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A New Method for Long-Term Drought Prediction – Improved Water Resource Planning

Photo-illustration: Freepik (vecstock)

Accurate drought forecasting could play a crucial role in managing water resources at both national and international levels, in line with the EU Water Framework Directive. As temperatures rise, precipitation patterns have become increasingly extreme—either occurring in short, intense bursts that lead to flooding or remaining absent for weeks. Long-term drought forecasting, much like weather forecasting, could significantly improve decision-making and resource management.

Existing prediction methods, which rely on short-term weather forecasts, are generally effective only for a single season and do not provide sufficient data for long-term planning. Therefore, new approaches are essential to enable timely and efficient responses to water shortages. One promising alternative method leverages knowledge of recurring patterns in large-scale weather systems.

A New Methodology for Drought Analysis

To test this approach, researchers analyzed data from two sources. The first dataset comprises records from the National Groundwater Level Archive (NGLA) of the British Geological Survey, spanning the period from 1960 to 2023. These records were used to assess the duration and intensity of droughts based on groundwater levels. The second dataset includes the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) Index, which measures differences in atmospheric pressure at sea level between the subtropical and polar regions of the North Atlantic.

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In the long run, such climate systems can influence weather patterns thousands of kilometers away and are a key factor in precipitation trends across Europe. Researchers compared drought trends recorded in the NGLA with the eight-year cycles identified in the NAO index to examine the significance of these correlations. By combining these datasets, they developed a model to explore how NAO affects the occurrence and duration of groundwater droughts, as explained on the European Commission’s website.

More Accurate Forecasts Up to Four Years in Advance

Research findings indicate that NAO patterns can serve as predictors of drought duration and intensity at both national and regional levels. Using this method, droughts can be predicted up to four years in advance, significantly improving upon existing models that rely on monthly data or average winter precipitation levels.

The model’s accuracy varied depending on the duration of droughts, demonstrating the highest reliability when forecasting prolonged drought events. Additionally, its effectiveness was influenced by hydrogeological regions, with the best results observed in areas where water systems respond slowly to changes in precipitation levels.

Energy Portal

Bulgaria Faces Highest Energy Poverty in the EU: Will It Receive Funding from the Social Climate Fund?

Photo-illustration: Freepik (pvproductions )

Bulgaria’s Agency for Sustainable Energy Development highlights that the country has the highest level of energy poverty in the European Union, affecting as much as 30 percent of the population. This makes the development of a Social Climate Plan crucial, as it will serve as the basis for Bulgaria’s approval of significant financial support from the Social Climate Fund.

Under the plan, Bulgaria is expected to receive nearly 2.5 billion euros from the Fund for the period between 2026 and 2032, with the funds directed toward the most vulnerable households and micro-enterprises. However, if Bulgaria fails to submit its Social Climate Plan on time, it risks losing the allocated funds.

Twelve organizations engaged in environmental protection and the social sector, including the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), have joined forces to provide their recommendations to the relevant institutions and accelerate the adoption of the Social Climate Plan, which must be submitted to the European Commission by the end of June 2025.

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The coordinating body responsible for preparing the plan experienced delays in commencing its work and was abolished just a week ago. Another major issue is the absence of a designated institution to oversee the process, as well as a lack of clear regulations, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.

Experts emphasize the need to strengthen the capacity of local authorities, social and economic partners, and non-governmental organizations so that they can actively participate in the preparation and implementation of the plan.

As stated on the WWF website, it is essential to simplify the application process for funding and reduce administrative barriers.

Energy Portal

Fire Strikes Panama’s Thermal Power Plant – Nationwide Power Outage Ensues

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (luis-aleman)

During the night between Saturday and Sunday, a malfunction at a private thermal power plant in Panama caused widespread disruptions in the country’s electricity supply. The incident occurred when a fire broke out at one of the plants, triggering the power grid’s protective mechanisms and leading to a complete collapse of the national electricity network.

The blackout severely impacted essential services, including the distribution of drinking water, as water pumps ceased operation. This, in turn, led to water supply interruptions across large parts of the country, according to global media reports.

Power company workers managed to stabilize the system, and electricity supply was fully restored by Sunday morning. However, the incident once again highlighted the vulnerability of Panama’s energy system and the need for stricter oversight of private energy facilities connected to the national grid.

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Additionally, the recent prolonged power outage in Chile in late February demonstrated the far-reaching consequences of such incidents. Unlike Panama’s nighttime blackout, Chile’s outage occurred in the afternoon, halting metro services, trains, elevators, and various commercial activities.

Panama, which has previously experienced short-term power interruptions, now faces the challenge of ensuring the stability and reliability of its energy system. Authorities have announced regulatory reviews and potential reforms in the sector to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In this case, the failure at the private thermal power plant was not merely an internal issue—it triggered a chain reaction across the national grid, underscoring the importance of monitoring and regulating the private sector’s role in energy production.

Energy portal

Social Media as a Tool for Monitoring Species in the Era of Climate Change

Climate change affects the range of habitats of numerous species, and these changes are usually documented through databases such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). However, in recent times, rapid shifts in species distribution cannot always be tracked through traditional methods, making alternative data sources like social media increasingly valuable.

The range inhabited by many species is changing, and it is typically monitored through formal tracking and research systems. However, these methods can struggle to detect rapid changes and sometimes overlook urban areas.

The usefulness of social media in tracking species was demonstrated in a study led by the University of Exeter, which analyzed posts about Jersey tiger moths on Instagram and Flickr. Instagram posts revealed that these moths are unexpectedly common in cities. The study also considered incorporating data from Twitter and Facebook, but researchers were unable to find enough geolocated and verified images of the Jersey tiger moth (JTM) during the study period.

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„Wildlife research is usually conducted in rural areas, so its data does not always reflect the vital role of cities and urban environments. Our study shows that many people in cities and towns are interested in wildlife, which has the potential to strengthen their connection with nature”, said Niall Stevenson, who led the study.

He added that people are passionate about wildlife and photography and frequently share images of a wide range of species they encounter, providing valuable data for scientists.

JTM data was collected using GBIF and social media based on user-posted photos and descriptions from 2000 to 2018. These years were selected as they allowed for the collection of comparable environmental data and provided a sufficient number of JTM occurrences (at least 50 per year).

The study covered regions including the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Denmark, and Italy.

However, scientists emphasize that social media cannot serve as a replacement for traditional monitoring methods.

Jasna Dragojević

Plug-in Solar Systems Conquering the European Market

Photo-illustration: Freepik (AI - vecstock)

Solar panels in households are becoming a key element of the energy transition. In this context, plug-in solar power plants could significantly accelerate the expansion of solar technologies due to their affordability and ease of installation.

These are small solar panels, with one or two modules, that can be easily connected to a standard household socket and installed on a terrace, roof, garden, or even a facade. Users can utilize the generated energy to power essential household devices such as refrigerators, internet routers, or televisions, while any surplus energy can be fed back into the grid.

Plug-in systems are particularly suitable for people living in apartment buildings who do not have the option to install solar panels on the roof. These systems do not have high DC voltage, making them safer to use.

SolarPower Europe recently published a report analyzing the growth, opportunities, challenges, and regulatory framework for the rapidly expanding plug-in solar system market in Europe. These systems are gaining popularity across the continent, as they allow households to reduce their energy costs and contribute to a sustainable energy transition. In some European markets, plug-in solar systems can cover up to 25 percent of annual electricity needs.

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Germany is leading in this segment, with more than 780,000 registered plug-in solar systems by the end of 2024. Since many systems are still unregistered, estimates suggest that there may be as many as four million in Germany.

The European Union and national governments are increasingly recognizing the potential of these solar systems. For example, Belgium is expected to legalize plug-in systems in April 2025. Germany has taken a step further by simplifying the registration process for plug-in solar systems connected to the grid.

However, there is still a challenge in developing clear regulatory frameworks and standards for these products. To ensure safety, grid compatibility, and consumer confidence, it is essential to establish clear guidelines for the installation and use of plug-in solar systems. The German regulator VDE is already working on developing the first specific standards for plug-in systems, which are expected by the end of 2025.

Energy portal

Plogging – Exercise for Health and a Cleaner Environment

Photo: Stefano Jeantet

Caring for health plays an essential role in daily life, from the food we consume to the quality of our sleep and the time we dedicate to physical activity. Walking, jogging, or running strengthens the body and mind and offers opportunities to connect with nature. However, for these activities to be genuinely beneficial, the environment we spend our time in must be healthy and clean.

Our country is rich in natural treasures and beauty, inviting exploration and active enjoyment. Yet, how much we truly value what we have is reflected in the growing consequences of human neglect—polluted air and piles of waste that disrupt nature’s pristine beauty.

Respect for nature is most deeply rooted when instilled in childhood. Those fortunate enough to have parents who nurtured their love for nature and outdoor activities carry these values into adulthood. Such was the childhood of Miloš Stanojević. As he grew older, it became increasingly difficult for him to pass through the stunning landscapes of our country without noticing the waste that marred their beauty. This desire to confront the problem inspired Miloš to become a champion of plogging. This practice combines jogging or walking with collecting litter to clean the environment while staying physically active.

In early 2021, Miloš created the Instagram profile @trail_cleaner to share his activities, raise awareness about the surrounding problem, and emphasize the importance of proper waste disposal. His mission also promotes the idea that picking up litter left by others is not something to be ashamed of but rather a responsibility we should all embrace.

“It’s a combination of upbringing, rebellion against the traces of human negligence and ignorance, and the need to raise awareness that it’s UP TO YOU, up to all of us. That’s where the slogan #oćuštamiteško (‘I want to, is it so hard?’) comes from,” Miloš explains.

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Plogging Srbija

In our country, plogging is emerging as a pioneering movement, gaining popularity in recent years thanks to the activities organized by Plogging Serbia, a sports association. As part of its efforts, this organization conducts cleanup initiatives at various locations, including natural and urban areas. Through educational and promotional campaigns, it also organizes events during sports festivals, races, and school programs. A significant contribution is its participation in races organized by the Association for Recreation and Fitness of Serbia, which annually holds eight races across Serbia.

Miloš engages citizens in an interesting way by highlighting the importance of plogging through his original show, Eko manija(k). Viewers can see the locations of cleanup initiatives, how these efforts are carried out, and how collecting waste can even be enjoyable during activities like kayaking, cycling, rock climbing, diving, and similar pursuits.

Photo: Stefano Jeantet

Plogging Serbia attracts an increasing number of enthusiasts and volunteers, including professional athletes and environmental activists, who regularly participate in various cleanup and educational programs. Notable locations for these initiatives, as highlighted by Miloš, include Vršački breg, regarded as one of the cleanest spots they have visited and cleaned multiple times in conjunction with the Challenge Race League organized by the Association for Recreation and Fitness of Serbia. Other cleanup sites include Rtanj, Fruška Gora (Tour de Fruška), Golija, Avala, the Uvac canyon, and rivers like the Sava and the Danube, where hundreds of kilograms of waste have been removed.

“I would particularly highlight Silver Lake, where the local government supported the initiative, and students from nearby schools joined. This type of volunteerism and support yields the best results and is a key aspect of our efforts because it’s the youth who will join us in fighting for a better future,” Miloš explains.

The collected waste is sorted by categories, such as plastic, glass, metal, paper, and bio-waste, which facilitates recycling. After sorting, the waste is handed over to authorized companies or local municipal enterprises, with whom arrangements are typically made for the disposal procedure.

When discussing waste management in Serbia generally, Miloš emphasizes that some larger municipalities are better organized, but smaller communities still face challenges in waste collection, recycling, and disposal. While initiatives are underway to improve the waste management system, citizens need to remain active and contribute to proper sorting and disposal themselves.

Prepared by Katarina Vuinac

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

Wind and Solar Surpass Coal in U.S. Electricity Generation

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

For the first time last year, the United States reached a milestone where solar and wind energy together generated more electricity than coal, according to the organization EMBER. Wind and solar accounted for 17 percent of total electricity production, while coal’s share dropped to an all-time low of just 15 percent.

Although the share of natural gas increased due to higher electricity demand, solar energy covered a significant portion of this rising demand.

Solar remained the fastest-growing source of electricity, with a 27 percent increase in generation in 2024, surpassing hydropower for the first time. Wind energy also grew by seven percent. Just six years ago, coal’s share was three times higher than the combined share of wind and solar energy.

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The rapid expansion of solar energy has been enabled by battery development. For instance, last year, California had over 30 percent of its energy mix coming from solar for the first time. This was made possible by installing 20 percent more battery capacity than solar capacity, allowing a substantial portion of the energy produced during the day to be stored for evening hours.

Despite a slight increase in fossil fuel generation and a 0.7 percent rise in CO2 emissions, the growth in energy demand was significantly higher than the increase in emissions. This resulted in the cleanest electricity per unit ever recorded.

However, the growth of solar energy has not been uniform across all states. As many as 28 states generated less than five percent of their electricity from solar sources last year, highlighting that the potential of this renewable energy source remains largely underutilized.

Energy portal

Today We Celebrate International Day of Rivers – Our Rivers, Our Future

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Ezra Jeffrey-Comeau)

The International Day of Rivers, observed annually on March 14, carries the theme this year: „Our Rivers, Our Future”

Rivers are vital natural resources – they provide water for drinking, agriculture, industry, and energy production while also serving as habitats for numerous plant and animal species, significantly contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance.

However, climate change, pollution, and unsustainable practices increasingly threaten their health, requiring urgent action at both global and local levels.

In Serbia, rivers face specific challenges. Pollution, primarily due to insufficient wastewater treatment infrastructure, poses a serious threat. The small number of treatment facilities results in large amounts of industrial and municipal wastewater being discharged into rivers, further degrading their natural ecosystems and endangering many plant and animal species.

For instance, according to data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia for 2022, as much as 81.5 percent of the total wastewater volume in the country remains untreated, significantly contributing to the degradation of aquatic ecosystems.

The International Day of Rivers reminds us of the importance of actively preserving rivers and calls for better management of these invaluable resources to ensure their sustainability and health for future generations.

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On this occasion, the Public Water Management Company „Srbijavode” issued a statement emphasizing its active participation in the protection and improvement of Serbia’s water resources.

„As a long-standing member of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River and the International Sava River Basin Commission, JVP ‘Srbijavode’ actively works to improve international cooperation in water resource protection, flood prevention, and water quality. Through preventive flood protection measures, including the construction and maintenance of embankments, canals, and other water management infrastructure, we contribute to joint efforts to preserve and sustainably use water resources”, the statement from JVP „Srbijavode” reads.

In addition to the International Day of Rivers, World Rivers Day is celebrated every fourth Sunday in September as a tribute to the world’s waterways. This global event was initiated by internationally recognized river advocate Mark Angelo, building on the success of British Columbia’s Rivers Day, which he first launched in 1980.

Energy portal

Pokrovac: Battery Storage Can Reduce Electricity Prices by 25 Percent by 2030

Photo: OIEH

Croatia is a country firmly committed to the energy transition, and investments in the flexibility of the power system and the development of battery storage systems are key to its success. These were the conclusions of the Solar Flex Croatia 2025 conference, organized on March 12 in Zagreb by the Renewable Energy Sources of Croatia (OIEH) in cooperation with SolarPower Europe and the European Commission.

According to Maja Pokrovac, director of OIEH, the lack of energy storage capacity further increases dependence on electricity imports, which accounted for as much as a quarter of domestic consumption last summer. She added that increasing battery storage capacity could reduce electricity prices by 25 percent by 2030, provided that the regulatory framework is accelerated to enable faster development and integration of new capacities.

Photo: OIEH

“Sixty-one percent of the grid capacity is outdated, modernization takes a long time, and last summer, Croatia imported 25 percent of its electricity because it lacks quality storage capacity. Moreover, amendments to the Renewable Energy Sources and High-Efficiency Cogeneration Act, which are currently under public consultation, show a lack of understanding of renewable energy storage. However, increasing battery storage capacity could reduce electricity prices by 25 percent by 2030, and by 33 percent by 2040,” Pokrovac emphasized.

Valburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, stated that solar energy is currently the most affordable energy source in Europe, but further growth requires the development of flexible infrastructure and a significant increase in storage capacity. She stressed that investment in flexibility is crucial for maintaining Europe’s energy competitiveness and price stability, especially given the increasing electrification of industries and society.

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“In 2024, Europe installed a record 66 GW of new solar capacity, bringing the total to 330 GW. Solar power has been continuously growing in recent years, but we now face the challenges of infrastructure development and energy price stability. We need flexibility and a large number of battery storage systems for Europe to remain competitive,” Hemetsberger stated.

Zrinka Ujević, Head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia, highlighted European policies that encourage the rapid development of battery storage systems and emphasized that investments in this technology are crucial for achieving Europe’s climate neutrality by 2050.

“The European Commission has introduced numerous policies and measures to accelerate the development of battery storage systems. The Renewable Energy Directive, for example, provides an incentive framework for the development and competitive market of all types of technologies. Furthermore, the European Green Deal, which commits Europe to becoming a climate-neutral continent by 2050, and the Clean Industry Plan are also significant steps. A lot is being done to achieve our climate goals, but the challenge remains adapting infrastructure to efficiently integrate renewable energy sources. These solutions are essential for economic growth, new jobs, and the well-being of citizens. Additionally, it is important that the public and private sectors collaborate as much as possible, as this is key to financing and knowledge exchange. Smart households provide an opportunity to participate in energy production, and batteries are essential for balancing the grid,” Ujević said.

Conference participants agreed that Croatia has the potential to become a regional leader in integrating renewable energy sources and battery storage, but this requires rapid modernization of the transmission and distribution network, as well as adaptations in legislation.

Energy portal

Should We Bring Back Public Bathhouses for Sustainability?

Foto: OpenAI

For most of us, a day without bathing is simply unimaginable – especially in summer when we refresh ourselves several times a day. Now, imagine suddenly losing that luxury in our own homes and having to maintain hygiene in some kind of public bathhouses instead.

I must admit that the very thought sends shivers down my spine. I think I would constantly feel uncomfortable due to the lack of privacy, concerns about hygiene conditions, or doubts about whether I would feel clean enough after bathing alongside fellow citizens. It sounds like something from the past, not a part of modern life, doesn’t it?

However, maybe we should give this idea another chance – not as a necessary solution but as an interesting option for sustainable cities of the future. The inspiration for this blog came from an article published in Low-tech Magazine, where author Kris De Decker presents a series of intriguing arguments in favor of bringing public baths back.

The article highlights that heating water for bathing is one of the largest energy expenditures in households. Adding to that the heating of living spaces, wastewater treatment, and the construction resources required for bathroom renovations, we end up with a true energy “monster” in every home. Modern bathing is essentially characterized as an unsustainable luxury that consumes large amounts of electricity, mostly derived from fossil fuels.

Sustainability advocates usually propose two solutions: technological innovations and behavioral changes. The first involves low-flow showers, solar water heaters, water recycling, and other advanced systems, while the second is a bit more radical, suggesting shorter showers, using cold water, or washing in a sink.

Photo illustration: Unsplash (Cloris Ying)

While these solutions may be suitable for some households, they are definitely not intended for the general population. Technological innovations are expensive and difficult to implement in older buildings, while promoting discomfort as a sacrifice for the planet is something few people will accept. So, what options do we have left?

Public bathing may sound like a relic of the past, but in terms of resource efficiency, nothing compares! Instead of 1,000 individual bathrooms consuming vast amounts of energy and materials, we could have one that is more economical, efficient, and sustainable.

Moreover, public bathhouses make the implementation of sustainable technologies significantly easier: solar collectors can cover a larger surface area, wastewater treatment systems become more cost-effective, and heat loss is reduced.

Interestingly, ancient Roman baths were more energy-efficient than our modern ones. Their hypocaust system, which distributed warm air through floors and walls using underground furnaces, maintained temperature with minimal fuel consumption. Studies show that a single public bathhouse burned around 60 trees per year – a negligible amount compared to today’s household energy consumption.

In addition to being energy-efficient, Roman bathhouses had another advantage – they were social hubs. People spent hours in them, socializing, relaxing, and enjoying luxury, and perhaps that’s exactly what we need in an era of increasing social disconnection.

Modern public bathhouses can be fully energy self-sufficient. A mountainous village in China already has a communal bathhouse for 5,000 people that uses solar energy, draws water from wells, and filters wastewater using plants. Europe could follow this example, utilizing surplus energy from solar and wind power to heat water and indoor spaces.

Perhaps it’s time to rethink our habits and return to old but better solutions. Shared bathing doesn’t have to mean a loss of privacy – we can design it in a modern and comfortable way. And when we consider the benefits – energy savings, cost reduction, and social connectedness – maybe reintroducing public bathhouses into our cities isn’t such a bad idea after all.

Milena Maglovski

Sustainability in the Western Balkans: the Path to Transition

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Ngo Minh Tuan)

The Western Balkans ESG Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in April 2024 and based in Belgrade. As the first organization in the region focused on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards, its primary mission is to support the sustainable transition of the Western Balkan economies by integrating ESG principles into everyday business practices, public policies, and local communities. The Foundation also prioritizes improving transparency in reporting and education in sustainability, viewing these areas as key to the region’s long-term development.

The Foundation focuses on four key areas. Education is one of its main priorities. To raise awareness about ESG standards, the foundation develops various training platforms targeting the private and public sectors, media, universities, and civil society organizations. Its ESG e-learning platform ensures continuous education, while newsletters provide the latest information on these topics. Additionally, the Foundation supports the implementation of the European Green Deal and the development of expertise in specific ESG areas.

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Łukasz Winiarski)

“Reporting is also a crucial part of the Foundation’s work. The organization provides expertise in non-financial and ESG reporting in line with national and EU regulations, helping businesses achieve transparency and compliance. We are also developing a certification system for professionals and companies, enabling them to measure ESG goals and demonstrate progress in implementing sustainable practices,” explains Milena Mićanović, co-founder and director of the Foundation.

Communication and networking are essential to the Foundation’s operations. Connecting ESG experts and communities through a unique ecosystem facilitates the exchange of experiences and best practices. To this end, the Foundation has organized webinars, workshops, and roundtables, with plans to host an annual ESG conference. It places a particular focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), young entrepreneurs, and women entrepreneurs. Networking and education are seen as key to accelerating the adoption of these standards in the region.

In the coming years, the Foundation plans to organize the first regional ESG conference, expand its ESG e-learning platform, and further develop the certification system. It also aims to broaden its network of partners and empower local communities through education and networking, thereby contributing to the sustainable transformation of the region. Through these activities, the Foundation seeks to become a key partner in the sustainable transformation of the Western Balkans, promoting standards that enable long-term economic, social, and environmental sustainability in the region.

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Challenges in Implementation

While the Foundation’s work focuses on promoting ESG principles, it faces significant challenges. The specific conditions in the region, where ESG standards are not yet deeply embedded, pose a considerable obstacle. The greatest challenge is the low level of awareness about the importance of these issues. In many cases, ESG principles and sustainability are not prioritized in business practices or policies, complicating their implementation.Many organizations, especially SMEs that form the backbone of the Western Balkan economies, lack the resources, knowledge, or technical support needed to align with ESG requirements.

“Regulatory challenges also play a major role. While countries in the region formally aspire to EU membership, the implementation of legislative frameworks related to ESG and sustainability often lags, slowing progress toward the European Green Deal goals. There are also barriers to legislative alignment, and a lack of collaboration between the private sector, public institutions, civil society, and academia makes collective work on ESG topics difficult. Resistance to change, whether due to a lack of information or fear of new costs, remains a challenge for the Foundation as it strives to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices,” Mićanović emphasizes.

Prepared by Milica Radičević

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

SolarPower Summit 2025: Europe Enters the Era of Solar Flexibility

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Michael_Pointner)

The SolarPower Europe association is celebrating its 40th anniversary at this year’s SolarPower Summit, which will take place on March 26-27 at Albert Hall in Brussels. The key theme of this year’s event will be the flexibility revolution in the energy sector, focusing on grid development, storage, and electrification in the service of renewable energy sources.

As the new European Commission and Parliament begin their work, crucial decisions regarding Europe’s energy future lie ahead. This year’s summit will address key questions such as:

  • What measures will the EU take to support a flexible solar future?
  • How can the models of baseload and reserve power be redefined?
  • How can Europe ensure the competitiveness of its solar sector?
  • Where will solar panels for the European market be manufactured?
  • Which EU member states are leading in solar initiatives?
  • How can companies leverage flexibility and electrification for further growth?

With the presence of policymakers, industry experts, and leaders in the renewable energy sector, this summit will provide insights into Europe’s new energy agenda and opportunities for the solar sector.

This year’s event holds special significance as SolarPower Europe celebrates four decades of work. This milestone will be marked under the slogan “Solar Flexibility for Europe’s Future”, emphasizing the need for a faster and more efficient energy transition.

Registration for the event is open, and all interested participants can apply via the official website of the organizer.

Energy portal

Chicago’s Municipal Buildings Powered by 100 percent Renewable Energy

Photo-illustration: Freepik (TravelScape)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Energy portal

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

Photo-illustration: Freepik (vecstock - AI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Katarina Vuinac

UNIDO Strengthens Regional Cooperation in the Western Balkans

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Krakenimages)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: UNIDO

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

Photo: Volvo

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

Photo: Volvo

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

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

IN FOCUS:

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

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

Prepared by Milica Radičević

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

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