

China currently dominates the global battery market, accounting for more than three-quarters of total production. In 2024, average battery prices in China dropped by 30 percent, making them over 30 percent cheaper than in Europe and 20 percent cheaper than in North America. This price decline in recent years has resulted in many electric vehicles in China becoming more affordable than their conventional counterparts.

China’s large-scale production provides a significant competitive advantage, with the country having manufactured more than 70 percent of all electric vehicle batteries ever produced. Its focus has been on cost-effective lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which now make up half of the global market. Additionally, China boasts a vast number of manufacturers—over 100—which has led to reduced profit margins, highly competitive pricing, a well-developed supply chain ecosystem, and a specialized workforce.

Challenges for Europe and the U.S.

Unlike China, European battery manufacturers face a series of challenges. Production costs are, on average, 50 percent higher than in China, and many manufacturers are postponing or canceling expansion plans due to uncertain profitability. The bankruptcy of Sweden’s Northvolt—the largest European investment in domestic battery production—highlights the difficulties in competing with Asian manufacturers. However, some South Korean companies have begun investing in LFP battery production in Europe in an effort to narrow the price gap.

In the United States, battery production capacity has doubled since 2022, supported by tax incentives. However, domestic production of battery components remains insufficient. The majority of anodes and cathodes are still imported, limiting the self-sufficiency of the American industry.

While China continues to dominate, Japan and South Korea remain key players with significant investments abroad. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia and Morocco are emerging as new production hubs. Chinese investments in Indonesia have already led to the launch of battery and graphite anode production, while Morocco—home to the world’s largest phosphate reserves—is attracting substantial investments in LFP battery component manufacturing.

Despite China’s current dominance, battery production is expanding rapidly worldwide. South Korean and Japanese manufacturers are expected to continue investing in new technologies, while European and American companies will focus on reducing costs and developing their own production capacities.

Energy Portal

Shaping a Sustainable Future Through Environmental Projects

05.03.2025

Pluzine---zelene-povrsine---nakon — Photo: Eco Fund

The ecological crisis is a global challenge requiring collective effort, but local initiatives tailored to the needs of communities and their environments often serve as the starting points for change. While small ideas may lack the power to drive widespread transformation on their own, they can lead to significant improvements with the proper support. Enhancing energy efficiency, protecting the environment, and fostering sustainable development are essential for preserving nature and ensuring a secure future. The Eco Fund provides this support by financing projects addressing these critical issues. Their programs are designed for citizens, businesses, local governments, and organizations dedicated to environmental protection.

Through subsidies, the Eco Fund facilitates the implementation of environmentally friendly technologies, including adopting renewable energy sources, reducing CO2 emissions, and implementing energy efficiency measures in households, businesses, and public institutions. It also supports sustainable transport and the development of green technologies. Ecology permeates all Eco Fund activities and projects.

Projects have been implemented in collaboration with non-governmental organizations to raise awareness about the importance of the circular economy, biodiversity conservation, and responsible resource management. These projects also provide local communities with opportunities to protect natural resources actively.

IN FOCUS:

A Successful Year

In 2024, special attention was focused on activities related to pollution reduction and improving waste management. One of the most significant steps taken was remediating illegal dumpsites in 10 municipalities across Montenegro. At 61 locations, tons of waste were removed from areas exceeding 289,000 m².

The Eco Fund also invested over 1.5 million euros in modern municipal equipment for 21 municipalities, enabling more efficient waste management, improvements to existing collection and processing systems, and enhanced hygiene levels. A unique contribution was made by developing new green areas in six municipalities, covering 60,720 m². These activities included tree planting, installation of urban furniture, and the creation of spaces for recreation and leisure.

A particularly notable project focused on energy efficiency in homes, with a budget of 7.5 million euros, allowing over 4,500 applications for subsidies aimed at insulation, window replacement, and more efficient heating systems. Additionally, with a budget of 2.7 million euros, the sustainable hotels project significantly improved the tourism sector by introducing renewable energy sources and optimized consumption systems in 16 hotels. In Pljevlja, a project was implemented to improve the energy performance of collective buildings. With a budget of 1.1 million euros, work included insulation, facade replacement, and window upgrades, reducing energy losses and improving living conditions for the local population.

A standout example of success is the rural tourism support program, which aims to improve energy efficiency in households providing hospitality services. With a budget of 500,000 euros, this program contributes to reducing energy costs and increasing the sustainability of rural tourism, offering an additional incentive for rural area development. Households were also given the opportunity to replace old appliances with energy-efficient models. Last year, over 800 households replaced outdated appliances with new, energy-efficient refrigerators and ovens; even greater participation is expected in the coming year.

Prepared by Katarina Vuinac

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

World Energy Efficiency Day: How Homes Can Contribute to a Sustainable Future

05.03.2025

sijalica, led, električna energija — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (mamun-srizon)

Every year on March 5th, World Energy Efficiency Day reminds us of the importance of rational energy consumption and sustainable solutions that can reduce both household expenses and the global concern over increasing electricity demand and environmental impact.

One of the most significant steps individuals can take toward a more sustainable future is ensuring energy efficiency at home. In many regions, households are the largest consumers of electricity.

Through smart solutions and simple changes, energy consumption, electricity and gas bills, and environmental impact can be significantly reduced.

1. c – The First Step to Savings

The majority of household energy is spent on heating and cooling. Effective insulation of walls, roofs, and floors is a crucial solution. Additionally, replacing old windows with energy-efficient models can reduce heat loss by up to 30 percent.

Beyond window frames, glass itself plays an essential role. For maximum insulation, triple-glazed low-emission glass filled with argon is recommended, as it significantly reduces heat loss and increases energy savings.

2. Smart Energy Usage

Modern technology enables greater efficiency without compromising comfort. LED bulbs consume up to 80 percent less energy than traditional bulbs, while smart thermostats optimize heating and cooling based on real household needs.

Replacing light bulbs is one of the easiest steps toward energy efficiency, requiring no subsidies. LED bulbs provide the same level of brightness while using five to six times less energy and lasting up to ten times longer than conventional bulbs. Traditional bulbs typically last around 1,000 hours, whereas energy-saving alternatives can exceed 10,000 hours. Furthermore, only 5 percent of the energy used by standard bulbs is converted into light, with the remainder lost as heat, making them significantly less efficient.

3. Renewable Energy Sources – An Investment in the Future

Installing solar panels allows households to generate their own electricity, while solar collectors can be used for water heating, reducing household costs.

For instance, a house with a 50 m² roof—typical for a family home with a sloped roof—can accommodate around 25 solar panels, assuming each panel occupies approximately 2 m². If each panel has a power output of 400 W, the total system capacity would be 10 kW, potentially generating between 10,000 and 15,000 kWh of electricity annually, depending on solar radiation levels. During summer, when daylight hours are longer and energy production is higher, such a system can fully meet household needs—from powering appliances and lighting to air conditioning. Any excess energy can be stored in batteries or returned to the grid through net metering. In winter, when daylight hours are shorter and energy production lower, the solar system can still provide a significant portion of household electricity, while heating can be supplemented with solar water heaters or combined with other energy sources such as heat pumps.

4. Energy-Efficient Appliances Reduce Consumption

High-efficiency appliances can significantly contribute to savings. Modern refrigerators, washing machines, and water heaters not only reduce electricity bills but also have longer lifespans.

A major international shift occurred with the introduction of new energy labels for household appliances. Many devices previously classified within the A range (A+, A++, or A+++) have now been reassigned to lower categories, reflecting stricter classification standards. While high-efficiency appliances often have a higher upfront cost, they prove to be cost-effective in the long run due to the money saved through reduced electricity consumption.

5. Sustainable Water Management

Water conservation is just as important as energy efficiency. Installing water-saving faucets and showerheads, as well as collecting rainwater for garden use, can help households make more sustainable use of natural resources.

Energy portal

Untapped Potential – Croatia Explores Geothermal Well in Zagreb County

04.03.2025

geotermalna — Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Gruendercoach)

In Velika Gorica, a town of over 60,000 residents in Croatia, the drilling of an exploratory geothermal well has commenced, marking a step toward assessing the potential use of geothermal energy for the district heating system. The project, valued at more than €11 million, is funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The well is expected to reach a depth of three kilometers, providing data on the temperature and flow rate of geothermal water, which could pave the way for potential commercial use in heating the city.

The project, Preparation and Exploration of Geothermal Potential in the Context of District Heating, represents a phase in Croatia’s transition toward sustainable energy solutions. The GT-1 well, currently being drilled in Velika Gorica, aims to confirm previous assessments of the high geothermal potential of the Pannonian Basin. According to the Croatian Ministry of Economy, the expected water temperature at the outlet will range between 90 and 140°C, sufficient for heating system applications.

As the importance of every clean energy source has been emphasized in this context, geothermal energy could prove to be a viable long-term investment and serve as a model for similar initiatives. Although Croatia possesses significant geothermal resources, they remain largely underutilized. The Pannonian Basin, where Velika Gorica is located, is known for its geothermal potential.

Previous research has indicated the feasibility of exploitation, but only through projects like this one can the actual viability and application of geothermal energy be confirmed.

Energy portal

India Builds the World’s Longest Oil Pipeline

03.03.2025

taj_mahal_tadž_mahal_india_indija — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

India is set to achieve a new world record in the energy sector with the construction of the world’s longest liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) pipeline. The project is in its final stages, and officials have announced that the entire system will be operational by June.

The undertaking, valued at approximately $1.3 billion, is designed to significantly reduce the costs of transporting LPG by trucks across the country, improve supply efficiency, and lower the number of road accidents.

The planned pipeline, stretching 2,800 kilometers, will connect the coastal city of Kandla with the northern city of Gorakhpur. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in March, while the entire system will be fully operational by mid-year.

Once in operation, the pipeline will be capable of transporting around 8.3 million tons of LPG annually, which accounts for approximately 25 percent of India’s total demand.

As one of the world’s most populous countries and the third-largest consumer of oil globally, India has witnessed an 80 percent increase in LPG consumption over the past decade. Consequently, in a country of this scale, continuous improvements in the energy sector are essential to maintaining efficiency and functionality.

Energy portal

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What Is Encapsulation and Why Is It Important?

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Completion of the Trial Phase

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Prototype Development

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The Plant! Program

The Planting Continues

The Bigger Goal of Size of Wales

China at the Forefront of Global Production

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Challenges for Europe and the U.S.

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A Successful Year

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Wildlife Conservation in Serbia

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