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A Vision that Transforms the Recycling Industry

Photo: Connect Clean Roma Group

Every individual has the potential to contribute to the efficient functioning and progress of society, yet societies are often not designed to enable individuals to realize their full potential. To create a better society, we need people with vision who recognize the value of others and can break the chains that have held us back.

This is precisely the mission of the ecological cooperative Connect Clean Roma Group (CCRG) – to empower informal waste collectors, the invisible heroes of our daily lives who still remain on the margins of society, and to integrate them into the formal recycling industry.

Photo: Connect Clean Roma Group

Kilino Stojkov, General Manager of CCRG, explained that the cooperative helps informal collectors become recognized members of the industry by enabling them to sell their raw materials through the cooperative, obtain legal status, and secure a sustainable source of income.

“First and foremost, we strive to encourage analytical thinking about the importance of their role in the recycling industry, the green agenda, and sustainable development. We try to explain to them that they are a key factor without which the entire industry could not function,” says our interviewee.

However, the legislative framework in Serbia still hinders their full integration, leaving part of the work in the grey economy. The law clearly states that the trade in secondary raw materials must occur exclusively between authorized entities; however, certain financial regulations allow the purchase of secondary raw materials from individuals with a 10.6 percent tax payment. This is why CCRG acts as an intermediary – between collectors, the state, and the private sector – building a bridge that connects different interests towards a common goal.

Stojkov adds that the concept of the circular economy is still not sufficiently rooted in Serbia. It seems that people and institutions have yet to understand that we live in a time of limited resources, and that recycling, along with the rational use of materials, is key to survival. CCRG views recycling not just as an economic activity, but as a fusion of economy, sociology, and ecology – a model that benefits everyone.

The main obstacles are a lack of cooperation between the private and public sectors, slow innovation development, and insufficient education on the topic. However, this is not a reason to give up, but rather a call for an even stronger fight to raise awareness and improve the system.

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Ecological Cable Recycling

The illegal burning of cables is one of the most significant environmental issues in Serbia. CCRG has set a clear mission: to eliminate this practice and increase the recycling rate by stopping the purchase of burnt copper.

“To solve this complex problem, we must appeal to the biggest buyers in Europe, China, and the United States. Although it is clear that collectors are damaging the environment, the root of the problem lies in the high demand for this raw material,” explains Stojkov.

The cooperative’s factory uses state-of-the-art European machines for cable recycling – from shredding and magnetic separation to granulation, where copper is separated from plastic. Aware of the challenges, they have managed to optimize processes and extract an additional two percent of copper from the insulating plastic, thus maximizing resource utilization. Innovation does not stop here – they are in the final phase of developing a system that will enable the complete use of cables, promising to revolutionize the recycling industry.

Prepared by Milena Maglovski

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

New Study Reveals: Increasing Renewable Energy Capacity Reduces Electricity Market Prices

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Andreas Gücklhorn)

A study on electricity demand in Germany through 2030 has shown that the expansion of renewable energy sources could significantly influence electricity prices.

An analysis by the research institute Agora Energiewende highlights that continuing with the planned development of renewables pays off. Increasing wind and solar capacity over the next five years could lower the wholesale electricity price by up to 23 percent.

The study analyzes electricity price trends under two scenarios. The first scenario anticipates rapid growth in demand due to increased use of electric vehicles, heat pumps, and climate-neutral industrial production, leading to a total electricity consumption of around 708 TWh.

In this case, if the planned expansion of renewables continues, the average wholesale electricity price would drop from €101 to €81 per MWh, resulting in annual savings of around €14 billion for consumers. Supporting this level of renewable energy expansion would require annual subsidies between €7.5 and €7.7 billion. For every euro of subsidy, the electricity price would decrease by approximately €1.90 per MWh.

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The second scenario assumes slower demand growth due to a delayed rollout of electric vehicles and heat pumps, with total consumption estimated at around 609 TWh. If, in this case, the development of renewable energy were reduced by about 45 percent compared to the original plans, the average wholesale electricity price would be around €85 per MWh. However, if renewable development continues as planned, the price could fall to approximately €65 per MWh, generating savings of around €12 billion per year for consumers.

Additional subsidy costs in this scenario would range from €7 to €7.8 billion annually, with each euro invested in supporting renewables reducing the electricity price by about €1.60 per MWh.

“Studies that currently assume lower electricity demand by 2030 and, based on that, call for reduced renewable targets—are ignoring reality. Not only has there been strong demand for heat pumps in the first quarter of 2025, but we are also expecting a boom in electric vehicles. Furthermore, the federal government aims to make Germany a global leader in the development of data centers and the application of artificial intelligence, as well as to decarbonize industry with green energy,” said Simone Peter from the German Renewable Energy Federation.

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EEB: Subsidies Are Not a Solution for Weak Regulation in the Green Industry

Foto: Money exchange photo created by freepik - www.freepik.com

The European Commission has adopted the State Aid Framework under the Clean Industry Initiative (CISAF). Although this is an effort by the European Union to direct public support toward Europe’s green and industrial transition, there are shortcomings that have raised public concern, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) has warned.

Several important elements have been highlighted as positive. First, support for renewable hydrogen is prioritized, particularly for technologies that produce hydrogen using wind and solar power, as opposed to those relying on fossil fuels. Second, there is a strong application of the “Do No Significant Harm” (DNSH) principle, which mandates that investments in renewable energy and low-carbon fuels must not harm other aspects of the environment.

Additionally, aid recipients are now required to allocate at least 50 percent of the funds to projects that contribute to the green transition and to reducing energy system costs—for example, by replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources.

Priority is also given to projects that improve material efficiency, thus encouraging more rational resource use and waste reduction.

Moreover, higher environmental standards have been set for producers of clean technologies, who must now apply the best available low-emission production methods.

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Negative Side of the New Rules

Despite positive developments, the new framework has serious shortcomings that could jeopardize the goals of the green transition, the EEB warns.

First and foremost, the true cost of pollution is not recognized—public funds may end up in the hands of industries that negatively impact human health and the environment, without being held accountable.

Second, while subsidies are significant, they cannot compensate for weak regulation—public aid must not replace strong legislation.

Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the funds will serve the public interest. The funds should align with the EU’s environmental protection goals, but too much room is left for different interpretations and potential misuse.

It is particularly concerning that, although some limitations exist, investments in fossil gas are still permitted. Ultimately, the framework only encourages member states to include environmental and social conditions but does not impose binding requirements.

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When Sports and Science Meet – A Story About a Cave Insect and Ivana Španović

Photo-illustration: Freepik (wirestock)

Although sports and science rarely share the same headlines, these days they are connected by something truly special. At the center of attention are Ivana Španović, our most successful track and field athlete and one of the world’s best long jumpers – and, believe it or not, a newly discovered species of cave insect.

The Faculty of Biology at the University of Belgrade announced that the new species was found in a cave at the spring of the Đerekarska River, in the village of Đerekare near Tutin, on the Pešter Plateau close to the border with Montenegro.

Just as athletes push boundaries, break records, and bring victories, scientists expand the frontiers of knowledge with each new discovery. This time, we’re talking about a previously unknown species found deep in a cave, symbolically named after the champion herself – Remyella spanovicae.

 

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Објава коју дели Nikola Vesović (@insects.veson)

It’s not the first time a new species in Serbia has been named in honor of prominent individuals who inspired researchers. A few years ago, a cave insect species discovered on Mount Povlen was named after Novak Djokovic, with the authors drawing inspiration from his traits – speed and perseverance.

Similarly, this newly discovered species was named after Ivana Španović – as a tribute to her athletic career, dedication, and contribution to promoting Serbia on the global stage. What connects them are strength, endurance, and persistence. As highlighted on the website of the Faculty of Biology, the new insect species easily moves along the ceilings and vertical cave walls thanks to its strong limbs – while Ivana, with similar ease, flies over the seven-meter mark. You could say both, in their own ways, defy gravity.

The Latin name spanovicae literally means “(the species) dedicated to Španović,” thereby permanently recording her name in the world of science.

So, who is this unusual namesake of our champion? It is a rare and endemic species of cave beetle from the family Leiodidae, which lives exclusively in complete darkness. It is completely blind, only four to five millimeters long, but adapted to the challenges of the underground world. It has an elongated body, very long legs, and antennae that, in males, are even longer than the body itself. Although almost invisible to the human eye, its discovery and name now represent an important mark in science.

This blend of science and sport reminds us that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places – even from the darkness of a cave.

Katarina Vuinac

Potential and Challenges of Nuclear Propulsion for Commercial Ships

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (dendoktoor)

For centuries, ships have played a key role in connecting different parts of the world through trade, the economy, energy, and tourism. Although they remain indispensable in many aspects of global life, there is one crucial challenge that must be addressed to ensure a sustainable future: as major polluters of seas, oceans, and the atmosphere, ships must transition to cleaner technologies.

The urgency of this transition is underscored by the fact that some organizations are already recognizing these challenges and working to solve them. The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) is conducting studies on alternative fuels and energy solutions for shipping to support the sector in transitioning toward sustainable solutions. Previous reports have covered biofuels, ammonia, hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and other options. The latest report, titled “Potential Use of Nuclear Power for Shipping”, published at the end of 2024, focuses on nuclear energy as a potential solution for decarbonizing the maritime sector.

Until now, nuclear energy has primarily been used for military purposes and powering icebreakers in the Arctic. However, as noted in the report, it is now recognized as a sustainable energy source that can contribute to achieving the European Union’s zero-emission goals.

To enable the broader use of nuclear reactors on commercial ships, efforts must be directed toward developing appropriate technology. Key challenges requiring attention include the availability and cost of fissile material used as fuel in nuclear reactors. Fissile materials, such as uranium and plutonium, can undergo fission reactions and release large amounts of energy, making them essential for powering nuclear reactors. The report explains that reactors should be designed to accommodate different types of these materials to ensure a flexible fuel supply and reduce potential supply chain disruptions.

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From a sustainability perspective, nuclear propulsion produces virtually no harmful gas emissions, as the process of generating energy through nuclear fission does not require burning fossil fuels. Although emissions are generated during the extraction, processing, and transportation of uranium fuel, they are relatively low. They could be even lower in the future if renewable energy sources are integrated into these processes.

While the initial investment in nuclear-powered ships may be higher, long-term costs could be reduced due to longer intervals between refueling and the expected rise in oil prices.

With technological advancements, initial capital costs are likely to decrease. Nevertheless, for nuclear propulsion to be widely adopted in commercial shipping, a comprehensive regulatory reform is needed to ensure the safe and responsible use of nuclear energy in maritime transport.

The report also highlights critical challenges such as radiation leaks, sinking, capsizing, collisions, and fires, as well as the licensing of technology and shipyards. Additionally, external risks have been identified, including hijacking and terrorist attacks. For these reasons, careful risk assessments and continuous improvement of safety measures are of vital importance.

South Korea Leads the Way

To move from theory to practice, we turn to South Korea. In February of this year, the South Korean company HD KSOE unveiled a nuclear-powered ship model in the United States. This impressive cargo vessel can carry 15,000 twenty-foot containers. The ship has already received preliminary approval from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and utilizes advanced Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology.

Thanks to this technology, space previously occupied by heavy engine equipment has been freed up. Additionally, the ship’s design includes an advanced radiation protection system.

Although there are still many challenges ahead for the development of nuclear propulsion in commercial shipping, this technology already demonstrates significant potential, as confirmed by the example from South Korea.

Prepared by Katarina Vuinac

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

New Nuclear Power Plant in Russia’s Far East

Russia is planning to build two new VVER-1000 nuclear reactor units in Primorsky Krai, located in the southeasternmost part of Russia’s Far East, bordering China and North Korea, and facing the Pacific Ocean. The units will be part of the new Primorskaya Nuclear Power Plant, with the goal of commissioning both reactors by 2035.

According to a statement from the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, the timeline anticipates first concrete to be poured in December 2027, with the first unit expected to be operational in 2033 and the second in 2035. As part of the project, two 500 kV transmission lines with a total length of 200 kilometers will also be constructed, according to World Nuclear News (WNN).

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The project is included in Russia’s national energy development program through 2042. The objective is to ensure stable electricity supply for various consumers in the region, while also boosting economic development through the creation of thousands of jobs, increased tax revenues, and the stimulation of private entrepreneurship.

As reported by WNN, the Director General of Rosatom stated at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that Russia plans to add 30 gigawatts of new generation capacity by 2042 through the construction of around 40 new nuclear units, and emphasized that this ambitious plan must be completed within just 17–18 years.

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Ireland Shuts Down Its Last Coal Power Plant – Wind Energy Now Dominant

With the closure of the Moneypoint thermal power plant on June 20, 2025, Ireland has officially ended electricity production from coal, joining the group of 15 European countries that have completely removed coal from their energy mix.

This historic step, according to the Beyond Fossil Fuels organization, was made possible thanks to the impressive growth of renewable energy sources in Ireland. At the turn of the millennium, wind energy accounted for just one percent of electricity production, whereas today it supplies more than one-third of total consumption, enabling the complete elimination of coal.

Ireland has quietly rewritten its energy story, replacing toxic coal with clean, domestic renewable energy. But the work isn’t done yet. The next task is to build a modern power system – flexible, resilient, and ready to store energy from renewable sources, said Alexandru Mustață, coal and gas campaigner at Beyond Fossil Fuels.

Although Moneypoint TPP will retain a limited reserve role until 2029, using heavy fuel oil in emergency situations under the instruction of the Irish transmission system operator, its market exit marks a decisive turn toward Ireland’s fossil-free energy future.

“The government must ensure this reserve role is reduced to an absolute minimum and ultimately phased out entirely. At the same time, it is essential to halt the further expansion of energy-intensive data centers that increasingly tie us to polluting and expensive fossil gas”, warned Jerry MacEvilly, campaign director at Friends of the Earth Ireland.

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MacEvilly added that the Irish government plans to build new gas-fired power plants with a total capacity of 2 GW – but without a clear strategy for reducing dependence on fossil gas.

“Now is the time to make it clear that a zero-carbon power system – backed by battery storage development, enhanced energy efficiency, and strong reliance on renewables – is key to Ireland’s climate and security goals”, he emphasized.

The closure of Moneypoint marks the beginning of a summer of major changes in Europe, as both Spain and Italy are preparing to shut down their last mainland coal power plants in the coming months. With the exception of the Balearic Islands and Sardinia, they too will join the coal-free club.

Europe now counts 15 countries that have eliminated coal from their energy mix, with another 10 committed to phasing it out by 2030.

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Green Packaging in Question – Glass Bottles Full of Microplastics

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Beverages in glass bottles contain more microplastic particles than those in plastic bottles, cartons, or cans, according to a study by the French food safety laboratory Anses.

The aim of their study was to determine the level of microplastic contamination in beverages such as water, soft drinks, iced tea, wine, and beer, as well as to examine the influence of packaging.

For most of the beverages analyzed, the level of microplastics was found to be higher in glass bottles than in other types of packaging. In the case of water, the microplastic level was relatively low regardless of packaging — on average 4.5 particles per liter in glass bottles and 1.6 in plastic bottles and cartons. Wine also contained little microplastic.

According to the report, around 100 microplastic particles per liter were found on average in glass bottles of cola, lemonade, iced tea, and beer, while the number in plastic bottles and cans was 5 to 50 times lower.

“We expected the opposite result when comparing microplastic levels in different beverages sold in France,” said Iseline Chaib, a PhD student from the Food Safety Unit.

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Scientists suspect that these plastic particles originate from the paint used on metal bottle caps. The microplastic found in the beverages had the same color and composition as the paint on the caps. Another clue was the presence of microscopic scratches on the paint, likely caused by friction between caps during storage before use.

To confirm the contamination route and explore possibilities to reduce microplastic levels, researchers conducted three experiments.

“We filled bottles with filtered water to eliminate any external microplastic contamination, and then sealed them with untreated caps, caps cleaned only by air-blowing, and caps both blown with air and rinsed with filtered water and alcohol,”explained Chaib.

The result showed that bottles sealed with untreated caps contained an average of 287 particles per liter. When the caps were cleaned with air before use, the number dropped to 106, and with additional rinsing, it fell further to 87 particles per liter.

The research team stated that it is not yet possible to determine whether the detected levels of microplastics pose a health risk.

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Reliable 24/365 Solar Power Supply Becoming More Accessible

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Jadon Kelly)

Following a significant drop in the cost of solar systems, the main barrier to their widespread adoption had long been their limitation to daylight-only energy production. However, with continued technological advancement, solar systems are becoming an increasingly stable source of energy supply.

This is particularly due to battery energy storage systems, which are also becoming more affordable. With improved efficiency, it is now possible to ensure continuous electricity supply throughout the entire day and night, 365 days a year. In the sunniest parts of the world, this model — known as 24/365 solar production — is becoming both financially viable and technically achievable.

According to the latest analysis published by the organization Ember, in cities like Las Vegas, only 5 kW of fixed solar panels combined with 17 kWh battery storage is enough to provide a stable supply of 1 kW of clean energy continuously, 24 hours a day.

This enables near-complete energy independence, which is especially important for industries that require uninterrupted power, such as data centers, factories, and hospitals, as well as for remote areas that lack a reliable power grid.

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When weather conditions are favorable — which is often the case in Las Vegas — it is possible to achieve up to 97 percent continuous energy supply throughout the year, while in Muscat (Oman) that percentage rises to an impressive 99 percent. Even in cities with a cloudier climate, such as Birmingham in the UK, annual coverage can still be substantial — up to 62 percent.

As Ember reports, this model has become significantly cheaper compared to the previous year. According to precise data, the cost of electricity generation in such systems is about 104 dollars per megawatt-hour (MWh) — a 22 percent decrease from the year before. At the same time, this model is cheaper than coal-based generation (approximately 118 dollars/MWh) and nuclear energy (around 182 dollars/MWh).

Finally, this approach can reduce the need for expanding the power grid and allow up to five times greater capacity to be installed through existing connections — which is especially important considering that the development of grid infrastructure currently represents a major challenge.

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Technological Breakthrough In the Fight Against Wildfires

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Until recently, wildfires were considered seasonal, mostly local phenomena, but over time, they have become a global crisis rapidly spreading under the influence of various changes. In recent decades, especially over the past 15 years, a record number of wildfires with devastating consequences have been recorded, severely impacting forest ecosystems, human lives, and biodiversity.

Human activity is often the cause of wildfires—from unattended campfires or discarded cigarette butts to the intentional burning of vegetation for urban development and agricultural expansion. Natural causes, such as lightning strikes, make up a much smaller share, but can be extremely dangerous when combined with drought, high temperatures, and strong winds, which accelerate the spread of fire. Additionally, due to urbanization and construction, people are increasingly settling and building on the edges of forests, increasing the risk of fires.

The most affected region in terms of wildfires is undoubtedly the western United States, which faces this problem between June and October, with the peak usually in August and September. However, even the beginning of 2025 brought terrifying scenes from Los Angeles. Canada is also among the countries most affected by the scale of wildfires, having lost several million hectares of forest to flames in 2023. The year 2024 fared no better, with hundreds of active fires at the same time. The situation is similar in the Southern Hemisphere, where Australia is most frequently impacted between December and March.

Artificial Intelligence as a Solution

In the search for new solutions, innovative projects are emerging, such as the SensoRy AI platform. This technology was developed by a young man from California, starting as a science fair project. Over time, it evolved into a system based on a combination of sensors for flame, smoke, and heat, along with infrared cameras and machine learning algorithms, which are now entering the testing phase in the field. Its goal is the early detection of natural hazards and fire alerts in high-risk areas. As soon as the sensor detects a potential fire source, it alerts local firefighting services, helping to prevent major wildfires.

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In addition, this could be a true ecological technology, as it doesn’t stop at fire detection but could also be used for identifying other types of pollution, including methane leaks or water contamination. Thanks to real-time data processing algorithms, the system could detect a problem even before visible signs appear.

Wildfires are no longer just a local issue; any delay in addressing the problem leads to even more severe consequences. Projects like this one, which are attuned to science and technological advancement, can prevent catastrophic outcomes and help preserve forests, which are vital for life on Earth.

Record Forest Loss by 2023

Statistics published by Global Forest Watch provide a deeper understanding of the scale of the problem. In 2020, the world had 3.68 billion hectares of natural forests, accounting for about 28 percent of total land area. By 2023, a loss of 23.9 million hectares of natural forest was recorded for various reasons.

When analyzing wildfires specifically, the statistics reveal that between 2001 and 2023, 138 million hectares of forest were lost—an area roughly 15 times the size of Serbia. In 2023, the largest recorded forest loss occurred when fire consumed 11.9 million hectares, representing 42 percent of all tree loss that year.

Problems are also reported in Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Italy, Spain, and Turkey, where fires are increasingly difficult to control due to heat waves and strong winds. According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), between 300,000 and 600,000 hectares burn annually in the European Union, and in 2023, half a million hectares were lost to fires.

Serbia’s Situation Is Less Drastic Than in Other Parts of the World

From 2001 to 2023, Serbia lost an average of 154 hectares of forest annually due to fires, placing it at 94th on the Global Forest Watch ranking. While fires were responsible for just under 5 percent of tree loss in Serbia, experiences from other countries teach us that caution and preventive action are necessary to minimize the risk of fire outbreaks.

Every hectare of forest lost reduces nature’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide, regulate temperature, and provide habitats for numerous species. That is why it is essential to recognize the seriousness of this issue and contribute to its resolution—through responsible forest management, fire prevention, and raising awareness of the importance of protecting natural resources. We can only reduce risks and preserve forests for future generations through joint efforts.

Prepared by Milica Vučković

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

How to Get More Electric Vehicles on Serbian Roads

Photo-illustration: Unsplash/Michael Fousert
Photo: courtesy of Boris Ćorović

In 2024, Serbia achieved its best result in new car sales over the past five years, surpassing even the pre-pandemic period. Nevertheless, according to data from the Serbian Association of Vehicle and Parts Importers, the market is still dominated by used cars, which account for as much as 83 percent of total sales.

Regarding fuel type, petrol engines had the largest share among new cars sold in 2024, accounting for 46 percent, while hybrids, in all their variants, made up 32 percent of the market. Diesel vehicles comprised 19 percent, with the remaining three percent divided among alternative fuels – two percent for LPG and similar drives, and just one percent for electric vehicles.

“The share of fully electric vehicles stands at around one percent, meaning precisely 283 new passenger cars and 142 new light commercial vehicles were sold. Regarding hybrids, electrified vehicles also include plug-in hybrids, with over 2,000 units sold. Observing trends from 2019 to the present, sales have been consistently growing, but we are still significantly behind compared to the EU market, where fully electric vehicles account for 13.6 percent of total sales,” said Boris Ćorović, Secretary General of the Serbian Association of Vehicle and Parts Importers.

In contrast, around 135,000 used passenger vehicles were imported into Serbia in 2024, with as many as 58,000 having Euro 3 and Euro 4 engines (produced between 2001 and 2010). This means that new vehicles comprised only 17 percent of total sales, while used vehicles accounted for the remaining 83 percent.

As for used fully electric vehicles, 964 were imported into Serbia in 2024, significantly exceeding the number of new electric cars sold. These figures clearly show that Serbian citizens still predominantly rely on used vehicles, often with older emissions standards. From an environmental perspective, it is concerning that imports are still led by older vehicles, which are among the biggest polluters, while the number of new cars remains considerably lower.

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Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure Challenges

One of the main reasons for the low share of electric vehicles, according to Ćorović, is the insufficient number of charging stations. Serbia currently has around 200 public chargers, which amounts to just three chargers per 100,000 inhabitants, while Bulgaria has 24 and Croatia 32 chargers per the same number of residents.

“The so-called ecosystem for electric vehicles is underdeveloped. A key segment of this ecosystem is the network of public chargers. Still, it also includes legal regulations, non-financial incentives, the resolution of battery recycling issues, and technical details such as introducing special registration plates and recording data in vehicle documents,” Ćorović explains.

He adds that the arrival of new brands from Asia onto the Serbian market, the start of production of Fiat’s electric model in Kragujevac, and the gradual decline in electric vehicle prices will all contribute to greater accessibility in the coming years.

Prepared by Jasna Dragojević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

Greece Intends to Develop Nuclear Energy

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (CapeCom)

At the conference titled “Energy Transition Summit: Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Europe,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that Greece “needs to be ready to join the nuclear alliance” and reminded the audience that his government made the decision in 2019 to rapidly phase out coal.

In an extensive interview published on the official government website, he discussed the country’s energy future.

“Only five percent of our electricity production now comes from coal, and it is mainly used as a reserve. We have recorded a significant increase in the share of renewables – now it’s over 50 percent, and those are our capacities,” he emphasized at the conference.

Mitsotakis mentioned that the country leans toward solar sources and highlighted the great potential of offshore wind energy.

He also stated that Greece is transforming into an energy hub and could become a supplier of energy security for countries as far as Ukraine.

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Regarding joining the nuclear alliance, Mitsotakis acknowledged that the statement may shock many since Greece lacks experience, but emphasized that the world cannot achieve carbon neutrality without nuclear energy.

“I have repeatedly pointed out at the European Council that Europe needs to take strategic positions in clean technology areas where it still has significant comparative advantages. I believe that nuclear energy must be one of those areas,” he said.

As for other energy sources, hydrogen is an option for Greece, but the country is more focused on energy storage, especially pumped storage systems, due to its geographical advantages.

“We have a major pumped storage project in Amfilochia, western Greece, which is financed by the Recovery and Resilience Fund and is progressing well. We have dams and hope there will be more rain to fill them to the maximum. This is an area I would place more focus on,” he stated.

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European Parliament Calls for a Strategy on Energy Flexibility

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Thomas)

To urge the European Commission to develop a comprehensive strategy for energy flexibility, the European Parliament has adopted two strategic documents – a resolution on the Net-Zero Industry Act and its own report on electricity networks. With the adoption of these documents, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are calling for stronger alignment between climate objectives and the competitiveness of European industry.

Particular emphasis has been placed on the Industrial Decarbonisation Bank (IDB), which the European Parliament sees as a key mechanism for boosting investment in clean technologies. The need to strengthen cross-border energy infrastructure and markets is also highlighted, as well as the importance of accelerating administrative procedures and supporting smaller projects. MEPs are also calling for a more efficient EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to protect the EU market from unfair competition from third countries.

According to Artur Daemers, Senior Policy Advisor at SolarPower Europe, the European Parliament has sent a clear message to the Commission – You must do more on flexibility.

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As noted by this organization, the Net-Zero Industry Act covers key areas – accelerating the development of renewables, electrifying industry, and building new grids – but additional effort is needed for energy storage and flexibility to reach the required level.

SolarPower Europe emphasizes the urgent need for the expansion of battery systems. At the European level, battery storage capacities need to increase tenfold in the next five years. This would reduce energy market volatility, enable industrial decarbonization through renewable sources, and enhance energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports and strengthening domestic clean energy resources.

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A $7,000 Electric Vehicle Takes Over Japan – Adult Toy or Serious Car?

Photo: KG Motors

I love when stories lead me to Japan – a country where tradition and high technology meet in the most unexpected ways. This time, my attention was caught by a particularly charming little car that has quickly won the hearts of the Japanese.

Meet Mibot – a four-wheeler just 2.5 meters long, perfectly suited for navigating the narrow streets of Japanese cities. With a price tag of only one million yen (around $7,000), it’s not only practical but also extremely appealing to a wide range of buyers.

How attractive is it? Well, Japanese startup KG Motors received over 2,000 orders by the end of May 2025. The first deliveries are expected in early 2026, with an ambitious goal of producing 10,000 units annually.

 

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The company states that beyond technological innovation, they are driven by a desire to inspire change in lifestyle and mindset.

“Enjoyment in driving, we believe, leads to truly sustainable mobility. It’s through that approach that we aim to build a future where anyone can say: ‘Tomorrow is better than today.’ The freedom of movement is deeply connected to human life and aspirations. When that freedom is restricted, it’s not just our daily lives that suffer – but also our hopes and expectations for the future,” KG Motors said in a statement.

A (Not So) Bright Future?

Having had the opportunity to work with the Japanese, I know firsthand how widespread solo living has become – and for many, it’s a serious challenge. In that context, I wonder: is Mibot actually designed for this group – people living alone, by choice or necessity? If so, it’s targeting the majority.

Of course, small and compact vehicles have long made sense in Japan. But a single-seater vehicle? That’s something entirely different. While it has its advantages, one must ask: how practical is it if you’re always destined to travel alone?

Does this concept imply that Mibot owners will also need a second, “real” car – for weekends, trips, family gatherings? If so, Mibot becomes merely a city toy, an add-on, rather than a primary mode of transport.

A range of 100 kilometers doesn’t sound particularly impressive in the context of Tokyo – a city that spans over 2,000 square kilometers. Nor does a top speed of 60 km/h inspire confidence. Let’s be honest – the world is speeding up, and in metropolises like Tokyo, everything moves at a pace we can barely keep up with. Will someone really spend $7,000 to move this slowly?

Still, it’s not all negative. Mibot can be charged from a regular household outlet in about five hours – which is quite practical. And despite its size, it offers decent luggage space – enough to fit two 18-liter canisters.

But the key question remains: is Mibot really worth $7,000? Especially when considering that Japan’s best-selling electric vehicle – the Nissan Sakura – costs about $14,000 and comfortably seats four.

And finally – would I buy it? I can’t say for sure. Mibot is adorable, but is it also a rational choice? That’s something I’m still thinking about.

Milena Maglovski

Low Development of E-Mobility in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Association of Authorized Representatives and Car Dealers at the Chamber of Commerce of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

While European countries have long since embarked on the development of e-mobility, Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to lag behind the Western region in this process. Nevertheless, despite slower progress, certain advancements are visible. Are these steps sufficient, and in which direction is Bosnia and Herzegovina heading in terms of e-mobility? Anela Karahasan, Secretary of the Association of Authorized Representatives and Car Dealers at the Chamber of Commerce of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, shared her insights.

She emphasizes that Bosnia and Herzegovina is significantly behind Europe regarding the number of registered electric vehicles, infrastructure development, available incentives, and legal regulations.

“In BiH, subsidies still exist only at the Federation level, with no concrete strategy or incentive measures for development across most administrative levels. Despite this complex system, some progress has been made in a short time, but not enough. This situation allows us to observe examples of good practices and ways to overcome challenges from EU countries and the region, and to respond quickly by introducing tax relief, incentives, infrastructure development, and improvement of urban transport,” Karahasan stated.

The Association for E-Mobility and the Association of Authorized Representatives and Car Dealers at the FBiH Chamber of Commerce introduced subsidies to motivate individuals and legal entities to purchase environmentally friendly vehicles. They followed good EU practices, so incentives were available for electric cars, plug-in hybrids, and hybrid vehicles in the first two years. However, hybrid vehicles were excluded from the incentive program last year, leaving only electric vehicles (an incentive amount of 10,000 BAM) and plug-in hybrids with CO2 emissions below 50 g/km (7,000 BAM).

IN FOCUS: 

“There is a clear increase in interest, especially among legal entities, due to the savings they achieve, particularly in electricity consumption compared to fuel costs for internal combustion engine vehicles. Subsidies are necessary and very important, especially in the initial stages of e-mobility development, but they are not sufficient. In addition to subsidies, a range of other incentives is needed, particularly in terms of infrastructure, because the growth in the number of vehicles increases the need for more chargers, high-speed DC chargers, their availability, and the supporting infrastructure,” Karahasan stressed.

Among other incentives, she highlights the suspension of customs duties on importing electric vehicles and the reduction to five percent for hybrid vehicles. These incentives have been active for several years at the BiH level, while subsidies, unfortunately, have only existed in the Federation.

When it comes to the infrastructure needed to support the number of electric vehicles, the main obstacles are the complex administration in most cantons in FBiH and the connection cost, which often serve as a discouraging factor.

“We can say that there is a significant number of private, semi-public, and public AC charging stations in BiH. What is lacking is a network of DC chargers along highways and busy main roads. For example, so far on the partially completed international Corridor Vc highway, there is only one DC charger,” she explained.

While almost half of all new urban buses in the EU in 2024 were zero-emission, BiH is only taking its first steps in this direction.

The Association for Electromobility, along with its member organizations and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH, initiated the suspension of customs duties on importing electric buses. They emphasize the need for parallel infrastructure development, which requires financial incentives.

The Association includes over 50 entities from both public and private sectors, spanning the automotive industry, energy, electrical engineering, transportation, environmental protection, oil and fuel distribution, as well as other industries. According to Karahasan, this sectoral diversity and expertise make the Association strong and unique compared to similar organizations. The Association’s key topics include customs suspension, subsidies, infrastructure, and promotion, each with numerous subtopics.

“In addition to bringing together a large number of members from different branches of the economy, the greatest success of the E-Mobility Association is undoubtedly the initiation of legal and incentive frameworks for e-mobility in BiH. Notably, we highlight the adoption of customs suspension on electric vehicle imports at the national level, the introduction of subsidies for the purchase of EVs in the Federation, achievements in individual cantons in easing charger installation procedures—based on the Association’s proposals,” Karahasan concluded.

Prepared by Jasna Dragojević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

Serbia Adopts New Air Protection Law – Stricter Penalties for Polluters

Photo: Erste Bank

The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia has adopted the Law on Air Protection, a key legislative framework introducing significant changes aimed at more effective air quality management, according to a statement from the Ministry of Mining and Energy.

Sara Pavkov, Minister of Environmental Protection, noted that this legislation had not been amended since 2009, and that the new solutions are aligned with European Union regulations.

With the adoption of this law, Serbia has made a major step forward after recognizing the need to harmonize with EU legislation.

“Some of the changes include professionalizing the process of special-purpose measurements, establishing a clear distinction between data and information, and enhancing transparency through more comprehensive consultations and greater public involvement in the drafting of short-term air quality action plans,” Pavkov stated.

The new law broadens the scope of penalties, sets clear deadlines for authorities to inform the public about pollutant measurement results, and defines the responsibilities of inspectors in more detail, which will enable more effective implementation of the law.

More:

The Minister emphasized that the law creates a normative basis for the practical implementation of air protection measures.

“A positive outcome is that the new provisions enable the responsible implementation of Serbia’s international commitments in the field of air and ozone layer protection. It is also important that this regulation was adopted through a months-long transparent public debate process, including the current session of the Serbian Parliament. During the drafting phase, the academic, expert, and civil sectors were all involved,” Pavkov said.

She highlighted that over 500 proposals for improving the draft law were received and that all relevant suggestions were accepted.

However, several civil society organizations in Serbia have expressed concerns about the new Air Protection Law, stating that it fails to address core issues in the field of air quality protection and that the drafting process should have been more transparent.

The key unresolved problems, according to these organizations, include lack of mandatory and continuous air quality monitoring, inadequate provisions for emergency environmental incidents, absence of a national plan to reduce emissions from thermal power plants and ineffective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

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