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Drop in Rare Earth Imports to the EU – A Shift in Supply Strategy?

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (matthew-de-livera)

In 2024, the European Union imported 12,900 tonnes of rare earth elements, marking a 29.3 percent decrease compared to the previous year. At the same time, exports remained relatively stable at 5,500 tonnes, down just 0.8 percent. These figures from Eurostat suggest a gradual restructuring of a market known for its high supply risk.

Despite their name, rare earth elements—named after their oxides—are not truly rare in the Earth’s crust. However, economically viable concentrations occur in only a few regions. Through the new Critical Raw Materials Act, the EU aims to diversify imports, boost domestic processing and recycling, and secure a stable supply chain to support the green and digital transition.

Rare earth elements are essential to modern technologies. They are used in green energy, particularly in wind turbines, batteries, and magnets for electric vehicles; in smart devices such as screens, speakers, and vibration motors in phones and laptops; in medicine for MRI contrast agents, laser scalpels, and certain cancer treatments; and in aerospace and defense technologies.

However, securing a supply of these metals poses significant challenges. More than 60 percent of global mining and over 80 percent of processing takes place in China, creating a high geopolitical risk.

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According to Eurostat data, China remained the EU’s largest supplier in 2024, delivering 6,000 tonnes or 46.3 percent of total imports. Still, its market share is gradually declining as the EU ramps up diversification efforts. Russia ranked second with 3,700 tonnes (28.4 percent), followed by Malaysia with 2,600 tonnes (19.9 percent). The drop in China’s share aligns with the goals of the Critical Raw Materials Act, which came into force on May 23, 2024. The Act sets targets for 2030: at least 10 percent of demand to be met by domestic extraction, 40 percent by EU-based processing, and 25 percent through recycling.

This group includes 17 metals crucial to high-tech applications—from magnets in electric vehicles and wind turbines to laser scalpels and satellite navigation systems.

Exports Remain Stable

The minimal drop in exports (‑0.8 percent) indicates that Europe’s processing capacities still find buyers on the global market. However, a large share of exports consists of semi-processed or lower-purity forms of the metals, underscoring the need to develop advanced separation and refining facilities within the EU.

One of the solutions the EU is pursuing involves memorandums of understanding with Canada, Australia, and Western Balkan countries to secure stable raw material supply chains.

Energy portal

Coal Use at Its Lowest in the Past 20 Years

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Dominik Vanyi)

Electricity production from coal reached its lowest level in the past two decades last year, totaling 44 gigawatts (GW), marking a strong signal for the continued decline in the use of the most harmful fossil fuel, according to the annual report by Global Energy Monitor.

The report, titled “Boom and Bust Coal”, tracks nearly every coal-fired power plant and the plans for their construction across the globe.

Data shows that the number of coal plants worldwide increased by less than one percent in 2024, with a net growth of 18.8 GW, as 25.2 GW of capacity was retired.

Only eight countries proposed new coal power plants in 2024, compared to twelve in 2023. Among the 38 developed member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the number of proposals for new coal plants dropped from 142 in 2015 to just five today.

New coal plant proposals have declined significantly in Southeast Asia, with Indonesia being the only country in the region to propose new ones.

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Latin America is nearing a complete halt in proposing new coal-fired power plants – only Brazil and Honduras put forward projects that have remained stagnant for years. Panama pledged in 2024 to completely eliminate coal from its energy mix by 2026.

On the other hand, China recorded a record number of coal plant construction starts, continuing the wave of permit issuances from the 2022–2023 period.

India set a record for the number of new coal plant proposals in 2024, following renewed government support for coal despite years of slowdown.

In EU countries, the amount of retired coal capacity quadrupled compared to 2023 – from 2.7 GW to 11 GW – with Germany leading the way by shutting down 6.7 GW.

Elsewhere in Europe, the United Kingdom closed its last coal-fired power plant, becoming the sixth country to completely phase out coal from electricity production since the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015.

Jasna Dragojević

In the Rock, Odor-Free and with Style – The Story of Henriksdal

Foto: OpenAI

If you thought Stockholm’s most exciting attractions were the old town, museums, and IKEA, I hate to disappoint (or maybe delight) you – the real marvel lies underground, in the form of one of the world’s most spectacular wastewater treatment facilities.

When the city began expanding rapidly in the second half of the 19th century, the quality of Lake Mälaren – Stockholm’s main water source – was seriously compromised. It didn’t take long for the residents to realize they needed a serious wastewater solution to protect public health, and that’s when Henriksdal stepped onto the scene.

This engineering masterpiece was built back in the 1930s, carved directly into solid rock. But Henriksdal’s true marvel isn’t just that it’s underground – it’s how it was designed. Instead of sprawling across Stockholm’s precious surface area, the clever Swedes thought: “Why don’t we build it vertically… but downward?” And so, the facility was spread over multiple levels inside the rock – like an underground layer cake for treating wastewater.

And you know what else is brilliant? Because the basins were quite literally blasted from the rock (yes, they used explosives), they could make them much deeper than if they had been built above ground. And the best part? Instead of expensive concrete walls – they used the bare rock itself! Nature as a building material. Environmentally friendly and surprisingly cost-effective – it turned out that digging through solid rock was actually cheaper than building on the surface.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Adam Gavlak)

To make it even more interesting – the plant is so discreet that you could literally live above it and have no idea what’s happening beneath your feet. There are no unpleasant smells, everything is enclosed, quiet, and clean. In fact, back in the 1960s, they built the entire Henriksdalsringen residential neighborhood right on top of the facility.

As Stockholm continued to grow, so did Henriksdal. Its capacity doubled, the basins grew deeper, and by the 1990s, they decided to deepen the reservoirs even further – from five to twelve meters.

Today, Henriksdal, together with the neighboring Sickla facility, serves a staggering 800,000 people. And that’s not all – a massive expansion is currently underway under the “Stockholm Future Wastewater Treatment” project (or as I like to call it – Mission: Cleanpossible). The plan is to upgrade everything to serve up to 1.6 million people and to phase out older facilities, like the one in Bromma.

To make this happen, new underground tunnels are being built – real sewer highways. The most impressive is the Bromma tunnel – a 14-kilometer-long marvel, blasted beneath the city, under the lake, and through bedrock, all the way to the Sickla facility. What’s especially important is that these tunnels are designed to last at least 100 years.

In the end, I have to admit – this isn’t just an engineering feat. It’s a shining example of human ingenuity that enables the most efficient, quiet, and clean wastewater treatment possible.

So, next time you’re in Stockholm, strolling through the Henriksdalsringen neighborhood, remember – there’s an entire world beneath your feet, working tirelessly, day and night, to make sure everything that goes down the drain is treated in the best possible way.

And that, my friends, is what I call the magic of urban life.

Milena Maglovski

First DC Chargers in Cities Across Serbia

Photo: Charge&GO

Drivers in Serbia often face dilemmas when it comes to choosing electric vehicles. This ambiguity usually stems from the perception that adequate infrastructure is lacking, leading many to conclude that electric cars still pose too much risk despite their considerable benefits. It is also common for electric vehicle users who are in transit or visiting the country for business purposes to doubt the availability and efficiency of the domestic charging network.

The readiness of our charging infrastructure depends on many stakeholders, including companies that provide specific services in developing the charging network. Their initiative and operation can significantly influence perceptions about the risks and practicality of electric vehicles.

One of the key players in the development of infrastructure is the company Charge&GO, which is starting this year with a lot of good news and important plans.

DC Chargers – from Kikinda to Prokuplje

Charge&GO recently launched two new chargers and then announced the installation of DC chargers in several cities across Serbia that previously did not have such equipment.

Talking about two new and active DC chargers, Charge&GO has installed one charger in the northern part of the country and the other in the south. An ultra-fast DC charger with a power of 150 kW with two CCS connectors was installed at the Super Vero parking lot in Novi Sad. The second installed charger, with a power of 60 kW with CCS connectors, is located within the Penta Park in Prokuplje and is the first DC charger in this city.

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Photo: Charge&GO

As for the plans for other cities, the company intends to install one DC charger in the following locations before the summer, i.e., during the first half of the year: Kragujevac, Loznica, Užice, Kraljevo, Jagodina, Kikinda, and Belgrade—on the Zrenjanin-Belgrade road. Up to two DC chargers are planned to be installed in some locations in the coming months, with one of the guaranteed locations being Zrenjanin.

It is very important to highlight that Kikinda, Loznica, Užice, and Jagodina are getting their first DC charger within the network, which will significantly contribute to the further development of infrastructure in the North Banat, Mačva, Zlatibor, and Pomoravlje District. Unlike Belgrade, which already has a solid number of chargers and developed supporting infrastructure, e-mobility has yet to become a part of everyday life in other cities. That is why every location is equally important in connecting all parts of Serbia, ensuring more equal access to modern traffic solutions.

When considering the charging process for electric cars, the key factor for most users is the speed at which the vehicle’s battery can be charged. Much like water through a garden hose requiring higher pressure for faster flow – a higher voltage allows the car to charge faster. Essentially, the efficiency of a charging station depends on its ability to quickly and efficiently transfer electricity to the vehicle’s battery. Therefore, the chargers that Charge&GO will install in the next series will provide users with fast and efficient service in the eight mentioned cities of Serbia, as they are DC chargers. We should not forget the fact that the amount of power the vehicle will draw depends on the battery in the vehicle. That is, the battery has control over the charging process itself.

Prepared by Milica Vučković

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

The United Kingdom Takes a Step Toward Its Energy Future with a £20 Million Investment in Fusion Energy

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (ben-wicks)

The United Kingdom has taken a step toward its energy future by investing £20 million in the development of fusion energy – a technology that promises an almost unlimited source of clean and safe energy. This investment comes through the launch of the Starmaker One fund, the UK’s first private investment fund dedicated to fusion, with one of its key investors being the government itself. On April 3, the government announced this £20 million contribution, effectively opening the door for further investments.

What is fusion, really?

Fusion is the process by which the Sun and stars produce energy – by fusing light atoms (like hydrogen) into heavier ones (like helium), releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process. Unlike fission (nuclear) power plants that split atoms, fusion produces no long-lived radioactive waste and carries no risk of catastrophic accidents. Though it has been under research for decades, commercial use of fusion has not yet been achieved – but many believe the world is getting close.

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A Fund That Opens the Door to Private Investment

The Starmaker One fund is structured as a limited partnership and will be managed by an investment arm of the London-based firm East X. The goal is to raise between £100 million and £150 million to invest in fusion-related technologies – including automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, magnets, healthcare, transport, and energy storage.

What makes this fund unique is that it is the first venture capital fund dedicated to fusion outside of the United States, and the first to directly involve a national government as an investor. The initial investment, drawn from the UK’s 2024/2025 research and development budget, is expected to spur additional investment from the private sector, according to the UK government’s website.

The government notes that British fusion companies often face difficulties accessing capital, which hinders their ability to scale and move from research to commercialization. Through this fund, financing will be made available to small companies, training will be offered in physics, engineering, and chemistry, and new technologies with broader applications will be developed.

Energy Portal

Grid Congestion as an Obstacle to the Energy Transition – How to Overcome the Challenges

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Thomas)

The growing demand for electricity, electrification, and the accelerated shift to renewable energy sources worldwide require a more flexible system. Power grids play a crucial role in connecting new energy sources and consumers, transmitting electricity, and balancing supply and demand. However, grid congestion significantly slows down the energy transition.

The Netherlands serves as an example of a country where grid congestion has become a major issue. The International Energy Agency (IEA) presented a detailed analysis of the challenges this country is facing in its report, as well as ways in which grid congestion can be addressed globally. Namely, the Netherlands is experiencing serious grid congestion after increasing its solar energy capacity fivefold between 2018 and 2023, while grid expansion failed to keep up with this trend. By early 2025, around 10,000 large users and 7,500 projects were waiting to be connected to the grid. This situation has slowed down important initiatives and increased costs for consumers.

Similar situations have been recorded in other countries, such as Germany, where the costs of managing grid congestion more than tripled between 2020 and 2022.

Addressing grid congestion is a priority for the Dutch government, which introduced a National Action Program in December 2022. The program focuses on faster grid expansion, better use of existing capacity through smart solutions, and increasing transparency.

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How to Solve Grid Congestion

In its report, the IEA emphasizes the importance of a proactive approach to solving grid congestion, highlighting several key strategies to use existing grid capacity more efficiently.

One of the recommendations is to plan grid expansion in advance, which implies investing in infrastructure aligned with energy policies, as well as legal changes that encourage investments in the grid. Another important step is increasing transparency in grid capacity, which helps identify bottlenecks and ensures timely access for new users. This information can also support the placement of infrastructure such as electric vehicle chargers in locations where solar energy is already present, thereby reducing the need for additional electricity transmission.

The report also mentions technologies such as replacing old wires on existing lines, increasing voltage in the network, and monitoring current flow through lines, which enables better electricity transmission without the need to build new lines. Utilizing the flexibility of distributed energy resources—such as solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles—is also essential for reducing the load on the grid.

Legal and regulatory frameworks play a crucial role in this strategy. In the Netherlands, for instance, the regulator ACM encourages the system operator to use the existing grid more efficiently. In other countries, such as Lithuania, hybrid energy facilities have been introduced, combining different renewable energy sources (RES), which enables more effective utilization. For example, when one energy source is not available, another can take over.

The IEA concludes that solving this issue requires a proactive approach that includes technologies, investments, transparency, and innovative regulatory practices to ensure that grids are ready to support the energy transition.

Energy portal

BiH on the Path to a Circular Economy

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Orlando)

By implementing the circular model, society gains numerous benefits, fosters innovation, creates new jobs, and establishes longterm economic stability. Additionally, the circular economy promotes responsible consumption behavior, increasing awareness about preserving natural resources and reducing pollution. Business operations in developed countries have long been aligned with the circular economy principles. We talked with Professor Dušica Pešević, PhD, whose work focuses on environmental protection, and who is the author of the first scientific monograph in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on the topic of circular economy and its significance for environmental protection and where Bosnia and Herzegovina stand on this path.

Q: How much is the circular economy as a topic represented in BiH?

Photo: courtesy of Dušica Pešević

A: The idea of the circular economy is still new and underdeveloped in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In recent years, the circular economy has been increasingly recognized as a concept and practice, but still to a limited extent. The economy in BiH is primarily based on a model of linear, extractive economy, the depletion of natural resources, an additional increase in waste production, and leaving a high carbon footprint in the country, all of which negatively affect the environment and the health of citizens, as well as the community as a whole. By adopting the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans in 2020, the countries of the Western Balkans accepted the European Green Deal (or its key elements), where they committed to implementing and respecting measures in five areas, one of which is the circular economy. The first priority of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans is “material value preserved as much as possible, and waste generation minimized.”

Q: What is the potential for applying circular economy in BiH?

A: As a resource-intensive economy, BiH has the potential to achieve significant economic benefits by applying the circular economy model. Increasing resource productivity in the economy, with better utilization of raw materials extracted from domestic territory, is one of the conditions for the transition to a circular economy. Resources should be kept in the economy for as long as possible, maximizing their value and minimizing waste. This includes good product design, efficient use of materials and energy, long product life cycle, well-designed circular industrial plants, new business models, and effective recycling to obtain high-quality secondary raw materials when a product finally becomes waste.

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Q: How would you assess the representation of the circular economy in BiH now and in the region?

A: BiH has not yet adopted the Roadmap for Circular Economy as a necessary framework for a fast transition to a circular economy, while neighboring countries accepted this document years ago as a guideline for transitioning to the circular economy model, which, alongside profit, focuses on environmental protection and resource conservation. This initial document will start a dialogue between decision-makers, industry representatives, the academic sector, and civil society, with the goal of defining future transitional steps and timelines using digital tools. Only recently has this concept appeared in BiH’s strategies and plans, mainly in the field of environmental protection. In recent years, BiH has reformed its waste management legislation as part of efforts to transpose the European Union’s legal framework. New terms such as product reuse, green islands, extended producer responsibility, recycling yard, and waste management center have been integrated into waste management laws. Specific duties, responsibilities, and obligations regarding industrial product manufacturers and waste carriers have been defined.

Photo: courtesy of Dušica Pešević

Manufacturers of industrial products are required to use technology and develop production to ensure the rational use of natural resources, encourage the reuse and recycling of products, and promote the environmentally sustainable management of natural resources. All these changes are in line with the principles of the circular economy. However, it cannot be claimed that all these legal provisions are consistently implemented in practice. State and entity authorities are required to transpose annexes and new articles of related EU directives into local laws and policies. The representation of the circular economy in the region has reached its highest level in Slovenia. As early as 2016, Slovenia began its strategic and systemic circular transformation immediately after the publication of the Circular Economy Package, which the European Commission adopted in 2015. The Roadmap for Circular Economy in Slovenia set the path to becoming the leader of the circular economy in the region. One of the first and most necessary steps was the establishment of recycling centers and a separate waste collection system, which in just a few years helped reduce the amount of landfill waste, bringing Slovenia to the European top in recycling rates. Since 2018, this country has had a mandatory green public procurement system. Compliance with environmental protection aspects in public procurement procedures is compulsory for electricity, food, textile products, office paper, televisions, refrigerators, and building construction, roads, lighting, tires, traffic signs, etc. Large export-oriented companies were the first to recognize the benefits of the circular economy in Slovenia.

Interview by Jasna Dragojević

The inteview was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Under Pressure from the Automotive Industry – EU Revises 2025 Electrification Targets

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (sophie-jonas)

The European Union, under one of its transport sector regulations, had set a binding target to reduce average CO₂ emissions from new cars by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 2021 levels. However, the same regulation also included a specific interim target for 2025, aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. This 2025 target has recently been revised in light of mounting pressure from the automotive industry.

Weakened 2025 Targets

In early March 2025, the European Commission announced a decision to relax the emission reduction targets for 2025 concerning new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. The new approach introduces a more flexible emissions monitoring mechanism. Rather than requiring manufacturers to strictly meet the 2025 target within that calendar year, they are now allowed to achieve the goal based on a three-year average of emissions—covering the period of 2025, 2026, and 2027. This means that if a manufacturer fails to meet the prescribed limits in 2025, it will have two more years to make up for the shortfall, provided that the average emissions across the three years remain within the limits originally set for 2025.

This decision, part of the broader Automotive Industry Action Plan, follows intense lobbying from car manufacturers who have warned of the challenges in meeting stringent environmental standards, particularly in light of the recent slowdown in electric vehicle sales. The situation has also led to factory closures and job losses among traditional car and parts manufacturers across Europe.

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Nevertheless, the long-term goals for 2030 and 2035 remain unchanged, including the plan to reach zero-emission new vehicles by 2035. The short-term relaxation has sparked mixed reactions. While some believe that the additional time will give the industry space to adapt and invest in emission-reduction technologies—rather than paying penalties—others warn it could delay the shift to electric mobility.

The organization E-Mobility Europe has voiced concerns that the revised targets may weaken demand for electric vehicles, reduce investment predictability, and undermine the competitiveness of manufacturers who have already committed to decarbonization.

The decision is seen as the result of several converging factors, with one of the most significant being pressure from carmakers—particularly those that have not yet made substantial investments in electric mobility. Other contributing factors include inflation, rising energy costs, and geopolitical instability, all of which have prompted lawmakers to take a more cautious approach. Also critical are the disparities in infrastructure development and purchasing power among EU member states, which led to the conclusion that uniform application of targets across the European market may not be fair or feasible.

The question remains whether similar challenges will arise with each upcoming milestone.

Milica Vučković

Naled Advocates For More Efficient Municipal Waste Management in 2025

Photo-illustration: Pixabay

S erbia has planned 26 regional landfills to serve as storage centers for municipal waste, but currently, only ten are in operation. The biggest issue is the disposal of municipal waste in locations that lack proper infrastructure and are not designated for this purpose. If municipal waste is stored in unsanitary and uncontrolled landfills, it can further contaminate groundwater and surrounding water sources.

Photo: Courtesy of Slobodan Krstović

The good news is that, as part of the Ministry of Environmental Protection’s activities, work is underway on the construction of six new regional landfills, which could somewhat improve the situation. Waste that ends up in nature, unsanitary landfills, or illegal dumpsites poses a serious risk to human life and health. Due to the lack of primary waste separation, various other waste components are often found in municipal waste, including metals, construction debris, and medical and pharmaceutical waste.

This is why it is crucial to work on developing a primary waste separation system, which involves collecting and sorting waste at the source. Serbia is aligned with EU regulations regarding municipal waste management laws, but the problem lies in their implementation.

The situation on the ground does not match what is prescribed by law. The main issues are insufficient infrastructure and a lack of public awareness. Additionally, local governments often lack the capacity to implement their responsibilities effectively with the resources and funding available. This is why pilot projects and EU funds can serve as a significant boost, especially for smaller municipalities. 

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A successful example is the cross-border cooperation project BEST Cooperation in Waste Management – Towards a Sustainable Environment, funded by the European Union and implemented by NALED in collaboration with the Center for Ecotoxicological Research. Participants in the project included the City of Novi Pazar and the Municipality of Tutin in Serbia, as well as the municipalities of Mojkovac, Bijelo Polje, and Kolašin in Montenegro.

Photo: NALED

These municipalities have gained tangible benefits, including guidelines and infrastructure improvements that enable them to manage municipal waste more effectively. Novi Pazar received 1,500 waste bins and a waste collection vehicle, while Mojkovac received 500 bins and a waste baling press. Field results indicate that residents in these areas are developing greater environmental awareness and taking better care of their surroundings. Some former problematic landfills have now become examples of good waste management. Additionally, certain waste management centers operate according to the highest standards, using the best available technologies. For instance, the Vinča landfill has significantly improved municipal waste collection in Belgrade, and the next step should be utilizing municipal waste as an energy source.

Another critical measure is the improvement of the deposit return system for collecting packaging waste, which NALED has been advocating for years. There are announcements that this system will be implemented by 2027. Initially, the deposit system will focus on plastic bottles and aluminum cans. This is a return system, meaning that once products are consumed, the packaging will no longer end up in municipal landfills but will be returned to the production cycle.

NALED is also promoting the use of new digital solutions, including applications that will enable a modern packaging waste management system in Serbia.

The European Union co-financed this project under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA II) through the Serbia-Montenegro Cross-Border Cooperation Program 2014- 2020. The funding agreement with the European Union was signed with the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Serbia—Sector for Contracting and Financing Programs from EU Funds.

Slobodan Krstović

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Controversial Biofuels: Deception Over Palm Waste Threatens Green Goals

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Kayla Phaneuf)

European biofuel policies have led to serious environmental issues, including global deforestation. Biofuels are produced by processing biomass – organic materials such as plants, agricultural residues, or waste.

However, due to negative consequences, the European Union has shifted its focus toward more sustainable solutions – waste-based biofuels, such as used cooking oil, animal fats, and residues from palm oil production.

New Strategy, Familiar Problems

The new strategy has once again encountered significant problems. There has been a sharp increase in imports of palm oil production residues – waste liquids generated during the processing of palm fruit.

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According to the latest report by Transport & Environment (T&E), the amount of such residues reported in the EU significantly exceeds what could possibly be produced. This discrepancy raises concerns about possible fraud in the supply chain – specifically, that regular palm oil products are being falsely declared as waste in order to circumvent bans and strict environmental regulations.

If these suspicions are confirmed, it would mean that under the guise of green and sustainable solutions, the palm oil industry is still being supported – an industry well known for its destructive impact on tropical forests and biodiversity. In other words, forests are being cleared to produce biofuels meant to reduce CO₂ emissions, while at the same time destroying the very forests that absorb CO₂.

Energy portal

Croatia Adopts Key Laws to Modernize the Energy Sector

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

The Croatian Parliament has held a significant session during which key legislative acts were adopted, marking an important step forward in the modernization of the energy sector, consumer protection, and the strengthening of the country’s energy independence. These include the Act on Amendments to the Thermal Energy Market Act, as well as two laws approving state guarantee agreements for the financing of the Korlat Solar Power Plant.

Thermal Energy Market Reform: Clearer and Fairer Rules for Consumers

The amendments to the Thermal Energy Market Act enable consumers to pay for heating based on actual consumption, bringing greater transparency and fairness. Residents of multi-apartment buildings now receive protections similar to those enjoyed by gas system users, while the abolition of the mandatory installation of heat cost allocators opens the door to simpler and more accessible solutions.

Additionally, the amendments strengthen the role of local communities in developing efficient heating systems, particularly in areas with potential for renewable energy use, such as geothermal energy. The law is aligned with European regulations that promote energy efficiency and sustainable development.

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State Guarantees for the Korlat Solar Power Plant

Regarding the construction of the Korlat Solar Power Plant near Benkovac, with an installed capacity of 99 megawatts, the Parliament passed two laws confirming agreements on state guarantees. The first law approves the Payment Guarantee Agreement between the Republic of Croatia and the European Investment Bank (EIB), while the second confirms the Guarantee Agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The Korlat project, with a total value of 62 million euros, is financed through two credit lines: 30.38 million euros via the EIB and 31.62 million euros via the EBRD. Both agreements include state guarantees covering 80 percent of the obligations, and the project does not require additional funds from the state budget, according to the Croatian Ministry of Economy.

Energy portal

Eco-Houses of the Future – Transforming a Wind Turbine into a Home

Throughout history, humans have built their shelters and homes in ingenious ways, using various materials – from mud and straw, to stone and wood, to brick and glass. The modern era has brought new housing possibilities, with adventurous individuals increasingly choosing trailers and campers, while modern container and prefabricated homes have become more appealing.

Each era brings innovations, but also challenges. Today, as the world increasingly turns toward renewable energy sources to protect the planet and build a more sustainable future, the question arises – what should we do with solar panels and wind turbines once they reach the end of their service life? As I have previously written, wind turbine waste is not yet a serious problem, but the first commercial wind farms are rapidly approaching the end of their operational life. This means that in the coming years, the volume of such waste will grow significantly.

At first glance, it may seem like I’ve switched topics, but these subjects are actually connected.

It is precisely from this challenge that innovative solutions are emerging. Instead of ending up in landfills or undergoing energy-intensive recycling processes, parts of wind turbine structures can be repurposed in entirely new ways. An interesting example comes from the Netherlands, where energy company Vattenfall and design studio Superuse transformed a nacelle – the upper part of a wind turbine – into a small eco-house called Nestle.

This house, as a pilot project, was built from the nacelle of a V80 2MW wind turbine from 2005, and the concept was presented to the public during Dutch Design Week 2024. Over its lifetime, this turbine produced 73 GWh of electricity, which was enough to power about 30,000 households for one year. Today, its purpose is different. While the exterior retains the recognizable look of a wind turbine, the interior is fully adapted to modern living conditions. In addition to a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, the house is equipped with smart technologies such as solar panels, heat pumps, and a solar water heater. It measures four meters in width, ten meters in length, and three meters in height. Although small, the Nestle house meets all building standards and functionality.

The potential of such homes is even greater, considering that this wind turbine dates from 2005, and that newer turbines have even larger dimensions, which could allow for the construction of more spacious rooms.

The Nestle house is currently just a pilot project, but it opens the door to new possibilities in reusing materials from renewable energy sources after their service life ends. As wind turbines become larger and more numerous, such solutions could become not only environmentally sustainable but also a cost-effective alternative to traditional construction. In the future, we might witness entire neighborhoods created from former wind turbines – homes where innovation and sustainability merge into a new standard of living.

Katarina Vuinac

EC Proposes Flexibility in Emission Reduction Targets for Car Manufacturers in the EU

Photo-illustration: Freepik (vwalakte)

In order to provide additional flexibility to manufacturers of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in meeting emission reduction targets, the European Commission has proposed an amendment to the Regulation that sets CO2 emission standards for these vehicles. This proposal was published as part of the Action Plan for the European Union’s Automotive Industry, adopted on March 5, 2025. As stated, the proposal followed the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Automotive Industry, launched by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on January 30 this year.

The proposed changes modify the way manufacturers’ performance is assessed. The proposed flexibility allows vehicle manufacturers to evaluate compliance with CO2 emission targets for 2025, 2026, and 2027 based on average emissions over a three-year period, instead of assessing compliance annually. This way, manufacturers can offset higher emissions in one year by reducing them in others.

The Commission is calling on lawmakers to reach an agreement on this amendment without delay in order to ensure predictability and certainty for car manufacturers and investors.

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The document emphasizes that this step is a response to concerns raised by the automotive industry in the European Union, which is facing significant challenges in the transition toward zero-emission vehicles. Specifically, the regulations set ambitious emission reduction targets, as the European Union aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

The proposed flexibility has raised concerns among certain experts, who believe it may slow down progress toward the targets. However, the European Commission stresses that the targets themselves remain unchanged—only the method for monitoring progress is being adjusted. By maintaining the level of ambition in emission reductions, the Commission is providing manufacturers with additional time and space to adapt to the new rules while also ensuring stability and predictability for investors. Through the introduction of a three-year compliance period, the industry is given a chance to avoid penalties for short-term deviations from targets while still meeting the long-term goals of the EU’s climate strategy.

Katarina Vuinac

Užice Leads the Way in Energy Efficiency

Photo-illustration: Pexels (Miljan Raševi)

For many local governments in Serbia, air pollution is one of the biggest challenges, requiring significant investments and active participation from all sectors of society. However, Užice proves that progress in environmental protection and energy efficiency is possible. This city has been at the forefront of implementing concrete measures for years, and the results are becoming increasingly visible.

To learn more about the projects carried out, the results achieved so far, and future plans, we spoke with Svetlana Drakul, Head of the Department for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development of the City of Užice.

Pioneering Steps Toward Sustainability

While most local governments in Serbia have only recently joined the Project of Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency for Citizens, implemented by the Ministry of Mining and Energy, Užice initiated energy renovation projects as early as 2015, using its own funds.

Photo: Wikipedia (Peđa Šupurović)

”We started co-financing energy renovation measures nine years ago, initially with four million dinars. Year by year, we increased that amount, and so far, we have implemented 3,566 contracts, investing over 317 million dinars”, Drakul stated.

The high level of citizen interest confirms the project’s success—in 2023 alone, 619 applications were submitted, 527 of which received renovation funding. In 2024, the number of applications was slightly lower, but out of 265 requests, 224 subsidies were approved.

”We usually start with smaller amounts, and when we see the level of interest, we increase the funds through contract annexes. This year, with the ministry’s support, we secured an additional 34 million dinars, allowing all citizens who meet the criteria to receive subsidies”, Drakul explained.

Beyond improving energy efficiency, this project has significantly boosted the local economy. More than 50 percent of the contractors involved in the work are from Užice, and the most in-demand renovation measures are window replacement and the installation of new boilers.

”The highest demand is for window replacement because it is a quick investment to implement, and many companies are capable of carrying out the work”, Drakul added.

IN FOCUS:

Cleaner Air Through Modern Boilers

For years, Užice has struggled with severe air pollution. However, replacing outdated boilers with modern solutions is already producing results. Over the past ten years, the city has replaced 1,590 gas-powered boilers and 141 pellet-fired boilers.

”Although gas is not a completely ecological energy source, its emissions are significantly lower compared to coal and improperly used wood”, Drakul explained.

The results speak for themselves—while in 2018, the average annual concentration of PM10 particles was 45.5 µg/m³, by 2023, it had decreased to 32.7 µg/m³. The data for 2024 is expected to show even further improvement. Additionally, the number of days exceeding pollution limits has significantly decreased, proving the effectiveness of the measures implemented.

Užice has no plans to stop here— the next goal is to encourage citizens to use renewable energy sources. The city has already awarded 10 subsidies for heat pumps, and 18 for solar panels, and interest in these technologies is expected to grow in the coming years.

However, there is a challenge—a shortage of contractors for thermal insulation projects.

”This is one of the most important measures because it provides the most significant energy savings. Unfortunately, we don’t have any registered contractors for it, which poses a serious problem. Major construction projects on Zlatibor are drawing labor away, while on the other hand, contractors complain that the administrative procedures are too complicated”, Drakul pointed out.

Prepared by Milena Maglovski

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

K2 Systems presents new façade systems

Photo: K2 Systems

K2 Systems, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of photovoltaic mounting systems, is expanding its portfolio of façade systems and presenting the new K2 PerfoRail M.

Photo: K2 Systems

This clever solution allows PV modules to be installed on concrete facades with existing thermal insulation without having to cut open the insulation material.

This is where the RDS-CA spacer screw from Reisser comes in, as it reliably fixes in the concrete, compensates for unevenness and is suitable for different insulation thicknesses. The connection is made via K2 PerfoRail M, which is already perforated accordingly so that the screw can be easily attached. The system is complemented by K2 InsertionRail, which allows the modules to be installed quickly and easily and gives the PV system an aesthetic appearance.

Flexible solutions for different façade materials

In practice, installers encounter a wide variety of façade materials, each of which presents them with a different challenge. With the WallPV systems, they now have solutions for many typical materials such as concrete, sandwich panels, corrugated and trapezoidal sheeting. Thanks to scalable modular components, large-scale PV systems for sustainable energy generation can be efficiently implemented on the facades of industrial and commercial buildings – both in new and in existing buildings.

K2 FacadeRail System for Concrete Facades

Photo: K2 Systems

The K2 FacadeRail system offers a flexible solution for concrete façades, especially those with external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS). Wall brackets are used here to mount the mounting rail. Many consoles available on the market are suitable for connection and thus make it possible to combine them with curtain-walled, rear-ventilated façade panels: The PV modules are mounted according to a similar principle to the panels and fit seamlessly into the façade. Silver or black InsertionsRails provide a shapely overall appearance and stiffen the system.

K2 CarrierRail System for Sandwich Panels

Building facades with sandwich panels offer great potential for vertical photovoltaic systems. The CarrierRail system is the solution for FischerTHERM Carriers® from Fischer Profil GmbH and MONTANATHERM sandwich panels from Montana Bausysteme AG. Thanks to thread-forming, self-sealing screws and the InsertionRail system for the modules, installation can be carried out at high speed. The rail is mounted with thin sheet metal screws approved by the building authorities, which seal directly and have already been tested in the roof area.

K2 MultiRail System for trapezoidal and corrugated iron facades

Photo: K2 Systems

Trapezoidal or corrugated iron is particularly common in trade or agriculture as façade cladding. The tried-and-tested MultiRail is  the right solution for these materials, as it provides installers with an efficient and easy-to-install wall mount at hand. For large scales in professional commercial construction, silver or black InsertionRails can be used to create a harmonious and appealing look. If a more flexible installation is required for smaller systems, installation with the FacadeClamp module clamp is recommended.

New online training on façade solutions

In the newly designed “Knowledge & Training” service area on the K2 Systems website, planners and installers have access to new training materials on façade systems. On the digital training platform, they will find in-depth basic knowledge on consulting, planning and installation with practical short videos in the “K2 Training” section. Available anytime and anywhere, interested parties can continue their education at the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. The training courses cover the basics as well as topics such as flat roofs, tiled roofs, trapezoidal sheet metal, sheet metal rebates, corrugated iron and corrugated fibre cement. New additions include content on K2 WallPV, but also on the K2 Base planning software, the K2 DocuApp and the K2 Buddy monitoring system.

Use “Knowledge & Training” free of charge and discover the new content on this link.

Source: K2 Systems

European Commission Launches Public Consultation on the New EU Bioeconomy Strategy

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Alfonso Navarro)

On March 31, 2025, the European Commission launched a public consultation on the upcoming European Union Bioeconomy Strategy, which is scheduled for adoption by the end of the year.

The bioeconomy is an economic model based on the use of renewable biological resources – such as plants, wood, microorganisms, animal waste, and biological waste from industry and households – to produce food, energy, materials, and products.

The Strategy aims to enable broader use of innovation in the field of bioeconomy, to bring such innovations to market more quickly, generate green jobs, and contribute to economic growth, as stated on the European Commission’s website.

More:

The proposed Strategy will be aligned with key EU policies, such as the Competitiveness Compass, the Green Deal Industrial Plan, the Life Sciences Strategy, the Ocean Pact, and the Biotechnology Act.

One of the key objectives of the new Strategy will be to create a favorable framework for the development of entrepreneurship in the bioeconomy – including startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and new business models based on renewable biological resources.

The public consultation is being conducted through the Have Your Say portal, and all interested parties have the opportunity to contribute their opinions and suggestions until June 23, 2025. In addition, stakeholders can participate in special thematic events, such as the EU Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference (April 10) and EU Green Week (June 3–5).

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