Belgium helps tackle climate change with support for groundbreaking initiatives 

04.10.2024

belgija — Photo-illustration: Freepik (wirestock)

In June 1972, dozens of countries convened in Stockholm, Sweden, for the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, the first global gathering on the environment. Among the largest delegations was Belgium, with more than 40 representatives supporting a historic moment that would lead to the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and its financial bedrock, the Environment Fund.

This June, some 52 years later, Belgium further cemented its longstanding partnership with UNEP, providing 3 million euros or approximately 3,31 million US dollars to UNEP’s thematic fund dedicated to countering the climate crisis.

Belgium has been a consistent contributor to the thematic fund for climate since it launched in 2022, in addition to being one of the few Member States to have also supported the Environment Fund each year since its inception. By doing so, Belgium has been instrumental in supporting UNEP to achieve the many environmental milestones over the decades in several areas, including tackling climate change, nature, land and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Belgium has played a specific role in initiatives to reduce marine litter, expand the circular economy and promote the safe handling of hazardous chemical waste.

The 9 million euros (approximately 9,66 million US dollars) Belgium has now contributed to UNEP’s climate-focused thematic fund over three years aims to give an additional boost to climate science, supporting enhanced transparency in reporting in line with the Paris Agreement, fostering climate change adaptation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and catalyzing more climate finance.

“Addressing climate change requires creativity and agility as we race against the 2030 clock,” said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen, referring to the deadline for the UN Sustainable Development Goals. “Belgium’s understanding and support of this has been an important part of UNEP’s work for decades.”

“To leave the world better than we’ve found it, we’ll continue to strengthen our partnership with UNEP,” said Peter Maddens, Ambassador of Belgium to Kenya, Madagascar, Seychelles, Comoros, Eritrea and Somalia, and Permanent Representative to UNEP.

Belgium is a key supporter of ground-level initiatives that are helping reduce poverty and ensure a just transition in climate-vulnerable parts of the world, such as Africa. One of those projects is the Pan-African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM), which works with governments across the continent to create safe spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pollution and traffic congestion.

Belgium helped get the  Restoration Factory  hybrid incubation programme off the ground in Kenya, which has since led to the programme being replicated and scaled up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania as well. Each year, the programme matches mentors with entrepreneurs with ideas for conserving and restoring ecosystems. These relationships help startups refine their business model and tap into private financing.

Photo-illustration: Freepik (frimufilms)

“Before the onset of this programme, I had no courage to speak about what we do or what our contribution to restoration was,” said Shiro Ndirangu, who runs Afrex Gold, a small Kenyan business that links local farmers with international markets. “I am now able and encouraged to do that and I attribute this to the lessons received during mentoring sessions.”

Beyond Africa, Belgium’s partnership has underpinned UNEP’s work on a wide range of efforts, from mapping green infrastructure opportunities in Mexico City to helping Indonesian rural banks go green to supporting UNEP’s flagship Adaptation Gap Report. The report, which gives an annual update on how the world is adapting to climate change, is a critical source of information in the lead-up to countries’ climate negotiations each year.

As well, Belgium’s embassy and residence in Kenya is the first carbon neutral embassy in Nairobi, the result of a two-year-long retrofit. The properties are powered by solar panels and biogas, while the grounds are dotted by gardens fed by recycled rainwater.

“Part of the beauty of this project is that you learn to live differently,” said Maddens, who spearheaded the initiative. “Climate adaptation and resilience are among our biggest priorities. We must boost them in our own environmental footprint as well as in our support for work around the world.”

Source: UNEP

Natural Gas Demand Growth Oicks up in 2024 Amid Uncertainties Over Supply

04.10.2024

gas-gasovod — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Martin Adams)

Global demand for natural gas is increasing at a stronger rate in 2024 than in the previous two years, which were heavily affected by the turmoil of the global energy crisis. At the same time, new gas supplies coming to market in 2024 remain limited due to the relatively slow growth of LNG production while geopolitical tensions continue to fuel price volatility, according to a new IEA review of global gas markets and security.

Global gas demand is forecast to rise by more than 2.5 percent in 2024, with similar growth expected in 2025, according to the latest edition of the IEA’s annual Global Gas Security Review. Fast-growing markets in Asia account for a large amount of the increase while a rebound in Europe’s industrial gas demand is also contributing, even though it remains well below its pre-crisis levels. The new Security Review also includes the IEA’s latest quarterly Gas Market Report analysis.

“The growth we’re seeing in global gas demand this year and next reflects the gradual recovery from a global energy crisis that hit markets hard,” said IEA Director of Energy Markets and Security Keisuke Sadamori. “But the balance between demand and supply trends is fragile, with clear risks of future volatility. Producers and consumers must work together closely to navigate these uncertain times while taking into account the need to advance clean energy transitions to ensure a secure and sustainable future.”

The report finds that markets remain sensitive to unexpected supply and demand side developments. LNG’s role in the global gas trade has grown since the onset of the global energy crisis, and it is likely to play a crucial part in maintaining the supply-demand balance globally. Constraints across the Panama Canal and the Red Sea continue to impact shipping but have not led to a decline in LNG supply thus far. However, they highlight the potential vulnerabilities of LNG trade in an increasingly interconnected global gas market. The situation may shift in 2025 when LNG supply growth is set to accelerate to near 6% as several large LNG projects come online, mainly in the second half of the year. North America will account for the vast majority of new capacity, while new volumes from Africa and Asia will also contribute.

A key uncertainty ahead of the 2024-25 Northern Hemisphere winter is the transit of Russian gas via Ukraine, with existing contracts set to expire at the end of 2024. This could mean an end to all piped gas deliveries to Europe from Russia through Ukraine. In turn, this would require higher LNG imports to Europe in 2025 and consequently lead to a tighter global gas balance than if transit via Ukraine continued. To address some of these challenges, the IEA recommends that flexibility mechanisms along gas and LNG value chains could be enhanced by improving the liquidity of the global LNG market, integrating the Ukrainian gas storage system into the global gas market, and considering potential frameworks for voluntary gas reserve mechanisms.

Source: IEA

Why the 2035 Zero-Emission Car Target Is Crucial

03.10.2024

car-auto-punjenje-električni — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

1. Why is it important for the climate, the economy and jobs in Europe?

Economy and jobs

Maintaining the ambition of the EU car CO2 standards, including the 2035 100 percent zero emission target is crucial for providing carmakers and the emobility value chain with the regulatory certainty needed to securely invest in electric car, battery production and charging infrastructure in Europe. In September 2024, 50 CEOs and executives called on the new EU Commission and MEPs to ‘maintain the 100 percent zero-emission car target in 2035’.

The car CO2 regulation has been the main driver of investment in the EV value chain in Europe. With the introduction of the EU car CO2 targets in 2020, EV investments in Europe increased by a factor of 20 (from €3.2 bn to €60 bn). More than 50 European gigafactories are planned to produce battery cells by 2030, requiring more than €170 billion in investments, sufficient to power all new vehicle sales in the EU from 2026.

With uncertainty over its 2035 zero-emission car target and a weak industrial policy, Europe is proving less attractive to electric vehicle manufacturers. While €70 billion of EV investment by carmakers has been announced for Europe between 2021 and 2023, North America, attracted €97 billion over the same period. Any weakening of the targets will further reduce the attractiveness of Europe as an investment destination.

A study by BCG analysed the impact of a shift to EVs on jobs in the automotive sector and showed that jobs lost in the traditional fossil-fuel focussed industries would be offset by new jobs in the fast growing e-mobility value chain.

Climate

Achieving climate neutrality by 2050 requires the EU to eliminate fossil fuels, especially from the transport sector, which accounts for 29 percent of EU emissions. Light duty vehicles (cars and vans) are responsible for around half of these emissions. EVs emit significantly less CO2 over their lifecycle compared to petrol or diesel cars, making them essential in combating climate change.

Car CO2 regulation: how does it work?

The car CO2 regulation sets legally binding targets for average CO2 emissions from new cars sold by carmakers annually. The regulation operates in five-year steps, creating an inevitable acceleration-stagnation momentum. The same targets apply from 2021 to 2024, with the next targets being a 15 percent reduction in 2025 (versus 2021), a 55 percent reduction in 2030, and a 100 percent reduction by 2035. Until now those targets have been met by almost all carmakers and the same is expected for future targets. Technological advancements and compliance options, such as pooling with other carmakers, CO2 bonus for selling a certain number of EVs, and using eco-credits, support this compliance. The regulation contains a clause to review the regulation in 2026.

2. The 2035 100 percent zero emission car target is feasible

A Bloomberg study shows that reaching 100 percent electric cars and vans in 2035 is feasible. Battery electric cars will be cheaper to buy in Europe than fossil-fuel vehicles by 2028 at the latest. In many cases this will come earlier as carmakers have announced a dozen affordable, sub-€25,000 Made-in-Europe EV models for 2024-2027. Combined with much lower running costs, the EV transition is bound to be irreversible.

In addition, binding EU regulation mandates that the EU’s main highways and roads be covered with fast chargers from 2025, and that the number of chargers overall increase in line with the uptake of electric vehicles in each member state.

Most car companies, including Volkswagen have been in support of the 2035 target as they need investment certainty. Fundamentally, the question of feasibility is not a matter of technical feasibility but rather a matter of political willingness and commitment to existing climate and industrial policies.

3. What is needed for the new EU legislative term

First, European carmakers and politicians need to be firmly committed to the 2035 target and to accelerate the ramp up of electric car models, especially the more affordable ones. In particular, the EU should not get sidetracked by polluting, inefficient and expensive synthetic fuels (or e-fuels) and biofuels.

Second, the new EU Commission should support an ambitious industrial strategy to accelerate and scale up the European e-mobility value chain, with a focus on attracting investment to Europe, R&D clean local manufacturing, and upskilling of local workers.

Source: Transport and Environment

Heating Season – Choosing Energy Sources in Times of Ecological Crisis

03.10.2024

grejanje — Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

After yet another hot summer, the weather forecast shows a gradual drop in temperature, which will soon become more noticeable. This also signals the beginning of the heating season. In the past, the decision on how to heat a home was based on the availability of a particular energy source and which was the most cost-effective. Today, we face the additional dilemma of which energy source is more environmentally friendly, alongside the various options available to each household. As colder days approach, we will be met with challenges, but aside from bundling up in warm scarves and jackets, we will also face something that our school textbooks did not teach us. Let’s remember those school days when we learned that air has no color, smell, or taste. Now, we increasingly encounter the opposite – we can see the air through smog, and we can smell its unpleasant odor.

As the official heating season in Serbia is about to begin, and many homes have already started heating independently, I would like to briefly outline some of the most important energy sources we use. It’s difficult to cover them all, especially considering the fact that some households burn anything they can find. By this, I mean the information I learned at a lecture – certain citizens use used diapers, tires, books, and other “suitable” items found in their homes as energy sources.

The Most Commonly Used Energy Sources

In this category, we could include coal, wood, fuel oil, electricity, pellets, gas, heat pumps, and heating oil. Each of these has a different impact on financial costs and the environment. Among them, coal stands out as the largest polluter, while natural gas and heat pumps are at the lower end of the pollution scale. When it comes to electricity, its environmental impact depends on the energy source used for its production.

As I previously mentioned, coal is a fossil fuel and one of the biggest polluters among energy sources. During combustion, significant amounts of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, PM2.5 particles, and other pollutants are released. It has a significant impact on climate change, global warming, and air pollution. The reason it is still widely used is its easy availability and low cost. It is important to highlight the problem of using lignite, a type of coal that contains a high moisture content, making it a less energy-efficient fuel. It is well-known that lignite is widely used in our country, and despite its lower efficiency, it heavily pollutes the environment.

Fuel oil is another energy source classified as a major polluter. This liquid fossil fuel is a byproduct of oil refining. Its combustion emits high levels of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particles. Although it is less harmful than coal, it remains high on the list of the biggest polluters. Worldwide, efforts are underway to shut down power plants that use these two energy sources. Another fossil fuel is heating oil, which emits harmful gases and particles, though in smaller quantities compared to coal and fuel oil. This makes it a more efficient energy source.

The use of wood is considered one of the oldest methods of heating. Readily available, it remains a common energy source, especially in rural areas. Wood is a renewable energy source and can be more environmentally friendly if used sustainably and properly. If burned improperly, it can lead to higher emissions. This happens when it is burned at low temperatures or in inefficient, old stoves, or when the wood is wet or contains chemicals like paint or glue. Pellet, a byproduct of wood, can be considered a descendant of wood. It belongs to the biomass category, produced from wood residues. Special stoves or boilers are required, and pellets emit fewer emissions and particles during combustion than wood. If sourced from trees grown in sustainably managed forests and if the stoves are of high quality, pellets are considered an efficient and environmentally friendly solution.

Natural gas emits fewer harmful emissions than other fossil fuels, but it should not be forgotten that it contains methane, a potent greenhouse gas. When it comes to electricity, there are no direct emissions during its use. Whether it is an environmentally friendly energy source depends on the energy source used for its production. If it comes from renewable sources such as wind or solar power, then the use of electricity is an environmentally friendly option for heating.

Lastly, I would mention heat pumps. They are an efficient and environmentally friendly way of heating, as they use natural heat sources from the air, ground, or water. What is important for them to be eco-friendly is that they are powered by electricity generated from green energy sources. However, the reason they are still not widely used is the high initial costs required for their installation.

The choice we make regarding energy sources for heating in households plays a crucial role in preserving the environment. If you decide to switch to a different heating method, you should be well-informed about the balance between costs and environmental impact. Choose an energy source that aligns with your means and that pollutes less.

Katarina Vuinac

Highest Annual Growth of Renewables Jobs in 2023, Reaching 16.2 Million

02.10.2024

solarni-paneli-radnik — Photo-illustration: Freepik (senivpetro)

2023 saw the highest ever increase in renewable energy jobs, from 13.7 million in 2022 to 16.2 million, according to the newly released Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review 2024 by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The 18 percent year-on-year leap reflects the strong growth of renewables generating capacities, together with a continued expansion of equipment manufacturing.

A closer look at the report’s data, however, shows an uneven global picture. Close to two-thirds of new global solar and wind capacity were installed in China alone last year.

China leads with an estimated 7.4 million renewable energy jobs, or 46 percent of the global total. The EU followed suit with 1.8 million, Brazil with 1.56 million, and the United States and India, each with close to 1 million jobs.

As in the past few years, the strongest impetus came from the rapidly growing solar photovoltaics (PV) sector, which supported 7.2 million jobs globally. Of these, 4.6 million were in China, the dominant PV manufacturer and installer. Enabled by significant Chinese investments, Southeast Asia has emerged as an important export hub of solar PV, creating jobs in the region.

Liquid biofuels had the second-largest number of jobs, followed by hydropower and wind. Brazil topped the biofuels ranks, accounting for one third of the world’s 2.8 million jobs in this sector. Soaring production put Indonesia in second, with a quarter of global biofuels jobs.

Due to a slowdown in deployment, hydropower became an outlier to the overall growth trend, with the number of direct jobs estimated to have shrunk from 2.5 million in 2022 to 2.3 million. China, India, Brazil, Viet Nam and Pakistan were the largest employers in the industry.

In the wind sector, China and Europe remain dominant. As leaders in turbine manufacturing and installations, they contributed 52 percent and 21 percent to the global total of 1.5 million jobs, respectively.

Despite immense resource potential, Africa continues to receive only a small share of global renewables investments, which translated into a total of 324,000 renewables jobs in 2023. For regions in urgent need of reliable and sustainable energy access like Africa, and especially in remote areas, decentralised renewable energy (DRE) solutions – stand-alone systems that are not connected to the utility grids – present an opportunity to both plug the access gap and generate jobs. Removing barriers for women to start entrepreneurship initiatives in DRE can stimulate the sector, resulting in improved local economies and energy equity.

Source: IRENA

Challenges of Competitive Energy Production in the Global Market

02.10.2024

strujua-electricity-renewable — Foto-ilustracija: Freepik (freepik)

Forming a unified European energy market is crucial for the Energy Community (EC), which includes European Union members and nine other signatory countries. Although significant progress has been made over the past two years, there are still considerable obstacles. The slow transposition of the Electricity Market Integration Package is causing chain reactions that could jeopardize the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, spoke to Energy Portal Magazine about the challenges of electricity market integration, the importance of transitioning to clean energy sources, meeting Green Agenda goals, and the recent major power outage that affected Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, parts of Croatia, and Albania.

Q: How integrated are the Western Balkan countries into the common electricity market? What is the biggest obstacle to better and faster integration?

A: Since December 2022, significant progress has been made in integrating the Western Balkans’ electricity market into the EU internal market. The adoption of the Electricity Market Integration Package by the Energy Community is a significant step toward full integration, enabling participation in the Single Day-Ahead and Single Intraday Coupling (SDAC, SIDC) and integration into European balancing platforms. New day-ahead markets have been established in Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and *Kosovo, alongside the existing market in Serbia, which has also launched an intraday market. These initiatives enhance short-term trading and provide transparent price signals. At the beginning of 2024, the price range between Western Balkan exchanges and HUPX averaged 0.28 to 3 EUR/MWh, indicating strong market integration with the EU. Market coupling is expected to increase efficiency and competition further. However, some challenges need to be addressed. The slow transposition of the Electricity Market Integration Package is a significant obstacle. None of the Western Balkan contracting parties have completed this process despite the deadline being the end of 2023. This affects the Capacity Calculation Region (CCR), which is crucial for market coupling. Delays could postpone market coupling with the EU until 2026, jeopardizing exemptions from the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which will be in effect from the start of CBAM implementation on January 1, 2026. Securing CBAM exemptions is critical for contracting parties with carbon-intensive electricity production that are electricity exporters. Without this exemption, CBAM implementation is likely to reduce the competitiveness of their electricity, leading to decreased revenues and profits for electricity producers and lower tax revenues for national budgets. Significant progress has been made in the Western Balkans. Still, to enable market coupling, the contracting parties must accelerate the transposition and implementation of the Electricity Market Integration Package and resolve political disputes. This will allow the Western Balkans to apply for CBAM exemptions in the electricity sector, improving economic competitiveness and strengthening their integration with the EU.

IN FOCUS:

Q: What are the main problems in electricity production and consumption in the Western Balkan countries, especially Serbia?

A: Serbia, like the rest of the Western Balkans, currently meets its electricity needs and exports surplus, but it faces key challenges in the future. Favorable hydrological and market conditions led to historic net exports in 2023, which continued into early 2024. However, the main challenge lies in producing electricity competitively in the future to finance investments in renewable energy sources needed to meet the 2030 targets. As such, the key issues are the need for a transition to more competitive, clean energy sources to ensure future profitability and investments in renewables while also dealing with outdated coal-fired power plants that are expensive to modernize and will be economically unsustainable under future carbon pricing conditions. A well-planned transition to sustainable energy is essential to ensure long-term electricity production and meet the 2030 targets. To meet the 2030 goals and ensure future profitability, Serbia must address the issue of outdated coal-fired power plants and invest in renewable energy sources. A well-planned transition to sustainable energy, guided by the new National Energy and Climate Plan, is crucial for long-term success.

Q: How will the introduction of CBAM affect the Western Balkan countries? Is it possible to delay the implementation of CBAM, and under what conditions would that be possible?

A: The CBAM regulation is now in effect and could significantly impact the Western Balkan countries due to their higher carbon intensity in exports compared to EU averages. To potentially secure an exemption from CBAM for electricity until 2030, the region must first integrate its electricity markets with the EU and commit to establishing an emissions trading system equivalent to the EU ETS by 2030. This exemption would provide crucial relief. The Energy Community Secretariat is available to support the contracting parties in meeting these criteria and navigating the necessary steps. The European Commission will further clarify options through impact assessments and political discussions at the Energy Community Ministerial Council in December 2024. At an informal ministerial council in Banja Luka earlier this year, the Secretariat and the European Commission advised the Western Balkan countries to consider developing an emissions trading system in line with the EU. This would ensure the best chance for CBAM exemptions in the electricity sector and economic relief.

Interview by Jasna Dragojević

Read the whole interview in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGY TRANSITION

* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and the opinion of the International Court of Justice on Kosovo’s declaration of independence.

Crisis in the German Auto Industry Points to Deeper Problems and New Changes

01.10.2024

punjenje_električnih_automobila — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The German automotive industry is facing a serious crisis in the sector. One of the factors is the not-so-speedy transition to electric vehicles (EV), along with high expectations and set goals. While the shift to more sustainable transportation is necessary to reduce emissions, German manufacturers such as Volkswagen (VW), BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are struggling with EV sales and high production costs.

What has further complicated the situation is the removal of government subsidies for the purchase of electric cars, which has automatically led to a drop in demand, despite companies having already invested huge amounts in developing this technology.

The renowned Volkswagen, as reported by global media, has seen a 14 percent drop in sales, while Mercedes-Benz has experienced a nearly 16 percent drop. Moreover, VW is facing a surplus of about 500,000 unsold vehicles. The company has already terminated long-standing job security contracts.

Geopolitical tensions and the unavailability of Russian raw materials further exacerbate the situation, while competition from China, which offers cheaper electric vehicles thanks to favorable production conditions and subsidies, is putting additional pressure on German manufacturers. This significantly challenges Europe’s most popular companies for decades.

Although there are no concrete solutions yet, the government is considering reintroducing subsidies for electric vehicles. However, analysts warn that the German auto industry must quickly adapt to electric mobility in order to maintain its competitive advantage in the global market. Otherwise, the crisis could have long-term consequences not only for the auto industry but also for other key sectors like mechanical engineering.

Energy portal

International Conference on Droughts Focused on Increasing Global Resilience

01.10.2024

drought-dry-suva zemlja — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

A major international conference titled “Drought Resilience +10” will be held at the headquarters of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Geneva from September 30 to October 2, marking a decade since the first meeting on national drought policies. This conference aims to further strengthen efforts for prevention, preparedness, and adaptation to this growing threat, according to the WMO statement.

The conference will bring together numerous experts, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world to analyze the progress made over the past ten years, while also exploring new ways to apply knowledge in creating practical solutions to help countries become more drought-resilient.

“Drought is one of the most dangerous and insidious climate threats, often overlooked until it’s too late. Its effects can be devastating, not only for people and the environment but also for the economies of many countries,” said Celeste Saulo, WMO Secretary-General.

The conference will focus on exploring new approaches that will help shift from reactive to proactive methods, using climate services such as seasonal forecasts and innovative financial mechanisms. Case studies highlighting local community actions will be presented, and there will be discussions on scientific progress, including the use of satellite technologies and artificial intelligence for more precise drought monitoring.

Droughts have existed as a natural consequence of climate variability, but climate change is intensifying this issue, bringing more extreme weather events, including heavier rainfall, floods, and prolonged droughts in different parts of the world.

“Healthy lands are the foundation of healthy economies. Our future in the fight against climate change depends on our ability to properly manage land and natural resources,” emphasized Andrea Meza, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), announcing the upcoming COP16 conference on desertification, which will take place in Riyadh.

The essence of this international gathering is to exchange experiences and accelerate the implementation of policies that will help reduce the risks and impacts of drought, which increasingly affects the most vulnerable communities around the world.

Energetski portal

INECP – Serbia on the Path to Sustainability

29.09.2024

neon-joi-rCC4mSObuQY-unsplash — Photo-illustration: unsplash (neon-joi)

The Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (INECP) of the Republic of Serbia is a key strategic document that defines ambitious yet achievable goals for the country’s energy transition. This plan is designed to guide Serbia toward a sustainable energy future, significantly increasing the share of renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving the goals set out in the INECP should contribute to greater energy security, environmental protection, the modernization of the energy sector, and the improvement of the quality of life for citizens. Veljko Kovačević, PhD, State Secretary at the Ministry of Mining and Energy, speaks about the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan for Energy Portal Magazine.

Q: What does the Draft Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of the Republic of Serbia for the period up to 2030, with projections until 2050, bring?

A: The Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan is a key strategic document that defines the strategic goals and the timeline for their achievement in the energy transition process. We have set ambitious yet achievable goals whereby almost every other megawatt-hour of electricity will be green, the share of renewable energy sources (RES) in final energy consumption will reach 33.6 percent, and in electricity production, it will exceed 45 percent. Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by 40.3 percent compared to 1990, and the integration of the electricity market with the EU’s single market will be completed. One of the most important messages that INECP sends to the public is that we have conducted a detailed analysis of the baseline electricity production diagram and that all projections defined through the Stability and Stability-Progress scenarios have been made to ensure that the Republic of Serbia always has enough base energy, which is the only guarantee of the country’s energy security. Additionally, we will improve energy efficiency through building renovations and implementing policies in industry and transport, encourage electromobility, and increase the use of renewable energy sources in heating, cooling, and electricity production, as well as advanced biofuels.

Q: Energy efficiency is a special segment of the INECP. What is planned in this regard, and what national goals have been set accordingly?

In Serbia, three and a half times more energy is consumed in producing the same unit of GDP compared to the European average, which is why the Government and the relevant ministry have defined energy efficiency as one of the priorities within the INECP and the “Leap into the Future – Serbia 2027” plan. The INECP defines a limitation on final energy consumption to a level not exceeding 9.7 Mtoe by 2030. The same trend is observed in primary energy consumption, which is expected to be less than 14.68 Mtoe by 2030. The state is currently investing unprecedented funds to improve energy efficiency. In the past three years, more than 30,000 households received state subsidies for implementing energy efficiency measures. By the end of 2027, we will support over 70,000 households in replacing windows, improving insulation and facades, replacing inefficient boilers, and installing solar collectors or panels for generating electricity for personal use. In cooperation with the World Bank, we secured $50 million for household subsidies, which can cover up to 65 percent of the value of energy renovation measures, while socially vulnerable groups receive grants covering 90 percent of the costs.

IN FOCUS:

In addition to household energy renovation, we are implementing the Public ESCO Project in collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), valued at 64.5 million euros, which focuses on the energy renovation of residential buildings connected to district heating systems and the transition to consumption-based billing in 14 cities and municipalities. It is estimated that more than 500 residential buildings, covering an area of about one million square meters, will be renovated as part of the project. Grants will cover the costs of preparing energy efficiency reports and relevant studies, as well as 50 percent of the investment value, while citizens will repay their share of the investment through their heating bills.

The Ministry of Mining and Energy is investing significant funds in improving energy efficiency in public buildings across Serbia. This year, we allocated 800 million dinars in the budget for these purposes, twice as much as in 2023. We signed contracts with 41 local government units to conduct energy renovations of kindergartens and preschool institutions, elementary and high schools, faculties, libraries, cultural centers, healthcare institutions, and municipal administration buildings. By completing the energy renovations, we will save about 9,000 MWh of thermal and electric energy annually while reducing carbon dioxide emissions, which will amount to about 5,500 tons per year. In renovated buildings, energy consumption will decrease by 20 percent to 50 percent.

We are also paying great attention to the energy renovation of central government buildings. We have secured funds for the energy renovation of 26 out of 56 buildings, including the Palace of Serbia, and these works should be completed by 2027, when the specialized EXPO exhibition will be held.

What does INECP bring when it comes to renewable energy sources?

With the adoption of the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan, Serbia has gained a strategic document aligned with Europe’s vision of decarbonizing the energy sector, thus representing Serbia’s “roadmap” for energy transition. This plan is tailored to the characteristics of our energy sector and the imperative that, at all times, our citizens and economy can rely on a secure supply.

The Integrated Plan emphasizes investments in renewable energy sources. About 3.5 gigawatts of new solar and wind power plants are expected to be connected to the grid by 2030, meaning that almost every other megawatt-hour of electricity produced will be sourced from clean energy.

Interview by Milica Radičević

Read the whole interview in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGY TRANSITION

International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste 2024 – A Call to Action for People and the Planet

29.09.2024

food-loss-waste — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Elevate)

As global hunger rates continue to rise, the issue of food loss and waste becomes more urgent than ever. In 2024, the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste serves as an important reminder of the critical need to address this challenge, emphasizing the importance of funding measures to reduce food waste.

Food waste not only jeopardizes global food security but also plays a significant role in undermining the sustainability of our food systems, contributing to environmental degradation and climate change, according to the United Nations.

Recent estimates suggest that around 13.2 percent of produced food is lost between harvest and sale. Additionally, about 19 percent of the world’s total food production is wasted at the household, hospitality, and retail levels. This means that every day, tons of edible food are lost or thrown away while millions of people go hungry—an obvious contradiction that points to inefficiencies in current food systems.

The consequences of food loss and waste extend far beyond the discarded food itself. When food is wasted, all the resources invested in its production—such as water, land, energy, labor, and capital—are also squandered. This not only undermines the sustainability of agricultural systems but also exacerbates environmental problems. Food waste in landfills generates greenhouse gas emissions, significantly contributing to climate change.

“People are clearing forests and draining wetlands to obtain more arable land and produce even more food, while forests and wetlands are the largest absorbers of carbon dioxide. Consequently, we have less clean air. Cleared lands are further treated with substances to boost yields, which further pollutes both soil and water. The energy expenditure in food processing and consumption is immense, and at the end of it all, we throw away 40 percent of food. That’s why it’s important not to waste food,” says Aleksandra Ugarković from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF Adria) for Energetski portal.

She adds that WWF was one of the first organizations to participate in the “Shared Fridge” concept, whose idea was for anyone to leave food in refrigerators placed in public locations for those who need it the most. As for food banks, it’s a much broader concept, and WWF supports any initiative that can lead to the sustainability of such projects, our interlocutor notes.

“When it comes to food banks, the core issue lies in regulations that prevent many organizations and companies from easily and quickly donating food and groceries. Put simply, it is more expensive to donate food than to throw it away. We sincerely believe that positive changes will occur soon. If, for example, taxes on food donations were reduced, food waste could be significantly minimized,” says Ugarković.

The United Nations emphasizes that reducing food loss and waste requires both global and local action. Adopting innovative technologies and solutions, such as surplus food marketing platforms, mobile food processing machines, and better food quality management practices, can help minimize waste.

The urgency of addressing food loss and waste is further underscored by the approaching deadline to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly Goal 12.3, which aims to halve global food waste per capita at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains.

It is crucial to ensure that the food we produce reaches those who need it most, while also preserving the planet’s resources. This International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste 2024 calls on everyone—governments, businesses, and individuals—to take immediate action and contribute to a more sustainable future for people and the planet.

Milena Maglovski

Where Have the Falcons Gone?

28.09.2024

IMG-395afff416527a0562bd4a00b74e4447-V — Photo: Courtesy of Perica Miletić

The sky above Serbia has always been adorned with a multitude of birds of prey, and one of them – the Eastern Imperial Eagle- has a special place on our country’s official coat of arms. Throughout history, falcons have enjoyed the same respect because, as faithful companions of the nobility in hunting, they have become part of the national emblem.

Emperor Dušan often hunted with peregrine falcons, and in the Middle Ages, Serbia was one of the most important countries in Europe as far as falconry was concerned. Unfortunately, these birds of prey have lost their popularity today, and devastating news about poisoned birds destroyed nests and poaching is becoming more frequent. The extermination of birds of prey in certain locations has resulted in a dramatic disruption of the ecosystem because birds of prey hunt rodents, reptiles, and other birds and thus keep their population under control.

That is why numerous animal protection associations are using all available resources to ensure that birds of prey are not wiped out of Serbia’s biodiversity. Fortunately, there are also people who, because of their love for feathered raptors, have chosen an unusual profession and are ready to contribute to protecting these species.

IN FOCUS:

Perica Miletić from Kraljevo is one of the few falconers in Serbia. His interest in falconry developed in high school. Today, he says, only very few people are engaged in falconry and those who keep birds of prey mostly take care of them for fun and as a hobby. Falcons are often bought on the black market, and smugglers usually catch them illegally in the wild, although many captured birds are endangered. Raising falconry to a higher level and complying with all animal welfare criteria requires a lot of effort. Although every bird enjoys royal treatment in Mr Miletić’s kennel, he does have a favorite bird.

“My favorite raptor is the Gyrfalcon. It is the largest and most beautiful falcon in the world. It lives in the polar regions of Russia, Alaska, northern parts of Scandinavia and Canada. It tolerates very low temperatures well and is the only predator in the north all year round. This falcon has four morphoses – black, grey, silver and white, of which the white one is the most beautiful. Also, white falcons are the most valued in the world”, explains Mr Miletić.

He says that buyers from developed Arab countries are very interested in falcons bred in Serbia, where, unlike our country, numerous competitions in flight speed and appearance are held. However, true falconers, in addition to raising birds, often contribute to the care and treatment of many endangered and injured animals. Mr Miletić, as a great bird lover, builds houses for smaller birds every winter and feeds them, and several times, he had the opportunity to save some.

In our country, many feathered raptors are considered endangered species and the saker falcon and peregrine falcons are at the very top.

The peregrine falcon lives in mountainous regions of our country, such as Tara, Kopaonik, Stara Planina, and Suva Planina. It nests on high cliffs in canyons and gorges and feeds exclusively on birds. According to official data, the main threats to peregrine falcons are habitat destruction, poaching, pesticide poisoning, and a reduction in the number of prey species. However, Mr Miletić notes that pigeon fanciers often destroy falcon nests and use various poisons to suppress the falcon population.

Prepared by: Milena Maglovski

Read the whole story in the new issue the Energy portal Magazine AGROSOLAR ENERGY AND RES.

SEE ENERGY 2024 – Business Energy Conference with Panel Discussions and Workshops

28.09.2024

The SEE ENERGY 2024 conference which has become a gathering place for domestic and regional experts in the field of sustainable energy, will be held on October 23 and 24 at the Master Center in Novi Sad.

SEE ENERGY 2024 brings together industry experts, government representatives, investors, and innovative companies with the goal of exchanging knowledge, discussing the latest trends and technologies in energy, and providing networking opportunities.

Key topics of the two-day program:

October 23, 2024

The potential of Serbia’s energy stability through the use of waste, biomass, and circular economy
ESCO financing – Innovative solutions for improving energy efficiency
Sustainable business through industrial decarbonization – Investments, implementation, and CBAM challenges
Workshop: CO2 Measurement – Preparation of CBAM reports

October 24, 2024

ESG principles in energy transition – Innovations, challenges, and opportunities
Technologies and raw materials for industrial competitiveness and process optimization – Solar and nuclear energy, biomass, and green hydrogen
The future of road infrastructure: Green energy and battery technology
Grid connection and energy storage – Batteries as a key component

The conference offers a unique opportunity for discussions on challenges, opportunities, and solutions shaping the future of the energy sector, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and industrial process optimization.

The target audience for the conference includes energy professionals, investors, financial institutions, government and local representatives, as well as companies seeking solutions for sustainable development and business optimization.

For more information about the conference and registration details, please visit here.

Source: National Biomass Association “SERBIO”

OIE Serbia 2024 – The Future Lies in Renewable Energy

27.09.2024

sustainable-living-environmentalist-hand-holding-green-earth — Photo-illustration: Freepik (rawpixel.com)

On the second day of the OIE Serbia 2024 conference, several panels were held, the first of which was titled Challenges in Financing and Insuring Renewable Energy Projects.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Thomas Richter)

During the panel discussion, experts, including bankers and lawyers, discussed the financial frameworks and legal structures shaping renewable energy projects. It was emphasized that banking support is essential, covering up to 50 percent of project capital through special loans that are predominantly non-recourse, meaning banks have limited claims, ensuring that financial risks align with the success of the project. The discussion also touched on broader aspects of the energy industry, such as electricity price volatility and the impact of macroeconomic factors on the renewable energy sector. Despite the challenges, the industry’s positive outlook is supported by government regulations and strategic investments, aiming to increase Serbia’s renewable energy production to 45 percent by 2030. The conversation also addressed the sector’s potential and the challenges it faces, such as the gap between current capacities and future goals, the importance of rapidly implementing these capacities, project profitability, and the technical and regulatory challenges of adapting the grid for higher renewable energy capacities. The role of Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) in facilitating investments was particularly highlighted, as well as the evolution of these agreements and their significance in the EU context, all pointing to a dynamic sector ready for substantial growth with efficient collaboration between the government, financial institutions, and energy companies.

The following panel focused on ESG principles and sustainable development in transportation.

One of the panelists was Aleksandra Đurđević, Vice President of Delta Holding, who spoke about the historical overview of the introduction and development of electric vehicles (EVs) in Serbia, highlighting the crucial role of Delta Auto Group, which imported the first electric car into the country 7-8 years ago. She emphasized the initial integration of models under the “Born Electric” concept. She also addressed financial incentives for EV adoption, including subsidies of €5,000 for electric cars and €2,000 for hybrids, which should reflect a broader strategy of integrating hybrid vehicles as a logical step towards fully electric vehicles, given the current state of infrastructure. The removal of subsidies for hybrid vehicles and the provision of subsidies exclusively for electric vehicles is automatically slowing the transition to them, which is why efforts are being made to keep hybrids included during the transitional period towards e-mobility.

What was particularly interesting in the presentation was the multi-brand location project covering 17,000 square meters in New Belgrade, which stands out for its environmental awareness and commitment to material recycling. Although a much more expensive, slower, and complicated process, three existing buildings will be recycled, not demolished. 75 percent of materials such as metal, steel, and glass will be recycled, saving about 150 metric tons of CO2. As vehicles are washed daily at the service center, the water purification process will enable the reuse of about 200 out of 300 liters of water per vehicle wash, significantly contributing to sustainability. Solar panels will produce 130,000 kWh of electricity annually, meeting a large portion of the location’s energy needs. She emphasized that the implementation of ten electric vehicle chargers and façade lighting will further increase the facility’s energy efficiency, making it one of the greenest BMW facilities in Europe. The application of all environmental standards demonstrates how the automotive industry can actively contribute to sustainability, setting high standards in the auto industry and showcasing the successful implementation of ambitious environmental projects at the local level with the support of global partners.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (CHUTTERSNAP)

As we have already written extensively about the third panel, which focused on solar energy, it remains to mention the final panel held that day, which covered Energy Storage/Grid Connection/Electricity Market.

During the panel on energy storage and the electricity market, the focus was on upcoming legislative changes, particularly updates to energy laws and regulations. These changes are expected to significantly liberalize the market and allow for the benefits of ongoing large-scale projects, aimed at aligning with European Commission directives. Emphasis was placed on the transition to renewable energy sources and the gradual phasing out of CO2-emitting vehicles by 2035, illustrating a proactive approach in the energy sector that aligns with global strategic shifts towards more sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of adapting markets and regulatory frameworks to effectively support these transitions, with expectations that legislative and policy reforms, particularly regarding energy standards and market integration, will provide a more flexible and open market environment. This includes anticipation of regulatory adjustments that will improve business practices and align them with European standards, with the hope that these changes will further boost market liquidity and create clearer contractual environments by 2026.

Energy Portal

From Azerbaijan, One Million Cubic Meters of Gas Per Day During This Winter

27.09.2024

NOVO gas — Photo-illustration: Freepik (fanjianhua)

The Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of green energy between the Ministry of Mining and Energy of Serbia and the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan was signed during a bilateral meeting, along with two gas supply agreements between “Srbijagas” and the Azerbaijani company “Socar.”

Dubravka Đedović Handanović, Serbia’s Minister of Mining and Energy, stated that during the upcoming winter, Serbia will be able to rely on secure deliveries of around one million cubic meters of gas from Azerbaijan from November 1 to March 31, which will enhance the country’s energy security.

She recalled that agreements on cooperation between the respective ministries and gas companies were signed last year in Baku, stipulating that Serbia will receive up to 400 million cubic meters of gas annually from Azerbaijan until 2026, with the possibility of increasing these amounts to one billion cubic meters thereafter.

The Minister emphasized that the Memorandum expanded cooperation in energy to the field of green energy.

“This document opens up broad opportunities for collaboration in the energy transition process, including joint investments in green energy, the implementation of new green technologies, carbon capture and storage technologies, e-mobility, energy storage, and other areas. In this way, cooperation between Serbia and Azerbaijan in the energy sector is becoming comprehensive and strategic, significantly enhancing our bilateral relations,” the Minister said.

One of the topics at the bilateral meeting was also the Green Energy Corridor that will connect Azerbaijan with Central and Eastern European countries.

“In this project, Serbia could potentially play an important role, primarily due to its geographical position, as we plan to strengthen interconnections on the transmission network with Romania, Hungary, and Bulgaria in the coming years, and with the completion of the Trans-Balkan Corridor, we will enhance transmission capacities towards Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and indirectly towards Italy,” the Minister explained.

Parviz Shahbazov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, said that in recent months and years, cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector has significantly advanced, emphasizing that the signed documents enable further increases in gas deliveries from Azerbaijan, as well as expanding cooperation in the field of energy transition.

“We also discussed the possibility of Serbia becoming part of the Green Corridor between the Caspian region and Southeastern Europe, given that Serbia already borders three countries participating in the project and can play a role as both a user and a transit country,” Shahbazov stated.

The meeting also covered the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), which will be held in Azerbaijan in November, where numerous initiatives important for the global energy transition will be launched.

Energy portal

How Far Have We Crossed Planetary Boundaries?

26.09.2024

Eko , klimatske promene NOVO — Photo-illustration: Freepik (user6702303)

For thousands of years, during a period of climate stability and resilience of the Earth’s system, humanity has been able to advance in technological and cultural development. A report published by scientists from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), which deals with the health of planet Earth, has shown that we have entered a new era. This period is marked by increasingly evident symptoms of exceeding the Planetary Boundaries, which include more frequent extreme weather events, wildfires, reduced plant productivity, and water shortages. These problems are further exacerbated by the growth of the global population.

Planetary Boundaries represent a scientific framework that defines safe limits within which human activities can occur without significant consequences for the stability of the Earth’s system. If they are crossed, it leads to the potential destabilization of ecosystems and all life conditions. There are nine Planetary Boundaries, including climate change, biosphere integrity, land-system change, freshwater use, biochemical flows, introduction of novel entities, ocean acidification, atmospheric aerosol loading, and stratospheric ozone depletion.

The report shows that six out of the nine Planetary Boundary processes have crossed safe levels. These processes include climate change, biosphere integrity, land-system change, freshwater use, biochemical flows, and the introduction of novel entities. As stated, these levels show alarming trends.

When it comes to climate change, CO2 levels in the atmosphere are at their highest in the last 15 million years, while the average global temperature is higher than ever before in human history, with an accelerated warming trend since the late 20th century. The integrity of the biosphere has also been severely compromised, with the accelerated loss of genetic diversity and functional integrity of ecosystems. The loss of the biosphere threatens the planet’s resilience to other ecological pressures, including climate change and land degradation, the report states. In the context of land-system change, there is a continued decline in forest areas, while many regions are already far beyond safe levels. Changes in freshwater systems, such as rivers and lakes, have led to increased instability in the quantity of water flowing through these systems and in soil moisture. Water resource management is becoming increasingly difficult due to growing uncertainty in water availability. Biogeochemical flows, particularly the use of phosphorus and nitrogen in agriculture, are causing serious ecological problems, including water pollution and the emergence of so-called dead zones in seas and lakes. When it comes to the introduction of novel entities, such as synthetic chemicals and plastics, there is still insufficient research. However, it is believed that many of these substances cause permanent harmful changes in the environment, including soil and water contamination.

The remaining three processes are still within safe operating boundaries. However, ocean acidification is close to a critical threshold, while atmospheric aerosol loading shows progress toward safer levels. The degradation of the ozone layer has slowed down, but the report notes that concerns remain about the persistent challenges in ozone recovery, especially over Antarctica.

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