Flue gas desulfurization in TENT A, the largest environmental project in thermal power plants in Europe

30.04.2024

termoelektrana — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay (ustalij_pony)

Dubravka Djedović Handanović, Minister of Mining and Energy, visited the construction site of the flue gas desulphurization plant in the Nikola Tesla A thermal power plant, where all works are scheduled to be completed by the end of March this year, and the plant will then undergo trial operation.

“We could witness firsthand that the works on the construction of the flue gas desulfurization plant will be completed in a few days, when the plant will be put to trial operation. This is the largest environmental project in a thermal power plant in Europe, and the third largest in the world, for which we have allocated almost 215 million euros”, said the Minister.

She pointed out that the construction of the flue gas desulphurization plant in TENT A contributes to reducing of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions by as much as ten times, as well as reducing particles within the limits established by the European Union and national regulations. This will lead to significantly improved air quality for the citizens of Obrenovac, the surrounding villages, and Belgrade.

“With projects like this, we somewhat extend the ecological lifespan of thermal power plants, which is crucial for the generation of baseload energy.” Until we develop enough capacity from renewable energy sources, or until we secure another source of baseload energy, we will have to rely on capacities from thermal power plants, of course in line with the highest environmental standards,” said the Minister.

She reminded that this project is implemented with the financial support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is interested in participating in other projects in the energy sector.

“During April, I expect a delegation from Japan that will visit this facility together with us. This will provide a good foundation for future cooperation with Japanese partners, considering their interest in participating in the financing and construction of energy facilities in our country”, said the Minister.

The Minister expressed satisfaction that domestic institutes Mihajlo Pupin and Nikola Tesla participated in the realization of this project, which worked on software, electronics and digitalization of the operation of this plant.

Djedović Handanović pointed out that, owing to the limestone preparation plant, by-product gypsum will be produced, which can be used in the construction industry. “We want to encourage EPS to play a more significant role in the circular economy and to take advantage of the large quantities of gypsum that will be produced here.” Additionally, the implementation of the ash handling project is underway, which will enable the use of ash, important for the construction of roads and other facilities in the construction sector,” she said.

The Minister mentioned that the construction of the desulphurization plant in the Nikola Tesla B thermal power plant will be completed next year, enabling a reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions by about 20 times.

“The completion of the desulphurization plant in TENT B will mean that more than 50 percent of the electricity produced from thermal power plants, will be subject to the most advanced environmental measures, and reduce negative impacts on the environment,” she said.

Source: Ministry of Mining and Energy

Widespread parts of Asia and Africa reel under extreme weather

29.04.2024

suša , temperatura , afrika — Photo-illustration: Freepik (vecstock)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Tony Lam Hoang)

The high-impact weather in the second half of April underlines yet again the vulnerability of society to weather, water and climate-related hazards and the need for Early Warnings For All.

The waning El Niño event, alongside a phenomenon known as the Indian Ocean Dipole, is playing a role, notably in the floods in East Africa and drought in Southern Africa and high temperatures in South East Asia. But the excess energy trapped in the atmosphere and ocean by human-induced greenhouse gases is also having a major influence, especially on extreme heat, according to WMO experts.

“Climate change is exacerbating the frequency and severity of such events, profoundly impacting societies, economies, and, most importantly, human lives and the environment that we live in,” WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett told the 80th session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific on 23 April.

Ko Barrett highlighted how the extreme weather so far in 2024 in Asia continues the trends which were reported in the WMO State of the Climate in Asia 2023 report. This showed that Asia remains the world’s most disaster-hit region from weather, climate and water-related hazards in 2023. Floods and storms caused the highest number of reported casualties and economic losses, whilst the impact of heatwaves became more severe.

“Extreme heat is increasingly becoming the big silent killer,” said Ko Barrett.

“Heat-related mortality is widely under-reported and so the true scale of premature deaths and economic costs – in terms of reduced labour productivity, agricultural losses, and stress on the power grid – is not accurately reflected in the statistics,” she said.

Heat in Asia

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change latest Assessment Report found that “In Asia, heat extremes have increased while cold extremes have decreased, and these trends will continue over the coming decades (high confidence).”

Last year, a World Weather Attribution study found that the “extreme humid heat in South Asia in April 2023, was largely driven by climate change, detrimental to vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.”

India has been experiencing heatwaves in recent weeks during the hot pre-monsoon period, with temperatures in the mid 40 °C’s. This is likely to continue, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.

“During March-May 2024, above-normal number of heatwave days are likely over most parts of the country except over Northeast India, Western Himalayan Region, Southwest Peninsula and West coast,” said the Indian Meteorological Department.

“The frequency of heatwaves, their duration and their maximum duration are increasing, which is attributed to global warming. In the heat wave areas of India, the total duration of heat waves has increased by about 3 days in the last 30 years. The IPCC model projections indicate an increase of about two heat waves and heat wave duration by 12-18 days by 2060,” according to the Indian Meteorological Department.

India is successfully rolling out integrated heat-health forecasts action plans and #BeatTheHeat campaigns, with practical advice and information. But the vulnerable – including outdoor workers and those living in densely populated informal housing settlement are exposed.

Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand are among the other countries impacted, with schools closed and disruption to economic and agricultural activities.

April is typically a hotter month in the South Asia and Southeast Asia regions, but El Niño and climate change are driving temperatures to precariously high levels, says Ben Churchill, WMO Regional Director for Asia and the Southwest Pacific.

In Thailand’s capital Bangkok, the city’s environmental department issued a warning of extremely dangerous “feels like” heat levels (temperature and humidity). It urged people to avoid heavy labor or exercise outdoors and recommended vulnerable members of the community to stay inside and keep hydrated. North of the capital, in Lampang province, the temperature reached 44.2° C, which is just short of the record 44.6° C registered last year.

Thailand’s health ministry reported on Wednesday that 30 heat-related deaths have been recorded since the start of this year, which is just short of the 37 total heatstroke deaths that were reported in all of 2023.

In neighboring Myanmar, the temperature has soared to 45.9° C during the week and the very hot conditions are expected to continue for several days.

Read the full text here.

Source: WMO

Denmark’s Latest Offshore Wind Auction Could Award Enough Capacity to Meet the Country’s Entire Electricity Demand

29.04.2024

vetar — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Grahame Jenkins)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (NIcholas Doherty)

Denmark opened an offshore wind tender which could award up to 10 GW. If successful, the awarded capacity would be enough to meet all of the country’s electricity demand. It could also be used to produce renewable hydrogen and other green fuels. It remains to be seen whether the auction design will attract investors and deliver on these very large volumes.

Denmark has nearly 3 GW of offshore wind today. The new Danish offshore auction aims to connect another 6 GW offshore wind to the grid. Six wind farm areas are tendered in the auction. Three in the North Sea, two in the Kattegat and one in the Baltic Sea.

Developers have the option to install more wind capacity in their tendered areas than the volumes initially planned by the Government. The additional capacity can be used to produce renewable hydrogen and other green fuels. The Danish State estimated that this could result in the construction of 10 GW offshore wind, or even more. Excellent. We need to deploy large volumes to reach Europe’s energy security and climate targets and benefit from the economies of scale.

If successful, the auction could generate massive value for Denmark and the wider region. New research shows it would trigger a total investment worth over 13bn euros. The construction of the wind farms is expected to bring around 12.000 jobs. However, hurdles in the auction design may deter potential investors.

Uncapped negative bidding will be used to award the sites. This imposes additional costs on wind farm developers and may lead to less wind energy being built.

On a positive note, the auction features improved pre-qualification criteria, setting crucial social and environmental standards. Among other things, they ensure compliance with human rights and include measures against social dumping. This will support enabling a level-playing field with non-European competitors. The auction also introduces an innovation on State participation. The Danish State will co-own 20 per cent of each wind farm.

Source: WindEurope

Rapid Expansion of Batteries Will Be Crucial to Meet Climate and Energy Security Goals Set at COP28

28.04.2024

baterije — Photo-illustration: Freepik (avatar rawpixel.com)

Growth in batteries outpaced almost all other clean energy technologies in 2023 as falling costs, advancing innovation and supportive industrial policies helped drive up demand for a technology that will be critical to delivering the climate and energy targets outlined at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, according to a new IEA report.

In the first comprehensive analysis of the entire battery ecosystem, the IEA’s Special Report on Batteries and Secure Energy Transitions sets out the role that batteries can play alongside renewables as a competitive, secure and sustainable alternative to electricity generation from fossil fuels – while also underpinning the decarbonisation of road transport by powering electric vehicles.

In less than 15 years, battery costs have fallen by more than 90 per cent, one of the fastest declines ever seen in clean energy technologies. The most common type of batteries, those based on lithium-ion, have typically been associated with consumer electronics. But today, the energy sector accounts for over 90 per cent of overall battery demand. In 2023 alone, battery deployment in the power sector increased by more than 130 per cent year-on-year, adding a total of 42 gigawatts (GW) to electricity systems around the world. In the transport sector, batteries have enabled electric car sales to surge from 3 million in 2020 to almost 14 million last year, with further strong growth expected in the coming years.

“The electricity and transport sectors are two key pillars for bringing down emissions quickly enough to meet the targets agreed at COP28 and keep open the possibility of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. “Batteries will provide the foundations in both areas, playing an invaluable role in scaling up renewables and electrifying transport while delivering secure and sustainable energy for businesses and households. The combination of solar PV and batteries is today competitive with new coal plants in India. And just in the next few years, it will be cheaper than new coal in China and gas-fired power in the United States. Batteries are changing the game before our eyes.”

Battery deployment will need to scale up significantly between now and the end of the decade to enable the world to get on track for its energy and climate goals, according to the report. In this scenario, overall energy storage capacity increases sixfold by 2030 worldwide, with batteries accounting for 90 per cent of the increase and pumped hydropower for most of the rest.

By enabling greater shares of renewables in the power system and shifting electricity supply to when it’s most needed, batteries will help advance progress on the goals set at COP28. These include tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, doubling the pace of energy efficiency improvements and transitioning away from fossil fuels. To triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, 1 500 GW of energy storage, of which 1 200 GW from batteries, will be required. A shortfall in deploying enough batteries would risk stalling clean energy transitions in the power sector.

To scale up batteries globally, the report found that costs need to come down further without compromising quality and technology. Ensuring energy security also requires greater diversity in supply chains, including for extracting and processing the critical minerals used in batteries – and for manufacturing the batteries themselves. Countries are already tackling this through ambitious industrial programmes to support local manufacturing capacity with targeted policies in the United States, European Union and India among others.

Global battery manufacturing has more than tripled in the last three years. While China produces most batteries today, the report shows that 40 per cent of announced plans for new battery manufacturing is in advanced economies such as the United States and the European Union. If all those projects are built, those economies would have nearly enough manufacturing to meet their own needs to 2030 on the path to net zero emissions.

The report highlights the versatility of battery storage to support electricity security cost-effectively as part of clean energy transitions. In the power sector, batteries help smooth out the variability of renewable electricity from technologies such as wind and solar. Moreover, battery storage can alleviate grid congestion in times of high supply, offering an outlet to capture and store excess renewable electricity that would otherwise be lost. And they provide highly technical services to the grid, such as voltage and frequency control, that can help system operators.

Batteries can also play a vital role in improving access to electricity for those who still lack it. In a pathway to achieving universal energy access worldwide by 2030, they help 400 million people in emerging and developing economies gain electricity access through decentralised solutions like solar home systems and mini grids with batteries.

Source: IEA

Sustainable Architecture Principles Throughout History and Today

28.04.2024

Unsplash - Ricardo Gomez Angelf — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Ricardo Gomez Angel)

Back in 2017, the United Nations Global Status Report revealed the fact that large-scale pollution came from buildings and the construction sector, supporting it with concrete data. As stated, 36 per cent of global energy use and 39 per cent of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions came from these two sources alone. Although the COVID pandemic led to a drastic reduction in demand in this sector, in 2021, construction activities almost completely recovered. Building on some recent information, last year’s United Nations SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE PRINCIPLES THROUGHOUT HISTORY AND TODAY Climate Change Conference (COP28) launched the so-called Building Breakthrough as a global initiative for a sustainable building sector to be implemented by 2030. On the occasion, 27 countries pledged their commitment to achieving the set goals and it is these countries that make up over 30 per cent of the world’s population and contribute about 50 per cent to global greenhouse gas emissions.

All of the aforementioned points to the need for an increasing implementation of sustainable architecture principles and solutions when designing and constructing buildings, to reduce negative environmental effects. This implies that architecture is no longer focused exclusively on the aesthetic appearance of buildings, but also includes environmental and social benefits. Although the term is very broad, some of its most important factors can be singled out.

IN FOCUS:

The use of sustainable materials refers to those materials whose production causes less pollution to the environment, recycled materials or which can be recycled at a later date, materials produced from renewable resources, as well as those supplied by local environments. For instance, one of the biggest polluters in terms of polluting emissions in the construction industry is cement, which is an integral part of concrete. Therefore, scientists have been working on finding alternative solutions to produce more sustainable concrete, omitting the use of cement. Some of the solutions are the production of concrete based on algae, hemp, lime or for example, the use of coal ash, which reduces the required quantity of cement. Increasingly, industrial hemp is used in construction, which, among other things, is a very good insulator. Some other renewable materials used in construction are bamboo and cork.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (S. Tsuchiya)

Waste reduction is linked to the previous paragraph. This includes minimizing construction waste, which is facilitated if the material is recyclable. Furthermore, buildings can also have a recycling and composting system.

Energy-efficient buildings imply good insulation, efficient electrical devices and lighting systems, good natural ventilation, use of natural light, installation of solar panels and others. Building shading devices prevent too much sunlight in summer, while in winter it serves as additional insulation. We should also highlight quality doors and windows. One of the good solutions is windows that darken automatically depending on the amount of light. Of course, the material used to build walls itself is also very important, so one can use stone that absorbs and stores the sun’s heat and then releases it when needed. The importance of natural insulation, i.e. green areas that are made up of trees alone, but also interesting solutions such as green walls, should be mentioned too. A building can be more energy efficient if its position in relation to the sun is taken into account during the design.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Carles Rabada)

Water conservation involves several very useful systems. The first of them is the rainwater collection system, which allows the water collected in this way to be used later, for example, for irrigation or flushing toilets. Grey water systems collect wastewater from taps, showers, washing machines and dishes and with special treatment it can be reused for specific purposes. There are also efficient irrigation systems as well as low-flow systems. We should also mention green roofs, where vegetation can be grown, and which use rainwater for watering.

Sustainable transport means promoting electromobility through provided charging points. Additionally, garages should also include a safe place where alternative means of transportation such as bicycles or scooters can be stored. In Serbia, for example, recent amendments to the Law on Spatial Planning and Construction prescribe that in residential buildings every fourth parking space must have an electric charger, while for commercial buildings it is every third parking space.

A carefully chosen location requires that a building is constructed in a way that does not jeopardize the existing nature. For instance, if there are trees in a certain area in the city, the project should minimize cutting them down to make room for construction. If the project is planned outside urban areas, say on a mountain, it is important to take into account the biodiversity of that area so that their natural habitat is not threatened.

Prepared by: Katarina Vuinac

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE AND FINANCING OF GREEN CONSTRUCTION

Azerbaijan launches first renewables auction

27.04.2024

solar-panel-solarni-paneli-vetroelektrane — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan, with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), has announced the country’s first renewable energy auction for a 100 megawatt solar power plant project in Gobustan.

The public call for applications is accessible on the Ministry’s website. Interested parties can ask for the Request for Qualification Documentation from 30 April and are invited to submit their Statements of Qualification by 14 June.

As Azerbaijan prepares to host the United Nations COP 29 climate change conference in Baku in November 2024, the country has committed to increasing the renewable energy share of its installed electricity-generation capacity to at least 30 per cent by 2030, and to unlocking its green energy potential through private investment in utility-scale renewables.

In recent years, the government has undertaken reforms, developed strategies and implemented legislation to attract green private-sector finance. In line with the country’s green agenda, the EBRD has supported the authorities in developing the necessary legal and regulatory framework for introducing competetive procurement for renewable energy, for example through inputs towards a new Renewable Energy Law.

“Azerbaijan’s decision to introduce renewables auctions is a big step towards a more diversified and sustainable energy sector, and we are proud to play a key role in this process. We would like to thank the Ministry of Energy, the Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency under the Ministry of Energy and all stakeholders who have worked towards this”, said Aida Sitdikova, Head of Energy for Eurasia, Middle East and Africa in the EBRD’s Sustainable Infrastructure Group.

The EBRD is supporting Azerbaijan’s decarbonisation plans. The Bank has been instrumental in pioneering green projects there, including the financing of a first utility-scale solar plant in Garadagh, and the country’s largest wind farm in Absheron and Khizi.

To date, the EBRD has invested more than 3.7 billion euros in 189 projects in Azerbaijan.

Source: EBRD

From Investing In Nature Conservation To One Of the Most Environmentally Developed Countries

27.04.2024

F009862-edit_jacob_stb_ljubljana_8-photo-m — Photo: www.slovenia.info – Jacob Riglin

One of the smallest but greenest countries in the European Union – Slovenia – very quickly adopted European standards and achieved a high level of environmental protection. According to the report of the American universities Yale and Columbia, which, with the help of their EPI index, assessed how close countries were to accomplishing the established environmental policy goals, Slovenia has always been at the top of the world, most often among the top 20 countries, along with Finland, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Austria.

H.E. Mr Damjan Bergant, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Serbia, says that Slovenia regularly ranks high on quality of life by relevant scientific and international organizations. This is partly attributed to the country’s preserved nature, which is its great asset as it provides clean water, air, quality food and various opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Slovenia invests a lot in nature conservation, with funds allocated for that purpose significantly increasing since the country became a full-fledged EU member. The Ambassador points out that environmental protection is comprehensively regulated by the Law on Environmental Protection, which, together with the Law on Nature Conservation and the Law on Water, forms the basis of the umbrella state strategy – the National Environmental Protection Programme. Slovenia has been trying to ensure that all national strategic and programme documents comply with the 2030 Agenda and contribute to accomplishing the 17 global sustainable development goals.

Q: You are well on your way to becoming a fully environmentally friendly country. How is ecological transition implemented in one of the greenest countries in the EU? What is the vision for Slovenia’s ecological development based on?

A: If we focus on energy, we are directed towards reducing energy consumption and applying energy efficiency measures at all levels (households, industry and services, public sector, system level and grid loss problems). Also, we strive towards using renewable energy sources (RES). Thus, we have set goals for 2030 – RES’ share in the final energy consumption ranges between 30 and 35 per cent, which we are trying to achieve by implementing various measures.

Photo: www.slovenia.info – Luka Karlin, Studio Virc

In 2023, we recorded exceptional growth in the solar power sector, increasing the total capacity from 690 to over 1,100 MW. The growth of solar power plant production capacities in 2023 was the highest per capita compared to all EU countries. Such an increase of about 400MW of additional capacity per year should be maintained yearly to achieve the goal set in the National Energy and Climate Plan, which foresees about 3,500MW of solar power plant capacity by 2030.

However, much still needs to be done, especially regarding the use of wind farms, where we are among the last in the European Union. We also have a lot of problems with spatial planning. Here, we would benefit from having more information about projects and implementation in the Western Balkan countries.

IN FOCUS:

Q: What is the structure of energy sources in Slovenia? What is the share of renewable energy sources in the total energy mix, and how will you increase this share in the coming period?

A: Domestic energy production in 2023 was more than 131,000 terajoules (TJ), which is eight per cent less than the previous year. Almost 47 per cent came from nuclear power, 32 per cent from RES, including hydropower, while 21 per cent came from coal. Slovenia met less than half (48 per cent) of its energy needs from domestic sources, while the remaining quantity was imported. Compared to the previous year, energy dependence increased by five percentage points.

Almost 268,000 TJ were available for energy supply, taking into account energy imports and exports. In terms of the energy supply structure, petroleum-based products dominated with over 36 per cent share, followed by nuclear energy (23 per cent) and energy from renewable sources together with hydropower (about 17 per cent), coal (12 per cent) and natural gas (11 per cent).

In the final consumption structure, petroleum-based products dominated with 47 per cent, followed by electricity (23 per cent), RES (14 per cent), natural gas (12 per cent), heat (three per cent) and solid fuels (one per cent).

Q: You are a regional leader in the circular economy. How did you achieve that? Did you apply the practices of other EU countries?

A: Slovenia actively promotes the circular economy principles manifested in the Smart Specialization Strategy. Line ministries are implementing campaigns to boost the circular economy, primarily through the Recovery and Resilience Plan and the 2021-2027 European Cohesion Policy.

Following the Integral Strategic Project for the Decarbonization of Slovenia, we have created a supportive environment to help businesses transition to a low-carbon circular economy and use digital technologies to increase their competitiveness.

Photo: www.slovenia.info – Andrej Tarfila

We have also launched a public call to encourage decarbonization and the transition to a low-carbon circular economy, which will support enterprise projects in developing sustainable and circular business strategies and implementing new business models. Through the 2021–2027 European Cohesion Policy, we implement measures that contribute to more efficient use of resources and improvement of material productivity. Special attention will be devoted to supporting low-carbon and circular business models and establishing the Circular Economy Centre, which will connect Slovenian stakeholders in this area.

Since 2016, we have had the Strategic Research and Innovative Partnership, an important platform with 94 members, including companies, educational and research institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Q: More than 60 per cent of the Slovenian territory is covered with forest and green areas. There are also 40 national parks and reserves with over 30,000 species of animals. How much do you invest in biodiversity conservation?

A: Located at the crossroads of the Alpine, Pannonian, Dinaric and Mediterranean bio-geographic regions, we are proud to say that we are one of the most naturally abundant areas. Despite its smaller size (0.004 per cent of the world’s surface), more than 1 per cent of all known living species live here, amounting to over 30,000 species, although estimates range as high as 120,000. Slovenia has the largest share of Natura 2000 areas among all EU members – more than 37 per cent of the country’s total area. Together, various protected areas cover almost half of the country’s size. In the last seven years, we have set aside more than 100 million euros for biodiversity conservation projects, and we allocate 12 million euros from the state budget annually for this purpose, while an additional 5 million euros come from the Forestry and Climate Change Fund. In the 2021–2027 program period, we expect to receive around 130 million euros from EU funds.

Interviewed by: Mirjana Vujadinović Tomevski

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE AND FINANCING OF GREEN CONSTRUCTION

Where is Germany Today, One Year After Going Nuclear?

26.04.2024

nuclear-power-plant-g6fff23910_1920 — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay (distelAPPArath)

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Jakob Madsen)

In April last year, Germany abandoned the use of nuclear power after shutting down its last three nuclear power plants.

On the anniversary of stopping the use of this energy source, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE analyzed the current state of the country’s energy sector.

From April 2022 to April 2023, nuclear power plants in Germany produced 29.5 TWh (terawatt-hour) of electricity, which accounted for 6.3 per cent of the total net public production.

One year after this source was stopped being utilized, renewable energy sources have been constantly rising. Namely, from the moment nuclear energy was abolished until April of this year, about 270 TWh of renewable energy was produced, which is 33 TWh more compared to the same period last year. Regarding fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil, about 154.4 TWh of electricity was generated during the same period, representing a significant decrease compared to previous years.

As stated in the Institute’s analysis, this was due to high prices of natural gas and solid coal, as well as high costs for CO2 certificates.

Another reason for reducing the use of fossil fuels is the import of electricity. However, it should be noted that this did not happen because Germany could not produce sufficient quantities of electricity but because electricity costs less in foreign markets in the summer of 2023. More precisely, during the summer, renewable power plants in Denmark, Norway and Sweden generated cheaper electricity, making German coal-fired power plants uncompetitive.

Finally, the grid load also dropped by 2.1 per cent. This was due to the industrial and private sectors saving electricity, the drop in production, and the increase in electricity consumption from solar systems.

The analysis concluded that the first year without nuclear energy showed that it could be replaced with success in Germany.

Energy Portal

More Bioplastics for Less Microplastics

25.04.2024

2149094922 — Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Naja Bertolt)

Plastic pollution leads to various problems, especially for marine animals, which get injured when they get stuck in or swallow a plastic object. There are also warnings that certain plastic products should not be used more than once because such use results in the release of chemicals that have a negative impact on health. Plus, there is inadequate management of plastic waste when, for instance, it is burned, which releases polluting gases and particles into the air.

There is another problem, which I assume that a large segment of the public has at least heard about – microplastics. As the name suggests, these are tiny pieces of plastic, less than five millimeters in size. They are created by the decomposition of plastic objects. Microplastics can be released not only from plastic bottles or bags but also from clothes. Some plastic fibers found in fabric, such as polyester and nylon, are released during washing and end up in the environment through water runoff.

Earlier research has shown that one way to reduce the release of microplastics from clothing is to hand wash it, that is to hand wash the fabric that contains plastic fibers. Research has shown that during washing clothes in the washing machine, significantly larger quantities of this type of plastic are released.

Among the various solutions to reduce this pollution, scientists from the University of Portsmouth and the Maritime Institute of Flanders also developed one – plant-based plastic. Namely, scientists analyzed how conventional and bioplastics react in extreme conditions. Specifically, they wanted to see how much microplastics each type of plastic would release. The results showed that bio-based plastics, i.e., those released by natural raw materials, managed to last longer when exposed to intense UV radiation and seawater.

The relevant data show our attitude towards plastic. For instance, almost 400 million tons of plastic are produced annually, and nearly half of it is disposable. Of that quantity, over 10 million tons end up in the oceans.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Albirahman Yulianto)

Scientists have been working hard to find natural materials that are suitable for the production of bioplastics. This material is made from different plants, algae and microorganisms, such as bacteria. One of the more recent developments is the production of such material from water hyacinth.

I chose this particular example because, in addition to replacing conventional plastic, scientists say water hyacinth can solve a significant environmental problem. This plant is an invasive species that is endemic to South America. It was introduced to the rest of the world as an ornamental plant. Still, once it reaches the environment, i.e. water, it spreads quickly and leads to negative consequences for the rest of the living world in that ecosystem. Hyacinth creates dense deposits and thus prevents sunlight penetration below the water’s surface. When it withers, its decomposition in the water leads to the accumulation of organic matter that can reduce the presence of oxygen and change the chemical composition of the water.

If managed properly, its characteristic of reproducing very quickly can be beneficial. One of the ways is to use it in the production of bioplastics.

The endless possibilities that nature offers us and man’s strong will to examine it for useful purposes will ensure the well-being of all.

Katarina Vuinac

EU countries increase 2030 solar goals by 90 per cent but grid planning trails

25.04.2024

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Mark Merner)

Despite being expected in summer 2023, EU member states have now finally submitted their draft updated National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). 26 of 27 countries have submitted, with Austria’s on hold indefinitely. The new plans are a draft update of the NECPs accepted by the European Commission in 2019.

The updated NECPs represent, by weighted average, an 87 per cent increase in solar ambition compared to the 2019 NECPs. Lithuania and Ireland stand out by multiplying their respective targets by more than 5 and 10 respectively. Poland multiplied its target by 3, while Finland, Portugal, Slovenia, and Sweden more than doubled their previous targets, with Spain increasing its target by 95 per cent.

Despite the boost in ambition, the NECPs do not reflect the investments needed for grid deployment, flexibility, and digitalisation. While most NECPs at least partially mention flexibility, only four provide a real target for demand-side flexibility via smart-meter roll-out or demand-side response (BE, BG, CY, HR).

This demand-side gap risks discouraging citizens’ adaptation to the new energy reality. Europeans should be supported to flex their energy use sensibly and consume electricity when it is abundant – like charging e-vehicles in the middle of the day. Though overlooked in NECPs, demand-side tools should be used to ease pressure on the grid and support the system to add more renewables. Demand-side flexibility means less investment is needed for slow-to-build grid infrastructure.

When it comes to energy storage, 9 countries have defined dedicated targets in terms of MW, MWh or euros (BE, BG, CY, EL, ES, HR, HU, LT, PT). Among these 9 countries, 4 of them (BE, EL, LT, PT) have gone further with dedicated targets for batteries, small-scale storage or storage at household level. Most EU countries, however, fail to plan to empower the use of renewables 24/7, day or night.

Though a lack of storage infrastructure, or demand-side response, will undoubtedly and unnecessarily put pressure on the electricity grid, only 2 EU countries have set a target or an investment plan for their distribution electricity grid – France and Malta. While 20 countries have at least partially acknowledged the investment needs at transmission – high-voltage – level, only France and Malta have set out plans to invest in the distribution grid. France intends to increase the investment in its distribution grid by 20 per cent by 2032, while Malta mentions a series of investment in equipment for the upgrade of the grid.

Based on current ambition, the EU would see 626 GW total ambition by 2030, compared to the EU Solar Strategy target of 750 GW and of the industry potential of 902 GW. With the draft NECPs submitted to the European Commission, Member States now have until June 30th to submit any updates before their plans are considered final.

Source: Solar Power Europe

The World’s Electric Car Fleet Continues to Grow Strongly

24.04.2024

electric_car_električni_automobil — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Despite near-term challenges in some markets, based on today’s policy settings, almost 1 in 3 cars on the roads in China by 2030 is set to be electric, and almost 1 in 5 in both United States and European Union

More than one in five cars sold worldwide this year is expected to be electric, with surging demand projected over the next decade set to remake the global auto industry and significantly reduce oil consumption for road transport, according to the new edition of the IEA’s annual Global EV Outlook.

The latest Outlook finds that global electric car sales are set to remain robust in 2024, reaching around 17 million by the end of the year. In the first quarter, sales grew by about 25 per cent compared with the same period in 2023 – similar to the growth rate seen in the same period a year earlier, but from a larger base. The number of electric cars sold globally in the first three months of this year is roughly equivalent to the number sold in all of 2020.

In 2024, electric cars sales in China are projected to leap to about 10 million, accounting for about 45 per cent of all car sales in the country. In the United States, roughly one in nine cars sold are projected to be electric – while in Europe, despite a generally weak outlook for passenger car sales and the phase-out of subsidies in some countries, electric cars are still set to represent about one in four cars sold.

This growth builds on a record-breaking 2023. Last year, global electric car sales soared by 35 per cent to almost 14 million. While demand remained largely concentrated in China, Europe and the United States, growth also picked up in some emerging markets such as Viet Nam and Thailand, where electric cars accounted for 15 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively, of all cars sold.

Source: IEA

Is the ‘G’ Element in the ESG Concept Unjustifiably Neglected?

24.04.2024

pexels-CoWomen-2041627 — Photo-illustration: Pexels

When analyzing individual ESG elements, the ‘G’ element is often overlooked due to the emphasis on climate risks, social implications and other ‘E’ and ‘S’ factors. In light of the growing recognition of global diversity and income disparity, corporate governance is emerging as a key component of the ESG concept.

The ‘G’ element includes decision-making factors, from policy-making by sovereign states to the distribution of rights and responsibilities between the various governing bodies of companies, including boards, managers and shareholders. These management factors include rules and procedures for states and companies, allowing investors to explore appropriate management practices, much as they do for environmental and social factors.

In focus:

Management composition, inclusiveness and diversity

Gender diversity and equality is one of the key issues of corporate governance, with many investors demanding greater representation of women on boards and executive leadership and equal compensation and advancement opportunities for women. More and more companies highlight the financial benefits of creating inclusive workplaces to increase diversity.

Many studies have shown that companies with more women on boards and executive leadership positions achieve better financial performance than less diverse companies.

A significant contribution to the improvement of gender equality in Serbia could be achieved by implementing the European Union Directive on the promotion of gender equality in the boards of directors of companies, better known as the EU Women on Boards Directive. This directive is a key step towards achieving gender balance in the business sector, encouraging the active participation of women at the highest decision-making levels in companies. With its implementation, Serbia could make significant progress in creating an inclusive business environment that values and supports the contribution of all members of society, regardless of gender.

Foto-ilustracoja: Pexels (Vlada Karpovich)

Currently, the main sources of rules governing corporate governance in Serbia are the Law on Companies and the Law on the Capital Market, which unfortunately still do not contain provisions that would contribute to the facilitation of gender equality in company boards or the provisions that would correspond to the intention of the European legislator.

Corporate governance rules are usually systematized in internal corporate governance codes. Some examples of corporate governance codes in Serbia are those offered by the Chamber of Commerce, which also do not mention or regulate the equal representation of women in companies’ management bodies. Adequate changes to the aforementioned regulations, i.e. their alignment with the rules of the aforementioned directive, could significantly encourage and contribute to the representation of women on boards, which has proven to be a good business practice in terms of all aspects of business, especially more efficient decision-making and achieving better financial results of companies.

The Law on Gender Equality is currently in force in Serbia, which, when it comes to gender representation in company boards, obligates a public body to exercise gender balance. This provision should not be limited to administrative bodies in public services but should also be applied to companies regardless of their legal form.

Milica Pešterić

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

Szeged Introduces a Geothermal Energy District Heating System

23.04.2024

The Hungarian Ministry of Construction and Transport recently announced the completion of the project for a new geothermal heating system in Szeged.

According to the Ministry’s announcement, six million euros have been invested in the new facility in the Sziler district. Thanks to the new facility, the city will annually replace 2.2 million cubic metres of natural gas with nearly 20 GWh of geothermal energy.

The municipal district heating company in Szeged currently supplies heat and hot water to over 27,000 apartments and more than 400 public buildings, including schools, kindergartens and retail facilities.

The district heating system in Szeged consists of 16 heating plants and a 250-kilometre-long pipe grid in 23 heating circuits.

This Hungarian city and its surroundings have exceptional hydrogeological potential, but until recently, only natural gas was used for district heating, which resulted in significant carbon dioxide emissions.

A revision of the National Geothermal Strategy is now underway, which could make geothermal energy a leading sector of Hungary’s green economy.

As announced by the Ministry, the goal of the National Geothermal Strategy is to reduce current domestic energy consumption by a fifth by 2026, and the share of geothermal energy in total heat production should increase from the current 6.5 per cent to between 25 and 30 per cent.

Although the country increased the use of geothermal energy after 2010 by more than four times, the huge potential of this renewable source is a chance for Hungary to get rid of imported natural gas and gain energy independence.

According to the International Trade Administration, Hungary is one of the countries that have committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, so by 2030, this country should generate 90 per cent of its electricity and heat from green sources.

Milena Maglovski

Global Warming – Tundras Threatening to Release Stored CO2?

23.04.2024

sneg , irvasi — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (hans-jurgen)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (hans-jurgen)

Tundras are cold regions of the world, biomes with short vegetation, lower trees, and extremely low temperatures, which cover large parts of northern Russia, Scandinavia, Canada, Alaska, and the coast of Greenland.

They can also be found in high mountains such as the Alps, Cordillera and Himalayas, where they are called alpine tundra. The largest continuous area of tundra in the world is still on the territory of Russia, stretching from the western part of Siberia to the Pacific coast.

Although tundras are often less populated areas with diverse landscapes, they play a crucial role in climate change because their soil contains large amounts of carbon in the form of organic material, such as peat.

Because of the low temperatures and the permafrost – the frozen soil whose temperature is constantly below zero – decomposition occurs very slowly. This allows the tundra to function as a large carbon storehouse, preventing its release into the atmosphere.

However, due to global warming, this permafrost begins to melt, which can lead to the release of large amounts of methane and CO₂, exacerbating the greenhouse effect. In addition to being dangerous to the planet and people, these changes also affect the animals that migrate through the tundra and the local communities that depend on these ecosystems.

To better understand how the tundra changes with global warming, a group of scientists from Umea University in Sweden used open chambers – small greenhouses placed directly on the tundra. These chambers block wind and trap heat, mimicking the effects of heating. The results show that, under the influence of warming, the temperature increases by about 1.4 degrees Celsius and the soil temperature by 0.4 degrees, with a decrease in soil moisture. These changes cause the tundra to release more carbon from the soil due to the heightened activity of microbes that break down organic material.

Experiments have also found that the effects of warming are long-lasting and can continue even after temperature changes stabilize. The team of scientists found out that this process takes less time to play out than expected.

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