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European Commission Proposes Record EU Budget to Boost Competitiveness – But Wind Needs a Dedicated Fund

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Oimheidi)

WindEurope welcomes the ambition. The proposal simplifies and harmonises funding rules, and provides more flexibility and support for infrastructure, innovation, and industrial decarbonisation. This is good news for Europe’s clean tech industries, ensuring they can deliver an economy that’s secure, resilient and climate-neutral by 2050.

But it falls short in one critical area: technology-specific support for wind energy through a dedicated wind fund.

Wind energy powers Europe’s energy security and re-industrialisation

Wind energy is made in Europe. It’s a clean, high-tech and innovative industry that supports energy Europe’s goals. The EU still leads globally in wind technology. Nearly all turbines installed in Europe come from European manufacturers.

The economic impact is significant. The wind industry adds 54 billion euros to the EU’s GDP each year. It employs 370,000 people. Each new onshore wind turbine contributes 16 million euros to the economy. Offshore turbines add 45 million euros each. Wind strengthens Europe’s competitiveness and energy security.

But global competition is growing. Chinese companies benefit from State support. They invest three times more in R&I each year. They offer lower prices and generous financing terms, sometimes with payment deferred for up to three years.

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Europe needs a dedicated wind fund to stay competitive

To remain competitive, the EU must act to strengthen and expand its last homegrown clean tech industry.

The EU budget must build on the Net-Zero Industry Act and channel its resources to those technologies that can deliver on the Clean Industrial Deal: reducing the need for fossil fuels imports, boosting energy security, and lowering electricity bills for all.

To achieve this, the EU must establish a dedicated European Fund for Wind Research and Competitiveness under the European Competitiveness Fund. This fund must be a technology-specific one-stop-shop that centralises EU funding for all wind energy research, innovation, scale-up, and deployment.

This fund needs a budget of 11.6 billion euros. Just 0.6 percent of the EU budget. This includes 2.1 billion euros for research, 9 billion euros for scale-up and competitiveness, and 0.5 billion euros for attracting more private investment in climate and energy competitiveness. All relatively small amounts to support and grow the manufacturing footprint of the last major form of electricity generation that is manufactured in Europe.

Clean tech investments must also be matched with infrastructure funding. The Commission’s proposal increases the Connecting Europe Facility budget. But it lacks a dedicated window for port infrastructure, vital for Europe’s energy security and delivery of renewable electricity. Europe invested 6.7 billion euros in ports and vessels over the past three years. Another 6.4 billion euros is still needed.

What happens next?

On 3 September, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will present a second package on the EU budget. This will kick off a two-year negotiation process. National governments and the European Parliament will shape their positions. The final agreement is expected by December 2027.

WindEurope will continue to advocate for a dedicated wind energy research fund and targeted infrastructure support to ensure Europe’s clean tech leadership and energy independence.

Source: WindEurope

When Jellyfish Drift Where They Don’t Belong: How Climate Change Is Transforming Marine Ecosystems

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Katarzyna Urbanek)

This year, fishermen from the South Korean city of Pohang returned from the sea with nets full of—not fish, but giant, venomous jellyfish. Instead of the expected catch, they were met by Nomura’s jellyfish, each weighing several dozen kilograms. And that is not even the worst news.

According to recent reports in the media, jellyfish have literally overrun South Korea’s coasts. Some species, such as the bright blue “Porpita umbrellas,” which resemble buttons and measure only a few centimeters in diameter, have appeared in large swarms on the tourist beaches of Jeju Island.

Although these jellyfish are only “mildly” venomous, they can cause skin irritation, particularly in children. Combined with their unusual appearance, they provoke worry and even panic among visitors. Because of their flower-like look, they often deceive even experienced swimmers—until the stinging sensation begins.

On the other hand, the aforementioned Nomura’s jellyfish can grow up to two meters (!) in diameter and weigh over 100 kilograms. Their tentacles can easily damage fishing nets and equipment, while their sting can cause serious health issues.

Blue Button Jellyfish / Photo: Wikimedia (Bruce Moravchik NOAA)

Why is this happening?

One of the main reasons for such “marine invasions” is—unsurprisingly—climate change. Rising ocean temperatures create ideal conditions for jellyfish reproduction. These creatures are highly adaptable, fast-growing, and often free of natural predators in new environments.

As ocean temperatures climb, many species abandon their usual habitats and migrate northward, toward cooler waters—including Korea’s coasts. There, they encounter entirely different ecosystems, where they can cause serious imbalance.

Because of the situation, the city of Pohang has launched an unusual program—purchasing jellyfish from fishermen to remove them from the sea. For each captured jellyfish, fishermen receive 300 won (about 22 cents), and in just the first few days, more than 313 tons of these creatures were collected. The city allocated as much as 150 million won for the program.

However, no matter how useful such programs are for short-term population reduction, they do not address the root problem: the disruption of marine ecosystems caused by climate change.

The appearance of giant jellyfish in Korean waters and the swarms of bright-blue jellyfish on tourist beaches are not just curiosities for the “believe it or not” section. They are warnings that marine ecosystems are rapidly changing due to rising ocean temperatures—affecting the economy, safety, and people’s everyday lives.

Milena Maglovski

YugoHrana – Sharing Empathy and Surplus from the Plate

Photo: YugoHrana

Food waste has always sparked debate within human communities. While some had the privilege of surplus, often discarded without much thought, others strove through solidarity and sharing to ensure everyone could at least have a bite.

Today, however, food surplus has grown beyond a moral issue — it has become a severe environmental burden. Wasted food contributes to environmental pollution, squanders resources, and deepens inequality.

Foto: YugoHrana

That is precisely why the YugoHrana platform was launched earlier this year — an innovative initiative that ensures food, instead of ending up as waste, finds its purpose and reaches those who need it most. The idea came from Tuzla, from Maid Huremović, who emphasizes that this innovative platform is a bridge between food that some would discard and people who can gratefully make use of it.

“I grew up with the warmth of the kitchen and the aroma of homemade meals that are not thrown away, but creatively transformed into something new. I drew inspiration from everyday scenes — half-empty bakery shelves, leftover food at the end of the day, and at the same time, the needs of people living modestly. YugoHrana is my way of connecting two realities that should never have been separated,” Huremović says.

The platform is designed so that its partners (bakeries, restaurants, stores) report food surpluses that would otherwise be thrown away at the end of the day, while users can reserve these meals via the app or website for symbolic prices and pick them up on site.

Although it’s still in its early stages, YugoHrana quickly captured people’s hearts, sparked widespread interest, and raised awareness.

“Now, not only do users recognize us, but also hospitality professionals, the media, and members of the community who want to be part of the change. The main goal of the platform is to prevent food waste and help that food find a new purpose — and along with it, people develop new habits,” says the platform’s founder, adding that this way, everyone benefits: food is saved, costs are reduced, and waste is eliminated.

Photo: YugoHrana

The plan is for YugoHrana, as its name suggests, to soon take on a regional character and expand throughout the former Yugoslavia. Behind this ambitious plan lies nostalgia for better times, but also faith in the sense of connectedness, sharing, and empathy that characterizes the people of this region.

Our interviewee points out that people recognize the significance of this platform, and they are regularly meeting with potential partners across the region. Still, he admits that every beginning is difficult, but they are ready to face numerous challenges.

“What matters to us is that people are engaged in the process and understand the importance of change — a change we genuinely need. And that proves that the Balkans are ready to embrace change. Right now, we don’t measure success by numbers but by the depth of interest we receive — and it grows every day,” says Huremović.

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When it comes to changing citizens’ awareness about food waste, Huremović believes that this change begins quietly, in every home. In the way we store leftovers, in the glance we give a full plate, and in the decision we make about what to do with that last piece of bread.

The founder of YugoHrana emphasizes that through education, positive examples, and concrete platforms like this one, we can shape habits. At the end of the interview for Energy Portal Magazine, Huremović called on restaurants, bakeries, shops, and food producers to join them in their mission to reduce food waste and build sustainable communities — because, as he says, “every town, every village has surplus it can share — and its people who will value it.”

An Ecological and Moral Issue

In a world that produces enough food for all eight billion people, it is paradoxical that around 2.5 billion tons of food are wasted annually, more than one-third of total production. Every day, approximately one billion meals are discarded in households worldwide.

At the same time, about 733 million people — nearly one in ten globally — face hunger. This mismatch between surplus and scarcity is not only morally unacceptable but also carries severe environmental consequences. Food waste is responsible for 8 to 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Prepared by Jasna Dragojević

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine PURE ENERGY

Solar Trees: A New Chance for Solar Energy Development Without Destroying Forests

Foto: OpenAI

The global expansion of solar energy often comes with a high ecological cost—massive deforestation to make way for solar panels, creating a deep conflict between the need for renewable energy and the preservation of natural ecosystems. However, new research conducted by scientists in South Korea shows that so-called solar trees can offer a sustainable solution: simultaneously increasing electricity generation capacity while preserving forest landscapes.

According to the results of a quantitative comparison carried out by researchers at the Korea Maritime Institute, a linear arrangement of solar trees makes it possible to preserve 99 percent of forest cover, while traditional flat fixed-panel installations require the removal of up to 98 percent of existing forests to achieve the same electricity generation capacity.

These findings were obtained through a combination of 3D geospatial simulations and standardized testing conditions, and the methodology can also be applied in other countries aiming to accelerate the energy transition while preserving natural carbon sinks.

How Does Solar Tree Technology Work?

Solar trees are innovative vertical structures that mimic the natural form of real trees: solar panels are arranged like canopies and branches, producing energy at the top while allowing enough light to pass through for vegetation to grow underneath. This way, two key goals are combined—renewable energy production and the preservation of forest ecosystems. Unlike conventional solar farms, which completely remove trees and disrupt biodiversity, solar trees maintain forest functions such as protection from erosion, landslides, noise, and strong winds.

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The example from South Korea clearly illustrates the importance of this concept. In just three years—from 2016 to 2018—the expansion of solar farms in the country’s mountainous regions led to deforestation of over 4,400 hectares. The removal of mature forests caused soil erosion and numerous landslides near solar installations. Similar risks threaten coastal forests, which are particularly valuable since, beyond producing oxygen and storing carbon, they serve as natural protection against winds, salinity, and tsunamis.

Until now, most research has focused on measuring the performance of individual solar trees—yielding limited results. The new study, however, shows that the same installed capacity as traditional fixed panels can be achieved with just 63 solar trees, although up to 97 could be arranged in the experimental area.

Since panels are becoming increasingly efficient at using the same surface area, solar trees can deliver higher capacity with a smaller spatial footprint. This opens up the possibility of precisely planning the expansion of solar energy in forested and coastal landscapes without dramatic destruction of nature.

Researchers emphasize that solar energy already delivers the highest power output per unit area compared to other renewable sources and, with falling production costs, is on track to become the most cost-effective technology in most regions of the world. As global commitments call for a tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030 while also preserving forests, solar trees emerge as a promising dual solution.

Energy portal

Switzerland on the Verge of an Energy Policy Shift

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (daniel cox)

Switzerland may soon lift the ban on building new nuclear power plants, which has been in place since January 1, 2018, as part of the country’s “Energy Strategy 2050.” The decision to prohibit new construction came in the wake of strong political and social pressures following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan in March 2011. Just a few months later, the Swiss parliament and government resolved to gradually phase out nuclear power.

However, circumstances have changed. The country’s four nuclear reactors, which remain active and operational, currently provide around one-third of Switzerland’s electricity, and are allowed to run as long as they are deemed safe, according to World Nuclear News. Yet, the growth in consumption—driven by electrification, digitalization, and the development of artificial intelligence—raises doubts about the sustainability of the current energy mix.

The most significant turning point came in 2024, when voters approved the popular initiative “Electricity for All at All Times.” This enshrined into the constitution the requirement that electricity supply must be permanent and guaranteed, while production must meet climate goals. In practice, this opened the door to nuclear power once again, as it is a low-carbon source capable of providing stable energy supply.

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In response, the Federal Council proposed an indirect counterproposal—rather than amending the constitution, it called for changes to the Nuclear Energy Act. These changes would remove the ban on issuing permits for new reactors or modifications to existing plants, thereby reopening the licensing process. While there are still no concrete plans for new construction, the proposal itself represents a major political shift: Switzerland, which decided in 2011 to phase out nuclear power, is now acknowledging that it cannot rely solely on renewables and imported electricity.

If parliament adopts the legislative changes, it will mark the most significant reversal in Swiss energy policy since Fukushima. After more than a decade of restrictive measures, the country would once again be open to considering new nuclear capacity.

Energy Portal

A Global Standard for the Environmental Responsibility of the Cocoa Industry

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Pablo Merchan)

Over the past year, the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) hosted the 5th World Cocoa Conference, at which the Brussels Declaration was adopted—a document that lays the foundation for a more sustainable, transparent, and equitable future in the production and supply of this commodity. The conference was attended by leading chocolate producers, government representatives, and activists to establish a new direction for the global industry. Precisely in the context of this new path that the cocoa industry is taking, a response has recently arrived, as the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) introduced the GHG Accounting Standard Methodology on February 6, 2025. This methodology brings a clearer framework for monitoring, reporting, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the entire cocoa industry value chain.

Where Cocoa is Grown

Cocoa thrives in areas near the equator, where high temperatures, abundant rainfall, and humid conditions dominate. Although originally from Latin America, today it is mostly cultivated in West Africa. According to ICCO data, the African continent has provided an average of around 70 percent of total global production in recent years. Côte d’Ivoire has contributed the most, accounting for just under 40 percent of the global output, followed by Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon, which together contribute hundreds of thousands of tons. In Latin America — the original home of cocoa — the leading producers are Ecuador, Brazil, and Peru, while in Asia, Indonesia is the leading producer.

Most raw cocoa comes from small family farms, whose work is often hampered by unfavorable climate conditions, natural disasters, and unstable prices. These small producers form the foundation and starting point of a chain that usually culminates in chocolate production. In addition to economic challenges, cocoa production also has environmental consequences, resulting from land management practices, fertilizer use, and the clearing of increasingly large forest areas to create space for new plantations. For this reason, the Brussels Declaration emphasized the need for reforestation and the development of agroforestry practices as a response to sustainability challenges.

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Precise Tools for Measuring and Managing Emissions

Calculating environmental footprint and measuring carbon emissions in the cocoa industry has been inconsistent, unclear, and often unreliable to date, which has significantly hindered the implementation of shared sustainability standards, particularly due to the complex value chain that encompasses small family farms, numerous intermediaries, and ultimately large producers and factories.

The new method brings a range of concrete benefits for the entire industry, from producers to consumers. By introducing a unified standard, companies receive precise tools for measuring and managing carbon dioxide emissions across every segment of production, with a special focus on so-called Scope 3 emissions, which are the most challenging to identify and will be addressed further. The goal is to achieve more transparent reporting, aligned with the requirements of international frameworks, such as the GHG Protocol and the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which is particularly important for alignment with increasingly stringent European Union legislation.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Monika Guzikowska)

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is the most widely accepted system for classifying and reporting emissions. It distinguishes three categories of emissions: direct emissions occurring within the company itself (Scope 1), emissions from electricity consumption (Scope 2), and the aforementioned Scope 3 emissions, which include all other indirect emissions, such as those from supply chains, transportation, and agriculture. The latter, Scope 3 emissions, are the most difficult to track but also the most important for the cocoa industry, as a large portion of emissions occurs on farms and in intermediary stages of production.

The standard is also aligned with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which encourages companies to set emission reduction targets in line with global efforts to limit planetary warming to 1.5°C.

Consumers, at the end of the chain, can potentially expect greater transparency, with chocolate product packaging soon possibly displaying labels on carbon footprint, origin of raw materials, and levels of sustainability. As a result, the development of new products with a lower environmental impact is anticipated, along with potential price adjustments due to the additional costs associated with sustainable production.

As much as cocoa and chocolate are beloved products around the world, global production also carries bitter consequences, which is why it remains on the agenda of international sustainability initiatives.

Prepared by Milica Vučković

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine PURE ENERGY

Solarplaza Summit Balkans PV & Storage in Zagreb

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Michael_Pointner)

Join us in Zagreb, Croatia, on October 21, 2025, for the Solarplaza Summit Balkans PV & Storage—the leading industry event connecting solar energy professionals across the entire Balkan region. From Slovenia to North Macedonia, this high-impact gathering brings together developers, investors, policymakers, and technology providers to tackle the region’s most pressing solar challenges and opportunities.

Gain exclusive insights into the latest market developments, policy shifts, and regulatory frameworks shaping Balkan solar growth. Explore cutting-edge discussions on grid integration, energy storage business cases, and investment strategies, with a special focus on PPAs and bankability in evolving electricity markets.

Building on our previous success—where 97 percent of attendees established valuable business connections—this year’s summit offers even more opportunities to expand your network, forge partnerships, and drive actionable strategies. Whether you’re looking to influence policy, deploy innovative grid solutions, or unlock new investment opportunities, the Solarplaza Summit Balkans 2025 is your key to navigating and shaping the region’s solar energy landscape.

The Industry Advisory Board empowering the event

The combined wealth of knowledge, years of experience, and high-level network of our expert advisory board members help shape our program and enhance our event. Their involvement guarantees the practical and inspirational relevance of our event in the dynamic and ever-evolving solar landscape.

Source: Solarplaza

Two and a Half Decades of Fighting for a Clean Future

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Sebastian Ganso)

The fight against climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges today, and the transition to clean energy sources is a crucial step toward a sustainable future. Guided by these principles, numerous organizations around the world are dedicated to environmental protection, among them the Center for Environment from Banja Luka, which for a quarter of a century has been actively promoting an ecologically responsible way of life and advocating for a healthier and more sustainable Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Photo: Courtesy of Dragan Ostić

Their work is focused on concrete change – through active cooperation with local communities, experts, and partner organizations, they combat harmful projects by advocating for policies that protect both nature and people.

They are also present in the field of renewable energy sources (RES), where they have long been working on projects that encourage institutions to adopt and implement necessary regulations, allowing citizens to participate in clean energy production using solar panels to generate electricity for their households.

In addition, they advocate for initiatives that would enable the formation of renewable energy communities — models in which citizens can invest jointly and benefit from renewable energy sources. Dragan Ostić, Assistant for Energy and Climate, highlights for the Energy Portal Magazine that the Center monitors laws and policies to ensure the transition is fair and sustainable for all. He points out that there are numerous challenges in BiH, from institutions that obstruct processes to a lack of knowledge about available opportunities.

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“The biggest challenge is the inertia and sluggishness of the system, from vague laws and slow procedures to the continued favoring of outdated energy models based on coal. Currently, it often happens that citizens want to install solar panels but face a mountain of paperwork and poorly coordinated institutions. In addition, misinformation and insufficient knowledge about the possibilities of RES hinder faster progress“, says Ostić.

The complex state apparatus of BiH is reflected in all spheres of society and also slows down the transition to clean energy sources. However, institutions in both entities are increasingly recognizing the importance of the energy transition, though this is still not followed by decisive action. According to our interviewee, in the Republic of Srpska, processes are often centralized but lack transparency, whereas in the Federation of BiH, there are more actors involved, which slows down decision-making.

“Regulations differ between the entities, which further complicates the situation. BiH has great potential — with many sunny days and possibilities for wind energy — but also room for improvement in energy efficiency. All in all, we have the potential, but we lack precise coordination and concrete steps toward real transition“, he says.

Ostić notes that the energy transition is most hindered by outdated energy policies, slow administrative processes, a lack of political will, and the influence of interest groups seeking to preserve the existing model. Additionally, we lack a concrete national energy strategy, which makes it challenging to secure funding from European sources. All this contributes to the fact that, unfortunately, we are still among the countries most dependent on coal.

The message that the Center has been sending for years is that the green transition should not be seen as a cost, but as an investment in the future. For Bosnia and Herzegovina to become a clean energy country, authorities must show determination, create space for citizens and local communities, and make it clear that the coal era is behind us. Our interviewee emphasizes that there is less and less time for delay and that the transition must be fair, sustainable, and focused on the well-being of all citizens.

Prepared by Jasna Dragojević

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine PURE ENERGY

New gas routes from Greece via Bulgaria to Ukraine

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (mike benna)

The Independent Natural Gas Transmission Operator of the Greece–Bulgaria Interconnector (ICGB) has announced the launch of two new cross-border routes – Route 2 and Route 3 – within the framework of the Vertical Gas Corridor, a strategic initiative connecting the south with the markets of Southeast Europe, Moldova, and Ukraine.

ICGB operates the IGB pipeline, which links the Greek city of Komotini with the Bulgarian city of Stara Zagora. This pipeline is part of a broader network enabling the transport of natural gas from various sources (the Alexandroupolis LNG terminal, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP, etc.) to Bulgaria, Southeast Europe, and further to Ukraine and Moldova.

The project in question is being implemented in cooperation with the transmission system operators of Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine, with the goal of strengthening the region’s energy security and ensuring the direct transport of gas from northern Greece to Ukrainian underground storage facilities before the winter season, according to the ICGB website.

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Capacities will be offered exclusively as monthly products through a single uniform-price auction, with all project participants agreeing on a 25 percent discount on standard monthly tariffs, while ICGB and the Ukrainian GTSOU are offering even greater discounts of 46 percent – the largest in the region.

These capacities will be available solely for exit to Ukraine, without access to national virtual trading points or domestic exit points in transit countries. With the introduction of these routes, ICGB further consolidates its role as the central artery of the Vertical Gas Corridor, connecting diversified gas sources with Northeastern Europe.

Revolution in Reforestation – AI Robot Plants 100 Trees per Hour

Photo-illustration: Canva (AI Generated)

Humans destroy, humans repair – like in a vicious circle, we live in an age that develops and changes at lightning speed, yet also degrades. How many times must nature suffer for our benefit? Blinded by the desire to make life “better,” we often fail to see that in the long run, we are causing greater harm. Our forests are suffering huge losses – from land repurposing, fires, climate change, pollution, urbanization, the timber industry, and energy production – all contributing to their disappearance.

Then comes the moment when we become aware and want to correct the mistake. But can the human hand in restoration keep pace with the speed at which it once destroyed? This is exactly why Brazil has called technology to the rescue – the Plantio-100 robot, which plants as many as 100 trees per hour, taking reforestation to an entirely new level.

This robot uses artificial intelligence, giving it an advantage not only in speed but also in precision and planting quality. Plantio-100 moves across previously destroyed areas and analyzes soil conditions. Based on data about nutrients, moisture, and shading, the robot chooses the most suitable seedling species for each location.

A planted seedling is not forgotten – the robot later returns to the same spots to monitor its growth, hydrating it when needed or providing additional protection against pests. This method of planting shows an exceptionally high success rate – nearly 90% of seedlings survive, which is almost twice as much as with traditional mass planting methods.

Plantio-100 is also environmentally sustainable – thanks to its solar power system, it does not depend on fuel and can operate in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

With the goal of restoring 12 million hectares of land by 2030, Brazil is currently preparing and training dozens of such robots, laying the foundation for a new era of reforestation.

The development of artificial intelligence today is incredibly fast – so much so that it’s hard to keep up with all its possibilities without constant learning. Like any powerful innovation, AI sparks justified concern, as its power can be used for the wrong purposes. Still, the example of the Plantio-100 robot shows how technology can be used for good – to help both humanity and nature by restoring what has been degraded for decades. In responsible hands, AI becomes an ally in protecting and renewing the world around us.

Katarina Vuinac

Mushroom-Based Batteries – A Story of Applying Nature’s Cycle in Technology

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (timothy dykes)

The development of batteries marked a turning point in technological advancement, enabling numerous benefits without which life today would be almost unimaginable. In the past, batteries were used only for simple devices, such as remote controls; however, their application expanded quickly. Today, batteries not only power our electronic devices but have become an essential element in the development of ecological transport, from scooters and bicycles to cars and airplanes. However, their widespread use also brings challenges related to sustainability and environmental impact.

That’s why researchers are seeking more sustainable solutions, and one such approach comes from Switzerland. At the Empa laboratory, scientists are developing ‘living’ batteries that use microorganisms from the fungi kingdom as the basis for generating electricity. What makes them even more environmentally friendly is their ability to decompose naturally after completing their function.

How Mushroom-Based Batteries Work

Traditional batteries generate energy through chemical reactions, whereas these biodegradable batteries rely on the metabolic processes of fungi. Essentially, the idea is based on what fungi do in nature, like many other microorganisms – they convert nutrients into energy.

Researchers at the Empa laboratory used two types of fungi to produce their batteries – yeast and white-rot fungi – and both proved to be highly effective. To better understand this, it’s essential to note that every battery consists of a cathode and an anode, the components through which electrons flow in and out. In this context, yeast is placed on the anode side because, during its metabolism. At the same time, it consumes sugars, just as it does when making bread or beer, and it releases electrons, which then travel through an external circuit and generate electricity. What’s essential is for that current not to disappear, but to keep circulating. That’s exactly the role of the white rot fungus, which is located on the other side – the cathode. This fungus has the ability to capture electrons, thereby closing the electrical circuit and allowing the current to circulate continuously.

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Unlike conventional batteries, which require metals like lithium, often toxic to the environment and difficult to recycle, mushroom-based batteries are completely nontoxic and biodegradable. When their lifespan ends, these batteries do not become hazardous waste – on the contrary, they decompose naturally and can even be beneficial to the soil. Fungi, after all, have the ability to break down organic materials such as cellulose and convert them into nutrients for the soil.

3D Printing

What makes these batteries additionally innovative is the use of 3D printing in their development. This technology enables researchers to design the battery in a manner that provides fungi with easier access to nutrients and makes the structure adaptable to specific conditions. For instance, the batteries can contain specific nutrients that enable fungi to survive in dry environments, if they are to be used in areas with limited water access.

It is also important to note that the materials used to produce the battery are entirely biodegradable, since the 3D printing is done using cellulose-based material – a natural substance derived from plants. This enables the battery to fully decompose in nature after use, leaving no harmful residue.

Although such batteries are not yet powerful enough to operate larger electronic devices, the amount of energy they produce is sufficient, for example, to power sensors used in agriculture and environmental research, and for several days at that. Researchers continue to work on improving this solution, aiming to increase both power and durability.

A technology that doesn’t harm nature but instead contributes to it does more than bring innovation – it changes our perception of what progress and success truly mean. Nature once again reminds us that it already holds everything we need. All that is required from humans is to learn from it and act in accordance with its laws. When the natural cycle is properly applied in technology, we obtain solutions that are sustainable and circular, without leaving an unwanted environmental footprint.

Prepared by Katarina Vuinac

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine PURE ENERGY

Ecomondo 2025: Green Industry Gathering from November 4 to 7 in Rimini

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik - AI)

From November 4 to 7, 2025, the Italian city of Rimini will once again become the epicenter of sustainable development and green innovation. This time, it will host the 28th edition of Ecomondo – the most important international event in Europe dedicated to ecological transition and the circular economy.

This year, Ecomondo exceeds expectations with a rich program that brings together companies, startups, researchers, decision-makers, and experts from over 120 countries. With 165,000 square meters of exhibition space, 1,700 exhibitors, and more than 250 conferences, the fair offers insight into the latest technologies, research projects, and regulatory developments shaping a sustainable future.

Main topics include:

  • the current state of implementation of leading projects from Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR),

  • the adoption of the circular economy at both national and European levels,

  • the regeneration of land, waterways, and coastlines,

  • models for the “circular and healthy cities” of the future.

Special emphasis will also be placed on networking and knowledge exchange in the fields of research funding, innovation, and specialized training. The program is aimed at public administration, freelancers, managers, and sustainability professionals, offering practical tools and resources for transitioning to sustainable processes.

At the previous edition, the fair welcomed over 103,000 visitors who attended to grow their businesses, adopt advanced solutions, and improve compliance with new regulations. Ecomondo positions itself as an unmissable event for all who wish to actively shape ecological transformation – through technology, policy, education, and partnerships.

More information is available on the official event website: en.ecomondo.com

Energy Portal

Methane from Abandoned Mines Remains a Climate Challenge for Europe

Photo illustration: Pixabay

Europe is taking numerous steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but some of them do not mean that the problem is truly solved. More and more coal mines are being closed, yet methane from abandoned mines continues to quietly escape into the atmosphere.

This greenhouse gas is over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term, and methane emissions from these mines can last for decades after closure.

AMM – Abandoned Mine Methane – emissions from abandoned mines are not always constant. As explained on the EMBER website, they behave like a mine’s “breathing.” Changes in atmospheric pressure cause the mine to “inhale” air and “exhale” methane. When the pressure is higher, air is pushed into the mine, and when it drops, the accumulated gas is released.

There are thousands of closed coal mines across Europe, and in 2021 alone, the European Union estimated that closed and abandoned mines emitted 235,000 tons of methane. The largest share comes from Romania – as much as 83 percent. The challenge remains that there are no direct measurements, so these are only approximate figures.

Research by Global Energy Monitor shows how underestimated official figures are. In Poland, the government reported 21,500 tons of AMM emissions for 2021, while a 2024 analysis revealed that mines closed since 2015 emit around 75,000 tons annually – more than three times higher.

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How the EU Regulates Methane from Abandoned Mines

Last year, the EU Methane Regulation was adopted, making this issue one of the priorities. Until then, it was largely unregulated, with no specific responsibilities. The regulation requires that all Member States, by August 5, 2025, publish a public register of closed and abandoned underground coal mines where exploitation ceased after August 3, 1954. From May 5, 2026, methane emissions from these mines will have to be directly measured, and by February 5, 2027, a mitigation plan must be developed. From January 1, 2030, venting and flaring of methane from capture equipment will be prohibited.

Technology to monitor, capture, and utilize AMM already exists. One way to use it is for supplying households and industry. Although burning methane releases CO₂, it is a better option than venting it into the atmosphere, as methane is a significantly more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

While possibilities are open, the next steps remain dependent on political will.

Energy portal

A Family Mission in the Service of Sustainability

Photo: Wood Play

In a time when environmental issues are increasingly in the spotlight, one family team from Serbia decided to combine their values, knowledge, and unity into a unique business model that promotes the circular economy through play.

Their handmade board games, crafted from natural and recycled materials, are not just products but also messages. Messages about how the circular economy can be communicated through simple yet deeply thoughtful tools that connect generations, encourage creativity, and bring people back together around the same table.

Vladimir Ilić, who is in charge of sales and client communication in the family brand Wood Play, says that the idea originated from a personal family experience – memories of games his father made when he was a child. Today, those memories have been transformed into a sustainable product that brings people of all ages together, with applications ranging from family events to educational programs and even corporate settings.

“My father has always been passionate about making things from wood. While we were growing up, he made all kinds of items for my sister and me – chairs, toys, various wooden objects – and that’s when he sparked our love for working with wood,” says Vladimir.

A Business Model Based on Circularity and Togetherness

At the heart of the model lies a team-based division of labor within the family, encompassing brand development, design, production, testing, and logistics. Vladimir’s wife, Jelena, and sister, Jovana, handle visual identity and communication, while their mother, Gordana, manages accounting. The two Milošes – Vladimir’s father and brother-inlaw – are responsible for the actual production, working mainly with plywood and panels made from recycled Tetra Pak materials.

Thanks to this structure, the family has developed a flexible, sustainable, and scalable product suited for various markets.

Their games are rented out for corporate team-building events, Family Day gatherings, Fun Room spaces, and fairs. Delivery is organized directly, accompanied by personalized presentations, and the games come with QR codes linking to instructions, which makes the usage process as simple as possible.

IN FOCUS:

In addition to offering a new form of entertainment for all age groups, the Wood Play brand also has an environmental component. Vladimir explains that all surplus material is either reused or recycled, while every stage, from prototype to final product, is designed according to the principles of zero waste.

“We collect all Tetra Pak waste and send it for recycling, where the material is ground down and given a new life. We use recycled boards to create educational games. At fairs and charity events, we raise awareness by setting up bins for collecting used cans, juice boxes, and cartons, then hold lectures on recycling and send all collected materials to recycling factories,” our interviewee explains.

Play as a Tool for Education and Raising Awareness

The most popular games – such as CenterShoot, Fishing, and Wembley – are designed to promote interaction, precision, and team spirit. Their strength lies in their universality – they are suitable for children, adults, educators, and even HR departments seeking innovative ways to enhance team dynamics.

In developing new games, the family employs a testing method in real-life conditions, progressing from initial cardboard prototypes to final versions crafted from durable and recycled materials. Every game must meet essential criteria: it must be fun, simple, inclusive, and educational.

Plans for a Broader Social and Environmental Mission

In the next stages of development, this family plans to equip eco-parks where children will learn about recycling, circular economy, and sustainable behavior through play. Moreover, the first digital detox park was already opened on June 1st in Divci, Divčibare, at the Sports Airport. In parallel, Vladimir says they are also developing a line of home toys, created with the same principles: functionality, durability, eco-friendly materials, and family interaction.

This initiative demonstrates that sustainable models are not exclusive to large systems – they can emerge from a single family, a single memory, or a single game. And for that very reason, they hold the power to inspire change, step by step, game by game.

Prepared by Milena Maglovski

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine PURE ENERGY

Water Purification Using Activated Carbon Derived from Biowaste

Photo: courtesy of Marija Stojmenović
Photo: courtesy of Marija Stojmenović

The Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences is the largest institute of national importance for the Republic of Serbia, operating under the University of Belgrade. It conducts multidisciplinary research with a particular focus on environmental protection. A healthy and safe environment is one of the fundamental prerequisites for human survival and the well-being of the living world. However, with economic progress comes the generation of large amounts of waste and its inadequate disposal, along with the emission of harmful gases and the greenhouse effect, which has led to climate change and the pollution of water, air, and soil.

Our multidisciplinary team within the Laboratory for Materials, which comprises PhDs in fields such as physical chemistry, technology, environmental protection, chemistry, biology, and mining, has been engaged for many years in solving problems across various disciplines. Members of our team have extensive experience in obtaining ecological, inexpensive, and readily available materials from different raw sources (biomass, mineral raw materials, etc.), as well as from waste (industrial, biowaste, etc.), with the aim of removing various pollutants (organic and inorganic) from the environment. All research is focused on finding the usable value of biowaste and waste generated in industrial production, while also educating and raising the ecological awareness of the population. This has been achieved through numerous completed projects, financed by various domestic and international sources.

IN FOCUS:

I would particularly emphasize the discovery of the usable value of food and green waste from parks and picnic areas, which is usually disposed of in landfills, along with addressing the global ecological problem of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins appearing in water bodies. These studies represent a major challenge today, not only in Serbia and Europe but also globally. The greatest danger associated with cyanobacteria is the release of potentially carcinogenic cyanotoxins, which, at specific concentrations, can be lethal to plant and animal life, and in humans, can cause serious health problems as they quickly travel through the food chain. Through the development of an entirely new technology based on inexpensive and environmentally friendly activated carbon materials derived from food waste and green waste from parks and picnic areas, it has become possible to purify water contaminated with cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins by replacing expensive commercial carbons.

In addition to the above, I would like to point out that within our group, research has been conducted on the development of a new high-temperature ceramic adhesive incorporating waste sludge from wastewater treatment plants, intended for use as a sealing material in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT–SOFC fuel cells). Solid oxide fuel cells represent the third generation of fuel cells for clean energy production and are the subject of research by many scientists worldwide. In recent years, modern society’s increasing tendency towards green technologies, which address concerns about growing fossil fuel consumption, has been on the rise. The adoption of so-called waste-to-wealth concepts in industry is becoming a primary focus of future scientific research. Accordingly, within our research, various tests were conducted on the innovative ceramic adhesive with added waste sludge, which confirmed environmental compatibility, good hermetic sealing, and stable operating voltages in the intermediate-temperature range of the cells, indicating potential applicability in IT–SOFC technology.

Marija Stojmenović

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine PURE ENERGY

New Tests Reveal Gap Between Advertised and Actual Range of Electric Vehicles

Photo-illustration: Pexels (David Gallie)

The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has released the results of testing five electric vehicles in real driving conditions, showing that their range is between five and 23 percent shorter than recorded in the manufacturers’ mandatory laboratory tests.

The testing, carried out under the Commonwealth-funded Real-World Testing Program, aims to provide consumers with independent insight into vehicle performance and help them overcome concerns about range and charging — which, according to a July AAA survey, is the main reason 60 percent of potential electric car buyers hesitate to make a purchase.

The smallest deviation was recorded by the 2024 Smart #3 EV, with a real-world range of 432 km — just five percent less than the laboratory result. The 2022 Kia EV6 and the 2024 Tesla Model Y had an eight percent shorter range in real conditions, while the 2024 Tesla Model 3 achieved 441 km, which is 14 percent less than the advertised 513 km. The largest deviation was recorded by the 2023 BYD Atto 3, with a real-world range of 369 km — 23 percent less than the laboratory-tested 480 km.

More:

AAA CEO Michael Bradley stressed that these tests will help buyers identify which models meet expectations in practice and which do not. He noted that laboratory tests are often optimized for the best possible results, whereas the Real-World Testing Program provides a more accurate picture, using a 93 km circular route around Geelong and protocols based on European standards.

Launched in 2023 with $14 million in funding, the program has so far also tested 114 internal combustion engine and hybrid vehicles, with 77 percent recording higher fuel consumption than in laboratory measurements, and one in five exceeding emission limits.

Energy portal

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