Home Blog Page 7

A Market Driving the Transition: Seepex at the Heart of a New Energy Era

Photo: SEEPEX

In the year when the Serbian Power Exchange – SEEPEX marks its tenth anniversary, we spoke with Miloš Mladenović, the CEO of this key energy company, about its development, role in the domestic and regional market, as well as the challenges that the energy transition poses for all stakeholders. From its founding to the present day, SEEPEX has evolved from an innovative idea into a key point on the European energy map, becoming synonymous with market efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. In an interview with Energetski Portal, Mr Mladenović reveals what it takes to build market infrastructure in a dynamic energy environment, what Serbia and the region stand to gain from integration into the ADEX group, and how SEEPEX contributes to strengthening the role of renewable sources and the security of the electricity system.

Q: This year, SEEPEX marks its tenth anniversary. What were the early days of developing an organised electricity market in Serbia like, and where does SEEPEX stand today among European exchanges?

Photo: SEEPEX

A: As the CEO of SEEPEX, I can proudly say that our development, from our founding in 2015 and the launch of the day-ahead market in February 2016 to where we are today, is the result of commitment, innovation, and a clear vision for creating a stable, efficient, and integrated spot electricity market – not only in Serbia but beyond. Thanks to this, SEEPEX has, in just a few years, established itself as a relevant trading platform, not just nationally but also regionally, with a fully developed spot market framework implemented in line with best European practices. (To recall, in cooperation with EEX, the Serbian futures product was launched in 2019 and is listed directly on the EEX financial derivatives platform.) Today, SEEPEX includes 44 participants from 17 European countries, and trading volume is expected to reach around 5.8 TWh this year on the day-ahead market.

It’s important to note that these exceptional business results were achieved under so-called isolated operation – a unique case in the region, where all other exchanges (including those in the EU) only began achieving such business and financial outcomes after implementing market coupling projects, which significantly boosted liquidity.

Moreover, the integration of SEEPEX (one of the initiators of the so-called Blue Sky project that led to the creation of ADEX) into the ADEX Group is a major step toward further regional and European integration of Serbia’s electricity market. Alongside SEEPEX, the ADEX Group includes HUPX (the Hungarian power exchange) and BSP (the Slovenian power exchange), establishing a unified platform that enables greater liquidity, efficiency, and market transparency. Through the synergy of its members’ and owners’ resources, ADEX – with its clearly defined vision of connecting fragmented markets into a single European market – provides a strong foundation for further improving market conditions, as well as a robust and reliable balance between supply and demand in the spot market.

One could say that SEEPEX, together with its partners in the ADEX Group, continues to push boundaries and deliver the highest European standards in exchange market infrastructure. At the same time, it has in many ways realised its original idea of creating a unified regional exchange.

IN FOCUS:

Q: What benefits has SEEPEX gained from joining the ADEX Group, and what do market participants gain?

A: The first tangible results of the planned synergy within the ADEX Group were achieved just a few months after integration, with the launch of Serbia’s intraday market at the end of July 2023. This was followed by the successful transformation of the Slovenian power exchange BSP’s business model, aligning its clearing function and day-ahead trading platform with that of SEEPEX.

With the planned introduction of a unified membership process and pricing structure, along with harmonised market rules, all participants in the ADEX spot markets will benefit from a so-called one-stop shop solution. This includes harmonised operational and clearing infrastructure, collateral netting and cross-margining, a single procedure, and reduced costs for accessing the spot markets. As the first concrete step in this direction, ADEX will soon implement a unified entry fee, coming into effect mid-month. In practice, this means that all existing participants already trading on one of the three exchanges within the ADEX Group, as well as all new members, will be able to trade on the other exchanges within the group without paying an additional entry fee. This benefit marks the first step in improving service to market participants. Going forward, we will continue strengthening synergies and further harmonising processes within the ADEX Group to equalise business conditions across all markets and enable more efficient and competitive trading.

Q: How important is SEEPEX for the development of renewable energy in Serbia?

A: SEEPEX plays a highly visible and crucial role in this context, particularly in providing a robust and relevant reference price used for longterm financial contracts. This is vital for implementing ongoing government support schemes, industrial and corporate PPAs, and for ensuring a sufficiently liquid day-ahead market capable of absorbing all generated green energy without significantly impacting price levels.

Additionally, the establishment of the intraday spot market has been legally recognised as one of the key prerequisites for the effective integration of renewable electricity sources. It also supports the successful implementation of the new auction-based incentive scheme for long-term power purchase agreements (commonly referred to as Contracts for Difference). Moreover, it plays an important role in reducing balancing costs, both for renewable energy producers and the power system as a whole.

As for SEEPEX’s capacity, with the latest improvements, we can confidently say that the complex market framework has been successfully assembled and is ready to meet the challenges of the green transition. This in turn supports planned actions by state institutions aimed at achieving the ambitious targets of the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan. Furthermore, by advancing the market model – including involving consumption as an active market participant and introducing new market segments such as flexibility markets and peer-to-peer trading – we aim to accelerate the democratisation of the economy. In the context of the electricity market, this means further application of the marginal pricing concept in energy exchanges, voluntary participation of market players, “democratic” formation of reference prices, decentralisation of energy systems, and the introduction of distributed energy resources. Implicitly, it also means empowering individuals and energy communities to have greater influence over the fair allocation, distribution, and management of economic resources.

Interview by Milena Maglovski

The interview was published in Energy portal Magazine PURE ENERGY

Sarajevo – an Example of Sustainable Urban Development

Photo-illustration: Unsplash ( Markus Winkler)
Photo: City of Sarajevo

One of the main priorities of the Sarajevo city authorities is the development of the so-called City Climate Contract, which will be submitted to the European Union. The aim of this document is for the functional urban area of Sarajevo – encompassing the City of Sarajevo, the Sarajevo Canton, and the City of East Sarajevo – to obtain the Net Zero Label.

This label confirms the local authorities’ commitment to climate policy and opens up the opportunity to use funds from European Union sources, which is crucial for implementing green projects.

We spoke with Mayor Predrag Puharić about the specific steps Sarajevo is taking in the fight against climate change, how citizens are getting involved in these processes, and how the quality of life in the city is improving.

Q: What measures is the City of Sarajevo taking to reduce air pollution?

A: Although this area does not fall directly under the jurisdiction of the City of Sarajevo, reducing air pollution is one of our key priorities. When we asked citizens a few years ago what the biggest issues in Sarajevo were, they cited air pollution, public transport, and corruption. In response to the public’s concerns, we have taken it upon ourselves to contribute to solving this pressing problem. We address this issue through the activities of the City Department for Sustainable Development, which enables us to implement various measures and participate in projects and initiatives focused on this issue.

Through the Smart City initiative, in cooperation with UNDP BiH, we have implemented innovative ideas proposed by citizens. Across various projects and initiatives, we aim to increase green areas and urban vegetation by planting trees, creating urban gardens, and introducing other innovative methods and concepts. A significant step in this area is the joint application by the City of Sarajevo, the City of East Sarajevo, and the Sarajevo Canton to join the EU Mission of 100 climate-neutral cities. The functional urban area of Sarajevo, as we named this comprehensive region, has become part of the Mission and is one of only three cities from the Balkans to be accepted. We are currently developing an Action and Investment Plan, which will form part of the so-called City Climate Contract, and are preparing the First Citizens’ Climate Assembly/Forum in Sarajevo on this topic.

IN FOCUS:

Q: What are the plans to reduce the number of cars in the city centre?

A: Through the implementation of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, the City of Sarajevo is working on activities that aim to reduce the use of cars and promote alternative, sustainable forms of urban mobility. We support the efforts and fantastic results of the Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Transport in improving public transport, which is crucial for reducing the number of cars in the city.

We are developing and expanding cycling infrastructure and promoting cycling in general. Every year, we actively mark European Mobility Week through a range of activities, including subsidies for citizens to purchase bicycles and organizing Bike2Work days to encourage employees in institutions, organizations, and companies to cycle to work.

We are actively working on establishing supporting infrastructure, including the installation of so-called Mobility Islands at two locations. These features include electric vehicle chargers, anti-theft bicycle stands, smart benches, and scooter parking. We are also systematically installing bicycle parking at schools and universities to encourage both students and staff to cycle. Following European and global trends, we support the introduction of new systems, such as electric bicycle rental services, which will offer citizens another form of sustainable mobility and reduce reliance on cars.

Q: How would you assess the waste collection and recycling system?

A: The recycling segment is still significantly behind modern European standards. Aware of this, the City of Sarajevo is making efforts through numerous initiatives to improve both infrastructure and public awareness. To this end, the City works closely with the cantonal public utility company, Rad, and the electronic waste management operator, ZEOS Eco-System, implementing joint actions and pilot projects for sorting, recycling, and education.

One example is the Re-Use Day, which offered citizens a chance to learn, exchange, and donate reusable items. A Cool Bazaar was also held, where children and young people could exchange and sell their used belongings. By involving children and youth, we aim to educate and raise awareness from an early age, thereby promoting a circular economy.

Interview by Jasna Dragojević

The interview was published in Energy portal Magazine PURE ENERGY.

Wimbledon Balls Serving Nature: A New Life in Mouse Apartments

Foto: OpenAI

In a world where luxury penthouses are sprouting like mushrooms after the rain, and 30-square-meter flats are called “urban oases,” one British initiative has shown that a true host is not measured by square footage, but by care for its tenants. Welcome to the latest ecological sensation: tennis balls transformed into housing complexes for Britain’s smallest mammals — harvest mice.

This is a real conservation project led by the UK-based wildlife charity The Wildlife Trusts, with none other than the prestigious Wimbledon as a key partner — the breeding ground of sports legends and, of course, used tennis balls. Yes, those very balls that once chased after Djokovic and Federer have found a new purpose: they’ve become miniature homes for tiny tenants.

How does it work?

Very simply and ingeniously — you take a tennis ball, cut a small hole in it, and attach it to a post at the edge of a field. Harvest mice, excellent climbers and even better opportunists, move into these “ball-homes” faster than the average person clicks on a “city-center, fully renovated, move-in ready” apartment ad.

As reported by Core77, Wimbledon uses around 55,000 tennis balls every year, so the potential for a future “mouse city” is more than abundant. While humans struggle with the real estate market, these mice have finally found a way to escape the housing crisis.

Why help mice at all?

Harvest mice aren’t pests — they are small, quiet allies of farmers. They help control populations of actual pests, reducing the need for pesticides, and they play a key role in the food chain.

Unfortunately, these rodents face serious challenges. Their natural habitats have been destroyed or fragmented by modern agriculture. Combine harvesters, pesticides, harsh weather, predators — all place enormous pressure on harvest mice, while the question of their survival is rarely considered in development planning or agricultural practices.

Luckily, the tennis ball initiative has proven that these adorable rodents are well worth protecting — even though, as the British conservation group Wildwood notes, they are still not protected by law.

In short — harvest mice deserve a place in the sun, even if it’s through a hole in a tennis ball.

Milena Maglovski

GreenCleanS as a Response to the Environmental Challenges of Oil Regeneration

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (ralph rishi)

The GreenCleanS project, funded under the Green Program of Cooperation between Science and Industry of the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, is being implemented by the Institute of Electrical Engineering Nikola Tesla Joint Stock Company, Belgrade, as the lead institution, in partnership with the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy and the Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy of the University of Belgrade.

Within the GreenCleanS project, an innovative low-temperature technology has been developed for removing elemental sulfur from mineral transformer oils. The presence of elemental sulfur in mineral oil, even at very low concentrations, leads to the formation of conductive deposits of silver (I) sulfide on the silver contacts of the tap selector of the load tap changer, especially at low operating temperatures. This results in the formation of electrically conductive paths, which can ultimately lead to failures of power equipment.

The motivation for developing this innovative technology stems from the need to abandon the risky practice of oil regeneration using reactivated adsorbents, which cause multiple adverse effects. One of them is the generation of dioxin and furan emissions, substances that are extremely toxic to human health and the environment. In addition to the environmental and health hazards associated with oil regeneration, one must also not overlook the technical risks that technologies using reactivating adsorbents carry. Namely, to remove dibenzyl disulfide, these technologies generate elemental sulfur as a byproduct, thus creating a new and escalating problem.

IN FOCUS:

The development of the GreenCleanS technology involved several successive phases, beginning with laboratory oil treatment, followed by the optimization of process parameters in a pilot plant (TRL 4), and culminating in a final demonstration of the new technology under real-world conditions at the Kolubara A Thermal Power Plant site. This was achieved through the treatment of 3 tons of corrosive oil using a mobile unit developed by the Nikola Tesla Institute (INT), resulting in a higher level of technological readiness — TRL 7. The mobile oil treatment unit is shown in Figure 1.

The newly developed patented GreenCleanS technology, combined with previously patented procedures by the Nikola Tesla Institute for the removal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and corrosive compounds (DBDS), forms the 3PINT — a unique multifunctional technology.

The INT technology enables PCB decontamination, desulfurization, and re-refining of oil, while also helping to prevent transformer failures caused by the presence of corrosive sulfur.

By implementing the GreenCleanS technology, following regulatory requirements, and the principles of the circular economy, the service life of transformers is extended. The chemical conversion process developed within this technology complies with the principles of Best Environmental Practice (BEP). The competitive advantage of the GreenCleanS technology lies in its significantly lower carbon and overall environmental footprint compared to the competing practice of replacing corrosive oils.

The integration of GreenCleanS technology into standard maintenance procedures for power equipment contributes to the green and sustainable production, distribution, and delivery of electricity.

Institute of Electrical Engineering Nikola Tesla

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine PURE ENERGY.

Planned Construction of the “Samoš” Wind Farm Enters Public Consultation Phase

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

The construction of the “Samoš” wind farm is planned in the municipalities of Alibunar and Kovačica in southern Banat. In this regard, a public consultation has been opened for the Draft Spatial Plan for the area of special purpose, along with the accompanying Environmental Strategic Impact Assessment Report. The process will last from July 22 to August 20, 2025.

During the public consultation period, citizens, institutions, and other interested parties will have the opportunity to review the documentation, which provides detailed descriptions of the planned wind farm construction, including infrastructure layout, measures for protecting natural resources and cultural heritage, and the implementation approach of planned activities. Comments on the draft can be submitted exclusively in written form no later than August 20. Submissions should be addressed to the Provincial Secretariat for Urban Planning and Environmental Protection in Novi Sad or through the relevant authorities in the municipalities of Alibunar and Kovačica.

Details of the draft and all supporting documents are available on the website of the Provincial Secretariat for Urban Planning and Environmental Protection:

Public Consultation – Samoš Wind Farm

More:

Technical Specifications of the “Samoš” Wind Farm

The planned “Samoš” wind park is currently the largest project of its kind in Serbia, with a total of 142 wind turbines and an expected installed capacity of 923 megawatts. Located in the municipalities of Kovačica and Alibunar, the wind park spans an area known for its favorable wind potential and intensive agricultural activity. The project is being developed in the immediate vicinity of the already operational “Kovačica” wind farm (38 turbines, 104.5 MW) and the planned “Crepaja” wind farm (30 turbines, up to 220 MW), contributing to the concentration of wind energy capacities in southern Banat.

The distance between the closest turbines of these systems ranges from 4 to 5.5 kilometers. The spatial coverage of the “Samoš” wind park contributes to the creation of a continuous corridor of wind farms in a northwest–southeast direction. The documentation particularly highlights the significant cumulative impact on the landscape’s visual identity, fragmentation of agricultural land, and potential changes in the quality of living conditions for residents of nearby settlements, such as Kovačica, Crepaja, Alibunar, Samoš, and Ilandža. Horizon analyses indicate that the turbines will be visible from distances greater than 30 kilometers.

Energy portal

Up to 3,000 MW of Clean Energy for Google – World’s Largest Hydropower Agreement

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Dan Meyers)

Google and Brookfield have signed a major agreement to supply up to 3,000 MW of clean hydropower for Google’s data centers in the United States. This marks the largest deal of its kind ever signed globally.

The first contracts under this partnership involve two hydroelectric plants in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania – Holtwood and Safe Harbor. These plants will provide a total of 670 MW, with a combined value exceeding three billion dollars, according to Brookfield’s website.

The significance of this agreement lies in the long-term provision of environmentally friendly energy, which is particularly important for regions with a high concentration of data centers.

More:

In an era of rapid AI development, digitalization, and growing demand for data centers – which often require large amounts of electricity around the clock – energy from renewable and clean sources is becoming increasingly vital.

The contracts were signed for a 20-year period and are part of Google’s broader strategy to rely solely on carbon-free energy by 2030.

Energy Portal

Third-Hottest Year on Record – “Global Drought Hotspots 2023–2025”

Photo-illustration: Pixabay

The most widespread and devastating droughts have occurred globally since 2023, continuing into 2025 and leaving serious consequences. The report titled “Global Drought Hotspots 2023–2025”, published with the support of the United Nations (UN), provides an overview of how droughts worsen poverty, hunger, energy insecurity, and ecosystem functionality.

Climate hotspots were recorded from southern and eastern Africa, across the Mediterranean, the Amazon Basin, Panama and Mexico, to Southeast Asia. The El Niño–Southern Oscillation played a key role in the intensity of drought in many of these regions. Although El Niño officially ended in May 2024, the impacts of drought are still being felt in these areas throughout 2025.

According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2023 and 2024 were the two hottest years ever recorded globally (NOAA 2025). The hottest day in Earth’s history was July 22, 2024 (Goddard Digital Team 2024).

“Drought is a silent killer. It creeps in unnoticed, depleting resources and slowly destroying lives. Its scars run deep,” said Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

More:

Mediterranean

In Spain, droughts impacted agriculture, tourism, and domestic water consumption. By September 2023, two years of drought and record heat had reduced olive yields by 50 percent, doubling the price of olive oil. In Morocco, the sheep population in 2025 was 38 percent lower compared to 2016, prompting the King to call for the cancellation of traditional sacrificial rituals. In Turkey, drought accelerated groundwater depletion, caused land subsidence, and endangered communities and infrastructure.

Southeast Asia

Drought disrupted the production and supply chains of key crops such as rice, coffee, and sugar. Dry conditions in Thailand and India during 2023–2024 led to shortages, which in turn drove up prices of sugar and sweets in the U.S. by 8.9 percent.

Africa

In South Africa, already prone to droughts, about 68 million people (approximately one-sixth of the population) were dependent on food aid as of August 2024. In Somalia, at the beginning of 2025, 4.4 million people (a quarter of the population) were facing crisis-level food insecurity, including 784,000 whose lives were in immediate danger. Zambia experienced one of the worst energy crises in the world, as the Zambezi River dropped to 20 percent of its long-term average in April 2024. The country’s largest hydroelectric facility, the Kariba Dam, fell to just 7 percent of its capacity, causing power outages lasting up to 21 hours a day and the shutdown of hospitals, bakeries, and factories.

Strain on Water Resources

The end of the report includes recommendations for reducing the future impact of droughts, emphasizing the need to recognize and plan for inevitable consequences. Future drought risks will be amplified by climate change, urbanization, and population growth, further straining water resources. Effective management will require proactive, sustainable measures such as improving early warning systems, diversifying energy sources, reducing water demand, and using nature-based solutions.

The new report compiles information from hundreds of governmental, scientific, and media sources to illustrate the effects in the hardest-hit drought hotspots. It was prepared by the U.S. National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), with support from the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA).

Jasna Dragojević

Montenegro’s Environmental Inspectors Uncover Hundreds of Violations in H1 2025

Photo-illustration: Pixabay

The Environmental Inspectorate of Montenegro carried out a total of 691 inspections from January 1 to June 30, 2025, the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Region Development announced. During these inspections, 244 violations were identified, and numerous legal proceedings were initiated against offenders, including 26 criminal charges for more serious breaches of environmental legislation.

Of the total number of inspections, 295 were routine, 289 were prompted by citizen and institutional reports, and 107 were follow-up controls. To address the identified issues, inspectors issued 135 warnings, enacted 63 decisions, submitted 26 requests for misdemeanor proceedings, and imposed 16 fines amounting to a total of €29,050.

Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Region Development, Damjan Ćulafić, emphasized that these results were achieved by a small yet highly dedicated team of just seven inspectors working daily in the field.

“Despite frequent criticism and attempts to undermine the work of the inspectorate, the data tells a different story. The Environmental Inspectorate acts promptly, decisively, and in accordance with its legal authorities,” Minister Ćulafić stated.

More:

The most common violations included operating without required environmental permits, illegal discharge of wastewater, unauthorized activities in protected areas, improper conditions for keeping protected species, and emissions of gases from industrial facilities exceeding legal standards.

A significant number of offenses were also identified in the areas of waste management, failure to comply with environmental impact assessments, lack of monitoring, exceeding noise limits, and failure to report data on polluters.

In the field of radiation safety, reported irregularities included uncontrolled use of ionizing radiation sources, failure to conduct mandatory workplace assessments, and issues in the storage and trade of hazardous chemicals.

The Environmental Inspectorate announced continued intensive activities in the coming period, aiming to enhance environmental responsibility, reduce health risks, and ensure full enforcement of environmental regulations.

Minister Ćulafić also reminded the public that 1,831 inspections were conducted in the entirety of 2024, underlining that environmental protection is not a matter of choice, but a legal and moral obligation—with the inspectorate serving as the first line of defense against irresponsible behavior toward nature.

Energy portal

Energy Week Western Balkans 2025: Three Months to Go

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

With just three months to go until Energy Week Western Balkans 2025, organisers are gearing up to welcome the region’s most influential energy leaders on 8–9 October at the five-star Maestral Resort & Casino, Sveti Stefan. Now entering its fourth year, this is the only event that brings together Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo and Bosnia & Herzegovina plus Croatia, forging a unique bridge between EU markets and the Western Balkans’ dynamic energy landscape.

The Western Balkans has set itself an ambitious roadmap to deliver 20 GW of new renewable capacity by 2040. Solar PV leads the charge in both growth rate and absolute gigawatts, while onshore wind, small scale hydropower and energy storage round out the mix. Hitting this target means sustaining an average build-out of just over 1 GW a year – a stretch but one that’s entirely within reach given current project pipelines and investor appetite.

To turn forecasts into reality, governments across the WB6 and Croatia are rolling out competitive auctions, streamlined permitting and market premium support schemes, all backed by the EBRD, the EU and other international partners. Transmission system operators are meanwhile upgrading grids and boosting interconnections to absorb variable renewables and enable a truly integrated regional market by the mid-2030s – a critical stepping stone towards the 2040 target. With auctions already unlocking gigawatts in Serbia, Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro’s upcoming first solar auction will add further momentum, ensuring the region stays firmly on track to meet its 20 GW goal.

Montenegro’s Ministry of Energy and Mining is set to launch its first competitive auction for solar energy, offering market premiums for up to 250 MW of new photovoltaic capacity.

Unrivalled Representation and Curated Audience

Energy Week Western Balkans has built its reputation on securing attendance from the very top of government and industry. Participants will include:

  • Ministers and senior policymakers from every WB6 nation and Croatia
  • Chairmen and CEOs of state generating companies (Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS), KESH, ESM (Elektrani na Severna Makedonija), Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), Elektroprivreda Bosne i Hercegovine (EP BiH))
  • Heads of TSOs, market operators and power exchanges (OST, MEPX, SEEPEX, ALPEX, KOSTT, CGES)
  • International investors, developers and financiers (UGT Renewables, Masdar, Alcazar Energy, DRI, Notus Energy, European Energy, Statkraft, Acciona, ERBD, IFC, World Bank, EIB).

This year’s line-up delivers the most comprehensive regional representation ever assembled, ensuring every discussion, deal and connection is informed by the people making the biggest decisions in the sector.

Impactful Sessions on Today’s Most Pressing Topics

Across two days of panels and discussions, delegates will tackle the challenges and opportunities shaping the Western Balkans’ energy transition:

  • Ministerial Panel: The Path to 2040 – Charting the roadmap to 20 GW of new renewables with national and EU policy alignment
  • Hybrid Renewables Era – Integrating solar, wind and storage for a resilient power system
  • De-risking Utility-Scale Projects – Innovative blended finance models and CfD-style guarantees to unlock investment
  • Next-Gen PPAs – Synthetic contracts and corporate procurement strategies for cross-border renewables
  • Grid Modernisation & Market Integration – Upgrades, interconnections and power exchange evolution for a fully integrated regional market.

Each session is designed for maximum insight, featuring only forward-thinking experts and real-world case studies.

Unprecedented Networking in a Structured B2B Zone

Networking is at the very heart of Energy Week Western Balkans. For 10+ hours over two days, the event’s dedicated B2B zone offers a structured layout with comfortable meeting pods, onsite support staff and curated introductions to ensure every conversation drives results. From informal coffee breaks to the vibrant “Watt-A-Night” beach gala, opportunities to connect have been engineered for efficiency and impact.

InNet Connect: Your Bespoke Event App

After years spent cultivating this community, Invest In Network proudly launches InNet Connect, the organiser’s bespoke B2B app that lets delegates explore detailed company profiles and attendee contacts and send meeting requests with a single tap.

App access opens one week before the event, giving participants plenty of time to strategise and connect.

Years of Community, One Defining Moment

Since its inception, Energy Week Western Balkans has been the event where governments, utilities, regulators and investors have forged the partnerships that drive the region’s energy transition. The 2025 edition promises to deliver even more value, more deals and more vision than ever before.

Registration & Further Information

For full details and registration, visit: https://wbenergyweek.com/

For enquiries:
Invest In Network
Email: info@investinnet.com

Source: Energy Week Western Balkans

UNEP, Australia Announce Landmark Study to Improve Understanding of Coal and Steel Sector Methane Emissions

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Dominik Vanyi)

The UN Environment Programme’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO), with the support of Australia, today launched a new research project aimed at improving the accuracy of methane emissions data from coal mines.

The study will be the first of its kind in the world. Using a simulated open-cut coal mine, where coal is dug up from the surface, scientists will evaluate the capabilities of innovative measurement technologies — from ground-based sensors to aircraft and satellites — for tracking emissions and guiding mitigation efforts across the coal and steel sectors.

A major source of methane emissions, coal mines represent a significant climate opportunity — particularly for the steel industry, which uses metallurgical coal as a fuel source. Last year, the coal sector released around 40 million tonnes of methane across the globe, making it the energy sector’s second-largest methane emitter. But globally emissions from coal mines remain poorly monitored and reported and emissions from open-cut coal mines are particularly difficult to measure.

The study’s findings will improve methane monitoring and inform the development of regulatory frameworks and strategies to reduce methane emissions, which drive roughly a third of current global warming.

“Accurate, reliable data is critical to finding opportunities for mitigation and tracking progress,” said Martin Krause, Director of UNEP’s Climate Change Division. “By assessing which tools are most suitable for measuring methane emissions in this particular mine environment, we will ensure that we have the right information to seize this low-hanging climate opportunity.”

More:

The Australian Government pledged AUD 5.5 M (~USD 3.2M) of new funding to UNEP’s IMEO to conduct the study. The contribution is aligned with Australia’s objective to build new clean energy industries through its Future Made in Australia agenda. Decarbonising metals is a priority for Australia, both due to its potential to significantly reduce global emissions and the economic opportunity for Australia.

Photo-illustration: Freepik (frimufilms)

Methane from metallurgical coal adds roughly a quarter to the climate footprint of blast furnace steel — the majority of steel — but could be mitigated at roughly one per cent of the price of steel. This represents a major untapped opportunity for swift climate action.

Methane emissions must be reduced by at least 30 per cent by 2030 to keep the 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature limit within reach. Accordingly, this is the target set by the Global Methane Pledge, which brings together more than 155 countries, including Australia, to accelerate methane emissions reductions and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

Open-cut coal mines are the most common type of coal mine in Australia, where the landmark experiment will take place, and are a major source of emissions in the steel supply chain.

With higher-quality data, governments and industry can better understand the steel sector’s supply chain emissions and develop strategies to mitigate them. Globally, most reporting relies on generic emissions factors, which often fail to capture the wide range of emissions that come from open-cut coal mines. But new science and technologies are putting more actionable data within reach.

Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen noted, “Australia is committed to ensuring that its world-class national inventory systems continue to use best available technologies and methods. We are pleased to make this contribution to helping all countries better understand and manage open-cut coal mine fugitive methane emissions.”

Source: UNEP

New Report: Average EU Member State transposition of permitting rules for renewables falls short at just under 50 percent

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Michael_Pointner)

EU countries continue to fall short on enacting key permitting reforms necessary to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. Despite a clear EU framework that simplifies renewables permitting processes, transposition among Member States remains incomplete, and actual on-the-ground progress is so far limited.

The EU’s Revised Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII) entered into force on 20 November 2023, laying out a minimum binding target of at least 42.5 percent for renewable energy deployment by 2030. To achieve this goal, the directive includes specific measures to expedite the granting of permits for renewable energy projects. Member States were set a deadline of 30 June 2024 to transpose the directive’s permit-granting elements into their national law. While some good practices have emerged, more than a year since the final transposition deadline, the enactment of streamlined permitting procedures is still lagging.

The report has highlighted the following key issues that persist under the Revised Renewable Energy Directive:

  1. Permitting timelines are not speeding up – risking non-compliance with the deadlines laid out in REDIII.
  2. Acceleration areas have caused confusion, leading to overly complex and burdensome processes, and have even led to the creation of no-go areas in some Member States.
  3. Simplified permitting for solar on artificial surfaces is often overlooked, resulting in major missed opportunities to meet energy needs
  4. The principle of overriding public interest is not being implemented on the ground for solar PV projects.

More:

Lina Dubina, Policy Advisor for Sustainability at SolarPower Europe (she/her) said: “Now is the time to accelerate solar permitting to drive the rollout of renewables, phase out fossil fuels, and strengthen Europe’s energy security and competitiveness. We urge the European Commission to work closely with Member States to turn legislative ambition into real on-the-ground progress. The EU’s permitting rules are fit for purpose. What’s needed is clear guidance on implementing Renewable Acceleration Areas and the Overriding Public Interest principle, along with targeted funding to boost capacity and training for local permitting authorities.”

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (distelAPPArath)

National transposition is evaluated using nine key indicators covering a range of planning and permitting measures. Since the publication of SolarPower Europe’s RES Booster report in 2023, an increase has been recorded in six out of eight measures (excluding RES mapping which was not included in the last report). As of publication, just under 50 percent of the measures assessed have been transposed at the national level.

The analysis also reveals wide disparities in EU Member States efforts to streamline permitting for renewable energy projects. Italy, Romania, and Slovenia stand out for strong performance, having transposed or begun transposing into law 78 percent of the key measures aimed at accelerating renewables planning and permitting. At the other end of the scale, Latvia shows the lowest transposition rate at just 13 percent, with France, Croatia, the Netherlands, and Slovakia following at 22 percent. Nevertheless, the high transposition rates seen in some Member States do not necessarily translate into effective implementation on the ground.

Dries Acke, Deputy CEO of SolarPower Europe (he/him) said: “Policymakers expect rapid renewables acceleration to meet the EU’s 2030 target, but permitting remains a major bottleneck. Securing all the necessary approvals to build and connect solar projects is still too slow and complex. This updated report shows that many Member States continue to lag in fully and promptly implementing EU permitting rules (RED III). Even where legal frameworks exist, they often don’t function effectively in practice. We call on the European Commission to prioritise implementation and ensure EU funds are strategically directed to strengthen local permitting authorities.”

The streamlining of permitting procedures is crucial to the successful deployment of renewable energy across Europe and the transition to clean energy. To ensure the effective implementation of these provisions, coordination is necessary at the EU and national levels. In light of the findings of this report, SolarPower Europe has proposed a set of policy recommendations. The European Commission should:

  1. Prioritise the implementation of existing EU rules rather than pursuing deregulation.
  2. Support Member States in the timely implementation of RED III permitting provisions.
  3. Help Member States to introduce RES targets at the regional level.
  4. Assist Member States in harmonising measures to fast-track permitting processes.
  5. Facilitate knowledge-sharing and best practice exchange among Member States.
  6. Support the development of clear, publicly accessible guidelines for IROPI.
  7. Provide dedicated funding and training of regional and local authorities involved in permitting.
  8. Promote simplified and harmonised permitting procedures for innovative solar technologies.
  9. Provide simplified and harmonised permitting processes for hybrid RES projects.

Source: SolarPower Europe

One Man Swims for Sharks – and Changes the Way We See Them

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Ali Abdul Rahman)

Summer is the time of year when most people flock to beaches and enjoy the sea, making it the perfect moment to talk about situations that call for caution — but also about those rooted in myths. Many people harbor a deep-seated fear of sharks, often shaped by prejudice, ignorance, and films that portray them as bloodthirsty killers. But is that fear really justified?

Sharks are far from the terrifying creatures of movie scripts — they are a crucial part of healthy and sustainable marine ecosystems. In this blog, I will share the story of one of the world’s most dedicated advocates for the truth about sharks and their protection.

Lewis Pugh, renowned ocean swimmer and activist, took to the water in May this year with a clear mission — to change the way people perceive sharks and to raise awareness about their endangerment. The timing was no coincidence: this year marks the 50th anniversary of the release of Jaws, the American thriller that shaped generations of fear by depicting the great white shark as a ruthless killer. At the very location where the movie was filmed — around Martha’s Vineyard — Lewis swam 96 kilometers as part of The Shark Swim, an initiative under his foundation’s broader campaign.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Jakob Owens)

The mission of the foundation is to protect marine predators and promote the creation of more marine protected areas — which currently cover less than three percent of the world’s oceans.

Over the course of twelve days, in cold waters and challenging weather conditions, Lewis delivered a powerful message: sharks are not our enemies, but our allies in preserving the oceans.

Data from his foundation’s official website are alarming — around 275,000 sharks are killed every day worldwide, mostly due to excessive and unregulated fishing. That’s why, both before and during the campaign, Lewis engaged with scientists, local authorities, media, and the general public — to draw attention to this urgent issue.

It is essential that we talk, especially with younger generations, about sharks as beneficial and vital creatures — not as threats. We must foster a generation that grows up not with myths and fears, but with understanding and respect for nature.

Of course, sharks can be dangerous — like any wild animal when humans enter their immediate surroundings. But we must remember that when we enter the sea, we are the ones stepping onto their territory. This is why it’s crucial to act responsibly — by informing ourselves about their presence in the area we are visiting, respecting local safety guidelines, and understanding their role in the ecosystem.

Katarina Vuinac

Geothermal Potential Exploration Begins in Osijek

Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Exploration of geothermal potential has commenced in Osijek at the Osijek GT-1 (OsGT-1) well, the second of its kind within the project titled “Preparation and Exploration of Geothermal Potential in the Context of District Heating.”

This research follows recent activities in Velika Gorica, where a reservoir temperature exceeding 100 °C was confirmed, along with the potential to cover nearly 60 percent of the city’s district heating needs.

The final depth of the planned well in Osijek is expected to reach 2,000 (+200) meters, targeting a geothermal reservoir with water temperatures exceeding 80 °C. The project is supported by €50.8 million in funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

“Osijek is a leader in the green transition in Croatia, and geothermal energy represents a new step toward a sustainable and locally available heating source. In addition to heating our residents’ homes and the Osijek Clinical Hospital Center, we plan to use thermal energy in the future for various industrial purposes as well,” said Ivan Radić, Mayor of Osijek.

More:

Geothermal energy is one of the few renewable energy sources that is stable, locally available, and independent of weather or market conditions.

The Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency is conducting geothermal studies in Velika Gorica, Osijek, Vinkovci, and Zaprešić.

“For all four locations included in this project, we carried out geological and geophysical analyses with imaging and measurements in 2023. These data, combined with previously gathered information, allowed for precise interpretation of subsurface layers and identification of potential geothermal reservoirs. However, the potential can only be confirmed through actual exploratory drilling,” stated Marijan Krpan, President of the Management Board of the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency.

He added that by September this year, following the conclusion of the exploratory work, more will be known about the feasibility of applying geothermal energy in Osijek. Upon completion of the drilling in Osijek, operations will move to Vinkovci, where preparatory work for the VinGT-1 well has already begun.

Energy portal

Trial Operation of the “Petka” Solar Power Plant Begins in Kostolac

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (andreas160578)

The “Petka” solar power plant in Kostolac, with a capacity of 10 megawatts, has officially entered trial operation. It is located on the site of a former mining disposal area, and according to Dubravka Đedović Handanović, Serbia’s Minister of Mining and Energy, this marks a turning point and the beginning of the energy transition for “Elektroprivreda Srbije” (EPS).

The minister noted that, in addition to the “Petka” solar power plant, wind turbines from EPS’s first wind farm are also being built in this mining region—mostly on reclaimed tailings sites.

She stated that the wind farm is expected to be connected to the grid in August, marking the start of its testing phase when the blades will begin turning. This will strengthen the power system with an additional 76 megawatts of green energy.

Serbia has set a strategic goal—outlined in its Energy Development Strategy—to increase the share of renewable energy sources to 45 percent by 2030.

More:

However, the minister emphasized that much more remains to be done and that maximum efforts must be made, as Serbia is facing strategic projects that will significantly reshape its energy landscape.

“These include, above all, the construction of the ‘Bistrica’ pumped-storage hydropower plant and a project for solar power plants with a total capacity of 1 GW, accompanied by battery storage. The necessary investments in the energy sector over the next ten years are estimated at around 14 billion euros,” said Đedović Handanović.

Dušan Živković, General Director of EPS, highlighted that with this first 10 MW solar plant, the upcoming wind farm connection, and the 350 MW B3 unit that has been operational since the end of last year, the region will gain a total of 426 megawatts of additional energy capacity.

He stressed that every new megawatt is vital for EPS and for the national power system—especially during tropical days when electricity demand continues to rise.

Energy portal

How Shippers Can Drive the Transition to Zero-Emission Trucking

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Large companies are the largest buyers of road freight. As part of its Decarbonise Corporate Fleets initiative, the European Commission should set zero-emission (ZE) procurement targets on large shippers, rather than truck operators.

  • Large companies (>250 employees and >50 million euros) make up only 0.2 percent of EU companies but generate over half of turnover and buy nearly 40 percent of road freight.
  • Annual ZE procurement targets on large companies reaching 100 percent in 2039 would create demand for ZE freight in line with truck CO2.
  • Alternatively, only large manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers could be targeted. Together they buy a quarter of road freight.

More:

ZE procurement targets can ensure large shippers support hauliers in their transition to ZETs, thanks to green premiums or longer contracts for example. This would improve the business case of shifting to ZETs, thus also supporting truckmakers in achieving their CO2 targets, while having only a negligible impact on product prices for end consumers.

Either a 100 percent ZE procurement target for all large shippers by 2039, or by 2036 for large manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, would align ZE freight demand with truck CO2 standards.

Energy portal

EPS Stronger and Greener – Solar Megawatts from Kostolac

Photo: Elektroprivreda Srbije

The Kostolac region has long been renowned for its mines and thermal power plants, and it was here that coal production in Serbia first commenced in 1870. It has been a birthplace of ideas and the realization of projects that have strengthened Serbia’s power sector. Even now, Kostolac is at the forefront of new projects that will contribute to increasing the share of renewable energy sources, giving this symbolically mining- and thermal-based area a key role in decarbonizing and greening electricity production.

In addition to the well-known thermal power plants with a capacity of almost 1,300 megawatts, this year the energy strength of the Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS) will increase by another 76 megawatts of green energy. The solar power plant Petka has been completed — the first EPS solar plant in Kostolac. Its significance is further enhanced by the fact that it was built on the external landfill of the Ćirikovac open-pit mine. In this way, an old mining dump site is being repurposed to generate new energy.

Photo: Elektroprivreda Srbije

“The solar power plant and wind park projects in Kostolac are just the beginning of our decarbonization process. With investments that increase the share of renewables, EPS demonstrates its commitment to achieving decarbonization and carbon neutrality,” said Dušan Živković, General Director of EPS.

The Petka solar power plant spans approximately 15 hectares, boasting an installed capacity of 9.75 megawatts and a projected annual production of 13.7 gigawatt-hours. The investment is valued at around 1.4 billion dinars and is financed with EPS’s own funds.

This first photovoltaic plant in Kostolac generates electricity by converting unaccumulated solar radiation into direct current through semiconductor-based (PV) solar modules. A total of 18,720 photovoltaic modules were installed at an angle of 25 degrees, each with a power rating of 580 W and an efficiency of 21 percent. The solar plant is equipped with 98 inverters — 97 rated at 100 kW and one at 50 kW. Additionally, the Petka solar plant features 10 transformer stations and one switchgear facility, from which the electricity is transferred to the Požarevac substation. As this is a pilot project and a relatively small plant (about ten megawatts), the panels are mounted on fixed supports.

IN FOCUS:

The investment is economically viable. The payback period for the invested funds is estimated at 12 years, while the operational life of the plant is 25 years. After that, only the panels need to be replaced, while the existing structures, roads, and infrastructure — which constitute a significant portion of the total investment — remain intact. Replacing the panels effectively revitalizes the plant for another 25 years of operation. The construction of the Petka plant was carried out by a consortium led by GAT from Novi Sad. Other members of the group include the Novi Sad-based Mio Company and two Hungarian firms — BSD Invest Europe Zrt from Budapest and Levi-Solar Kft. from the town of Zakanjsek.

The Petka solar plant is joined by another renewable energy (RES) facility nearby — EPS’s first wind park, Kostolac, with a capacity of 66 megawatts. All 20 wind turbines have been installed, and construction of the substation, switchgear, and internal cable network is underway, enabling wind energy production to commence by the end of this year. This facility, too, is being built on reclaimed overburden dumps, confirming EPS’s commitment to utilizing all available resources. The project covers four locations: Drmno, Petka, Ćirikovac, and Klenovnik. The planned annual production of the Kostolac wind park is 187 million kilowatt-hours — enough to supply about 30,000 households with green electricity.

The project is financed with a loan from the German development bank, KfW, worth 110 million euros, and EPS has also been granted an additional 30 million euros in non-repayable funds from the European Union through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). Project consultants are Fichtner GmbH & Co. and Energoprojekt Entel AD. At the same time, procurement of the wind turbines, towers, substations, and switchgear is being handled by a consortium of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S from Denmark and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy from Belgrade.

Prepared by Milena Maglovski

1...678...415Page 7 of 415

Newsletter

Please enter a valid email address

Calendar of events

2025 October

MO
TU
WE
TH
FR
SA
SU
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
Events for 31 October
No Events
Events for 1 November
No Events
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Events for 2 November
No Events
Events for 3 November
No Events
Events for 4 November
No Events
Events for 5 November
No Events
Events for 6 November
No Events
Events for 7 November
No Events
Events for 8 November
No Events
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Events for 9 November
No Events
Events for 10 November
No Events
Events for 11 November
No Events
Events for 12 November
No Events
Events for 13 November
No Events
Events for 14 November
No Events
Events for 15 November
No Events
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Events for 16 November
No Events
Events for 17 November
No Events
Events for 18 November
No Events
Events for 19 November
No Events
Events for 20 November
No Events
Events for 21 November
No Events
Events for 22 November
No Events
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Events for 23 November
No Events
Events for 24 November
No Events
Events for 25 November
No Events
Events for 26 November
No Events
Events for 27 November
No Events
Events for 28 November
No Events
Events for 29 November
No Events

WRITE US

Office: Bulevar oslobođenja 103/3, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Monday–Friday: 09–17h
Phone/Fax: +381 (11) 396 23 59 info@energetskiportal.rs marketing@energetskiportal.rs

©2024 www.energetskiportal.com