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A Beacon on the Path to Energy Transition

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Thomas)

Recently, during a family gathering, a curious aunt didn’t miss the chance to ask me what I do for a living. As I began listing a multitude of interesting topics I cover, a good portion of my explanation revolved around renewable energy sources.

That’s when I realized how fascinated I am by the fact that I’m witnessing a global shift away from polluting fossil fuels toward renewable energy sources, which protect the environment and provide energy security.

Unfortunately, energy transition in Serbia and the region poses a significant challenge that requires engagement at all levels of society. We face numerous economic, administrative, and technical obstacles that slow down its pace. However, it is clear that despite these challenges, we must intensify our efforts to green the energy sector in order to protect the environment and align with European Union directives.

In Serbia, the capacity of renewable energy sources nearly doubled in 2023 compared to 2022. While this represents a significant achievement, it is not enough if we aim to reduce air pollution and achieve energy security. As the upcoming heating season approaches, when air pollution becomes a dominant environmental issue, it becomes even clearer that investing in renewable energy is not only key to the country’s sustainable development but also our moral obligation.

On this complex and uncharted path of energy transition, it is crucial who we have as companions. Prominent companies in the renewable energy sector, with their technical expertise, innovative solutions, and dedication, represent reliable partners in the mission to transition to green energy.

Just as a lighthouse helps ships safely navigate to harbor, these companies enable investors to achieve their goals in the renewable energy sector with a clear plan and support.

I have researched leading companies in our region that stand out for their expertise and achievements, and one name in particular caught my attention.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (moritz-lange)

MT-KOMEX, a company that has been operating for over three decades, has become a leader in building solar power plants in Serbia and the region. Thanks to its many years of experience, MT-KOMEX consistently finds optimal solutions that not only meet investors’ desires but also ensure top-tier performance for solar power plants. Their expertise and commitment allow clients to access solutions tailored to the specific demands of each project, ensuring long-term reliability and efficiency in utilizing solar energy.

For investors, security and trust are paramount, and having a reliable partner means reducing risks and optimizing results. Companies from this sector provide not only technical support but also a vision, helping to turn ideas about cleaner energy into successfully realized projects.

MT-KOMEX’s well-coordinated team is always ready to respond to client needs and build a solar power plant in record time. This dedicated group of engineers, installers, and other certified experts has constructed over 200 solar power plants that are already generating green kilowatts, much to the satisfaction of clients who have placed their trust in them.

Each project, whether it involves building a solar power plant on a rooftop, a production facility, or on land, is approached with great care by MT-KOMEX, allowing investors to eagerly await the moment when they will receive the “key” to their solar power plant.

It is clear that energy transition poses great challenges for our country, and every additional green kilowatt in the domestic energy mix is of great importance. Fortunately, through the knowledge and innovations of distinguished scientists and experts, as well as the actions of qualified companies, Serbia has the opportunity to successfully face this challenge and step into a sustainable future.

Milena Maglovski

US Auto Companies Will Receive Aid for Transition to Electric Vehicles

Photo-illustration: Pixabay

The United States is preparing to assist its auto suppliers in adapting to the transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. With this goal, the White House has announced the creation of a fund worth up to one billion dollars to help small and medium-sized auto parts suppliers access easier financing for refinancing and business expansion.

For this purpose, the investment company Monroe Capital has been selected to launch the “Drive Forward Fund LP,” whose role is to provide financial support to businesses supplying key components, such as powertrains, body structures, transmissions, chassis, interiors, and electric components, as well as complementary software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers and other auto technologies and business services in the industry, according to the statement.

The fund will also assess growth opportunities for investing in innovative companies involved in the production of battery components and subcomponents, as well as material recycling.

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The US Department of the Treasury announced a grant of 9.1 million dollars to launch the Automotive Supplier Transition Program in Michigan, which is designed to help smaller businesses acquire financing for manufacturing electric vehicle components.

John Bozzella, president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, said that the transition to the electrification of the automotive industry in the United States requires a modern auto supply chain that keeps the country competitive and ensures economic and national security.

“Automakers are investing billions in this transition and producing electrified vehicles across all brands and models, but it’s important to remember that the auto supply chain is made up of hundreds of companies—many of which are small and medium-sized businesses,” Bozzella said.

In July, the Department of Energy announced plans to award GM and Stellantis nearly 1.1 billion dollars in grants to convert existing factories to electric vehicle and component production, while last week, a three-billion-dollar grant for the battery manufacturing sector was announced.

Energetski portal

Energy Security Through the Development of the Prosumer Market

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Dina Lydia)
Photo: courtesy of Lazar Ivanović

Much has been said recently about prosumers (consumer-producers) of electricity from renewable sources in Serbia, but little is still known. Promoting energy security and independence involves empowering citizens and businesses to produce energy for their needs, primarily through solar power, which helps reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Lazar Ivanović, the chief economist at CEVES, an independent research and development organization, co-authors a study titled “Promoting Energy Security Through the Development of the Prosumer Market”. The study was conducted to provide a comprehensive overview of the prosumer market in Serbia. Alongside a detailed overview of the situation in the Western Balkans (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania), Serbia was used as a case study focusing on the household sector, which is of greatest interest to most citizens.

Ivanović states that the development of the prosumer market in Serbia is very slow compared to wealthier and technologically advanced EU countries and neighboring countries with a similar level of development. Since 2021, when the new Law on Renewable Energy Sources came into force, until the end of May this year, according to Elektrodistribucija Srbije, the number of registered prosumers was 2,300 households and only three residential communities, with a total installed capacity of less than 19 MW, which is about 0.5 per cent of the planned capacities for 2023.

“When adding the economy to this, we get about 3,000 prosumers with less than 52 MW of electricity production capacity. On the other hand, significantly smaller economies like Albania and North Macedonia already had total prosumer capacities exceeding 119 MW and 129  MW, respectively, in the first half of 2023. Even Montenegro, with ten times fewer inhabitants than Serbia, managed to reach 4,000 prosumers with a total installed capacity of 43.5 MW by mid-May 2024,” says Ivanović.

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Energy Consumption Per Capita

According to Eurostat data for 2022, households in Serbia consume 165 kWh of electricity per capita per month, about 15 per cent more than the Western Balkans average and 24 per cent more than the EU average. Households in Montenegro consume the most—185 KWh, while those in Albania consume the least—100 KWh.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (jason mavrommatis)

Regarding energy efficiency or intensity, the economies of the Western Balkans need about 56 per cent more energy on average to produce the same amount of GDP as the EU. Ivanović states that although the energy intensity of these economies, measured as total available energy divided by GDP, has fallen by 20 per cent since 2017, the EU managed to reduce it even more (by 25 per cent), worsening the region’s energy efficiency relative to EU member states. The main reason for higher energy intensity in the Western Balkans is a combination of low electricity prices and decades of insufficient investment in energy efficiency.

According to the study, the Western Balkans had a slightly higher share of RES in electricity production in 2022 (37.3 per cent net) than the EU (34.5 per cent). However, while the EU increased its RES share by eight per cent from 2016 to 2022, it decreased by about 1.5 per cent in the Western Balkans over the same period.

“When it comes to solar energy, it accounted for only about 0.6 per cent of total net electricity production in the Western Balkans in 2022 (about 7.7 per cent in the EU), but its share increased sixfold compared to 2016 (twice in the EU). The situation varies from country to country and is unfavorable for Serbia,” explains Ivanović.

The study’s results show that not only do all Western Balkan countries have a higher share of solar energy in total electricity production compared to Serbia, but North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania also produce more solar energy in absolute terms (92, 114, 161 GWh net annually) compared to significantly larger Serbia (16 GWh).

Prepared by Mirjana Vujadinović Tomevski

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

A Systematic Ground-Mounted PV solution: Easy to install thanks to aluminium and universal anchoring

Photo: K2 Systems
Photo: K2 Systems

Ground-mounted photovoltaic systems offer a decisive advantage: they often achieve a higher output per area than roof-mounted systems. So it’s no wonder that these PV solutions are becoming increasingly popular. This was recently the case in Senta, near the Serbian-Hungarian border, where construction of Serbia’s largest solar power plant began in May. But how can such systems be installed quickly and efficiently? The German manufacturer K2 Systems has an innovative solution with its new K2 N-Rack.

K2 N-Rack is a simple, modular ground-mounted system that is suitable for small and medium-sized photovoltaic systems. The system can be mounted on both concrete and pile-driven foundations, offering PV professionals greater flexibility.

Thanks to the aluminium components, it is possible to react quickly and easily to unevenness during installation, so that an installation adapted to the requirements of the outdoor environment can be realised with less effort. The lightweight material also facilitates ergonomic working. K2 N-Rack can be flexibly adapted to the new module sizes and mounted with a 15° or 20° tilt angle.

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On the basis of pile-driven foundations, three rows of Portrait modules can be installed per table with the 15° elevation and two rows of modules with the 20° elevation. In the case of concrete foundations, the 20° elevation can be realised with two rows of Portrait modules per table.

All components are, of course, statically optimised for each other. The product developers at K2 Systems are convinced: “The system is easy to install, economically attractive and enables the realisation of larger open-space projects with proven K2 quality.”

Source: K2 Systems

Europe: Children’s Products Release Toxic Chemicals

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (jerrymarx32)

Across Europe, children are exposed daily to toxic chemicals found in various products, from plastic bottles to toys and clothing. A major problem is the presence of banned substances such as phthalates and PFAS, which threaten their development and health.

Phthalates are a group of chemical compounds used in plastic products to make them more flexible and durable. PFAS are a group of chemicals known as “forever pollutants” because they are highly resistant. They are added to make products resistant to water, grease, and heat.

Recent studies have shown that these chemicals often end up in a child’s body, which has been confirmed by their detection. As a result, non-governmental organizations are calling on the European Union to urgently update regulations to ban such dangerous chemicals, especially in products intended for children.

The Tegengif Foundation from the Netherlands conducted a study in collaboration with five European non-governmental organizations. The results, as reported by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), showed that plastic drinking bottles intended for children release Diisobutyl Phthalate (DIBP). This chemical compound can disrupt hormones and lead to serious health issues, such as reproductive disorders. Although the detected amounts were below the allowable level, the mere presence of this substance is concerning.

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Furthermore, the study revealed that only a small number of chemicals released from plastic bottles for children can be accurately identified. This means that numerous chemicals present in plastic still cannot be recognized or analyzed.

Another conducted study showed that more than half of children’s jackets, as well as other clothing, contain PFAS. However, it was also pointed out that there are products on the market that do not contain PFAS, meaning that companies can produce clothing without these chemicals.

All research results point to the urgent need for action from the European Union, as the potential for improvement exists, but regulations are outdated. Such dangerous substances should be completely banned in products intended for children.

Energy portal

What the “United in Science 2024” Report Reveals

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Climate change caused by human activities has led to widespread and rapid changes in the atmosphere, oceans, cryosphere, and biosphere. Its consequences and dangerous weather conditions are undoing developmental achievements and threatening the well-being of people and the planet, according to a new multi-agency report coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Greenhouse gas concentrations are at record levels, driving future temperature increases. The gap between goals and actual emissions remains large. Global greenhouse gas emissions increased by 1.2 percent from 2021 to 2022, reaching 57.4 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent. Global average concentrations of CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide also reached new records.

According to current policies, there is a two-thirds chance that global warming will reach 3°C this century, the “United in Science” report states. To limit global warming to below 2°C and 1.5°C (above pre-industrial levels), global emissions by 2030 must decrease by 28 percent and 42 percent, respectively, compared to the levels projected by current policies.

This report explores how advances in natural and social sciences, new technologies, and innovations are improving our understanding of Earth’s systems and could be key to adapting to climate change, reducing disaster risk, and achieving sustainable development.

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Urgent action is needed to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. However, one in six countries still lacks a national adaptation plan, and a significant financial gap remains, with a decline in international public funding for adaptation since 2020.

“We need urgent and ambitious action now to support sustainable development, climate action, and disaster risk reduction. The decisions we make today could be the difference between future collapse or a breakthrough towards a better world,” said Celeste Saulo, WMO Secretary-General.

The United Nations Future Summit offers a unique opportunity to revitalize and recommit to global goals, according to the report, which was compiled by a consortium of United Nations agencies, meteorological organizations, and scientific and research bodies. The report also includes contributions from young people and early-career scientists, who are the changemakers for the future.

Advances in meteorology, climate, water, and related ecological and social sciences offer tremendous opportunities to fully support the realization of global goals, including the Paris Agreement, the 2030 Agenda, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the EW4All initiative.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Ryan Duffy)

Revolution in Weather Forecasting

Thanks to rapid advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are enabling more accurate weather modeling that is faster, cheaper, and more accessible to lower-income countries with limited computational resources. Some estimates suggest that AI/ML has the potential to predict hazardous events such as tropical cyclones and longer-term phenomena like El Niño and La Niña.

While there are great opportunities, we face many challenges, particularly with limited data quality and availability. Current AI/ML models do not account for more unpredictable variables related to the ocean, land, cryosphere, and the carbon cycle.

Energetics Portal

China Joins Monitoring of Fukushima Water Release

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Jakob Madsen)

In 2011, Japan suffered a devastating natural disaster when a powerful earthquake, followed by a tsunami, caused over 20,000 deaths and destroyed vast areas of land. The tsunami flooded an area of 560 km², and this catastrophe severely damaged the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which proved resilient to earthquakes but not to the high wave that flooded the reactors.

In the years following the accident, the TEPCO company worked on collecting and treating contaminated water to prevent further environmental pollution. Using the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS), the radioactivity in the water was significantly reduced. However, due to limited storage capacity, Japan adopted a plan in 2021 to gradually release the treated water into the Pacific Ocean.

Although the water has been treated to remove most radioactive materials, tritium, a hydrogen isotope, remains present as it is more challenging to remove. While the risks from it are minimal, there are concerns in the region about its long-term environmental impact and effects on fisheries. Since Japan is not the only country bordering the Pacific Ocean, another country has now become involved in monitoring this process.

The IAEA conducted an extensive review and issued a comprehensive report in July 2023, confirming the safety of the proposed water release process.

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However, recent developments now include China’s participation in this process. China’s involvement helps ensure additional transparency and increases confidence that the process will be safe and compliant with the highest international standards. After consultations between Japan and China, the two countries agreed on additional measures within the IAEA framework to enhance stakeholder participation. The IAEA will now coordinate with both Japan and China, as well as other involved countries, in implementing these additional measures, further strengthening efforts for monitoring and supervision, as stated on their website.

There is concern that if tritium accumulates in marine ecosystems, it could affect marine organisms, especially with prolonged exposure. Although tritium emits low-energy beta radiation, which cannot penetrate human skin, it can be ingested through water or food. Given that China also shares these coastal waters, it seeks a more transparent approach. Nonetheless, the scientific community believes that tritium concentrations in the treated water to be released from Fukushima are below levels that would pose a risk to human health or the environment, provided that international standards are followed.

As for the amount of water, Japan plans to release about 1.3 million tons of treated water, which is equivalent to several hundred Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Energetski Portal

PFAS in Textiles Endangers Health and Complicates Recycling – Is There a More Sustainable Alternative?

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Lauren Fleischmann)

The textile industry produces materials used in everyday life, and the modern world demands mass production of these materials. Although textiles offer many advantages, it is less known that many products contain harmful chemicals that can have serious negative consequences for human health and the environment. This industry is one of the largest sources of pollution from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Europe. According to data from the European Environment Agency (EEA), textiles account for about 35 percent of the global demand for PFAS.

These substances represent a broad group of synthetic chemicals known for their durability – they are resistant to water, grease, and heat. It is estimated that there are more than 10,000 different PFAS compounds. However, their very durability makes them extremely harmful to the environment. PFAS are known as “forever pollutants” because they do not break down naturally and can persist for decades in nature, as well as in the human body.

Although their harmfulness is well known, most textiles in Europe are imported from Asian countries where chemical regulations are less stringent, meaning there is very little information about the PFAS content in imported textiles.

PFAS spread through water, air, and soil, and their excessive concentration can cause various health issues, from fertility problems to an increased risk of cancer. Just as they can enter the human body, they more easily enter animal organisms and can accumulate in plants, spreading further through the food chain. Prolonged exposure can cause disruptions to entire ecosystems.

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Previously, it was believed that there were no good alternatives to PFAS, but research has shown that there are indeed safer alternatives for the environment, such as biodegradable or less harmful synthetic materials. For example, waterproof materials made from natural fibers enriched with wax or resin.

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Angela Bailey)

The issue with textiles containing PFAS also lies in the difficulty of recycling. At the end of a textile’s life cycle, there is usually no information on whether it contains PFAS, and if it does, in what quantity. Testing textiles for these chemical substances is a costly and demanding process. Textiles containing these substances are difficult to recycle due to their resistance to decomposition, and if subjected to recycling, the substances spread through recycling streams. Moreover, the process of removing PFAS from the remaining recyclable textiles is financially unfeasible. Another alternative could be the use of biopolymers, which are becoming increasingly popular worldwide and are significantly easier to recycle and degrade.

Technically feasible alternatives exist for various categories of textiles such as home textiles, sportswear, and footwear. However, for certain categories, such as protective gear for firefighters or medical equipment that shields against exposure to various fluids, there is still no adequate substitute for PFAS.

The European Union should continue introducing new technologies and stricter regulations, such as digital product passports, as well as improving sorting methods. All of this will help track PFAS throughout the entire product life cycle.

Katarina Vuinac

We Are Actively Reducing CO2 Emissions in Our Operations

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)
Photo: courtesy of Vesna Brkić Bošković

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Generali Group’s first corporate social responsibility department. Two decades later, Generali demonstrates its social responsibility through four distinct roles:

  • responsible employer,
  • responsible corporate citizen,
  • responsible insurer, and
  • responsible investor.

– As a responsible investor, we invest in the economic sectors that positively impact the environment and society. As a responsible insurer, we offer products with ESG components. As a responsible corporate citizen, we contribute to our community via Generali Group’s global initiative The Human Safety Net. As a responsible employer, we promote workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion and support our employees’ professional and personal growth. All this makes us a sought-after employer – says Vesna Brkić Bošković, Head of the Logistics and Procurement Department at Generali Osiguranje Srbija.

We discussed the company’s plans in terms of CO2 emissions reduction targets, how the employees engage in this process, and what they consider to be an important message when it comes to their views on sustainability.

Q: One of the Generali’s goals is CO2 emission reduction. What are the company’s specific targets?

A: Generali Group aims to cut CO2 emissions in its operations by 35 per cent by 2025 and by 40  per cent by 2026 from the 2019 baseline. The 2023 results indicate that we are on the right track with a 33.4  per cent reduction compared to 2019. This achievement required management and employee support and a dedicated energy and environment management team. Our company has long held ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 certifications for environmental and energy management systems, respectively.

Generali Group’s goal is to cut CO2 emissions in its operations by 35 per cent by 2025 and 40 per cent by 2026, compared to the 2019 baseline.

Generali Group’s sustainability activities include purchasing renewable electricity, enhancing office energy efficiency, and optimizing the use of business premises. We are also committed to reducing business travel, transitioning to electric company cars, and minimizing paper use through digitizing and optimizing our processes.

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Q: The employees themselves play an important role in reaching these targets. How are they involved in this process?

Photo: courtesy of Vesna Brkić Bošković

A: Our employees are integral to reaching sustainability targets. They will soon relocate to our new headquarters, which will also hold energy efficiency certification and have the option to use renewable electricity. Last year, our local ESG team developed an action plan focusing on environmental and energy efficiency initiatives. Our employees – our sustainability ambassadors – collaborated with managers on this plan. Their suggestions have sparked initiatives to reduce paper usage by further digitizing processes, minimizing physical mail, reducing the quantity of printed documents, and keeping track of the quantity of printed material.

Training employees and raising awareness about the importance of reducing carbon footprint is vital. In addition to Group-level training, we have initiated local workshops and numerous activities to educate our colleagues on how they can contribute to environmental protection. We have participated in tree planting in Novi Sad and Niš and various clean-up campaigns. Goals can only be achieved if the employees are motivated, engaged, and willing to extend our activities into their communities.

Q: What do you consider to be an important message when it comes to the environment?

A: Once all activities are completed, it is time to evaluate their impact and draw comparisons. Companies must have a system and clear methodology in place. Since 2019, we have recorded data on fuel, electricity, and paper consumption, waste recycling rates, and business travel mileage in the Sphera app. All this data is documented for external audit and verification. It not only serves as a reliable indicator of our correct decisions but also demonstrates their tangible and significant impact on environmental preservation.

Generali Osiguranje Srbija

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

Canadian Researchers Develop a Process to Convert Methane and CO2 into Useful Resources

Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Scientists from McGill University, one of the oldest in Canada, have discovered how to harness sunlight to transform two harmful gases, methane and carbon dioxide, into useful chemicals. In a way, this process could be considered a form of recycling harmful emissions.

The team of scientists managed to achieve this feat using a special catalyst made of gold, palladium, and gallium nitride, which, in combination with sunlight, triggers a chemical reaction that further converts methane and carbon dioxide into green methanol and carbon monoxide, both of which are highly useful in the energy and chemical industries.

A remarkable advantage of this process is that it works at room temperature and does not require high temperatures or strong chemicals, which is astounding.

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Researchers believe this discovery could help Canada achieve its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050, by converting these harmful gases into useful resources that can contribute to a sustainable future.

Given that sunlight is harnessed, and one substance is transformed into another, the comparison with photosynthesis is inevitable. Photosynthesis, a process inherent to nature, uses sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and water into food and oxygen. In both cases, solar energy plays a key role in converting harmful gases into useful products.

Transforming the most harmful chemicals into valuable ones in a sustainable way remains a question for the future, the serious application of which could reshape industrial processes.

Energetski portal

Old Press In a New Guise

Photo: Courtesy of Nada Ubiparip

The production of paper requires a lot of electricity, water, and cellulose, and as we all know, it is “easily and quickly” used up; that is why rational consumption, recycling, or reuse is important in many ways. Nada Ubiparip from Mrkonjić Grad reveals to us how old paper can be breathed new life and given a new use value. In addition to taking care of her family as the mother of three children, she manages to find time to devote herself to her hobby. She is a technician-clothing designer by profession, but unfortunately, she did not have the opportunity and possibility to tailor and sew. Instead, she found a way to express her creativity by making baskets from old newspapers.

Photo: Courtesy of Nada Ubiparip

I have never worked in the profession, and the main reason is that this job requires an adequate workspace, which I do not have. Although I also know how to tailor and sew something, I decided to put that aside and choose something that I can do anywhere in the house. When I was little, my mother taught me how to knit, and that’s how I came up with the idea of using that knowledge to create something new and beautiful – Nada explains.

At first, she used to knit hats, scarves, and sweaters for her children. Then, quite by chance, while watching various clips, she came across one in which a woman makes paper baskets. She recalls that it delighted her, so she spent hours and days learning and perfecting paper knitting.

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Today, Nada’s creative hands produce baskets of various motifs, sizes, and shapes. On her Instagram page, Nadinokorparstvo, you can see baskets made for Easter, New Year, and Christmas, baskets in the shape of bees, carts, huge toy baskets, and even fashion bags.

She reveals that her favorite work is the basket – a cart that actually serves as a holder for pencils and school supplies.

For making baskets, I get old press from a country in the region because the paper is much better than what can be found here. First, I design what the basket will look like, and then the production follows. The crafting process itself begins by first preparing the paper, then I make the sticks, paint them, and then weave them. I usually have some model, molds of all kinds of shapes for different baskets. I always knit the bottom first, then when I finish it, I raise the sticks and knit as high as I need – our interlocutor explains.

She points out that the colors she uses are ecological and that they are safe even if they come into contact with food. So, the baskets can be used for various services at home.

Prepared by Jasna Dragojević

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

World Cleanup Day 2024

Foto ilustracija: Pixabay

On 8 December 2023, the United Nations General Assembly, in its seventy-eighth session, unanimously adopted resolution 78/122 “World Cleanup Day”, which proclaims 20 September as World Cleanup Day.

The resolution invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, other international and regional organizations, and other relevant stakeholders – including civil society, the private sector and academia – to observe World Cleanup Day through activities aimed at raising awareness of the role clean-up efforts play in sustainable development. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) facilitates the observance of the Day.

Over the years, many national, regional and local governments and communities have been undertaking clean-up activities globally. World Cleanup Day represents the reflection on their achievements. The clean-ups serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility we share in preserving and maintaining a clean and healthy environment as well as sustainable waste and resources management.

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The theme of the inaugural event, taking place on 20 September in the city of Tromsø, Norway, is “Arctic Cities and Marine Litter”. The event, convened with support from UN-Habitat, GRID-Arendal, and the Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, the municipality of Tromsø, the Fram Centre, and Let’s Do It World, aims to inspire global communities to adopt sustainable practices that protect the arctic regions.

The Arctic’s delicate ecosystem necessitates focused efforts on plastic and marine litter clean-up. Cities like Tromsø, within the Arctic Circle, face unique challenges due to extreme weather, isolation, and costly infrastructure.

The inaugural World Cleanup Day in Tromsø showcases Norway’s innovative waste management strategies tailored to harsh climates. The event will highlight the role of innovation, community involvement, and collaboration in creating sustainable waste systems that protect the Arctic environment and contribute to global waste reduction efforts. It also emphasizes the importance of professional cleanups and innovative funding mechanisms in tackling waste management challenges in complex urban settings.

Source: United Nations

For the First Time, Electric Cars Outnumber Gasoline Vehicles on Norway’s Roads

Photo-Ilustration: Pixabay (paulbr75)

Norway has confirmed its leadership in the global transition to electric vehicles, as recent statistics demonstrate. For the first time in history, the number of electric cars has surpassed the number of gasoline cars on Norwegian roads. In August, as we previously reported, a new record was set in electric vehicle sales, with 94 percent of all newly registered cars being electric.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Mikita Karasiou)

Nevertheless, the news that the number of gasoline-powered cars has fallen below electric vehicles marks a significant achievement in the world of e-mobility. Of the total 2.8 million registered passenger vehicles, 754,303 were electric, while 753,905 ran on gasoline, according to data from the Road Traffic Information Council (OFV). This statistic keeps Norway at the forefront of integrating sustainable transportation into daily life, and it is likely to be the first country in the world to achieve the highest number of electric cars on its streets.

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However, while the number of gasoline cars has fallen below electric, diesel vehicles still make up a significant portion of the fleet, with one million registered vehicles. Diesel cars remain in first place, followed by electric cars, then gasoline-powered vehicles, and various versions of hybrids. Projections suggest that electric cars could surpass the number of diesel vehicles by 2026.

To recap another record, in August 2024, 94 percent of all new passenger car registrations were electric, surpassing the previous record from January of the same year, when electric vehicles accounted for 92 percent of new registrations. In August, a total of 11,114 new cars were registered, of which 10,480 were electric, marking a 13 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to OFV.

In the past 20 years, over one million gasoline cars have disappeared from Norway’s vehicle fleet, mostly in favor of electric vehicles, and a similar trend is expected for diesel cars. Since 2017, diesel car numbers have dropped by over 280,000. Although this process will be slower due to the large number of registered diesel cars, Norway has already laid the groundwork for the dominance of electric vehicles on its roads.

Energy portal

Are Artificial Rivers the Future of Water Resource Management?

Photo-illustration: Freepik (Freepik)

Water bodies cover about 70 percent of Earth’s surface, but how much do we truly value this precious resource? It is often said that what is abundant is taken for granted. The astonishing fact that water ecosystems make up such a large percentage of our planet can lead to a misconception – that we don’t need to worry about their survival. Somewhere along the way, the understanding was lost that of this total amount, over 95 percent of the water is in seas and oceans, while only a small percentage is freshwater sources like rivers and lakes. We should recall lessons from school – the first civilizations arose near rivers, which provided drinking water and fertile land.

The construction of dams, climate change, pollution, urbanization, and other human-driven factors have threatened the health of these ecosystems. Alarms have already been sounded, and in our country, they should echo even louder because it seems we are not hearing them. The jewels of our drinking water, the remaining healthy sources, are mostly fragile rivers. By this, I mean that the sources of drinking water are not giant rivers but small streams, which are under threat from human activity.

The New Delta Project

Photo-illustration: Freepik (Freepik)

The Nile River, the longest river in the world, stretches through several African countries and is especially significant for Egypt, where it was home to one of the oldest civilizations. The longest natural river flows through this country, and now Egypt is building the longest artificial river created by man.

The New Delta Project is Egypt’s response to a major challenge – water. This artificial river will be 114 kilometers long and located in the northwestern part of the country. The project’s value is approximately 5.25 billion dollars and is part of a broader plan to expand agricultural land and improve water management. Specifically, the construction of this artificial river has several key objectives.

Most of Egypt’s territory is covered by deserts, which limits irrigation systems and agriculture. With the river’s construction, water will be delivered to areas that previously had no sources for this resource. In this way, new areas of agricultural land will be created. As noted, the project will enable irrigation for 2.2 million hectares of new agricultural land and create thousands of jobs. This will also reduce dependence on food imports, such as wheat.

Speaking of improved water management, this river will use recycled water from agricultural wastewater, and groundwater will also be used more efficiently. This is particularly important when considering climate change and more frequent drought periods. The artificial river is significant for climate change adaptation as a reliable source of water.

It must be acknowledged that this endeavor is indeed bold and deserves attention and consideration from other regions worldwide. Although we may not have always appreciated this valuable natural resource, it is not too late for humanity to create something positive for preserving nature and its future. Perhaps such innovative projects will inspire global efforts toward sustainable water resource management.

Katarina Vuinac

Electric cars expected to reach up to 24 percent market share as carmakers grow EV sales to meet EU targets – T&E analysis

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Andrew Roberts)

Car manufacturers have clear pathways to meet their EU climate targets next year due to the expected rapid growth in electric car sales, new analysis shows. Electric cars (BEV) should reach between 20-24 percent market share in 2025, according to Transport & Environment (T&E) modelling based on sales in the first half of this year and sales forecasts.

Some manufacturers are calling on the EU to trigger a special crisis clause to delay their CO2 targets by two years, citing fears over sluggish EV sales. But T&E’s central scenario forecasts BEVs will contribute 60 percent, on average, of the CO2 reduction that carmakers still need to achieve for the EU emissions targets next year. This will be partly driven by seven new fully electric models under €25,000 which have arrived or are coming on the market in 2024 and 2025.

Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Lucien Mathieu, cars director at T&E, said: “2025 will be a great year for Europeans in the market for an electric car. BEVs should be almost a quarter of new cars sold thanks to a glut of new, more affordable models. But manufacturers’ reliance on hybrids, which are reaching the limits of their CO2 saving potential, is a short sighted strategy for the climate and competing with Chinese BEVs.”

While BEVs would make the greatest contribution, Stellantis and Volkswagen Group are also expected to rely on hybrids (HEVs) for 33 percent and 30 percent respectively of the CO2 reduction they still need to achieve the EU targets. That is according to the central scenario in T&E’s modelling, which is based on sales forecasts informed by market research company GlobalData. Hybrid sales should also close significant parts of the emissions gap for Mercedes-Benz (17 percent) and Renault (15 percent), it shows.

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On top of its fully electric models, BMW is expected to depend on plug-in hybrids to achieve 18 percent of the emissions cut it needs to meet the EU 2025 target, the central scenario shows. If manufacturers rely more heavily on selling hybrids to comply, overall BEV market share would be 20 percent next year, according to T&E’s high HEV scenario, compared to 24 percent in the central scenario. In all scenarios, Volvo Cars is already compliant thanks to high BEV sales.

If carmakers still struggle, they can ‘pool’ with other manufacturers to further cut their average emissions, according to the analysis. If VW pools with Tesla, only 17 percent of its sales would need to be BEVs in 2025 (instead of 22 percent). If Ford pools with Volvo, as it did in 2021, BEVs would need to account for just 9 percent of its sales instead of 21 percent.

In July, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the bloc’s zero-emissions cars target will go ahead in 2035. Last week the German government rejected the car industry’s call to weaken the 2025 target. T&E is calling on EU and national lawmakers to do more to support EV demand with policies such as corporate fleet targets, charging masterplans and social leasing schemes.

Lucien Mathieu said: “We welcome that President von der Leyen and the German government have put an end to uncertainty over the car CO2 targets. Now it’s time for the EU to support electric car uptake by setting electrification targets for corporate fleets. Governments need to build a stable regulatory environment for EVs with national charging goals and targeted support for buyers.”

Source: Transport & Environment (T&E)

Dublin Introduces a Ban on Disposing of Waste in Plastic Bags

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Gregory Dalleau)

Dublin is facing an increasing problem of waste on city streets caused by animals, such as seagulls, tearing open plastic garbage bags.

Areas in the Irish capital where waste collection in bags has been allowed so far include around 1,000 streets. Buildings in these streets were previously exempt from the requirement to use bins and were allowed to dispose of their waste in plastic bags, leaving them outside their premises.

In response, city authorities have decided to implement measures to improve the city’s cleanliness, one of which is the ban on the use of plastic bags in 90 streets of the Central Commercial District.

The ordinance preventing commercial premises from leaving their waste in plastic bags partially came into effect on September 16 of this year, with full compliance expected by January 1, 2025.

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Dublin is not the ‘old dirty city,’ but for too long, commercial premises have been allowed to expose their waste in plastic bags,” said Mayor James Geoghegan, adding that waste collection companies will provide more flexible solutions for restaurants and stores, which will no longer be allowed to place waste bags on the street. This will enable households and businesses in the Central Commercial District to hand over their waste seven days a week from 5 PM to 10 AM the following day.

City authorities also plan to carry out a waste awareness campaign to bring about a cultural and public behavioral change. As part of the broader campaign, they will explore all possibilities for preventing littering. One way to achieve this goal is to reduce the use of plastic bags for waste disposal, and plans are in place to examine the effectiveness of shared waste storage areas in residential complexes, according to the city’s statement.

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More Employees in City Cleanliness

An additional measure for a cleaner city is hiring another 100 operatives in cleaning and waste collection services.

These reinforcements will increase staff numbers in each of the three teams working in the center, which will allow a total of 150 employees to cover shifts from 6 AM to 9 PM, all seven days of the week. Once the new staff is fully trained and familiar with service requirements, waste collection in the city center will be available 24 hours a day.

In addition to increasing human resources, the city is investing 8.5 million euros in upgrading and improving the fleet for waste management. The new vehicles will include 30 electric side loaders, and the city will also purchase specialized machines for cleaning bike lanes. All these measures represent an important step in improving the cleaning and maintenance services of the city, according to the city administration.

Milena Maglovski