UN: Climate Change Leads to Glacier Retreat in the Caucasus

07.11.2024

planine - mountains - nature — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Daniel Leone)

Climate change has left serious consequences in six Caucasus countries, causing glacier retreat and reduction in river flows, according to a new report from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) published ahead of the COP29 conference.

The report, titled Caucasus Environment Outlook (CEO-2), focuses on the Caucasus region, covering Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, as well as parts of Iran, Russia, and Turkey.

This document reveals that glaciers have, on average, receded by 600 meters over the past century, and since 2000, more than 11 billion tons of freshwater, previously stored in ice, have been lost. Water is becoming an increasingly unevenly distributed resource in the Caucasus countries; for example, groundwater withdrawal in Armenia has doubled since 2000, while in Azerbaijan it has increased by as much as 400 percent.

The report also predicts that by the end of the century, river flows in this region could decrease by about 20 percent. Furthermore, between 2000 and 2020, the annual flow of the Kura River, which flows through Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, decreased by 20 percent. With diminished snow and glacier coverage in mountainous areas, the report foresees further declines in freshwater supply and calls for cross-border data exchange and innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts.

Additionally, according to estimates from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), average temperatures in the region could rise by about 3.6°C by the end of the century compared to the baseline from 1970-2000. The Caucasus region is facing intensified heat waves, with a significant increase in the number of extremely hot days in Azerbaijan. In Baku, between 1991 and 2020, 365 days with temperatures above 35°C were recorded, compared to 86 days during the period from 1960 to 1990.

The temperature increase will most severely affect mountainous areas, where glacier melt already poses a serious risk of flooding. The impacts of climate change were felt in August 2023 when a devastating mudflow, triggered by heavy rains and melting ice, claimed at least 24 lives in Georgia.

In addition, soil erosion, exacerbated by heavy rainfall and unsustainable practices, is reducing arable land, especially in Turkey, where 71 percent of agricultural land and 59 percent of pastures are affected.

Despite the challenges, the UNEP report highlights the potential for progress through renewable energy sources and the expansion of protected areas. Azerbaijan now protects over nine percent of its territory, while the protected area in Georgia has increased to nearly 11 percent.

The report’s authors add that climate change adaptation measures should be integrated into policies and legislation, requiring strong political support. Urban planning should also take environmental factors into greater consideration, and cross-border watershed management plans should be developed.

Energetski portal

Stricter EU Regulations for Wastewater Treatment

06.11.2024

čišćenje_otpadne_vode — Foto-ilustracija: PIxabay

The European Council has officially approved the revised European Union directive on wastewater treatment, introducing new regulations as part of the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan.

The updates include extending the rules to smaller settlements, meaning that member states will now need to collect and treat wastewater from all settlements with a population equivalent of over 1,000. Previously, the threshold was 2,000. Population equivalent (PE) is a measure used to assess pollution levels in urban waters. By 2035, all such settlements will need to have wastewater collection systems connected to all sources of domestic wastewater.

Additionally, removing biodegradable organic matter before discharge into the environment will be mandatory. By 2039, facilities treating wastewater for populations equivalent to over 150,000 will be required to remove nitrogen and phosphorus. Finally, by 2045, these facilities will have to apply additional treatment to remove micropollutants.

The revised directive will cover a broader range of pollutants, with pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturers being the primary sources of micropollutants in urban wastewater. Consequently, these producers will be required to cover at least 80 percent of the additional treatment costs through a special financial scheme based on extended producer responsibility, aligned with the “polluter pays” principle.

The third update requires wastewater treatment plants to use more energy from renewable sources to achieve energy neutrality. By 2045, plants with a capacity of 10,000 PE or more must operate using energy from renewable sources.

Once in effect, member states will have 31 months to align their national legislation with the new rules.

Energy portal

Youth Innovations – Eco-Friendly Solar Heating Stove

06.11.2024

Photo: Courtesy of Daris Filović and Hadžera Đug

Young people worldwide are increasingly recognizing the importance of environmental conservation. Their passion and innovative approaches often result in creative solutions for reducing waste, preserving natural resources, and combating climate change. Through innovative projects and various ideas, they demonstrate their commitment and contribute to preserving our environment while inspiring others with their actions. Although it may sometimes seem that their efforts go unnoticed or misunderstood, the opposite often occurs—they become pioneers and drivers of significant change. A testament to how well-conceived projects can gain recognition and attract attention is the invention by Daris Filović and Hadžera Đug from Bihać, fourth-year students in the mathematics and informatics department at the Richmond Park School.

These two talented young researchers have developed a project that ensures completely free central heating for households with no negative impact on the environment. The development of their patent began in 2023, and after numerous challenges and obstacles, they completed and successfully tested their invention in just under three months.

“The idea came to us from applying transformers, which overheat due to eddy currents. We thought about how to harness this physical force to generate thermal energy. Our patent works on the principle of electromagnetic induction and eddy currents that release thermal energy. If the alternating motor is powered by solar energy, we get completely free heating that is eco-friendly, as it does not produce any pollution in the form of smoke or harmful gases,” explain Daris and Hadžera.

IN FOCUS:

Medals at Prestigious International Competitions

They are proud that their invention has generated great interest and enthusiasm. Over the summer, these two young innovators participated in the prestigious Chinese Adolescents Science and Technology Innovation Contest (CASTIC) in Tianjin, China, where they won the gold medal. CASTIC, which has been held for 38 years, is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious competitions, bringing together representatives from 20 countries with over 500 projects.

In addition, Daris and Hadžera are two-time champions of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian Science Olympiad (BOSEPO), where they won gold medals within a single year, marking a first in the history of this prestigious competition for high school students. They proudly carry the award in the field of engineering, and in December 2023, they were also recognized for their short feature film.

They also had the opportunity to present their project at the Genius Olympiad in New York, the largest global competition for high school scientific innovations. In an exceptionally tough competition, they managed to secure third place, impressing the judges of this prestigious event. This success earned them partial scholarships to RIT University, one of the most prestigious in the world.

Prepared by Jasna Dragojević

The story was published in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGY TRANSITION

New Solar Capacity in France Exceeds 3 GW in the First Nine Months

05.11.2024

is-chessyca-Wm_imRDzIis-unsplash — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Is@chessyca)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Chris Coudron)

France has taken another step forward in the development of its solar capacity in 2024. By installing approximately 3.32 gigawatts (GW) of new solar systems in the first nine months, the country has further advanced its renewable energy capabilities. According to data from the French power grid operator Enedis, around 1,351 megawatts (MW) of new solar installations were added in the third quarter alone this year. The growth was most pronounced in the sector of commercial rooftop solar installations, where small businesses increased their installations from 318 MW at the end of the first quarter to 547 MW by the end of the third quarter.

Reports indicate that over one million renewable energy installations have been connected to the power grid, with the majority being solar systems. The primary reason for this growth is the interest in self-consumption, particularly among individuals. Interest in self-consumption has more than tripled over the past two years, exceeding 610,000 prosumers.

France generates about 70 percent of its electricity from nuclear power. In addition to its nuclear capacity and the expansion of solar capacity, especially among individuals, France also generates an average of slightly more than 10 percent of its energy from hydropower and around 10 percent from wind power, depending on the season.

Alongside this, Enedis data from September shows developments in the electric mobility sector, indicating that more than 800,000 chargers are currently installed in company parking lots across France, accounting for more than a third of the country’s chargers, which is double the number compared to 2022. These figures on the solar sector and charger infrastructure highlight the development of green technologies within the business sector.

Overall, this indicates France’s steady progress in sustainable development. Last year, Enedis set a record by connecting 4.2 GW of new renewable energy capacities, compared to 3.7 GW in 2022. With one quarter left in the current year, it’s clear that these figures are likely to be surpassed once again.

Energy portal

IEA: Clean Energy Adoption is Growing, but with Significant Regional Disparities

04.11.2024

green zeleno eko eco — Photo-illustration: Freepik (jcomp)

The latest report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) reveals that the global adoption of clean energy technologies continues to increase, although this progress is uneven across different regions of the world.

The report for the first half of 2024, which analyzes key clean energy technologies and their impacts on energy markets, highlights that solar power is leading the growth, with a capacity increase of 36 percent compared to the same period last year. Electric vehicles are also on the rise, with global sales reaching seven million units, representing a 25 percent increase.

China is leading the global transition to clean energy, with nearly 45 percent of new car sales being electric vehicles, and this figure exceeded 50 percent in recent months. In developing countries, electric vehicle sales have doubled compared to last year.

Additional solar photovoltaic capacity in India grew by 90 percent in the first six months of this year, and by more than 30 percent in China over the same period.

However, progress in some European countries has slowed. Heat pump sales in Europe have dropped by 50 percent, and electric vehicle sales have increased by only three percent. Germany is experiencing particularly slow growth, partly offset by increases in the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

The IEA also reports a decline in clean energy equipment prices, which supports further growth of renewable sources. In the first half of 2024, solar equipment prices dropped by 20 percent, while battery storage prices fell by 10 percent. This trend has enabled households and commercial users to save on their electricity bills.

Real-time monitoring of CO₂ emissions shows that total emissions from the energy sector in the analyzed countries are more than one percent lower than last year. In the EU, coal and gas power generation has fallen to record-low levels, with wind and solar power accounting for 30 percent of total production.

The report emphasizes that, despite declining prices, supportive policies remain essential for achieving energy transition goals, especially through investments in infrastructure such as electric grids and electric vehicle charging networks.

Energetski portal

Where will COP29 be held, and what dilemmas does it bring?

03.11.2024

dario-daniel-silva-ka5GnsV9CTk-unsplash — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (dario-daniel-silva)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (spaceview)

The United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2024 will be held in Azerbaijan. From November 11 to 22, global climate discussions will take place at the stadium in Baku, focusing on climate action plans.

The previous COP28 ran from November 30 to December 13, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. That event drew criticism due to the choice of location, as the dialogue was hosted in a country high on the list of major oil producers. This year, similar criticisms have emerged. For some groups and organizations, the venue and agenda raise a mismatch in climate priorities.

While Azerbaijan has a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2050 and aims for green energy to comprise 30 percent of its energy mix by 2030, the country’s significant natural resources, particularly in oil and natural gas, cannot be overlooked.

Oil production occurs both onshore and offshore in the Caspian Sea. The largest oil field lies about 100 km east of Baku, encompassing several reservoirs situated at depths between 2000 and 3500 meters below the Caspian seabed.

In addition to oil, Azerbaijan holds substantial natural gas reserves, with extraction expected to continue over the coming decades with some increases anticipated.

Such significant fossil fuel reserves pose a challenge for Azerbaijan: how to balance economic growth based on exploiting these resources with global efforts to protect the climate and transition to renewable energy.

However, the United Arab Emirates, last year’s host, plans to expand fossil fuel production significantly, and the same is true for Brazil, the COP30 host. Economic goals risk undermining trust in climate negotiations.

The discrepancy between certain host countries’ energy policies and climate goals has raised questions about the effectiveness of global climate talks.

The international community, especially nations most affected by climate change, expects hosts to lead by example in achieving ambitious climate goals, but questions remain about whether this is fully achievable in these countries.

Energy portal

Serbia’s Green Challenges

03.11.2024

Image-by-Stevan-Aksentijevic-from-Pixabay — Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Stevan-Aksentijevic)

Foto-illustration: Pixabay (Jerzy-Górecki)

Energy transition in Serbia is a complex process that unfolds amidst economic, political, and technological challenges. The National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan sets goals such as achieving a 33.6 percent share of renewable energy in gross final consumption by 2030. On the other hand, the Energy Development Strategy envisions that by 2050, the domestic energy sector will be as carbon-neutral as possible.

However, Ognjan Pantić from the Belgrade Open School highlights that these goals lack ambition and are not aligned with the obligations of the Paris Climate Agreement, the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, and the Energy Community. A lack of political will, slow implementation of laws, and heavy reliance on coal, which accounts for 70 percent of Serbia’s total electricity production, further complicate achieving these goals.

“It is necessary to accelerate the transition to renewable energy through investments in green infrastructure and the modernization of the energy grid. Increasing energy efficiency is also crucial, requiring better support programs for households and industry. Adjusting the legal framework in line with European standards is essential to facilitate a faster transition to clean energy. Progress is visible but insufficient. Serbia uses some renewable energy sources, such as hydropower and wind farm construction. Still, this process needs to be sped up, particularly by expanding the use of solar energy, especially by supporting the establishment of energy cooperatives that involve entire communities in energy production and democratize the coal transition process,” Mr Pantić emphasizes.

IN FOCUS:

Pollution and Air

Quality Air pollution is a serious problem in Serbia, which is still considered an ecological blind spot in Europe. Coal-fired power plants significantly contribute to the emission of harmful gases, negatively affecting citizens’ health and the quality of the environment.

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Erich-Westendarp)

“Serbia must align its regulations with EU standards, which include stricter emission regulations, more efficient pollution monitoring, and penalties for violations. It is essential to inform citizens about the benefits of the energy transition. Public discussions, such as the current one on the Energy Development Strategy until 2030, should be more comprehensive. The trend of organizing public consultations during holiday seasons is not in line with the principles of the Aarhus Convention, which is based on transparency and public participation in environmental decision-making,” says Mr Pantić. He adds that investments are needed in developing green technologies and creating new jobs in the renewable energy sector. This would simultaneously contribute to economic development and pollution reduction.

According to the latest data, air quality in Serbia has not significantly improved. Over 20 cities and agglomerations, home to more than four million people, are facing excessive pollution. The largest emitters of pollutants are heating plants and individual heating systems, while the industrial sector and coal-fired power plants also contribute to PM2.5 and PM10 particle emissions.

“The first step toward clean air for all was taken, though belatedly, at the end of 2022, when the National Air Protection Program with an Action Plan was officially adopted.

The vision outlined in this document is that by 2030, Serbian citizens will breathe clean air, which requires significant financial resources and ambitious measures. A key measure is the replacement of existing heating systems in households with new devices that comply with eco-design standards and heat pumps. Financial incentives need to be provided for this, and the priority cities are Kragujevac, Belgrade, Niš, Valjevo, and Užice,” our interlocutor explains.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (ivan-aleksic)

It seems that citizens are becoming increasingly aware of air pollution issues, and their pressure, combined with the contributions of the media, civil society organizations, activists, and the expert community, has led to some progress in air protection policies over the past few years. The focus is slowly shifting from air quality measurement to measures for cleaner air.

In all these changes, the views and opinions of young people can be of great importance. Research conducted by the National Youth Council of Serbia and UNICEF through the U-Report survey and the WWF Adria study, The Untapped Potential of Youth in Decision-Making, indicates that young people in Serbia are concerned and interested in environmental issues. Environmental protection has been recognized as one of the top three most important areas in today’s society. Although young people are aware of the problems and the poor state of the environment, they are often insufficiently informed about international agreements and just energy transition. There is frequent criticism of the education system, with young people frequently voicing dissatisfaction with the lack of focus on environmental issues in the school curriculum. Educating youth about the just energy transition should take place through communication channels familiar to them, such as social media (Instagram, TikTok, etc.), using language tailored to this target group.

Prepared by Milica Radičević

The story was published in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGY TRANSITION

Solar Energy and Sustainable Business

02.11.2024

The importance and inevitability of the energy transition, especially in periods of energy crisis, have become clear to many in various social and economic circles – from businessmen to religious communities. This trend is also confirmed by MT-KOMEX, which has proven its commitment to renewable energy sources through numerous projects. After constructing a 50 kW solar power plant at the Žiča monastery, MT-KOMEX confirmed the previous thesis by realizing another project at one of the most important Serbian monasteries – Manasija.

In addition, it has lined up its other ventures, many of which were located in Vojvodina, where the company has already proven why it is a leader in renewable energy sources several times. One of the significant projects of the company, MT-KOMEX, was realized in Kikinda, where an innovative solar solution was used. The project in question was implemented according to the turnkey system and is one of the indicators of the company’s strategic position in the market of renewable sources. The turnkey system includes all phases of construction and commissioning of the solar power plant, from design and delivery to assembly and final system testing. This approach allows clients like Jaffa to get a fully functional and operational solar power plant.

IN FOCUS:

This way of operating makes this model extremely attractive for companies striving for a fast energy transition, as it enables efficient and quick adaptation to sustainable energy practices, reducing the time and costs needed to switch to renewable energy sources. The solar power plant on the ground, located on the premises of the Banini factory in Kikinda, is an example of the efficient use of renewable energy. High-quality Canadian solar panels of 650wp were used for construction. These panels enable maximum efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity. In addition, using a 20 kW Fronius Symo inverter contributes to optimal energy conversion and distribution. Regarding the construction on which the panels are placed, the Turkish manufacturer Kıraç Metal was chosen, which guarantees high standards in production and installation. The planned annual production of this solar power plant is 780 MWh of electricity, which will significantly contribute to the safe and reliable supply of the plant’s operations.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (
Mariana Proença)

In addition, the transition to green energy brings significant environmental benefits. It is expected that carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced by 719 tons per year. This saving in CO2 emissions not only contributes to the preservation of the environment but also helps to meet the goals of sustainable development and climate neutrality. The solar power plant in Kikinda is being connected and will soon acquire buyer-producer status. This status will enable the investor to produce energy for his own needs and hand over excess electricity to the distribution system according to the aforementioned principle, thus contributing to his energy stability in the long run.

By implementing green projects, local communities get the opportunity to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions, which reduce dependence on fossil fuels and improve the quality of the environment of our cities. However, projects like this still send another message: the importance of sustainable business, which is increasingly being applied in Serbia, as the company MT-KOMEX witnesses daily. The expert team of MT-KOMEX is always ready to take on new challenges in constructing solar power plants. This is evidenced by their portfolio of over 200 built solar power plants whose total installed power exceeds 140 MW. The company’s well-coordinated team is ready to respond to all client requests and build the most efficient power plant.

Prepared by Milica Vučković

The story was published in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGY TRANSITION

Electric Vehicle as an Energy Storage Solution

01.11.2024

auto punjenje — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (chuttersnap)

Electric vehicles (EVs) hold untapped potential to enhance the shift to clean energy and transform the energy system. Findings from a study by the Fraunhofer ISI and ISE Institutes, published by Transport & Environment, reveal that implementing bidirectional charging could turn electric vehicles into so-called virtual power plants, while also delivering significant economic benefits.

Bidirectional charging technology enables electric vehicles to both draw power from the grid while charging and return power back to the grid when needed. This technology allows EV owners not only to charge their vehicles but also to feed electricity back into the power grid or into their own homes.

How Does Bidirectional Charging Work, and Why Is It Beneficial?

Unlike fast charging, which is necessary at public chargers, bidirectional charging is particularly advantageous for home use. When an electric vehicle charges, it draws power from the grid or from solar panels if the household has them. When the vehicle does not use all the energy stored in the battery, this energy can be returned to the grid or used to power the home, essentially turning the electric vehicle into an energy storage unit.

Several benefits make bidirectional charging highly advantageous:

Economic Benefit – When electricity is fed back into the grid at times when prices are high, users can be compensated for that energy. Additionally, if the stored energy is used to power the home, electricity costs are reduced during high-price periods.

Promoting Renewable Energy Use – When solar panels generate more electricity than needed, that excess energy can be stored in the vehicle’s battery and then returned for household use as needed. This further reduces CO2 emissions and supports renewable energy adoption. Research indicates that bidirectional charging could encourage an additional 430 GW of solar capacity by 2040, almost double the current capacity of the European Union.

Grid Stabilization – If a large number of EV users adopted bidirectional charging, it would help stabilize the national power grid. During periods of high electricity demand, vehicles can return energy back to the grid, preventing overload.

Longer Battery Life – Bidirectional charging has been shown to extend the battery life of electric vehicles by up to nine percent compared to standard charging methods.

Energy portal

Strategic Proposal Package for the European Green Deal Presented

31.10.2024

unnamed (1) — Grow green trees on money in soft light energy saving bulbs with the idea of economic growth and world environment day.

At the General Assembly of the Green Economy, held as part of the Ecomondo fair in Rimini on November 5th and 6th, a package of eight key strategic proposals for advancing the European Green Deal was presented.

The initiative by the National Council for the Green Economy, in collaboration with Italy’s Ministry of Environment and Energy Security and supported by the European Commission, aims to promote the transition to a sustainable economy and increase engagement in areas covering climate action, renewable energy, circular economy, and sustainable mobility.

“The European Green Deal brings wide-ranging changes to address two key crises – climate challenges and the shortage of natural resources,” stated Edo Ronchi, President of the Foundation for Sustainable Development. With positive results in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving resource efficiency, Ronchi emphasizes the need to continue energy efficiency measures and invest further.

The proposals cover the following key points:

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Joshua Woroniecki)

Commitment to Climate Goals – The EU has successfully reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 29 percent from 1990 to 2023. With the current trend of a five percent reduction in 2023, the goal of a 55 percent reduction by 2030 is achievable, alongside technological and economic benefits.

Energy Efficiency – Long-term support is needed to improve building energy efficiency and reduce energy costs. Italy and other high-debt countries require a European guarantee for long-term loans and support for low-income households. An information campaign to reduce energy costs is also necessary.

Renewable Energy Sources – Promotion of all renewable energy sources, including biogas, to achieve energy security.

Sustainable Mobility – Improving public transport, cycling infrastructure, and electric transportation in cities.

Circular Economy – Strengthening the market for secondary materials through new regulations and encouraging the bio-economy.

Preservation of Natural Capital – Promoting organic practices in agriculture that contribute to the conservation of natural resources.

Company Inclusion – Support for small and medium-sized enterprises in implementing ecological standards.

Financial Support – New European financial instruments to encourage private investment in sustainable development.

These strategic proposals will be submitted to European and Italian institutions with the aim of contributing to the development of sustainable policies and providing support for Europe’s green transition.

Energetski portal

Naturhus – A Sustainable Oasis in the Heart of Nature

31.10.2024

Morning in a house nestled in the heart of the forest. Waking up to sun rays breaking through the tree canopy, with fresh air filled with the scents and sounds of forest biodiversity. While nature offers its unique charm, it’s essential to remember that the air temperature in such areas is colder, especially during harsh winters.

Now imagine that glass walls surround your house, isolating you from the cold and potential dangers that the forest may bring, yet allowing you to be surrounded by nature and all the benefits it provides.

One family in Sweden decided on precisely this concept—a home built within a greenhouse. Beyond its intriguing architectural appeal, this structure offers numerous advantages. Known as Naturhus, this concept could be described as a blend of art, enjoyment, practicality, and ecology. It’s designed to provide a luxurious lifestyle with minimal energy consumption, all while creating a sustainable ecosystem.

**What are the benefits of Naturhus?**

In a world facing climate change, energy efficiency has become one of the most pressing issues. Thanks to the greenhouse surrounding the house, heat retention is more efficient, with reports suggesting that energy consumption for heating can be reduced by up to 30 percent. New technologies allow for standard solar panels on the greenhouse roof, and innovations have introduced solar windows, solar blinds, and other options. This setup further enhances energy efficiency and reduces emissions. Automated ventilation systems are also built into the greenhouse, regulating temperature and humidity within the space.

When it comes to water, several sustainable options stand out. Rainwater is collected from the greenhouse roof and stored in underground tanks. This collected water is used for plant irrigation, providing the necessary moisture. Additionally, the need for synthetic fertilizers is reduced, as plants obtain nutrients from wastewater. Rainwater can also be used for toilet flushing.

The conditions within this greenhouse, similar to those in agricultural greenhouses, create favorable settings for growing fruits and vegetables. Beyond these benefits, Naturhus contributes to biodiversity by creating a micro-ecosystem that attracts beneficial insects like bees. This design helps plants better withstand extreme weather conditions, such as droughts or floods.

These listed benefits are just a few of the many possibilities that the Naturhus concept offers. While most of us may never have the chance to afford such a home, it serves as inspiration to think about how we can make our spaces more sustainable.

Katarina Vuinac

EU Imported Solar Panels Worth 19.7 Billion Euros in 2023

30.10.2024

solar-panel-g20da084fd_1920 — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay (

As the European Union pursues its energy transition and sustainable energy goals, Eurostat data for 2023 reveals the current state of green technology imports and exports, focusing primarily on solar panels, wind turbines, and biofuels, confirming the growing demand for renewable energy sources. However, certain economic challenges persist as the EU aims to increase its production and usage of sustainable energy, while a significant imbalance between the import and export of green products remains.

In 2023, the EU imported considerably more of certain products than it exported, indicating a strong dependence on international markets for specific technologies. Solar panel imports amounted to 19.7 billion euros, liquid biofuel imports to 3.9 billion euros, while wind turbines were imported at a value of only 0.3 billion euros.

Despite a 12 percent decrease in the import value of solar panels compared to the previous year, the quantity of imported panels increased by five percent. This drop in value can be attributed to falling prices, suggesting improved affordability and potentially greater market competition. China dominates as the main source of solar panel imports, accounting for a staggering 98 percent of the total, making the EU highly dependent on Chinese solar technology.

Regarding exports, the EU recorded a 19 percent increase in the export value of solar panels, with quantities rising by 37 percent. Switzerland was the largest individual importer, accounting for 31 percent of EU solar panel exports, followed by the United Kingdom with 25 percent, highlighting the growing demand for EU solar technology in some of the most developed European economies outside the EU.

In contrast to solar panels, wind turbines showed the opposite trend – the EU exported far more than it imported, with exports totaling 2.0 billion euros compared to imports of just 0.3 billion euros. Wind turbine exports saw the highest value growth, increasing by 49 percent, with the United Kingdom emerging as the leading market for these products. This suggests that the EU holds a competitive edge in wind technology on the global stage. Meanwhile, the liquid biofuel market faced challenges, with both import and export values and volumes declining.

Although the EU has made progress in developing trade in green energy, it is evident that the bloc remains dependent on imports, particularly from China, which presents a strategic challenge moving forward.

Energetski portal

Vienna on the Path to Climate Neutrality

30.10.2024

vienna-reyes--unsplash — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Vienna Reyes)

Climate change indeed requires a collective effort, and we all have a role to play in reducing our impact on the environment. Vienna is one of the leading European cities in environmental protection and climate policy. The city is known for its ambitious plans for sustainable development, including energy, transportation, and waste management changes.

Vienna is focusing on transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving building energy efficiency, developing public transport and bicycle lanes, and implementing green initiatives such as urban parks and green roofs. Public enterprises play a crucial role in this process, each contributing in its way to the shared goal.

Green Energy for All

Vienna’s citizens can participate in the energy transition and the expansion of renewable energy sources through the solar power plants operated by Wien Energie, thereby contributing to a sustainable energy future without the need to install their own solar panels. The model works in a simple way. Wien Energie builds and operates solar plants, and customers can participate symbolically in the project by purchasing solar packages. The price of one solar package was last set at 250 euros. Participants receive vouchers over five years for the energy produced, which they can use, for example, against their annual electricity bill settlement. The amount of compensation in vouchers depends on the amount of energy produced, and participants can monitor the production in real-time via an online dashboard. Nevertheless, a minimum annual production is guaranteed to ensure that users benefit. This offer has been very well received; 30 such power plants have been built to date, and more than 12,000 households have participated in these projects.

The solar power plant contingent, launched in spring 2024 on the roof of a bus garage, sold out within one day.

IN FOCUS:

Energy and Climate Transition

With a bus powered by a combination of batteries and hydrogen, Vienna’s public transport company, Wiener Linien, continues its commitment to new, environmentally friendly technologies. In February this year, a new competence center for electromobility was opened, and six bus lines have already fully transitioned to electric power. The plan is for nine bus lines to switch to electric power by the end of 2025. In addition to new small buses with range extender technology, hydrogen-only buses will be introduced in 2025. Ten 12-meter buses, adapted for people with disabilities and reduced mobility, will in the future be refueled with hydrogen at stations operated by Wien Energie and Wiener Netze.

To achieve climate neutrality and adapt to climate change, the Climate Department was established in Vienna. It manages strategic climate policies, the implementation of the Vienna Climate Strategy, and the Vienna Climate Budget. Jürgen Czernohorszky, a member of the Vienna City Government Council for Climate, Environment, Democracy, and Personnel, explained how they are realizing their ideas.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Jacek Dylag)

“The energy and climate transition concerns all of us and can only succeed through collective efforts. We must work together to make Vienna climate-neutral and maintain its high quality of life. We are setting strategic initiatives that raise awareness of a holistic culture of a climate-neutral, resilient, and circular city. Only through joint efforts can the city achieve its ambitious climate goals. We openly address challenges, engage with citizens, and offer targeted education on climate change for both young and old. Climate change education explains cause-and-effect relationships and shows how the climate transition can succeed. Through the Vienna Climate Team, we have enabled citizens to present their ideas for a better climate in their neighborhoods and implement them with city experts. A representative group of residents in each district decides which projects will be implemented with the available financial resources. We also work closely with NGOs and local multipliers to create synergies and learn from each other,” says Mr Czernohorszky.

Vienna’s climate plan includes measures in areas such as mobility, energy, the circular economy, and public services. As our interviewee highlights, Vienna advocates for socially just climate protection that leaves no one behind.

“Vienna’s Heating Plan for 2040, published in May, offers, for the first time, a concrete target showing how the heating supply for buildings could look without the use of fossil fuels by 2040. The plan considers the entire building stock in the city, indicating where district heating could be expanded (which will be fully climate-neutral by 2040) and where other solutions will be needed. In Vienna, great importance is placed on the exemplary role of the public sector, especially in renovating public buildings,” explains Mr Czernohorszky.

Prepared by Jasna Dragojević

The story was published in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGY TRANSITION

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Medals at Prestigious International Competitions

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Green Economy General Assembly: Italy as a Model for Sustainable Development

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Pollution and Air

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Less Than Half of Regions Will Achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2050

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How Does Bidirectional Charging Work, and Why Is It Beneficial?

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What are the benefits of Naturhus?

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Green Energy for All

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Energy and Climate Transition

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