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Most River Basins Faced Poor Hydrological Conditions in 2024

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The year 2024 marked the sixth consecutive year of unstable hydrological cycles and was also the warmest year in 175 years of observations, according to the Global Water Resources Status Report 2024 published by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The past year was defined by record-breaking heat, climate extremes, and widespread water-related impacts. According to the report, both excessive and insufficient water supplies triggered a series of cascading consequences. Extremes were observed throughout the entire water cycle: rivers, reservoirs, lakes, groundwater, and glaciers all showed significant deviations from long-term averages.

All glacial regions worldwide reported ice loss in 2024. Many small glaciers have already reached or are close to reaching “peak water” – the moment when glacier meltwater is at its maximum before declining due to the shrinking size of the glaciers.

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It was also the hottest year on record, with the onset of an El Niño event that influenced major river basins, contributing to droughts in northern South America, the Amazon basin, and southern Africa.

Over the past six years, only one-third of the world’s river basin areas experienced normal flow conditions compared to the 1991–2020 average. This means two-thirds had either too much or too little water, reflecting the increasingly unpredictable nature of the hydrological cycle.

According to UN Water data, an estimated 3.6 billion people already face inadequate access to water for at least one month each year. That number is expected to rise to over five billion by 2050.

The consequences of these shortages, particularly in the context of extreme hydrological events, underscore the urgent need for improved monitoring, early warning systems, and adaptive water management strategies.

Energy portal

Revolutionary Plastic Recycling Technology from Northwestern University

Photo-illustrator: Pixabay (Pete Linforth)

Plastic becomes a problem only when it ends up where it doesn’t belong – in nature, the air, or, worse, in our bodies. In all other situations, it is a practical material that can be turned into raw feedstock in a sustainable recycling cycle, dispelling once and for all the “horror stories” and pessimistic scenarios surrounding its use. All it takes is imagination, knowledge, and the creation of processes that make this possible. That is where chemists at Northwestern University in the United States step in, with a discovery that could change the way we think about plastic recycling.

At the heart of this breakthrough lies a nickel-based catalyst: inexpensive, widely available, and extremely powerful. It selectively breaks down polyolefins – the type of plastic that makes up nearly two-thirds of global plastic consumption. Most importantly, this innovative catalyst enables recycling even when the waste stream is unsorted, meaning that industrial users could apply it to large quantities of mixed plastic waste without the painstaking and costly process of separating different types.

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Hans)

Once the catalyst does its job, low-value solid plastics are transformed into liquid oils and waxes, which can later become higher-value products such as lubricants, fuels, and even candles.

Professor Tobin Marks, the study’s lead author and a world-renowned expert in catalysis, explained that one of the biggest obstacles in plastic recycling has always been the meticulous sorting of waste by type. Their new catalyst, he said, could bypass that complicated and labor-intensive step, making recycling more practical and economically viable.

A Precise “Cut” Through Plastic Waste

The challenge with polyolefins is their extraordinary chemical toughness – they are made of small molecules held together by strong carbon–carbon bonds. Unlike other polymers, they lack weak spots that catalysts can attack. This is why recycling rates for these plastics remain dismally low worldwide – less than 1 to 10 percent – despite annual production exceeding 220 million tons.

Traditional recycling methods have not been effective. Mechanical shredding and melting result in low-quality materials, while thermal treatment requires temperatures of 400 to 700 degrees Celsius and massive amounts of energy.

The Northwestern team, in collaboration with researchers from other institutions, tackled the problem through hydrogenolysis – a process that uses hydrogen and a catalyst to break plastic down into smaller, useful molecules. But instead of expensive precious metals like platinum or palladium, they developed a catalyst from cationic nickel, a cheap and abundant element.

Their solution is brilliant: a molecular catalyst with a single active site. Instead of striking blindly like a blunt tool, this catalyst works like a precision scalpel, selectively cutting carbon–carbon bonds.

The results are remarkable: the process operates at temperatures 100 degrees lower than other methods and under half the hydrogen pressure. It requires ten times less catalyst, yet its activity is ten times greater. In short – it wins on every front.

And then comes the almost unbelievable part. One of the biggest challenges in recycling has always been contamination by PVC. This toxic polymer typically deactivates catalysts and disrupts the entire process. But the new catalyst not only withstood the presence of PVC – it actually performed better in those conditions. Even when a quarter of the waste mixture was PVC, the catalyst’s activity increased.

“That’s crazy. Nobody expected that,” said another researcher Yosi Kratish

The study, titled Stable Single-Site Organo-Nickel Catalyst Preferentially Hydrogenolyzes Branched Polyolefinic C–C Bonds, was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and Dow Chemical, and published on September 2 in Nature Chemistry.

Looking at all of this, it’s hard not to feel optimistic. We may be on the verge of a future where mixed plastic waste is no longer seen as an unsolvable problem, but rather as a valuable resource.

Milena Maglovski

A Game-Changer: ProCredit Bank’s Net Zero Calculator for Measuring CO₂ Emissions

Photo: ProCredit bank

ProCredit Bank has developed the first Net Zero Calculator for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Serbian market. This tool enables businesses to easily measure their carbon footprint, understand where their emissions come from, and plan their next steps in the energy transition. We spoke with Marina Mijić, Head of the Sustainable Department, about the development of the Net Zero Calculator, while Miloš Stepandić, Head of Business Department, shared his perspective on the importance of supporting businesses at the start of their ESG journey.

How did the idea of creating a Net Zero Calculator for SMEs come about?

Marina Mijić: The idea arose from a real market need. Through daily interactions with our clients, we noticed that many small and medium-sized companies want to operate more responsibly but lack the tools and knowledge to understand their environmental impact. As a bank committed to sustainable development, we wanted to offer them a simple yet precise tool that helps them take the first step—measuring greenhouse gas emissions from their activities. At the ProCredit Group level, and in cooperation with external experts, we developed the Net Zero Calculator tailored to the business needs of SMEs in the region.

Photo: ProCredit bank

What exactly does the Net Zero Calculator offer and how does it work? 

Marina Mijić: The Calculator was designed so that companies can independently calculate their direct and indirect CO₂ emissions by entering data on electricity and fuel consumption, transport, and even raw materials. The results provide a clear breakdown of emissions by sector, enabling companies to identify the key areas where they can reduce emissions and optimize costs. In the future, the Calculator will also offer guidance on where the biggest savings can be achieved—whether through switching to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, or planning investments. Importantly, the Calculator is free of charge and represents the first step towards sustainable operations that also generate savings.

When will the Net Zero Calculator be available and how can SMEs prepare to use it?

Marina Mijić: The Calculator will officially be available on the ProCredit Bank website in September this year. Before calculating their emissions, we recommend that companies download our Net Zero Guide, which explains in simple terms which data they need to collect. This way, they’ll be ready to immediately obtain relevant results and identify areas for reducing emissions. The Calculator was designed so that no prior expertise in sustainable business practices is required—we want every company, regardless of size or sector, to be able to take the first step towards sustainability.

IN FOCUS:

What role does the bank play in supporting companies that want to reduce emissions?

Miloš Stepandić: Our role is not just to provide a tool, but to be a partner throughout the transformation process. Many SMEs are only just beginning their ESG transition and often lack the internal resources or expertise to deal with complex requirements such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). That’s why, in addition to the Calculator, ProCredit Bank offers tailored advice and financial products designed for investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Our goal is to help businesses improve their operations and achieve savings, not to see ESG as an additional cost or burden.

How important is this for companies that export or work with EU partners?  

Miloš Stepandić: Extremely important. The CBAM requires companies exporting goods to the EU to report the emissions embedded in their products. Those that fail to do so will face additional costs and barriers. While the Omnibus package has introduced some temporary relief, it won’t last long. Companies that already measure their footprint and take steps to reduce it will be at a significant advantage—both from a regulatory and a market perspective. That’s why we say the Calculator is not only a tool for environmental protection but also for competitiveness.

What are ProCredit Bank’s next steps in ESG support?   

Miloš Stepandić: We are continuing to develop tools, educate clients, and finance sustainable projects. At the same time, we are strengthening our internal capacities—our vision is for every advisor to also be an ESG advisor. Ultimately, our goal is to make sustainable business the new standard, not the exception.

Interview by Milena Maglovski 

The interview was published in Energy portal Magazine CLIMATE CHANGE.

Belgrade Fair, October 20–22: Energy Challenges and Environmental Solutions in One Place

Photo: Belgrade fair

This year’s 20th International Energy Fair, together with the 21st International Fair of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources EcoFair, will be presented to visitors from October 20 to 22, 2025, in Hall 3 of the Belgrade Fair.

Photo: Belgrade fair

At a time when the world is facing the challenges of energy crises, climate change, and the need to transition to renewable energy sources, the Energy Fair provides a unique opportunity to explore the latest achievements, technologies, and trends in this field and remains a key platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience. Participants will have the chance to connect with leading experts, showcase innovations and solutions that not only increase efficiency but also contribute to the global goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

The EcoFair exists to remind us of the urgent need to protect our environment. Environmental sustainability is not only a matter of moral responsibility; it is an essential part of every successful business strategy and of society’s overall development. This fair brings together all those committed to preserving natural resources, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable practices.

Together, these two fairs form a unique event that has become the central meeting point for leaders, experts, investors, and enthusiasts in fields crucial to our future. Today, perhaps more than ever, energy resources and environmental sustainability represent the two pillars on which the future of humanity rests. Our choices and decisions in these areas not only shape the economic landscape but also directly affect the quality of life for present and future generations. This is why these fairs are of exceptional importance not only for individuals and companies, but also at the national level.

Photo: Belgrade fair

As a responsible organizer, and with new business management in place, the Belgrade Fair seeks to highlight what makes these two areas particularly significant – their organic interconnection. In this context, special emphasis is placed on organizing B2B meetings between entrepreneurs from the country and the region, state administration, and representatives of local government. Still, this event is more than just a venue for presentations and business meetings, it is a space where new ideas are born, partnerships are built, and everyone works together to shape a sustainable future.

Energy portal

The Primeval Forests of the Federation of BiH Among the Few in Europe

Photo: FEA

Primeval forests are one of the most valuable and most sensitive ecosystems on Earth. They absorb large amounts of rainfall, serve as a crucial regulatory core of global climate and biogeochemical processes, and provide a home to a vast number of plant and animal species. Although we most often associate them with tropical regions, primeval forests also exist in temperate areas, including Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is among the few European countries that still have preserved primeval forests and forests of high conservation value – areas where humans have never significantly intervened.

In the territory of the Federation of BiH, there are nine primeval forests, and to highlight their richness and importance, the Forest and Mountain Protected Areas (FEA) published an educational brochure titled Guardians of Biodiversity – Exploring the Primeval Forests of the Federation of BiH and Raising Awareness of the Importance of Their Protection. The project was co-financed by the Environmental Protection Fund of the Federation of BiH.

Lejla Hukić, project coordinator at FEA, emphasized that through this brochure, they want to bring primeval and high conservation value forests closer to the wider public, aiming at a better understanding of how important they are, not only for nature but also for our lives, health, and future.

– The primeval forests in Bosnia and Herzegovina are among the few that have remained almost untouched in Europe, and their preservation is a shared responsibility of us all. In them, nature lives at its own pace, without human influence, and it is precisely in this untouched balance that their priceless value lies. Through education and awareness-raising, we want to encourage people to recognize this value and to contribute to their protection through their actions, says Hukić.

IN FOCUS:

Complexes such as Ravna Vala, Bobija, Mačen Do, or Crni Vrh prove that nature can survive untouched, but only if we protect it. Their formal designation as protected areas would not only mean the fulfillment of international obligations but also represent an investment in the long-term security, health, and economic development of the country.

According to FEA, all remaining primeval forest complexes in the Federation of BiH could be formally protected through a new forestry law by being placed in the highest international protection category – IUCN Category Ia (Strict Nature Reserve).
– Such a status would mean that these areas are recognized as Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM), which would include their surface in the total coverage of protected areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this way, our country would significantly contribute to meeting national and international biodiversity protection goals, particularly those defined by European and global strategies, FEA stated.

The mountain forests of Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially those within the Dinaric mountain system, are distinguished by their high naturalness and the preservation of their ecosystems. Unlike much of Central and Western Europe, where forest ecosystems have been largely altered by human activity, BiH’s primeval and high conservation value forests represent an exceptional comparative advantage. Therefore, as the organization stresses, their preservation means protecting one of the last proofs of what European nature looked like before industrialization and mass logging.

The Importance of Primeval Forests

Primeval forests produce about 20 percent of the oxygen we breathe and play a key role in the fight against climate change. They store large amounts of carbon dioxide in their trunks, leaves, and roots, while at the same time absorbing solar radiation and helping regulate temperature. The Amazon rainforest, for example, stores around 48 billion tons of carbon. Primeval forests are home to more than half of the world’s plant and animal species. On an area of just 10 km², up to 1,500 species of flowering plants can be found, along with hundreds of other organisms. The Amazon ecosystem, which covers 6.7 million km², contains about 40 percent of the remaining primeval forests, 25 percent of terrestrial biodiversity, and the highest number of freshwater fish species in the world.

Primeval forests also provide resources and jobs for local populations, especially where other opportunities are limited. It is estimated that services such as carbon storage, water regulation, and eco-tourism are worth over 400 million dollars annually for communities in the Brazilian Amazon.

Prepared by Jasna Dragojević

Energy Advisory Centers: Knowledge as the Currency of Climate Policy

Photo: GIZ

Opportunities for change sometimes arise only in times of crisis. Climate change is a crisis that has forced us to finally alter our poor energy habits and raise the level of energy literacy. Energy transition, as a pillar of climate policy, has become important not only for large organizations and systems but also for households and entrepreneurs.

Flash floods and heat waves are now increasingly associated by the public with the direct costs of energy wastefulness, dependence on fossil fuels, and energy poverty—such as the health costs of air pollution, rising bills for electricity and other energy sources. Understandably, citizens are becoming more interested in replacing windows and joinery in residential buildings, acquiring modern, cleaner, and more efficient heating and cooling devices, and producing their own energy from renewable sources for personal use.

However, unlike large companies that have the resources to acquire the necessary knowledge about new technologies and the profitability of investments, many citizens and small entrepreneurs lack the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions. Public subsidy programs, jointly implemented for several years by the Government of the Republic of Serbia and local self-governments, often assume that recipients already possess the technological and other necessary knowledge, which many still need to acquire.

News of open public calls for subsidies often reaches rural households too slowly. Frequently, citizens who need the most assistance do not have the financial means required for their contribution toward the costs of replacing devices or joinery. Many live in buildings that do not meet the required eligibility criteria of these programs.

IN FOCUS:

Citizens and entrepreneurs with the financial capacity and desire to invest in solar energy often make mistakes by oversizing their solar power plants, which results in profitability being lower than expected.

Some municipalities and cities in Serbia have recognized that their citizens and entrepreneurs need a place for learning and obtaining information—a place of understanding and support—so they can make correct and informed decisions on their own. At the end of last year, Užice, Knjaževac, and Bačka Palanka opened their Energy Advisory Centers, offering answers to citizens’ questions all in one place. These advisory centers do not sell devices or issue bills; instead, they help people understand what and when it is worth investing in, and how to get involved.

Energy Advisory Centers serve as a mechanism for connecting public policy with the everyday lives of citizens. Their role includes providing information, interpreting relevant regulations and guidelines, directing users toward available solutions, and offering professional support. Given the complexity of their goals, these centers operate in cooperation with state administration institutions, the private sector, and civil society organizations. Particularly important is the involvement of local actors who possess relevant knowledge and experience in energy efficiency and sustainable development.

For example, the recent opening of the Knjaževac Energy Advisory Center was an opportunity to invite companies that market products and services for improving energy efficiency to present their technical solutions, products, and services to interested citizens and entrepreneurs in the center’s premises—located in the Directorate for Development, Urban Planning, and Construction of the Municipality of Knjaževac.

GIZ

The leading IEG event for Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean region in Italy is approaching

Photo: KEY – The Energy Transition Expo

KEY – The Energy Transition Expo continues its momentum. The IEG (Italian Exhibition Group) event, a benchmark in Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean basin for energy transition and efficiency, will be back for its fourth edition in a stand-alone format from 4th to 6th March 2026 at Rimini Expo Centre with increasingly international ambitions, confirming its role as a relational hub for the sector’s global community.

A strategic global network at the service of decarbonisation from which to design a green future, capable of picking up on signs of change, predicting future trends and anticipating new market needs.

KEY 2026 will continue its efforts to promote meetings and discussions between key players in the energy sector and encourage dialogue with institutions, thus facilitating the creation of collaborations and synergies, with the aim of joining forces to boost the energy transition. It will also continue to provide a unique opportunity for companies and professionals to learn about cutting-edge technologies and the latest innovations on the market for rationalising consumption and reducing the energy and environmental impact of their activities.

With a full and varied conference programme, the event will offer training, information, and professional development opportunities on the energy sector’s hottest and most current topics.

INTERNATIONAL SCOPE

One of the priorities of the next edition is to strengthen the show’s international profile. KEY 2026 will continue to focus on the African continent, particularly on the countries in North and sub-Saharan Africa, without forgetting Turkey and Europe, with a special focus on Germany, Spain, the UK, Poland, Serbia and the Balkan region. With this objective in mind, the event was presented, together with Ecomondo 2025, during a three-stage roadshow on 8th July in Cairo, 9th September in Belgrade and 11th September in Warsaw.

NEW LAYOUT FOR THE ENTIRE EXPO CENTRE

For the first time, KEY will occupy every hall at Rimini Expo Centre, strengthening the transversal and integrated vision that makes it unique in the European exhibition scene. The new layout will still be divided into seven distinct and recognisable, yet interconnected, thematic areas.

The areas dedicated to photovoltaics, wind power, energy storage, energy efficiency, electric mobility, and sustainable cities will be joined by:

  • HYPE – Hydrogen Power Expo supported by Hydrogen & Fuel Cells: the hydrogen show organized by Italian Exhibition Group and Hannover Fairs International GmbH (HFI), the Italian branch of Deutsche Messe AG;
  • port – Sustainable Ports for Energy Transition: focus within the wind power halls on the importance of electrifying port quays for the sustainability of the maritime sector, cold ironing and ports as logistics hubs for the assembly and maintenance of floating renewable energy farms and hydrogen storage and transportation;
  • Innovation District featuring a selection of innovative Italian and international green start-ups and SMEs, resulting from a Call for Start-ups. The Green Jobs&Skills project will also be in this district to favour the encounter between supply and demand for jobs in the field of sustainable skills. Moreover, the Lorenzo Cagnoni Innovation Award will be presented to the three start-ups at KEY with the highest innovative potential and to the seven exhibitors with the most cutting-edge projects, one for each of the event’s product sectors.
Photo: KEY – The Energy Transition Expo

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AT THE HEART OF THE TRANSITION

Great attention to the topic of energy efficiency, in both the industrial and residential sectors, as a transition-enabling cornerstone. In the larger and newly arranged Energy Efficiency area, the zones dedicated to the Sustainable Building District, in partnership with Green Building Council Italia, and to Federcostruzioni, KEY’s new partner which groups together the most important production categories of the entire construction, infrastructure, materials, engineering and systems market and which will bring the entire Italian construction supply chain to the show, have been confirmed.

KEY’S SECOND CALL FOR PAPERS

KEY fuels the debate on the global sustainable future by supporting research. For the second year running, a Call for Papers, open to universities, companies, research bodies and associations, including those not present among the exhibitors, was launched to present a project or describe a successful experience in the field of energy and climate transition. The 25 selected abstracts will be published in a special issue of the scientific journal QualEnergia Science, promoted by KEY – The Energy Transition Expo and published by Editoriale La Nuova Ecologia with the support of Italian Exhibition Group. The issue will be officially presented during KEY 2026.

KEY CHOICE – Unlock the future of PPAs

Once again for 2026, KEY CHOICE – Unlock the future of PPAs will take place prior to the event. This B2B KEY – The Energy Transition Expo event dedicated to Power Purchase Agreements is organized by IEG (Italian Exhibition Group) in collaboration with Elemens, and is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 3rd March 2026 at Rimini’s Palacongressi Conference Centre.

DPE – INTERNATIONAL ELECTRICITY EXPO

In conjunction with KEY, the new edition of DPE – International Electricity Expo will also be back. This event is organized by Italian Exhibition Group in collaboration with the Distributed Generation Association – Engines, Components, Generating Sets, a confederate of ANIMA Confindustria – and the ANIE Federation, dedicated to the electrical generation, transmission, distribution, safety and automation ecosystem.

ABOUT KEY 2026

Qualification: International fair;

Organization: Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A.;

Frequency: Annual;

Edition: 4th;

Dates: March 4-6, 2026;

Email: keyenergy@iegexpo.it;

Website: http://www.key-expo.com;

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keyexpo/;

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/key_expo/;

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keyenergy/

Energy portal

Songs from the Depths – What Whales Tell Us

Photo-illustration: Freepik (AI image generation)

Imagine if one day we could understand the communication of whales in the depths of the ocean. For me, there is no creature on this planet more fascinating than these mammals that have been swimming through our world’s waters for millions of years. Unfortunately, many whale species today are endangered or on the brink of becoming so. Humans play a significant role here, as the main threats they face include ship collisions, noise pollution, climate change, and plastic pollution.

Noise pollution may not seem like a serious threat, but it truly is. Whales don’t talk the way we do, yet their language is far more complex than we might imagine. They use a range of tones, often described as underwater songs – some lasting for hours. Each song carries information about identity, emotions, feeding grounds, or their social bonds. However, industrial sounds disrupt whale communication. We may not perceive the ocean’s noise, but for whales, it can be devastating – interfering with their conversations and daily lives.

It’s essential to understand what whales are communicating so that we can help protect them before their voices fall silent. The importance of their communication is evident in the fact that scientists have observed blue whales becoming significantly quieter, a serious sign of negative changes in marine ecosystems.

What once seemed like science fiction is now within our reach. Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative), a pioneering international effort combining biology, linguistics, robotics, and artificial intelligence, is striving to uncover the secrets of one whale species’ language – the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus).

Launched in 2020, the project focuses on this species that inhabits Caribbean waters, especially around Dominica. These whales use a form of communication that can be described as codes – short sequences of sounds. According to scientists, these signals conceal a real language, complex and structured, with patterns reminiscent of human phonetics.

Using advanced tools and an extensive database, researchers have discovered that whales use something similar to a phonetic alphabet, even incorporating embellishments into their communication. Data is collected through underwater listening stations and drones that safely and discreetly attach sensors to whales. Additionally, underwater gliders track them during their journeys. Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in deciphering the meaning of these sounds.
A unique aspect of the project is its involvement with local communities through scholarship programs for young researchers, educational initiatives, artistic collaborations, and other efforts that bridge science and culture.
The project aims to transform our relationship with animals and nature, reminding us that they have their own languages. Some of these languages are already somewhat understood, while others, like the language of whales, require patience and effort to comprehend. Those who choose not to remain deaf to their voices, through understanding whale communication, open the door to their protection and survival.

Katarina Vuinac

The Forests of Serbia – Guardians of Water, Soil, Life, and the Future

Photo: Unsplash/Geronimo

As the world increasingly recognises forests as key allies in the fight against climate change, Serbia is recording a positive trend – forest cover today stands at 39 percent, with total green cover reaching 43.1 percent of the country’s territory. Behind these figures lie decades of planned afforestation, natural succession, and an increasingly robust institutional framework.

Photo: courtesy of Sasa Stamatovic

In an exclusive interview for Energy Portal Magazine, Saša Stamatović, Director of the Forest Directorate at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, discusses the results of the Second National Forest Inventory, the challenges of uneven forest distribution across regions, the importance of climate-resilient forest management, and major projects such as Forest Invest.

What is Serbia’s current forest coverage, what is the state of its forests, and what are the key factors influencing it?

— First and foremost, I must underline that forest area, along with many other quantitative and qualitative data about forests, is determined through a complex, robust, scientifically, methodologically, and statistically sound procedure known as the National Forest Inventory. Serbia completed its Second National Forest Inventory and published the results at the end of 2023, using the most advanced methodological and geoinformation technologies and instruments. FAO experts, under whose supervision the inventory was carried out, rated it a “high-quality study”.

According to data from the Second National Forest Inventory, conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia in cooperation with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Serbia has 3,025,471 hectares of forest and forest land, which amounts to 39.01 percent of its territory. When we add other land with tree cover (OLWT) – such as tree-lined avenues, smaller tree groups or individual trees, parks, and forest patches smaller than 0.5 hectares – which are not methodologically included in the official forest coverage figure, the total tree canopy cover reaches 43.1 percent. Although this latter category is not internationally defined as forest coverage, its importance and the need for preservation, especially in areas with low forest percentages and particularly in urban and peri-urban environments, are undeniable.

To properly understand the significance of this figure, we must look to the past and examine how forest coverage has changed over previous centuries. Historical estimates suggest that, at the beginning of the 19th century, over 50 percent of Serbia was covered by forest. This reflected the natural landscape before the widespread expansion of agriculture, livestock farming, and industrial development. However, by the second half of that century, following the country’s autonomy and the expansion of rural settlements into hilly and mountainous areas, there was significant population movement accompanied by growing demand for arable land and pastures. Forests were cleared to make way for agricultural production, especially livestock farming, and later for the development of infrastructure, mining, and industry, leading to a drastic reduction in forested areas.

By the end of the 19th century, forest coverage had decreased to around 35 percent, and just before the Second World War, it was estimated to have fallen to a mere 17 percent. This was the lowest recorded level and reflected the deep socio-economic and political processes of the time. Nevertheless, negative trends were already being recognised then. As early as 1839, Prince Miloš issued a decree legally prohibiting the felling and clearing of forests without supervision. The Forest Law of 1922, enacted during the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, was the first to mandate reforestation of cleared land, signalling a move towards more active state management of forest resources.

The post-WWII period brought gradual change. As early as 1947, the state began allocating budget funds for afforestation, which, along with the cultivation of fast-growing species, gained momentum in the decades that followed. Alongside this, demographic trends – particularly rural depopulation and the decline of extensive livestock farming – led to the abandonment of pastures and meadows in mountainous areas. These unused areas underwent natural succession, meaning they gradually became reforested on their own. This process of natural succession has been one of the most significant factors behind the increase in forest coverage in recent decades. Alongside it, systematic afforestation, especially in barren and erosion-prone areas, has played an immeasurable role.

In the last ten years alone, through state and provincial programmes, more than 1.1 billion dinars of budget funds have been invested annually in afforestation and forest improvement, along with significant international funding through various projects.

IN FOCUS:

The third key element is the strengthening of the legal and institutional framework.

Today, deforestation is strictly prohibited by law and can only be carried out if there is a determined public interest. Illegal logging is treated as a criminal offence. There is also a strong inspection system in place, and all forest managers are required to implement protection and improvement measures for forest resources in accordance with current forest management plans.

The fourth factor contributing to the recorded increase in forest coverage is the modernisation of monitoring.

As part of the Second National Forest Inventory, a two-phase sampling system was used, combining field measurements with satellite imagery analysis (FAO Collect Earth). This method made it possible to record even small forest areas that previously remained outside statistical coverage. This means today’s data is not only better, but also more accurate.

A significant factor in this positive trend is also the growing public awareness of forests’ ecosystem functions, which has seen exponential growth in recent decades, particularly with the recognition of forests’ role in mitigating climate change.

To summarise, the current state of Serbia’s forests is a mirror image of its economic, historical, and cultural circumstances. It represents the result of a decades-long process of reversing degradation. This includes natural succession, organised afforestation, the retreat of agriculture from marginal lands, and a significant role played by regulatory mechanisms.

What activities is the Forest Directorate undertaking to increase forest coverage further, and is it involved in CO₂ emissions reduction projects?

— Since the 1980s, the optimal forest coverage for Serbia has been estimated at 41.4 percent, and this figure is officially included in the national Spatial Plan.

Foto: Unsplash/Syahrin Seth

What’s the difference between an average percentage and an optimum? According to the Second National Forest Inventory (NFI2), forests in Serbia are not evenly distributed: over 94 percent of all forests are located in Central Serbia, while Vojvodina, due to its predominantly agricultural land use, has only 8.63 percent forest coverage. The most forested districts are Raška, Jablanica, Bor, Toplica, and Zlatibor. In contrast, the least forested are North Banat, Central Banat, and North Bačka – with Raška at over 67 percent and North Banat at just 0.2 percent.

The optimum for the republic, as a functional indicator, can only be determined bottom-up – that is, by calculating optimum levels for smaller spatial units and then aggregating them at the national level. An average value does not reflect spatial distribution – for instance, increasing forest cover in already heavily forested districts won’t improve the situation in Banat. This doesn’t mean afforestation shouldn’t continue where there is potential, even in areas with high forest coverage, but priority must be given to those with low coverage.

In any case, the optimum is a dynamic and primarily spatial-planning category that must combine natural potential with aligned ecological, economic, and social needs.

From a forestry perspective, a strategic stance can fully embrace the statement attributed to Jovan Jovanović Zmaj: “Wherever you find a good place, plant a tree there.” This means continuing to secure land for establishing new forests, financing new afforestation efforts, and preserving and improving existing forests.

In this sense, the seven-year Forest Invest project has just begun implementation, co-financed by the Green Climate Fund. The project is jointly implemented by the FAO and the Government of Serbia (via the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Serbia Forests and Vojvodina Šume public enterprise), with the aim of increasing forest resilience, ensuring energy security for the most vulnerable, and improving carbon storage. In brief, the project covers afforestation, conversion of degraded forests, nursery improvements, and the inclusion of the private sector in climate-resilient forestry and decarbonisation. It is planned that during the project’s implementation, 7,000 hectares will be afforested, 51,000 hectares of degraded coppice forests will be converted into high forests, climate-resilient forest management will be enabled on 500,000 hectares, firewood consumption among the most vulnerable households will be reduced, and emissions will be cut by 8.4 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent over the next 27 years.

Interview by Milena Maglovski

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine Climate change

World Electric Vehicle Day – Region Needs a Broader Charger Network

Photo: Charge&GO

World Electric Vehicle Day, celebrated on September 9th for the past six years, is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of transitioning to sustainable transport and to assess where we currently stand in the process of electromobility.

There are too few public chargers, and an even more pressing issue is their uneven distribution, which makes long-distance travel particularly challenging. In Serbia, there are currently about 200 public chargers, which translates to only three chargers per 100,000 inhabitants. In comparison, Bulgaria has 24, while Croatia has 32 chargers per 100,000 people, according to data from the Serbian Association of Vehicle and Parts Importers.

The same challenge exists across the region and throughout Europe, where the development of the charging network often does not keep pace with the sales of electric vehicles. However, there are also excellent examples. The Netherlands leads in infrastructure development, boasting the highest charger density in Europe, while Norway holds the world record for the number of electric vehicles on the road.

According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), as much as 89 percent of new vehicles sold in Norway last year were fully electric, bringing the country closest to achieving the goal of completely phasing out fossil fuel vehicles.

While global leaders are already demonstrating what sustainable mobility looks like in practice, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region are only taking their first significant steps.

Changes in legislation that mandate the installation of chargers in residential and commercial buildings are certainly a positive signal, but more intensive investment in infrastructure is crucial to encourage citizens to switch from gasoline and diesel to electric vehicles.

More:

A New Boost for Electromobility in North Macedonia

Although the electric vehicle market in North Macedonia is still relatively small, noticeable growth is underway. According to available data, there are around 300 registered electric cars in the country, while the number of publicly available chargers remains limited, measured in just a few dozen, mostly slower AC units. This highlights the biggest challenge – developing infrastructure that would provide drivers with security and make the transition to electromobility easier.

An additional push comes from the private sector and companies investing in a modern network of fast DC chargers. According to Tamara Zjačić, Deputy Director at Charge&GO, starting in September, North Macedonia will have its first 50 kW charger from manufacturer ABB, installed at Oktan’s gas station in Ržaničino.

“This is a publicly available charger accessible to users of the Charge&GO app in Serbia. As of September, drivers in North Macedonia will also be able to use it since we have launched a version of the app fully adapted to local regulations,” said Zjačić.

She added that users will be able to seamlessly use the app not only for charging in North Macedonia and Serbia but also across partner networks throughout Europe.

“In the coming period, we will focus intensively on expanding the network of fast DC chargers in North Macedonia. Every new charger we bring online will be actively promoted, and users will be informed about all updates,” Zjačić emphasized.

At the same time, Charge&GO continues to expand its network in Serbia, focusing on major highways and larger cities such as Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, and Čačak.

Energy portal

More yield on the trapezoidal sheet: K2 Dome 6 solutions for PV elevation – now digitally plannable

K2 Dome-6-Trapezoidal_variants

Trapezoidal sheet metal roofs are indispensable on agricultural and industrial buildings – such as barns, warehouses or production facilities – due to their robustness, durability, and versatility. However, for the installation of photovoltaic systems, they place special demands on planning and installation. With its proven Dome 6 components, K2 Systems offers two clever solutions for the additional elevation of PV modules on trapezoidal sheet metal roofs. Both variants have been tested in practice and can now be planned directly by PV professionals using the K2 Base design software – for more efficiency and flexibility in project planning.

The additional elevation on trapezoidal sheet metal roofs enables a better beam angle and thus an optimized energy yield – especially with flat roof pitches between 0° and 10°. Depending on the roof type and the desired module orientation, two proven system combinations – based on short or long rails – allow for precise and yield-optimized installation of PV modules.

 S-/D-Dome 6 on K2 BasicRail

K2 Dome-6-Trapezoidal-Komponenten

The K2 BasicRail is a true all-rounder: it can be installed in just four steps, support high loads and is certified with a German building approval. On trapezoidal roofs, it is mounted as a support rail at right angles to the high crest and is mounted floating, which ensures controlled thermal expansion.

The rail is fastened using the K2 BasicClip, a mounting bracket with an insertion function, which is fixed directly to the sheet metal with self-tapping screws. The Dome 6 components known from flat roof applications are used for the elevation, so that the solar panels are finally rotated by 90° to the roof pitch. This ensures optimal solar exposure. Depending on the project requirements, this solution can be implemented with either the S-/D-Dome 6.10 or the S-Dome 6.15.

S-Dome 6.10 on K2 MultiRail

K2 Dome-6-Trapezoidal-MultiRail

The K2 MultiRail short-rail system is particularly optimised for material and transport efficiency. With just one component, it combines roof attachment and mounting rail in a single product. This solid base rail is available in various lengths. When mounted on trapezoidal sheet metal, the rail is installed parallel to the high crest, allowing the modules to be aligned along the roof slope. This variant, in combination with the S-Dome 6.10, offers a stable and yield-optimized solution.

Now digitally plannable – with K2 Base

What previously required support from the K2 team can now be planned independently: Both variants for elevation on trapezoidal sheet metal roofs are available in the K2 Base design software.

Screenshots-Base-trpzdl-Dome-6

The intuitive user interface enables fast, precise and secure planning, including structural analysis and item list. For individual project requirements, K2’s technical support remains available – especially when alternative parallel mounting variants are needed, for which the modular K2 Systems product range offers further solutions.

Training video: K2 BasicRail PV mounting system with Dome 6 module elevation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzrYnlbvVEk

Energy portal

Bihać – When Tourism Development Goes Hand in Hand With Care for Nature

Foto: Grad Bihać

The city of Bihać is located in the northwest of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is known for its exceptional natural beauty and rich cultural and historical heritage. Much of the city abounds with springs, streams, rivers, and underground waters, and the first thing that comes to mind when mentioning this area is undoubtedly the emerald-green Una River, with its famous waterfalls – Štrbački Buk and Martin Brod.

Foto: Grad Bihać

It is precisely these natural wonders that attract visitors from around the world, which is why Bihać pays special attention to the development of sustainable tourism while preserving the natural environment. However, the other side of the coin points to growing threats, such as illegal construction and the concreting of riverbanks, which could seriously damage the natural landscape and biological balance of the area.

What are the city authorities doing to protect natural resources and prevent pollution? What is the Emerald Road project, and what are the latest developments in the city? We learned more from Elvedin Sedić, Mayor of Bihać.

Q: Which natural resources would you single out as the most important for the City of Bihać, and how significant are they for local development?

A: Bihać is no longer an industrial city, and I believe we must come to terms with that. The era of major industrial giants like Gorenje, Kombiteks and Polietilenka is behind us. The time when the city relied solely on industry has passed, and today, in terms of local development, we must think differently. When we talk about resources, especially natural ones, Una is without doubt our greatest natural asset and development potential. It is the foundation of our identity and the lifeblood of this region.

Aside from Una, I would also highlight forest resources, especially timber, which has unfortunately remained underutilised in the post-war period. We failed to develop a stronger timber industry, and there lies room for a serious strategic breakthrough. We have the resource, we have the knowledge, and we need more coordination and vision to transform those natural advantages into sustainable development.

Q: Given that Bihać is the largest city through which the Una River flows, how do you view its potential – environmentally, touristically, and economically?

A: Una is our mirror and, in every sense, our most valuable asset. From an environmental standpoint, our primary task is to protect it. Its cleanliness, flow, banks and natural surroundings are values we must defend and preserve for future generations. From a tourism perspective, Una and its entire environment offer enormous potential. It is a beauty that already attracts visitors from around the world, but one that we must use carefully and responsibly. Tourism development must not come at the expense of nature. I believe that preserving the natural environment and developing tourism are not opposing but complementary concepts. We need to plan wisely and long-term, invest in infrastructure that respects ecological standards, and use natural resources in a sustainable way.

U FOCUS:

Q: What are currently the greatest threats to the ecosystem of Una National Park, and how are the Park or local authorities addressing them?

A: The biggest challenge is illegal construction. This is a problem that concerns all of us – the local community, institutions, and every individual. When we concrete the riverbanks and disturb the natural configuration of the river, we are actually damaging its identity. We lose what makes it unique, and with that, we lose tourists, development, and the future. The problem doesn’t stem only from illegal construction, but also from a lack of awareness about the importance of preserving natural spaces. That’s why it’s extremely important to urgently adopt and implement regulatory and zoning plans, which will enable planned, controlled construction within the National Park and along the Una’s banks. Only in this way can we stop further devastation and create a sustainable framework for the coexistence of humans and nature.

Q: What concrete measures are being implemented to prevent pollution and preserve natural resources in Bihać and the wider region?

A: We are acting on several fronts simultaneously, through infrastructure, education, projects and control mechanisms. The City of Bihać continuously invests efforts into preventing pollution and the degradation of natural resources. One of the key projects in this direction is RECIRCLE, through which we are strengthening waste management system capacities by applying circular economy principles. The focus is on increasing recycling rates, separate waste collection and reuse.

Additionally, the SMART DeCARB project is aimed at developing innovative pilot solutions for decarbonising public buildings. This directly contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions and improving energy efficiency, making Bihać part of the broader European energy transition. These projects are not just technical solutions but also important tools for raising public awareness about the importance of environmental protection and responsible behaviour, as well as a strong path toward applying European standards.

Q: Are there any plans to develop new tourist infrastructure, particularly that which respects sustainability principles?

A: In recent years, we’ve worked intensively on developing tourist infrastructure, always with sustainability in mind. Unfortunately, for years this sector was neglected, and many attractive locations were either abandoned or difficult to access.

Foto: Grad Bihać

Through the Emerald Road project, right in the city centre, we’ve started connecting the islands on the Una and forming a circular promenade, which we hope will become one of the most visited spots in Bihać. Inspired by the Una River, the Emerald Road is a symbol of our commitment to preserving nature while also being a vision for developing the urban core in harmony with the natural surroundings.

Furthermore, we’ve improved access to attractions like Štrbački Buk and the National Park, and we’re doing the same in Martin Brod. Through revitalisation of historic towns, our focus has also been on enhancing rest and recreation areas. Besides building a new pedestrian bridge, which is currently under construction, we also plan to build a suspension footbridge that will connect the walkway behind Stens with the Midžić neighbourhood, completing one of the most scenic walking routes in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Q: How do you maintain balance between tourism growth and the need to protect natural resources?

A: That balance is precisely the core of our approach. Tourism development must go hand in hand with environmental preservation. We must not sacrifice nature for short-term profit. That’s why we insist on sustainable solutions, respect for zoning and regulatory plans, and investment in infrastructure that protects the environment. Through projects like the Emerald Road, we are demonstrating that it’s possible to develop a tourism product that benefits the local community while preserving the authenticity and natural values that define us. That’s the direction we want to continue pursuing.

Interview by: Jasna Dragojević

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine Climate change

Japan Against Tsunamis – 400 Kilometers of Concrete and 9 Million Trees

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Subtle Cinematics)

Fourteen years ago, Japan’s eastern coast was struck by the powerful Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which claimed more than 15,000 lives, devastated cities, and triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster. In the aftermath, the Japanese government decided to invest billions of dollars in new infrastructure to protect against future tsunamis.

The so-called “Great Wall of Japan” is a massive concrete barrier stretching nearly 400 kilometers along the country’s northeastern coast. According to international media, the wall rises more than 14 meters high in some areas, with foundations reaching depths of up to 25 meters. While seawalls were not a new concept at the time, this one differs from earlier versions by having a wider, reinforced base. It was designed to withstand waves up to eight meters high, weaken their force, and provide precious time for evacuation.

Still, waves can exceed those limits, as seen in 2011 when some reached 15 meters, destroying many protective barriers then in place. For this reason, the Great Wall of Japan was complemented by additional natural reinforcements. Alongside it, authorities launched a coastal project to plant nine million trees and shape artificial hills.

However, this infrastructure has not been universally welcomed. Critics argue that the walls spoil the natural landscape and, in some regions, block ocean views. Concerns have also been raised about potential declines in coastal tourism and skepticism among residents about whether the wall could truly stop a major disaster.

Experts emphasize that these walls provide what is known as “Level 1” protection, intended for tsunamis occurring once every 50 to 160 years. For rarer, more extreme “Level 2” events, the seawalls alone would not be sufficient. What remains crucial, specialists stress, are public education, well-planned evacuation routes, and early warning systems to minimize the catastrophic impact of natural disasters.

Energy portal

Czech Republic’s Ambitious Climate Goals: Stability Through Nuclear and Green Energy

Photo-illustration; Unsolash (Martin Krmartin krchnacek)

The Czech Republic is recording notable successes in the fight against climate change – from reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 47 percent compared to 1990, to ambitious plans for expanding the share of renewable sources and nuclear energy in its energy mix.

In an interview with our magazine, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Serbia, H.E. Jan Bondy, talks about the strategic directions of Czech climate and energy policy, the challenges and benefits of the energy transition, improvements in air quality, and the fight against flooding.

He also touches on concrete measures supporting the development of electromobility and green infrastructure, as well as prospects for deepening cooperation with Serbia in areas such as environmental protection, renewable energy sources, and waste management.

Photo: Zoran Petrović / CorD Magazine

Q: What are the main measures the Czech Republic is implementing in the fight against climate change, and what specific climate targets has it set in line with European and international commitments?

A: At the national level, the Czech Republic has adopted strategic documents related to climate protection, covering the period from 2017 to 2030, with a long-term outlook to 2050. Broadly speaking, we can say that since 1990, harmful gas emissions in the Czech Republic have been reduced by 47 percent. Thanks to this, we expect to meet the EU’s 2030 target, which aims for a 55 percent reduction in greenhouse gases. Now we must ensure a consistent trend of decarbonizing the energy sector and the entire economy. That’s why we will continue to encourage the development of renewable energy sources and heat production systems, as well as energy efficiency measures, through successful subsidy schemes, primarily via the Modernization Fund.

In relation to the ongoing debate on a new target under the proposed revisions to the European Climate Law, which would apply up to 2040, we can briefly highlight several key points of importance for the Czech Republic. As one of the EU’s highly industrialized countries, with a significant share of energy-intensive sectors, the Czech Republic will face relatively greater consequences and costs in transitioning to low-emission and zero-emission technologies. Therefore, we will insist on guarantees and the preservation of the principles of solidarity and fair burden-sharing, where the principle of technological neutrality is of key importance to us. It is also crucial that the Czech Republic continues and increases green transition funding from the EU budget, which is closely linked to the preparation of the new multiannual financial framework.

IN FOCUS:

Q: How does the Czech Republic protect its natural resources, and which institutions play a key role in implementing environmental protection policy?

A: In recent years, the Czech Republic has undergone a fundamental economic transformation and achieved significant success in areas such as air protection, water quality improvement, waste management, the remediation of areas polluted by industrial activities, and the reclamation of regions damaged by raw material exploitation. This is the result of tremendous efforts by the Ministry of the Environment, together with other key players, including relevant ministries, the scientific community, businesses, industry, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders, with support from international partners at both European and global levels. In the area of bilateral cooperation, collaboration with neighboring countries is especially important to us.

Q: What concrete measures is the Czech Republic taking to reduce air pollution, particularly in the energy and transport sectors, and how aligned are these steps with European air quality standards?

A: A specific example of good practice, which has become a symbol of the connection between environmental, social, and economic contributions in many respects, is the New Green Savings (NZŠ) program. Thanks to this program, the energy demand of buildings is being reduced, renewable sources are being encouraged, housing quality is improving, and new job opportunities are being created. Today, the program also focuses on vulnerable households (subsidized support for the elderly and low-income families), thus supporting social sustainability and contributing to the fight against energy poverty. This program has already helped thousands of families and plays a significant role in our climate commitments. By the end of 2024, 480,000 applications will have been approved under the NZŠ, and 600,000 households will have received subsidies amounting to approximately 110 billion Czech crowns, of which two-thirds – 350,000 applications worth 75 billion crowns – have been approved in the current phase of the program since 2021.

Q: Given the increasingly frequent and severe floods in Central Europe, including the Czech Republic, what strategies and investments is the Czech government implementing in flood prevention and climate adaptation?

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Anthony Delanoix)

A: The implementation of technical flood protection measures is very problematic and time-consuming in the Czech Republic. The reasons lie in the complex permitting processes, unresolved property relations, conflicts within protected natural areas, and the long-standing negative societal and media attitudes towards the establishment of technical flood defenses. In some cases, local authorities are even pushing for development in flood-prone areas.

To improve this situation, the Ministry of the Environment has amended the Water Act, stipulating that flood protection structures are to be built in the public interest, which should, in practice, speed up expropriation procedures for such facilities.

State institutions must promote resilience at both individual and local levels. It is essential to educate the public about the importance of water management and flood protection.

International information exchange is also crucial, both bilaterally and within international river basins. In the Danube basin, which includes both the Czech Republic and Serbia, long-term functional early warning rules have been established within the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River.

Interview by Milena Maglovski 

Dresses Made from Flour Sacks – A Lesson in Recycling

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Alexander Grey)

During the Great Depression in the United States, when money for even basic needs was scarce, women showed that functionality and aesthetics could be created even out of limited resources.

At that time, flour sacks were woven from cotton and, instead of being discarded, became raw material for dresses, skirts, shirts, and bedding. There was something profoundly rational about this – a cycle of reuse emerged spontaneously, long before recycling was spoken of as a social or ecological obligation.

Dress sewn from a flour sack / Photo: Wikipedia (Smithsonian)

Companies quickly recognized this trend. Instead of rough canvas sacks, they began to use softer cotton, printing floral and geometric patterns onto the fabric. They realized that their packaging was not ending up in waste but in households, becoming part of a broader life story. Even company logos were adapted – printed with plant-based ink that could easily be removed, allowing women to use the fabric without unwanted marks. In this way, marketing and functionality became allies in difficult times.

This episode in history tells a story far beyond mere practicality. It raises the question of the value of materials and our relationship to things. If, in times of scarcity, it was natural for packaging to be turned into clothing, why is it so difficult today, in an age of abundance, to find meaning in reuse?

Dresses made from flour sacks were not a symbol of romanticized poverty but a testimony to rational and sustainable thinking. Today, when we live in an era of excess and short-lived products, these examples serve as lessons. Recycling is not a new idea – it has always been there; once it was a necessity, today it should be a conscious choice.

Instruction manuals on how to sew clothes from sacks can still be found online. This may sound like a curious oddity, but in fact, it is a valuable reminder that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.

Therefore, let this article also serve as a reminder that materials always hold value, and that value does not disappear with their first use.

Milena Maglovski

New Rules Shape the Pellet Market in Serbia

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Kasia)

Clear rules have recently been established in the domestic wood biomass market, bringing more order, safety, and transparency. The quality of firewood, wood pellets, and wood briquettes is, for the first time, covered by unified rules that standardize the key characteristics of these fuels.

The Regulation on technical and other requirements for solid fuels from wood biomass placed on the market of the Republic of Serbia has been published in The Republic of Serbia’s Official Gazette, which precisely defines physical-chemical parameters, sampling methods, and mandatory laboratory control.

When it comes to pellets and briquettes, an additional quality control measure has been introduced in the shape of reports issued by designated bodies and a mandatory declaration of conformity provided by producers and importers.

We discussed the implementation and potential effects of the new regulation with two interviewees representing complementary perspectives: Igor Milekić, a representative of the pellet industry and Commercial Director of Sparrow d.o.o., and Professor Branko Glavonjić, PhD, full professor at the Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, and one of the main authors of this regulation.

The importance of the regulation from a producer’s perspective

According to Milekić, the idea of drafting the regulation originated back in 2017, when major producers, in cooperation with Professor Branko Glavonjić, raised concerns over drastic inconsistencies in the quality of domestic pellets. The initiative was revived last year, partly due to the dramatic drop in production and sales after 2023, with strong logistical support provided by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce.

Photo-Ilustration: Pixabay (moses)

Milekić adds that similar regulations already exist within the EU, under the auspices of international organizations such as ENplus, which brings together, registers, certifies, and monitors pellet producers and traders worldwide. Twelve out of approximately 90 domestic pellet producers in Serbia are currently affiliated with this organization.

“This regulation, with its technical requirements, is harmonized with the standards set by ENplus, and it also establishes a market quality control procedure that is significantly stricter, taking into account the presence of unfair competition and critically poor-quality structures in the domestic market,” Milekić explains.

Under the new rules, every pellet producer or importer must now prove compliance of their finished product with twenty-one clearly defined parameters twice a year. Accredited domestic laboratories, upon request, visit factories, take samples, and complete analyses within a few days. If the results meet the prescribed ranges, a quality declaration is issued and attached to each individual bag, valid for six months until the next inspection. The cost of a single analysis is estimated to be several hundred euros, not a significant burden in relation to overall production costs.

IN FOCUS:

Key innovations from the perspective of Professor Branko Glavonjić

As Professor Glavonjić explains, the Regulation was introduced with several main objectives – primarily to establish a unified, mandatory quality control system for wood fuels on the Serbian market. This simultaneously protects end consumers from poor-quality pellets or briquettes and removes unfair advantages from companies that have so far avoided laboratory testing, thereby ensuring equal business conditions for all producers and importers. Accordingly, the most significant innovation regarding firewood is the requirement for sellers to issue a declaration of conformity at the point of sale, ensuring that the firewood’s parameters comply with the requirements outlined in the Regulation. In this way, sellers are obliged to deliver the quantity and quality of firewood that the customers have paid for.

Regarding wood pellets, the main innovation is that only pellets of A1 and A2 quality classes are now permitted on the market – class B is no longer allowed. Therefore, only the highest-quality wood pellets will be available on the Serbian market in the future.

Another important change concerns the obligation for producers to carry out semi-annual quality control of their pellets, covering 21 parameters divided into three groups:

  • Physical characteristics of wood pellets (dimensions, bulk density, mechanical durability, fine particle content, presence of additives)
    • Chemical characteristics of wood pellets (ash content, ash melting behavior, nitrogen, sulfur and chlorine content, presence of heavy metals)
    • Energy characteristics of wood pellets (moisture content, net calorific value)

To qualify for A1 class quality, every parameter must meet the prescribed values for that class. If even one parameter fails to comply, the pellet is classified as A2 quality.

“Based on the completed inspection and the report issued by a designated domestic laboratory, producers must place a declaration of conformity on each individual package (every plastic bag) of wood pellets. The Regulation stipulates the procedure domestic laboratories must follow in the quality control process of wood pellets, as well as the contents of the reports they issue to producers. The most important change in this procedure is that sample collection for quality testing must be carried out directly at the production site, not based on samples provided by the producer, as was previously the case with some manufacturers,” explains Professor Glavonjić.

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Mrdidg)

When it comes to imported pellets, the Regulation sets out three options. The first is that the foreign producer hires an accredited domestic laboratory to collect samples and issue a quality control report. Based on this report, the producer issues a declaration of conformity, allowing the pellet to enter the Serbian market. The second option is that if the producer does not do so, the importer must, after customs clearance, engage a domestic laboratory to inspect each batch of pellets; based on this report, the importer applies the conformity declaration to each package. The third option allows for the recognition of reports from foreign laboratories, provided all requirements of the Serbian Regulation are met and there is a mutual recognition agreement in place with the domestic laboratory. The list of accredited laboratories is published on the website of the Ministry of Mining and Energy.

Positive effects of the regulation

The implementation of the new Regulation, which begins on 19 July, is expected to have positive effects for consumers and other market participants for several reasons. The introduction of a unified quality control system for wood pellets and briquettes will apply equally to all market participants.

“The obligation to meet standards and undergo quality control should eliminate the presence of poor-quality wood pellets and briquettes, which will increase consumer confidence in these wood fuels. Buyers will have clearer information about the quality of the fuel they are purchasing, which means fewer issues related to combustion, ash, and equipment damage,” says Professor Glavonjić.

In conclusion, the new Regulation on technical and other requirements for solid fuels from woody biomass represents an important step toward regulating the domestic market and raising the quality of pellets and briquettes in Serbia. It is expected that the Regulation will support the sector’s recovery, strengthen the competitiveness of domestic producers, and increase confidence in wood bioenergy as a sustainable heating solution.

Prepared by Milica Vučković

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine PURE ENERGY

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