AUSTRALIA’S SOLAR REVOLUTION STARTS ON ROOFTOPS

05.02.2024

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (giorgio-trovato)

It is a well-known fact that Australia is one of the largest countries in the world with an area of 7.6 million square metres, which is why it does not have a uniform climate. However, certain northern parts of the country can have over 300 sunny days a year. Even the southern parts, such as the state of Victoria or South Australia, which have a different climate, have enough sun for this country to embark on the development of solar energy.

Of the total electricity production in 2022, 32 percent came from renewable sources, but this figure is growing year-on-year, the Government’s website says. This growth was also driven by the increased use of rooftop solar panels, which had a decent share in electricity production. Therein lies idiosyncracy when it comes to solar energy in this country – individuals and their homes lag behind this solar panel growth. For instance, on the last day of the year 2023, generated rooftop solar power alone covered the electricity needs of one Australian state.

A report by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) mentions this increase, specifically pointing to the significant contribution of rooftop solar plants. The same report also reveals that in the fourth quarter of 2023, average generation from distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems reached an all-time high of 3,433MW, up 17 percent from the same period in 2022, also setting a record for any quarter so far.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Bill Mead)

This means that the contribution of small technologies of a group of individuals is not insignificant or irrelevant, but influences the country’s energy transition. Considering the research that shows that almost a third of the houses in the country have rooftop solar panels, we can say that Australia is one of the leading countries when it comes to rooftop solar plants per capita. At the state level, this number stands at 10 percent, as reported by local research and the media.

In order to meet the ambitious targets Australia has set when it comes to renewable sources, more massive technology is needed, whether it is solar, wind, water or some other form of energy. There are infrastructural obstacles to this in the country, given its size. Still, Australia has a relatively small population, which means that large state-owned solar power projects can often be far from the main consumer groups, which further complicates the infrastructure and the transmission challenge while increasing infrastructure-related costs.

Energy portal

EMPOWERING LOCAL COMMUNITIES – PANEL BY PANEL TO POWER PLANT

04.02.2024

IMG_20230408_224422 — Photo: Elektropionir

In light of the development of the modern energy sector, Elektropionir – an energy cooperative formed around 2019 – has become a beacon for people who are actively looking for a better position in this sector. The cooperative’s team raises awareness of the challenges that individuals, as natural persons, face when trying to produce their own electricity. Through its members’ personal insights and experiences, Elektropionir identified disharmony in the legal framework, which did not recognize individual electricity producers as an integral part of the extensive power grid. Then, a slight change happened, illuminating the path towards creating a mechanism to introduce the community into a collective energy enterprise. Jelena Nikolić, a doctoral candidate in energy management and a member of the Elektropionir Energy Cooperative, elaborates on the cooperative’s work and its most renowned project.

Following the cooperative principles, this cooperative is a legal entity that strategically organizes its members while promoting voluntary and open membership, democratic organization (one member/one vote), economic participation of all cooperative members, inter-cooperative cooperation through participation in the European umbrella organization of energy cooperatives – REScoop – as well as autonomy in business. Education has always been the central pillar EMPOWERING LOCAL COMMUNITIES – PANEL BY PANEL TO POWER PLANT

IN FOCUS:

“During our Solartehnika course, we try to pass on everything we know to the nation and share the experience we have gained. So far, we have held six courses, each different from the previous one. The period between the two courses brings new knowledge and a different approach, so each Solartehnika course is better than the previous one. So far, more than 250 participants have attended them,” Jelena Nikolić points out.

Elektropionir has opened a new chapter in sustainable energy in Serbia with their immersion in the Solarna Stara project, initiating the idea that ordinary people, united and determined, are powerful drivers of change in the energy transition. The project demonstrates that the responsibility for setting up a power plant does not have to be concentrated exclusively in the hands of large investors. Namely, when local communities unite, they can produce their own electricity and advocate for a just energy transition through action and common ownership of clean energies. The project was launched in the spring of 2022 in cooperation with the people from the old mountain villages of Dojkinci and Temska and the city of Pirot. Still, it was designed and implemented under the auspices of the Elektropionir Energy Cooperative. It laid the groundwork for the country’s first cooperative solar power plants, setting the standard for future initiatives.

Prepared by: Milica Vučković

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

THE PIONEER PROJECT OF THE MT-KOMEX COMPANY IN BIH – REŠETNICA

03.02.2024

Competence and expertise in constructing solar power plants have brought MT-KOMEX to the position of a reliable and valuable partner in the energy sector. As such, it is recognized throughout Serbia, considering it has successfully developed and equipped many solar plants on the ground and roofs. However, now is an excellent opportunity to prove itself as a serious partner outside our borders.

Embarking on building a sustainable future, the company MT-KOMEX has recently expanded its operations to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it will soon, together with MT-KOMEX BH d.o.o. start its debut project in this country – Photovoltaic (PV) Power Plant Rešetnica. This solar power plant will be built in the place of the same name in the city of Goražde. It will represent a combination of technological skill and environmental awareness, administratively belonging to the Bosnian-Podrinje Canton.

The construction of the solar power plant in Bosnia and Herzegovina will be carried out on a turnkey basis, which means that the contractor is responsible for all phases of the project, including – the design, delivery, assembly, and testing of the photovoltaic power plant. Therefore, the planning and creation of the model of the power plant, the delivery of the necessary materials, technology, and labor to the site, then the installation of panels, the installation of inverters and other necessary infrastructure, and finally, ensuring that the entire system works – is entrusted to the company’s expert team. The application of this method implies that the investor, Public Enterprise Elektroprivreda Bosne i Herzegovine d.d. – Sarajevo, will be presented with the final product, i.e. a fully functional plant ready for work, which relieves them of the hassle of managing numerous tasks and complex phases of work.

IN FOCUS:

The solar power plant will be positioned at about 900 meters above sea level, while the plateau planned for the PV power plant Rešetnica installation will cover about 8,200 m2 (or 0.82 hectares) of the 10,015 m2 total plot size. The chosen site should provide not only a solid platform for construction but also a great potential for efficient use of sunlight for high-yield energy production.

Luxor Solar’s solar panels will be used to construct this facility. The choice of panels is based on their efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity – an essential attribute, then longevity and reliability in different weather conditions, given that recent storms in these areas have made it clear that this is an important criterion when panel selection.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Asia Chang Yr)

On the other hand, Fronius inverters should enable efficient and reliable power conversion and thereby also contribute to the optimal functioning of the entire system.

– Of course, the key issue is the total capacity that the power plant will have. Therefore, it is planned that the PV power plant Rešetnica, with an installed power of 1,050 kWp, and a total output/active power of 800 kW AC, will produce an estimated annual energy of 1411 MWh – said Radoslav Marić, director of MT-KOMEX BH d.o.o.

The company MT-KOMEX realized that with its many years of experience and knowledge, it could help develop projects in the field of renewable energy sources in Bosnia and Herzegovina by establishing MT-KOMEX BH d.o.o. In addition to the contract for the construction of the PV power plant Rešetnica, negotiations are ongoing for the construction of four more solar power plants in BiH, three on the roof and one on the ground. The company’s engineers and installers are ready for all the challenges that business brings them in this area, and they are here to help every client construct a solar power plant.

Prepared by: Milica Vučković

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Net Zero Industry Act threatens to be a backward step for Europe’s wind industry

02.02.2024

cape-ortegal-vetar-vetroelektrana — Photo-illustration: Pixabay (makunin)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (arteum-ro)

Wind is 19 per cent of the electricity consumed in Europe. Nearly all of Europe’s wind turbines are made in Europe. Europe’s wind energy supply chain is big – over 250 factories spread across nearly every EU Member State. 300,000 people work in wind in Europe today.

Europe’s wind supply chain has been struggling. Costs went up in the last two years, but revenues didn’t rise as much. And there’s intense competition now from Chinese turbine manufacturers. The EU responded extremely well last year with the Wind Power Package of 15 immediate measures to strengthen Europe’s wind industry. 26 Member States then endorsed these actions by signing a European Wind Charter.

These actions include the tightening of pre-qualification criteria to raise the bar on what sort of wind turbines can be built in Europe – commitments on cybersecurity and data residency and responsible business conduct.

The EU is now about to agree a Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA). This aims to strengthen all of Europe’s clean energy supply chains. It’s a good thing. But some of the detail is going in the wrong direction. Specifically, there is a suggestion that the new pre-qualification criteria should only apply to 20 per cent of projects to begin with. This goes against the Wind Power Package which says they should apply to all projects. For wind, it sends it a signal that we only want high European standards for 20 per cent of projects – the other 80 per cent can go to non-European manufacturers.

Sure, other clean energy industries are in a different position. Some of them rely on non-European imports for the time being. Higher standards now for all projects might hurt them. But for wind they’re essential if Europe wants to preserve and strengthen its existing supply chain. The solution is simple – NZIA must take a technology-specific approach to the pre-qualification criteria. Otherwise we simply lose the prized assets we have today, our wind supply chain, and we fail to nurture the growth of the other new clean tech industries Europe wants.

To sum up, the European Parliament and EU Member States need to ensure, as they finalise NZIA, that:

pre-qualification criteria can apply immediately;
and that Governments take a technology-specific approach to pre-qualification criteria.

Otherwise the EU goes backwards on the support it committed to last year in the Wind Power Package and Wind Charter – and risks losing its largest existing clean energy industry.

Source: WindEurope

COMPANIES FROM CHINA, EGYPT, TURKEY, THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND SPAIN CONFIRM THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE SUMMIT

02.02.2024

vetroelektrane-vetar — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Appolinary Kalashnikova)

The largest regional event dedicated to renewable energy sources – the Balkan Solar Summit – will take place on February 8th and 9th. More than 50 speakers, 500 participants and topics that change the renewable energy market await us in two days in Banja Luka, in Banski Dvor.

The Summit will bring together the most eminent experts and business leaders from the region and Europe, who have successfully implemented various and live and work in the real sector. This time, they will be joined by executives from leading banks, as well as directors and Managing Board members, high representatives of the EBRD, representatives of global corporations and decision-makers, who will present the latest financing options for RES projects.

This February, in addition to representatives of companies from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro, company executives from China, Egypt, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Spain and numerous other countries have confirmed their participation in the Banja Luka Summit, which will create numerous opportunities for the development of the RES market, not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina but in the entire region.

BALKAN SOLAR SUMMIT IN FEBRUARY IN BANJA LUKA

“As the programme director, I would like to underline that the programme we have prepared for this year’s Balkan Solar Summit is truly top-notch. We have invested an extraordinary effort to bring together leading experts and innovators in the field of renewable energy sources, creating a platform that not only informs but also inspires. Each segment of our programme is carefully designed to encourage discussion, collaboration and new ideas. We gathered all the stakeholders in the chain of renewable energy sources projects, including investors, designers, financiers, traders and legislators, with the aim of encouraging cooperation, exchanging knowledge and creating a favourable environment for the development of solar, wind and other projects in the region,” said Ervin Leko, the Summit’s programme director.

“The Summit was conceived as a business event and a game changer in the world of renewable energy sources. Visitors will enjoy an exceptional programme with more than 50 experts who will discuss the latest trends and challenges in the industry. The stage and production will be at the highest level and we promise numerous networking opportunities, which will help our participants to establish valuable business connections and exchange know-how”, says Milena Mijatović, the Summit’s director.

Please click here to see available slots.

The Balkan Solar Summit is held under the auspices of the Ministry of External Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Source: Balkan Solar Summit

CARS ARE ON AVERAGE GETTING LARGER, USING MORE FUEL AND OCCUPIING LARGER AREA

01.02.2024

parking_ulica — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Vita Marija Murenaite)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash ( Neonbrand)

Purchasing larger-than-average cars has been gaining on popularity for many years in Europe. They often exceed parking spaces in cities, but they also use a lot more fuel. A recent study found that around half of new cars in Europe are too wide for standard parking spaces in cities, with their average width increasing by one centimetre every two years. The current average car width is 180.3 cm, while five years ago it was 177.8 cm.

Among the 100 most popular car models in Europe, 52 are too wide for typical 180cm-wide- seats. According to the European Federation for Transport and Environment, this trend, especially the growth in the number of large SUVs that are 200cm each, causes problems such as the lack of space for safe entry and exit.

Paris saw an increase in the popularity of larger vehicles, as did other European cities in the last decade. Besides taking up more space in the city, the size and weight of these vehicles is associated with a greater risk for pedestrians and a greater consumption of fossil fuels.

As we wrote before, precisely because of this, Paris will hold a referendum in a few days, which will allow citizens to express their opinion on new measures aimed at SUVs and 4×4 vehicles. This follows an earlier referendum on self-service electric scooters, which were ultimately banned in the city after 89 percent of the 103,084 citizens who voted supported their abolition.

The current focus is on large vehicles and the question of whether they should pay more for parking to free up space for more economical vehicles. The proposal includes increasing parking fees for SUVs and 4×4 vehicles, which are typically around 200kg heavier, 25cm longer and 10cm wider than standard cars.

The phenomenon also leads to more pollution, which is why Parisians will face a topic that directly affects the appearance and ecology of their city.

Energy portal

THE MANIPULATION BEHIND ECO-LABELLING

01.02.2024

eko — Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

Photo-illustration: Freepik (macrovector)

Manipulation is a ubiquitous phenomenon and is as old as humankind. But as society, its values and priorities are changing, manipulation is shaped according to these changes. Consequently, as our time is coloured by ecology, deception has managed to find its place in this sphere as well.

You have probably noticed different symbols and signs that are environment-related more than ever before. Such words include green, sustainable, eco or natural, and in terms of colours, there is frequent use of the term „earthy“ or „green“. Photos, animations and sounds of nature are also hidden somewhere among these terms, like plants, animals, natural landscapes, sounds of birds, rain and more. Although as a society we are making more and more progress in terms of education and awareness of deception in various aspects, as well as environmental awareness, eco-manipulation is present.

Special attention is drawn to the problem of eco-labels and ecological claims on products, that is, whether these products really deserve to be labelled as good for the environment. Such labels should imply that the product reduces the consumption of energy resources, emissions of harmful and dangerous substances, or limited waste generation. Furthermore, there are claims that recycled materials were used during production or that the product can be further recycled or reused, etc. As it happens, these claims are sometimes not true at all or they cover up other, perhaps more dangerous, product properties.

The European Union has been tackling this problem of deception, which is also known as greenwashing, more seriously. Namely, as early as March 2022, the European Commission proposed that the rules on consumer protection be updated, while supporting the green transition. In September of the following year, the Parliament and the Council reached a temporary agreement on the updated rules, to be approved by the deputies in January of this year. Once this happens, the Council will give its official approval. After that, EU Member States are given two years to introduce the new rules into national legislation.

What does this agreement imply?

The agreement aims to improve product labelling and prohibit the use of inaccurate, unverified and ambiguous claims. In particular, the use of general claims such as environmentally friendly, natural, biodegradable, climate neutral and others, which are not backed by relevant evidence, is prohibited. In terms of labels, only those approved by public bodies or obtained through official certification programmes will be allowed.

What particularly caught my attention was the decision to ban claims of neutrality, reduction or positive environmental impact that rely on carbon offsets. In practice, carbon offset means the following – if, for example, two tonnes of CO₂ are emitted during the production of a certain product, the company will subsequently plant as many trees as necessary to compensate for those two tonnes of CO₂.

Another rule is that product warranty claims must be more visible and there will be a mark that will be assigned to those products that have a longer warranty period.

According to some sources, the first eco-label was created in 1977, prompted by the initiative of the German Ministry of the Environment with the view to improve environmental and consumer protection.

Last but not least, I would like to mention the dolphin-safe label, which shows why it is important to introduce stricter eco-label checks. Namely, such a label is found on tuna products, to highlight that no dolphins were harmed during tuna fishing. This term is also known as bycatch. The film Seaspiracy, which left a very strong impression on me and which I watched several times, explains the concept of bycatch in more detail and brings to our attention worrying figures that show the scope of the endangerment of sea creatures, but also explains the problem of manipulation using the example of the mentioned eco-label. When I started to investigate environmental deception, animal rights and biodiversity loss, this film shed light on a very complex subject and helped me to understand the core of the problem. I suggest that you watch the film, regardless of its accuracy, but as a recommendation to better understand the problem we face every day and to pay more attention in the future when buying products that are presented as environmentally acceptable.

Katarina Vuinac

ABB and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings expand long-term partnership

31.01.2024

norwegianbreakaway-indestination-ff — Photo: ABB

Photo-illustration: Freepik (kdekiara
kdekiara)

ABB and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) have signed a long-term partnership agreement to accelerate the decarbonization and digitalization of the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) fleet. Targeting increased safety and efficiency, the agreement covers 14 existing ships and a further four vessels due for delivery from 2025 to 2028.

The first phase of the partnership includes a 10-year Azipod® propulsion service agreement for the fleet, providing efficient preventive maintenance to support safety and maximize vessel availability as well as fast turnaround for planned Azipod® propulsion maintenance. In addition, ABB will supply modernization of the propulsion control system for 11 vessels, and shore connection installations on board four ships. With these planned installations the entire NCL fleet can connect to shoreside power supply for emissions-free operations while in port.

“We are pleased to solidify our long-term collaboration with ABB in a strategic partnership that aligns with our climate action strategy, centered as it is on the pillars of efficiency, innovation and collaboration,” said Patrik Dahlgren, Executive Vice President, Vessel Operations, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “With ABB’s support, we will accelerate the decarbonization and digitalization of our fleet, taking our operations another step forward towards a sustainable future.”

“Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is a highly valued partner of ABB, and this agreement reaffirms the strong collaboration between our companies. We are pleased to continue our collaboration and see our solutions and services playing an integral role in the modernization of their growing cruise fleet,” said Juha Koskela, Division President, ABB Marine & Ports. “Through this collaboration, we will help NCLH to achieve safer and more efficient vessel operations while, more broadly, contributing to maritime decarbonization.”

Based in the United States, NCLH operates vessels under three wholly owned subsidiaries: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, all of which incorporate and utilize ABB technologies.

From its creation three decades ago to its leading position in shipping today, Azipod® propulsion has revolutionized marine transport by delivering unparalleled gains for performance, efficiency, sustainability and reliability. The gearless, steerable propulsion system, with the electric drive motor in a pod outside the ship’s hull, can rotate 360 degrees to increase vessel maneuverability and efficiency, while cutting fuel consumption by up to 20 percent compared to conventional shaftline systems. Since the first installation on a cruise ship over 25 years ago, Azipod® technology has saved more than one million tons of fuel in the cruise segment alone.

Source: ABB

TOP PRODUCT QUALITY AS A GUARANTEE OF INVESTMENT SECURITY

31.01.2024

When building a solar power plant, the most important thing is to choose top-quality, reliable solar panels. As one of the best-certified manufacturers of high-class solar modules, the Luxor Solar Company offers its clients a wide range of products. We spoke with Nino Sijerić, the Business Development Manager of this company, about the business venture the company was most proud of in 2023, the profitability of investing in photovoltaic power plants, the advantages of heterojunction cell technologies (HJT), interest in the premium segment of modules and other topics.

„2023 was very challenging due to the drop in market prices, but we are extremely proud that we managed to keep long-term clients who recognize the added value of doing business with us. In 2023, we received the German SOLAR PROSUMER AWARD, which shows that end users recognized the top quality of our products and that we are now a part of the group of exceptional global brands that have the right to carry this label. Furthermore, the German Innovation Institute for Sustainability and Digitalization awarded us the TOP SERVICE award, as the DIND (Deutsche Innovationsinstitut für Nachhaltigkeit und Digitalisierung) analysis confirmed our company’s outstanding results in service quality.“

Q: What does the profitability of investing in photovoltaic power plants depend on?

A: Luxor modules, as the heart of every power plant and also known for the quality of design and execution of works, ensure safe investment in photovoltaics. Of course, it all depends on the profitability and institutional framework of each country, as well as the electricity market, but ever since the energy prices have risen significantly after the pandemic years and due to various other crises, we have sufficient mechanisms, without the need for additional subsidies. The institutional framework reduces the administrative costs of investments and many countries still have to optimize them in order to make photovoltaic power plants even more appealing. Oftentimes, administration and bureaucracy are major obstacles to rapid progress. If you choose the right components and the right contractor, your power plant will be more than profitable. If you decide to use top technology, like HJT for example, you can expect to generate a minimum of between 3 and 11 per cent more kilowatt hours over a period of 30 years.

IN FOCUS:

Q: What are the advantages of heterojunction cell technologies compared to other technologies?

A: Our module with HJT cells has a 30-year product warranty, which is a guarantee for the investor as they are given a factory warranty covering all technical uncertainties during the production life. HJT also guarantees 93 per cent of the nominal power of the module after 30 years of use, which is eight per cent more than standard PERC technology.

Q: Your portfolio’s premium segment also contains modules with N TYPE TOPCON and HJT technology. How popular are they with users?

A: There is a lot of interest shown for these modules, as these are the technologies that customers order the most because they differ from the competitors’. We are unmatched in guarantees. Each LUXOR N TYPE and HJT module is double-glazed and bifacial with a 30- year product and a 30-year nominal power warranty.

Q: What else could you do to be in the ranks of the best companies in the world in this field when it comes to introducing cutting-edge technologies?

A: In terms of technologies, we are on the right track with N TYPE TOPCON and HJT, which is confirmed in the number of orders from our customers. We closely follow global trends and are at the top level. Many of our competitors look up to the Southeast European markets and they follow us more than we follow them. With our capacity of around 7GW per year, we don’t need to hide from anyone.

Interviewed by: Mirjana Vujadinović Tomevski

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

HOW DANGEROUS ARE EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF PHOSPHORUS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND HOW TO USE IT MORE SUSTAINABLY?

30.01.2024

seme_biljka — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Sushobhan Badhai)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Bence Balla-Schottner)

Food safety is a very important topic, especially at a time when pollution, climate change, urbanization and population growth have never been more intense. Phosphorus plays an important role in ensuring food safety, as a nutrient that promotes plant growth. It is primarily used in the production of synthetic fertilizers to increase crop yields, but it is also a key ingredient in animal feed. Furthermore, its use is recorded in the production of steel, food additives, some pesticides, household cleaning agents and more. Although it is very useful, its excessive and improper use can cause many unwanted effects and leave negative consequences for the environment and the living world.

Agriculture is the main polluter when it comes to phosphorus. Its benefits end when there is too much of it. If too much of it is present in the soil, phosphorus depletes the soil of its natural resources. It becomes particularly harmful when it ends up in rivers, lakes and oceans because a process called eutrophication can occur. The increase in nutrients in the water leads to algal bloom, i.e. excessive reproduction of aquatic plants, mainly algae, which further affects the living world in this ecosystem. The so-called algal bloom degrades the quality of drinking water and leads to the creation of dead zones where there is not enough oxygen, which living things in the water need to survive.

Phosphorus pollution of water has doubled in the last century and the trend continues. To solve the problem, there have to be sustainable practices of phosphorous use in place. The United Nations Environmental Protection Program (UNEP) explains that it’s false to claim that crop yield will increase if more phosphorous is used and adds that the solution lies in determining a suitable amount. Instead, different farming practices would significantly solve this problem. Some of the examples are the use of manure or, say, to reduce the frequency of soil cultivation, as this will improve soil quality and reduce the need for fertilizer.

Additionally, wastewater also releases large amounts of phosphorus into the environment and with proper treatment, its concentration could be reduced by about 80 percent.

Finally, it should be noted that phosphorus is a limited resource, which is another reason why it should be used more responsibly. As stated on the UNEP website, this can be achieved through more efficient mining and processing of phosphorus. Other data show that a significant part of global phosphorus reserves have already disappeared and that those that remain are found in only very few areas, among them Morocco and the Western Sahara. More precisely, close to 170 million tonnes of phosphate rocks are mined annually for the sake of agriculture, that is, to keep the soil fertile.

Katarina Vuinac

INDUSTRIAL AIR POLLUTION AND ITS DETRIMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE AND HEALTH

30.01.2024

co2-ugljen-dioksid-zagadjenje — Foto ilustracija: Pexels

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (DragonDash)

Air pollution is one of the most dangerous types of pollution for the health of people and other living beings. An analysis conducted by the European Environment Agency (EEA) showed that the pollution coming from Europe’s largest industrial plants generates an average cost of between 268 and 428 billion euros per year.

Among the biggest pollutants are carbon dioxide, PM10 particles, ammonia and greenhouse gases. Heavy metals also had a significant presence.

The new EEA briefing “The costs to health and the environment from industrial air pollution in Europe“ includes an analysis of trends in the external effects of industrial air pollution in about 10,000 of the largest facilities in Europe, for the period from 2012 to 2021.

Research shows that about one percent of such buildings, many of which are coal-fired power plants, cause almost half of the total damage. The countries that had the highest number of such facilities in 2021, which at the same time generate the highest costs for the environment, climate and health, are Germany, Poland, Italy, France and Spain. Out of a total of 24 facilities, nine of them were in Germany and six in Poland.

However, as stated on the EEA website, the European Union has managed to achieve significant progress in the mentioned period when it comes to reducing the impact on the environment and climate change. Namely, the costs caused by air pollution by industry were reduced by almost 35 percent. Of this total reduction, almost 80 percent came from the energy sector, thanks to the transition to alternative fuels that pollute less, as well as to renewable energy sources.

An important role in the reduction was played by the European Green Deal, which set the goal of Europe becoming the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. The Deal was presented in December 2019, as a road map for the sustainability of the European Union economy with a goal of turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities in all areas of policy and transition by making them fair and inclusive for all.

Energy portal

Fluorinated gases and ozone-depleting substances: Council greenlights new rules to reduce harmful emissions

29.01.2024

ozon_oblaci_planeta — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Max Smith)

The Council today has adopted two regulations to phase down fluorinated gases (F-gases) and other substances that cause global warming and deplete the ozone layer.

While existing EU legislation has already limited the use of these gases and substances significantly, the new rules will further reduce their emissions into the atmosphere and contribute to limiting global temperature rise, in line with the Paris Agreement.

Fluorinated gases

Under the new rules, the consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) will be completely phased out by 2050. On the other hand, the production of HFC, in terms of production rights allocated by the Commission to produce HFCs, will be phased down to a minimum (15 per cent) as of 2036. Both production and consumption will be phased down on the basis of a tight schedule with a degressive quota allocation (Annexes V and VII).

The text introduces a full ban on placing products and equipment containing HFCs on the market for several categories for which it is technologically and economically feasible to switch to F-gas alternatives, including certain domestic refrigerators, chillers, foams and aerosols. It also sets specific dates for the complete phase-out of the use of F-gases in air conditioning, heat pumps and switchgears:

2032 for small monoblock heat pumps and air conditioning (<12kW)
2035 for split air conditioning and heat pumps, with earlier deadlines for certain types of split systems with higher global warming potential
2030 for medium-voltage switchgears (up to and including 52 kV) relying on F-gases
2032 for high-voltage switchgears (>52kV)

The impacts and effects of the regulation, including an assessment of the existence of cost-effective, technically feasible and sufficiently available alternatives to replace F-gases, will be reviewed by the Commission no later than 1 January 2030. By 2040 the Commission will also have to evaluate the feasibility of the 2050 phase-out date for the consumption of HFCs and the need for HFCs in sectors where they are still used, taking into account technological developments and the availability of alternatives to HFCs for the applications in question.

Ozone depleting substances

The regulation bans ODSs for almost all uses, with strictly limited exemptions.

The text includes an exemption for the use of ODSs as feedstock to produce other substances. The Commission will be tasked with regularly updating a list of ODSs whose use as feedstock is banned. The text also permits the use of ODSs under strict conditions as process agents, in laboratories and for fire protection in special applications such as military equipment and airplanes.

The regulation extends the requirement to recover ODSs for destruction, recycling or reclamation to cover sectors such as building materials (insulation foams), refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment, equipment containing solvents or fire protection systems and fire extinguishers and other equipment, if technically and economically feasible.

Next steps

Today’s vote by the Council closes the adoption procedure. The two regulations will now be signed by the Council and the European Parliament. They will then be published in the EU’s Official Journal and enter into force 20 days later.

Source: Consilium.europa.eu

IEA: HALF OF ELECTRICITY COULD COME FROM LOW-EMISSION SOURCES BY 2026

29.01.2024

emisije , zagađenje — Photo-illustration: Pixabay (catazul)

Photo-illustration: Freepik (frimufilms)

The demand for electricity in the next three years is expected to grow by an average of 3.4 percent. About 85 percent of the increase in global demand is projected to come primarily from China, India and Southeast Asian countries, according to a new IEA Electricity 2024 report.

The good thing is that the capacities of low-emission sources are increasing, including renewables such as solar, wind and hydropower, as well as nuclear. Moreover, such sources could account for almost half of the world’s electricity production by 2026. By the beginning of 2025, renewable sources should account for more than one-third of total production.

Regarding nuclear energy, it could reach the highest global level of use by 2025, given that its potential is growing in France. Also, several nuclear plants in Japan are re-commissioned. Furthermore, the new reactors will reportedly begin commercial operation in many countries, such as China, India and Europe.

At the moment, the energy sector contributes more CO2 emissions than any other in the world economy, according to the IEA website. Expectations are that global emissions from electricity production will decrease by 2.4 percent in 2024.

Increasing the share of exports with low emissions is a very important trend that must be continued and even expedited, considering that in the coming years, it will follow the electricity demand. There was a decline in demand in Europe and the United States last year, but there are numerous emerging economies that have recorded strong growth, which will continue until 2026, due to population growth and industrialization.

Energy portal

NEW EU STANDARDS – WHERE IS THE BEST DRINKING WATER?

28.01.2024

voda_fontana — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Albert Flamingo)

The European Commission has adopted new minimum hygiene standards for materials and products that come into contact with drinking water, which is a significant step towards improving the quality of drinking water throughout the European Union. The decision will enter into force on December 31, 2026.

The new standards will apply to a wide range of materials and products, including supply pipes, valves, pumps, fittings and taps, used in water extraction, treatment, storage or distribution processes. Thanks to these standards, drinking water becomes safer, which is of great importance for the health of EU citizens, according to the European Commission’s website.

It is worth noting that European countries are certainly at the top when it comes to the quality of drinking water. Some of the countries are located in mountainous areas with clean springs and are also investing in water treatment technology. Research shows the Scandinavian countries, Iceland, Austria, Ireland, Greece, Malta, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany and Great Britain have the best tap water because it is toxin-free.

On the other hand, this cannot be said for the entire planet. In fact, a large part of the world population, especially in Africa, has a problem with clean drinking water. African countries often have no infrastructure even if a water source is found.

One of the key benefits of the new rules is a significant reduction in the administrative burden for manufacturers of relevant materials and products. Now a single authorization will allow sales within the entire EU, which encourages the free movement of goods within the EU.

By the new standards, materials and products will receive a special EU declaration and label, thanks to which they can be sold throughout the EU without any restrictions.

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