AQUAPONICS – A QUIET ECOLOGICAL REVOLUTION IN AGRICULTURE

15.06.2023

Not far from Sombor, the idyllic town of Vojvodina is the village of Stapar, where, on a plot of only six acres, Srđan and Vesna created a wonderful family of six with their love but also the hope that sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship can take root in Serbia. We spoke with Srđan Radin about their story, which was made official in 2015 with establishment of the “Vesna Radin” agricultural farm.

Wishing to produce healthy and tasty fruits and vegetables with long-lasting freshness and researching how to achieve this, they concluded that it is necessary to turn to more modern ecological production. It led them to aquaponics in 2014.

If the meaning of the term itself is not familiar to you, Srđan Radin readily gives a striking definition.

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Aquaponics is a quiet ecological revolution in producing healthy and fresh food. “Cultivating agricultural land emits large amounts of carbon dioxide, while the aquaponic system allows plants to be grown without using the land. Aquaponics does not require a large area for cultivation or land and offers the possibility of growing plants in urban areas, on the roofs of buildings, and even in restaurants within small, strictly controlled spaces. In this way, the need for longer transport routes is reduced, which also reduces harmful emissions from this source,” explains Srđan.

In this system, plants grow six times faster in small cultivation areas, and water consumption is 90 per cent less than in traditional agriculture. It is possible thanks to the system in which plants and fish are grown simultaneously.

“Water is pumped from the fish tank to the plant growing tank. In a circular cycle, water trickles over gravel, perlite, or hydroton balls, then passes past plant roots and drains back into the fish tank. The joint cooperation of fish and plants makes this system unique. Faster plant growth is possible due to the naturally established fertilizer in the water. Fish have the role of the fastest plant protein converter, which allows plants to extract nutrients from the water and at the same time to purify the water for the fish,” Srđan explains the whole process and adds that this fertilizer is made from cold-blooded fish that does not carry Escherichia coli or salmonella, unlike fertilizers originated from warm-blooded animals. In addition, thanks to the circulation of water that does not require changing, this resource is significantly saved.

With this method of agriculture, 50 kilograms of fish and hundreds of kilograms of vegetables can be produced in six months in a space whose dimensions are only eight by four meters.

Prepared by: Katarina Vuinac

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY

CO2 emissions from EU territorial energy use: -2.8 percent

14.06.2023

emissions_gases_emisije_gasovi — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

According to Eurostat estimates, in 2022, the EU carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel combustion (oil and oil products, natural gas, coal and peat) for energy use in the EU territory reached almost 2.4 Gigatons (Gt), indicating a decrease of 2.8 percent, compared with the previous year. CO2 emissions from energy use are a major contributor to global warming and account for around 75 percent of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. The fuel mix, housing standards, economic growth, size of the population, and transport and industrial activities are some factors that influence CO2 emissions from energy use.

CO2 emissions are emitted when fossil fuels are combusted. For example, using imported natural gas for electricity generation leads to an increase in emissions in the country that imported the gas. In contrast, electricity imports do not affect the country’s emissions, as these are reported in the country where the electricity was produced. A more in-depth analysis needs to take into account all imports and exports of different primary and derived energy products, commodities with embedded emissions (such as iron and steel), as well as, in the case of transport, fuel tourism (i.e., fuelling a vehicle in one country but consuming that fuel in another country).

In 2022, CO2 emissions from territorial energy use decreased in 17 EU countries. The largest decrease was registered in the Netherlands (-12.8 percent), followed by Luxembourg (-12 percent), Belgium (-9.7 percent) and Hungary (-8.6 percent).

On the other end, Bulgaria registered the biggest increase in CO2 emissions (+12 percent), followed by Portugal (+9.9 percent) and Malta (+4.1 percent).

Data show that Germany alone accounts for one-quarter of the EU’s total CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion for energy use. Italy and Poland (each 12.4 percent), and France (10.7 percent) came next on the EU’s list of the biggest CO2 emitters in 2022.

In 2022, aggregated data shows that CO2 emissions from solid fossil fuels (coal and oil shale, excluding peat) slightly increased at the EU level (+ three percentage points; pp.), whereas emissions from oil and petroleum products remained at approximately the same level as in 2021 (+ one pp). On the other hand, CO2 emissions from natural gas decreased significantly (-13 pp), reflecting, among other things, the efforts invested by EU countries to achieve the voluntary gas demand reduction target introduced in August 2022.

Source: Eurostat

QUICK AND EASY WAY TO THE NEAREST CHARGER IN THE CHARGE&GO NETWORK

14.06.2023

The expansion of electromobility depends on the speed of development of the infrastructure for charging electric vehicles. Despite a large number of available chargers, electric car drivers often have to make a detailed driving plan because they simply do not have enough information about where to recharge their vehicles’ batteries.

Thanks to the first digital platform and the Charge&- GO application, drivers of electric cars in Serbia, including those in transit through our country, can easily and quickly find the nearest electric charger.

By installing chargers throughout Serbia and informing citizens about the advantages of electric vehicles, Charge&GO has been making a great contribution to the development of electromobility for years. So far, they have installed chargers with power from 22 to 180 kW on the roads and highways of our country.

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Fast chargers in retail chains

The technical team of the Charge&GO company is already completing the installation of fast chargers at the locations of the Stop Shop retail chain throughout Serbia. During the last year, drivers of electric cars could charge their four-wheelers at Stop Shops in Sremska Mitrovica, Lazarevac, Požarevac and Vršac. Now they also have power chargers available in the range of 50 to 120 kW at the locations of this retail chain in Borča, Niš, Leskovac, Zaječar, Sombor and Subotica. Chargers manufactured by Siemens are mostly installed in front of Stop Shop’s facilities, while the Tritium charger is installed in the parking lot of Stop Shop in Borča. The charger in Valjevo is expected to be put into operation soon, and intensive work is being done to ensure that the facilities in Čačak and Šabac get their first charger in the Charge&GO network very soon.

After the commissioning of five chargers at OMV petrol stations, it was the turn of the sixth charger. A 130 kW charger manufactured by Kostad Siemens is available to all drivers of electric vehicles at the OMV station in Kruševac. This charger is manufactured in Austria and works at temperatures ranging from -30 to +50 °C. It supports the CCS standard for DC charging, and the output power, if both CCS connections are in use at the same time, is 2×65 kW.

Owners of electric vehicles have the opportunity to use other ultra-fast chargers located at OMV petrol stations: in Doljevac, on the Niš-Vranje highway, where a 150 kW ultra-fast charger has been installed (the second most powerful electric charger available at OMV stations), at Gradina, the border crossing near Dimitrovgrad (90 kW), as well as in Bačka Topola where there is another Unity 180 kW, as well as in Lapovo and Martinci where 120 kW chargers are installed.

On the map of the Charge&GO network, there are fast and ultra-fast chargers at GAZPROM petrol stations, and at four toll points on the highway near Vrčin, Horgoš and Trupala-Niš. Schneider Electric AC chargers are available in Novi Sad and Kragujevac, in the Promenada and Big Fashion shopping centers. Chargers in front of British Motors, AK Kompresor and Hit Auto offices in Serbia are integrated into the network.

What does Charge&GO enable?

The digital platform and application allow drivers of electric vehicles to easily locate the nearest chargers and top them up quickly and easily. The platform provides drivers with an efficient service for charging and paying for the use of charging points, as well as the ability for companies to manage their charging network remotely. It includes a number of services, such as charging control, charger monitoring, pricing, usage restrictions and charging session overview.

The easiest way to check the locations and availability of chargers in this network is through the application. Although all chargers can be accessed in multiple ways (via QR code or charger number), if you download the app, you automatically get a lower price, GPS navigation directions and access to an incredibly extensive network of 170,000 chargers in 30 countries across Europe.

Prepared by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY

Oman’s Quest for Net Zero: A Renewable Hydrogen Strategy

13.06.2023

industry-brod-ulje — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

In a groundbreaking move, Oman is gearing up to become a global leader in the renewable hydrogen industry. This information is outlined in a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) which states that Oman’s considerable renewable energy resources and abundant land make it an optimal candidate to produce large quantities of low-emissions hydrogen.

Titled “Renewable Hydrogen from Oman: A Producer Economy in Transition”, the report was presented to Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, Salim Al Aufi, by IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol in Paris. This first-of-its-kind report analyzes the potential of renewable hydrogen production in a fossil fuel producer country, setting a new precedent in the global energy landscape.

Oman has set an ambitious target to produce 1 million tons of renewable hydrogen annually by 2030, rising to 3.75 million tonnes by 2040 and potentially 8.5 million tonnes by 2050. To put this into perspective, the 2050 target would surpass the total hydrogen demand in Europe today.

Oman, primarily known for its oil and gas production, is taking a unique approach to its energy future. As Minister Al Aufi states, “Oman is blessed with globally competitive solar and wind energy resources” that provide an economically rational basis for the country’s transition to more sustainable energy sources, including the production of renewable hydrogen.

The country’s hydrogen projects plan to use electrolysers powered by renewable electricity to extract hydrogen from desalinated seawater. Oman’s strategic location between Europe and Asia, combined with existing fossil fuel infrastructure that can be repurposed for low-emission fuels, positions it favourably in the global hydrogen market.

An important step towards achieving its ambitious targets was the establishment of Hydrogen Oman (HYDROM) in 2022, an independent entity tasked with leading and managing the country’s hydrogen strategy. The government has already allocated 1,500 square kilometres of land for development by 2030, with potential for significantly more in the future.

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Martin Adams)

Investment to the tune of around USD 33 billion would be required to scale up Oman’s production of renewable hydrogen to 1 million tonnes by 2030. An additional USD 4 billion would be needed to increase renewables’ share of the national electricity mix to 20 percent, a target that Oman aims to achieve by 2030, according to the IEA report. Achieving these targets will significantly contribute to Oman’s clean energy transition, reducing domestic use of natural gas by 3 billion cubic metres a year and avoiding 7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

This comprehensive and ambitious plan positions Oman as an emergent force in the global renewable energy sector. As other fossil fuel-dependent nations follow suit, Oman’s efforts could prove to be a blueprint for transitioning to a clean energy economy.

Source: IEA

Report on the quality of EU bathing waters

12.06.2023

meditarraean_sea_sredozemno_more — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The European Environment Agency (EEA) in collaboration with the Commission reports that the majority of European bathing sites meet the European Union’s highest ‘excellent’ water quality standards in 2022, maintaining the quality seen in recent years.

The report, which was released today, was based on the monitoring of 21,973 bathing sites across Europe. It provides information on where swimmers can find the cleanest bathing sites in Europe this summer.

Coastal sites, accounting for two-thirds of all bathing spots, generally outperformed inland river and lake sites in terms of water quality. In 2022, 88.9 percent of EU’s coastal bathing sites were classified as ‘excellent,’ compared to 79.3 percent of inland sites.

The countries of Cyprus, Austria, Greece, and Croatia stood out with 95 percent of their bathing waters meeting the ‘excellent’ quality standard in 2022. Furthermore, all assessed bathing waters in Malta, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, and Luxembourg met at least the minimum ‘sufficient’ quality standard.

According to the report, since the Bathing Water Directive was enacted in 2006, the proportion of ‘excellent’ sites has increased, stabilizing in recent years at between 85–89 percent for coastal and 77–81 percent for inland bathing waters. In 2022, it represented 85.7 percent of all EU bathing waters. The minimum water quality standards were met by 95.9 percent of all EU bathing waters.

The percentage of bathing waters with poor water quality has been declining over the last decade and has been stable since 2015, at a mere 1.5 percent in 2022. This represents a gradual reduction in the health risks associated with swimming in Europe’s bathing waters.

Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries expressed confidence in the quality of Europe’s bathing sites. He affirmed the importance of maintaining high standards for citizens’ health and wellbeing, and noted the EU’s role in reducing pollutants in oceans and rivers.

Urban bathing waters, primarily in Greece, France, Italy, and Spain, make up 8 percent of the total, and contribute significantly to the quality of life in these cities and ecosystem benefits.

Inland bathing waters, mainly in Central Europe, are more vulnerable to short-term pollution due to heavy summer rains or droughts. This is because they are often located in relatively small lakes, ponds, and rivers with low flow.

As part of the European Green Deal and Zero Pollution Action Plan, the Commission is evaluating whether the Bathing Water Directive is still appropriate for protecting public health and improving water quality, and if any enhancements are required.

Energy Portal

Why is the desulfurization system at TENT important for Serbia?

12.06.2023

ugalj — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Joey Harris)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Eduardo Jaeger)

While environmental problems like pollution and climate change have caused countries around the world to embark on an energy transition, Serbia still largely relies on one energy source – coal. If go deeper into the problem, the coal used in our country is mostly of poor quality, which is why it is more correct to call it lignite. The extent to which this energy source is present in our country is shown by the fact that, in proportion to its size, Serbia ranks high on the list of the largest producers of lignite in the world.

Especially during the winter period, Serbia also ranks high when it comes to air pollution, to which coal contributes significantly, both by thermal power plants using it to generate energy and by households who use traditional furnaces. For example, according to data on the IQAir website, on February 13 of this year, Belgrade ranked fifth in the world in terms of air pollution in major cities, yet at the same time, five cities in Serbia were even more polluted than Belgrade.

GLOBAL COAL DEMAND IS SET TO RETURN TO ITS ALL-TIME HIGH IN 2022

Although we cannot currently follow the successes achieved by some more developed countries, when it comes to switching to cleaner energy sources, some steps are being taken after all. Especially in the past year, there a lot of effort was invested into replacing old coal-fired boiler plants with new ones that run on some other energy source throughout our country. Some examples of this are the new gas boiler plant in Guča and the pellet boiler plant in Osečina. In addition to the implemented projects, we should also mention those that are planned. This year, the Republic of Serbia’s government had a meeting at which they adopted a decree regarding the shutdown of boiler plants with a capacity of fewer than 50 megawatts, which, among other things, rely on coal and can be connected to a district heating system or a gas pipeline. Niš was one of the Serbian cities that was classified as the most polluted on February 13 and the good news is that the plan is to shut down its biggest polluter – the boiler room in the University building.

No matter how good these examples are, they are only ‘examples’, showing how dependent Serbia is on coal and how much work lies ahead when it comes to switching to cleaner energy sources. Thermal power plants remain the most significant source of pollution in our country. The Nikola Tesla thermal power plant (TENT) burns between 28 and 30 million tonnes of coal annually. The TENT has five organizational units, among which are the largest TENT A in Obrenovac, which consists of six blocks with a total power of 1,765.6 megawatts, and TENT B in Ušće, which has two blocks of 650 megawatts each, and they produce more than 50 percent of electricity in Serbia.

The most significant and largest project implemented in the Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS) was launched in 2019, during which a desulfurization system will be built at TENT A. The project, which should reduce sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions 10 times, is expected to end this year. Just one year later, the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the desulphurization system at TENT B took place and the construction of this system should be completed in 2024. Thanks to this plant, all SO2 emissions should be reduced by 20 times, more precisely from the current 80,000 to 4,500 tonnes.

In Serbia, the SO2 emission level is several times higher than the permitted level, however, as reported by the EPS, with the commissioning of the flue gas desulphurization plant, the quantity of SO2 in the flue gases will be within the limits of European standards.

Katarina Vuinac

ENERGY EFFICIENCY IS THE BEST WAY TO SAVE ENERGY

11.06.2023

You surely remember how, a few years ago, we massively started replacing the classic incandescent light bulb with LED ones, with the former illuminating almost all homes and business premises in our country with their characteristic yellowish light for decades. At the time, it may have seemed to us that the savings would be significant or sufficient and that we had done the right thing. If someone had asked us about the meaning of the term energy efficiency, we would have proudly mentioned the savings made by our new LED bulbs.

However, global changes ensued, and the need for additional resources is increasing while the resources are becoming scarcer. Meanwhile, energy has become expensive, becoming a new strategic “commodity”. When technology companies started looking for all possible ways to save energy, we realized that energy efficiency encompasses far more than we could have imagined. One such company has been developing incredibly innovative solutions for years – the renowned ABB Company. It seems that this time around, they have gone a step further. Milan Jevremović, General Manager of Electric Motor Drives and Local Business Manager at ABB Serbia, told us more about it.

EP: ABB has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the need for rational energy consumption. What were the reasons behind it?

Milan Jevremović: We launched the Energy Efficiency Movement campaign two years ago to bring together companies, scientific and state institutions, and individuals who recognized the need to implement energy efficiency. We wanted to promote this idea and highlight the global need for energy and its efficient use. As the world population grows, the energy demand also increases, but disproportionately compared to the existing production capacities. Humanity faces a severe lack of energy and must undertake all required activities to use existing resources as efficiently as possible.

Furthermore, with the progress of automation, digitization and the new Industry 4.0, the need for energy increases, and thus the consumption of existing resources. All of this has greatly impacted the environment and increased CO2 emissions. When our company, ABB, launched a campaign intending to inform and educate people about the necessity of protecting the environment and reducing CO2 emissions, which is in line with all the values that the ABB Company promotes typically.

IN FOCUS:

EP: State institutions, the media, and the non-governmental sector launch similar campaigns. How did ABB handle this role?

Milan Jevremović: It is pretty logical that technology companies like ABB and our partners participate in the campaign because they are the most knowledgeable about how to make the best use of new technologies. It was also essential to involve scientific institutions so that they could contribute to better and more efficient use of energy with the help of science-based facts. The presence of state institutions was necessary, too, because that’s where the decision-makers are, and they have to react faster, in terms of faster decision-making and passing regulations that would contribute to better utilization and improvement of energy efficiency. Big cities and certain countries already have defined strategies for saving energy and impacting the environment.

ABB launched this campaign before the outbreak of the global energy crisis, which only demonstrated how necessary such an initiative was. The crisis has additionally raised people’s awareness of the need for faster investment in energy efficiency and better utilization of energy from existing resources, and thus contributed to our campaign in search of answers to the challenges of the increased need for energy. The campaign is envisaged to last for four years.

Otherwise, energy efficiency is the cheapest and most available energy resource. More and more segments can apply energy-saving measures, and we see the potential in almost all areas, including homes, industry, and sustainable transport.

EP: Which companies supported your campaign and in what way?

Milan Jevremović: ABB has practically always taken care of energy efficiency, which is not a novel topic for us. For many years, we have had a sustainability strategy and a green agenda on which all systems and services in the company are based. However, the Energy Efficiency Movement campaign was designed as a movement without a direct connection with ABB products.

Over 300 companies worldwide have supported this movement, including Microsoft, Sulzer, Alfa Laval, Wartsila, Iveco, Tata Steel, GEA, and many other renowned firms. The number of partners is growing every day. For instance, the Danfoss Company has recently joined the movement, which I am pleased about because it shows that, although we are competitors in some areas of business, together we feel that we can make a bigger difference by helping the world move towards a greener and more ecologically clean future. The energy efficiency movement is fully committed to raising awareness and expediting the actions needed to increase global energy efficiency, and we encourage all companies and organizations to join in and make a difference.

We plan to locally organize a broader energy efficiency symposium for large manufacturing companies, to which we will invite relevant scientific institutions too. We aim to jointly contribute to implementing the strategy and consider further plans. One such symposium at the European level was recently held in Switzerland for the top management of interested companies. The symposium drew very useful conclusions and gave birth to new and interesting ideas.

EP: Which ABB’s technological novelties would you like to mention as potential solutions for saving energy or increasing energy efficiency?

Milan Jevremović: ABB offers a wide range of products and services that directly or indirectly contribute to the increased energy efficiency of our clients. They don’t always have to be completely new solutions. These are often products that have been on the market for a long time. Still, ABB has invested decades of experience and improved them to better contribute to increasing energy efficiency for our clients. As one of the good examples, I would like to mention certain technological advances in the manufacture of electric motors.

In 2021, the European Union adopted a new law that prevents the sale and use of energy-inefficient electric motors. This year, that regulation will introduce even stricter rules regarding the energy efficiency of devices in the EU. No one will impose that regulation on Serbia because we are not an EU member. Still, with current electricity prices, a large number of companies operating in Serbia recognize the potential for savings and will decide to invest in more energy-efficient plants.

ABB is working on developing electric motors with the highest energy efficiency level, far higher than what is currently required by EU legislation. Technologies that were not in widespread commercial use until recently, such as synchronous reluctance motors or motors with permanent magnets, are also used.

I would also like to mention the energy assessment service that we offer to our clients. This type of energy efficiency analysis of their facilities can be done on several levels. The latest option is the so-called digital energy assessment that, in addition to the service itself, also uses certain sensors that provide precise information about each drive. The conclusions indicate opportunities to boost energy efficiency. Thanks to this, we can analyze the electric motor drive even better and propose the best solutions to our clients for certain factory segments or complete factories.

The energy efficiency concept has evolved and has become more comprehensive, so today, we talk about energy-efficient industrial plants, heating, cooling, lighting, etc. ABB can offer state-of-the-art solutions for each of these processes.

For a long time, there has been a lot of talk about switching to electric vehicles in road traffic, and we have a lot of technological solutions to offer in that department too. In the last two years, we have been mainly working on modern technologies in sustainable transport and energy-efficient vehicles for industry, primarily in improving construction machines and tow trucks, but also in railway traffic. That’s the latest step we’ve taken.

EP: You have been doing business in Serbia for many years. Which major energy efficiency projects would you single out in particular?

Milan Jevremović: ABB has been working on the development of modern technology for years, and some of our achievements have been implemented in Serbia. I would like to point out the revitalization of the Bajina Bašta reversible hydroelectric power plant, in which ABB played a significant role and helped the entire power plant work even more efficiently, increasing its operational readiness and better use of the existing hydro potential.

By installing ABB’s static frequency converter, which was commissioned last year, the Bajina Bašta power plant will generate significant

savings, primarily based on the increased operational readiness of the hydroelectric power unit. In situations where the hydrological situation is favorable, the Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS) will be able to use the water in the reservoir much more efficiently and produce additional megawatts of green energy. I would also like to mention the project titled ‘Monitoring and Management of Coal Quality’, which we implemented at the Nikola Tesla thermal power plant. It is a well-known fact that using coal that has constant quality results in better combustion in the boiler, higher efficiency and lower emission of harmful gases. We are proud to say that ABB, together with EP S’ engineering team, has done one such, I would say, referential project because there are very few such projects implemented worldwide.

I especially want to highlight our excellent cooperation with EPS on this and similar projects.

Interviewed by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY

PILLARS OF SUPPORT FOR COMPANIES IN TIMES OF ENERGY CRISIS

10.06.2023

electricity-struja — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The implementation of energy measures at all levels marked the year behind us. The business sector is a significant factor of the entire society, which is why companies’ adaptation to the existing energy crisis was on the list of priority issues. The Association for Energy and Mining, an organizational unit within the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (PKS), was one of the bodies that provided support in that process. We spoke about this with Ljubinko Savić, the Association’s Secretary.

When there is an energy crisis and disrupted energy flows, companies are forced to turn, as our interlocutor states, first of all, to energy-saving opportunities at the company level and then to energy sources that are easily available, affordable and stable.

PKS reacted very quickly to the new circumstances and helped its members to report problems through having a specialized information centre where companies could obtain information about key issues related to doing business with companies from the Russian Federation and Ukraine, find new supply or export markets and connect to potential new partners. At the same time, PKS worked on connecting companies on the domestic market, promoting, and educating about alternative energy sources, competencies of the Serbian economy, green technologies, circular economy principles, decarbonization process and fair transition. Significant cooperation was also with the Government of the Republic of Serbia and relevant ministries.

IN FOCUS:

In 2022, the Association held a series of workshops that provided companies with all the necessary information and brought them closer to the buyer-producer instrument.

“We held some of the workshops independently, with the chamber system’s resources, and some in cooperation with the USAID Better Energy programme. Another important activity we carried out was familiarizing energy and industrial companies with the announced protective mechanism of cross-border CO2 taxation, the so-called CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) and the related ETS CO2 trading system. It is a novelty for our industrial enterprises. Energy companies are familiar with this, but not in-depth, so we will engage more in this activity in the future too. The CBAM mechanism is essential for our companies that are export-oriented and connected to the supply chain of European chains of producers, so they must receive the correct and timely information and be ready when the time for the full implementation of this mechanism in Europe comes”, says Mr Savić.

Speaking about the success of implementing energy efficiency measures within various economic activities, Mr Savić presented the very diverse results of research conducted in November last year. On the one hand, some companies are highly aware of the importance of a new, sustainable economic model based on green economy principles. These companies are aware of the energy transition. From the very beginning, they use energy-efficient materials, base production on BAT technologies, integrate RES, and treat waste as a potential for added value and not as a surplus to be thrown away. Such companies have formed teams to implement energy efficiency measures, appointed a person in charge, conducted employee training, and some have an energy manager.

However, a large number of companies do not have organized management of energy and energy consumption but can partly replace the current electricity consumption with some other type of energy. The companies point out that this is a long-term investment that requires significant funds and depends on the type of existing devices and equipment and the features of the buildings in which their production systems are located.

The energy crisis prompted the necessity of introducing the Strategic Energy Management System (SEM) in energy-intensive enterprises and facilities with high consumption of final energy. The Law on Energy Efficiency and Rational Use of Energy stipulates the activities, procedures and resources needed to achieve the energy efficiency goals in the company’s policy.

The Association for Energy and Mining acts in the context of the Chamber’s overall work, and its activities are often related and directed towards fulfilling expressed needs and protecting the interests of the entire economy. The working model set up in this way has resulted in the Association providing members for several working groups that have been drafting important strategic energy documents and preparing draft laws and other regulations important for energy subjects and energy as an economic branch.

Furthermore, the Association held training sessions for businesses that want to integrate RES into their business models and several thematic meetings dedicated to connecting new electricity production facilities to the power grid. The Association also researched the application of energy efficiency measures in industry and participated in developing a study of the oil derivatives market in the Republic of Serbia.

In 2023, new strategic documents should be adopted, and certain energy regulations will be amended, with planned public hearings about them. According to our interlocutor, they hope to work with the Government and the Ministry of Mining and Energy on this. Holding seminars for businesses on electricity production from RES for needs will continue in the remaining 10 regional chambers. The implementation of a new training programme on energy efficiency in industrial processes is also being prepared, which will be adapted to individual industrial branches.

Prepared by: Katarina Vuinac

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY

ABB helps ensure sustainable power at 75th Formula E race as title sponsor

09.06.2023

Snimak ekrana 2023-06-07 205645 — Photo: ABB

This weekend, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns to Jakarta for a double header in the Indonesian capital, with the first of the two races being ABB’s 75^th as title sponsor.

The 2.37 km, purpose-built circuit is set against the backdrop of Jakarta Bay in the northern region of the city. Featuring 18 turns and a long, fast start/finish straight, the track is sure to lead to some thrilling racing in the Indonesian heat.

As it did for the first staging of the Jakarta E-Prix last year, ABB is working with Indonesian state-owned electricity company, PLN, to provide the highest level of security, efficiency, and convenience for the event’s power supply. ABB’s medium-voltage UniSec switchgear will be used to switch loads from a primary to a back-up power source if the primary power source fails, keeping the steady delivery of critical power supply for the entire race infrastructure. The company’s Relion REC615 grid automation relay offers the advanced protection functionality needed, as well as remote operation and control for increased safety. According to PLN, the power supplied to the circuit will be sourced from geothermal and environmentally friendly hydropower.

Karin Lepasoon, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, ABB, said: “It is important to have this milestone sustainability showcase of our 75^th race as title sponsor in the most populous city in Southeast Asia (approximately 10.5 million people), where we are working to provide technology and solutions which help combat climate change-related issues. Key focus areas are electrification end energy efficiency – two topics which fit perfectly with an electric motor-racing series, where managing energy effectively is key to success.”

ABB provides solutions that contribute to the ongoing energy transition and deliver major reductions in emissions and environmental impacts in Jakarta and across Indonesia. An example of this is the company’s Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) PowerWave33 which was used by PLN for the G20 summit in Bali last year to guarantee continuous power availability with a small footprint, while also using less energy than comparable products to deliver significant savings.

At the Nestlé factory in Indonesia, ABB supplies smart sensors which, alongside ABB Ability^TM Condition Monitoring, enable monitoring of motors and rotating equipment to improve maintenance capabilities and improve energy efficiency.

As well as energy efficiency, the series is also a platform for the latest e-mobility technologies, with ABB taking on the role of Official Charging Partner this season. A market leader in EV charging technology, ABB has installed around 400 chargers in Indonesia to date and facilitated a number of firsts in the country such as the installation of the Terra AC wallboxin a premium apartment building in South Jakarta, making it the first apartment building in Indonesia with an EV charging facility. The company also implemented its digitally enabled Terra DC wallbox charging solution at one of Indonesia’s first fast charging stations.

ABB is continuing to work to improve the charging options available for businesses and consumers in the country. For example, ABB, ABB E-mobility and PLN Icon Plus have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate collaboration to grow the EV charging infrastructure in Indonesia. The companies will form a synergy in EV charging services which shall include but not be limited to technology assessment, market research, developing a Charging Station Management System (CSMS) platform, undertaking marketing activities, and the deployment of EV chargers.

Following the double-header in Jakarta, the series will head to Portland, USA, for the first time on June 24^th. The season 9 calendar comprises 16 races in 11 global locations.

ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on more than 130 years of excellence, ABB’s ~105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation.

About Formula E and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship:

As the world’s first all-electric FIA World Championship and the only sport certified net zero carbon since inception, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship brings dramatic racing to the heart of some of the world’s most iconic cities providing an elite motorsport platform for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers to accelerate electric vehicle innovation.

The Formula E network of teams, manufacturers, partners, broadcasters, and host cities are united by a passion for the sport and belief in its potential to accelerate sustainable human progress and create a better future for people and planet.

Source: ABB

GREEN INVESTMENTS FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE

09.06.2023

london-g599719611_1920 — Photo-illustration Pixabay (Frank Nürnberger)

The advantages of energy-efficient, sustainable solutions in business have long been recognized, and citizens, who pay the most for the current energy crisis, are slowly realizing all the benefits of their application. Although the data show that more and more people are ready to adapt their businesses and households to the new standards, in Serbia, that percentage is still significantly lower compared to Western Europe. Initial investments are the main brake that prevents entrepreneurs and citizens in our country from turning to new, more modern and efficient technologies. To questions about how this problem can be overcome and whether banks can change citizens’ perception when investing in sustainable solutions, we sought answers from Mirjana Sučević, Head of the department for working with the population and for very small businesses from ProCredit Bank.

EP: ProCredit Bank has been introducing innovations in its operations for years, following world trends. How do you do it?

Mirjana Sučević: Even today, as twenty-two years ago, when we started doing business in the Serbian market, the goals were always clear – client satisfaction and as simple and comfortable as possible, yet completely secure banking. Thus, following the trends, especially in Germany, where our parent company is located, but also the contemporary needs of society, we decided almost a decade ago that it was time to change the way we do business, that is, to become the first 100 per cent online bank in Serbia. We live fast, time is running out, and in such a world, people appreciate when they don’t have to go to the bank. Let’s be realistic, banks are not our favorite, but we need them, so the relationship must be favorable for the client.

IN FOCUS:

EP: How important is the green segment in your business, and how do you convey it to clients?

Mirjana Sučević: We are happy to point out that energy efficiency and a green approach in everything we do are an integral part of our corporate DNA. That is indeed so. We know that as an institution, we have a responsibility towards the environment in which we operate. As we have always believed that we should start from ourselves, the changes came first at the internal level, and that is how we have developed our approach to environmental protection over the years. It consists of three pillars, where the first refers to the internal environmental management system, the second refers to the management of environmental and social risks in lending, and the third deals with green financing. It is very important for us to communicate energy-efficient solutions through the products we offer, such as the GEFF loan in cooperation with the EBRD, with a return of up to 20 per cent, which can be used to finance new joinery, a heat pump, insulation, solar panels and more. Also, through educational posts on social networks, blogs and various other activities such as public appearances and participation in events, we try to raise awareness about environmental pollution and show ways to change it. The green segment is important at the level of the entire ProCredit Group, which recently became a Net Zero banking alliance member, and joined the community that acts on plastic pollution (Finance Leadership Group on Plastics UNEP FI).

EP: How do you help clients follow all procedures when using a banking service?

Mirjana Sučević: Procedures exist and are always there to protect the client himself, but also us as a bank. We have simplified the procedures as much as possible to expose clients to as little stress as possible when making important life decisions, such as taking out a home loan. We are constantly available to clients in the Online Center, there are 24/7 Infophones in all our Zones, and we are in constant contact with clients through social networks. We are not a classic bank because our business does not involve the promotion of consumer loans, but we always look at the client’s creditworthiness. The conditions are, therefore, different compared to other banks, and we must promote investments first of all because if you already have to repay the loan, then let it be for some higher goal.

EP: At a time of great energy crisis and appeals for energy saving, we are considering improving energy efficiency in our homes, which represents a serious financial challenge. How can your client overcome it?

Mirjana Sučević: The geopolitical crisis brought inflation and energy deficit, but above all, it forced us to change our perception. Electricity obtained from solar panels or heating and cooling with heat pumps are no longer unthinkable. It has been the standard in the Western European market for years. Initial investments are not small, but the savings and benefits will be noticeable very quickly. One of the ways to find the necessary funds are loans, and we offer our clients GEFF, which are realized in cooperation with the EBRD, which are loans with a return of up to 20 per cent. Clients understand the benefits of energy-efficient solutions, especially since we advise them in every step, from choosing a supplier to checking the invoice and the amount of return they can achieve. The great thing is that with this loan, you can finance everything from external and internal wall insulation to new joinery, a heat pump, and solar panels. Also, it is a relief that for amounts up to RSD 600,000, clients do not have to come to the bank but do everything completely online, and for larger amounts, it is necessary to go to the bank to sign the contract on the day of the loan disbursement.

Interviewed by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY

ENERGY EFFICIENCY FACTOR WHEN BUYING HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES IN SERBIA

08.06.2023

energy , green , power — Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

It seems that raising awareness of the need for a rational attitude towards energy and energy products is more important than the establishment of energy efficiency measures because where it does not exist, the introduction of mandatory measures is inevitable. The “Turn to Green” campaign, created in cooperation between the Ministry of Mining and Energy and the European Union, was aimed precisely at informing citizens to influence awareness of the importance of choosing more energy-efficient products when purchasing. We spoke with Mirko Đapić, PhD, one of the key experts on the project Eco-design and energy labeling of products, about the results of the implemented campaign and the awareness of our citizens about energy efficiency.

The main communication channels of the part of the campaign dedicated to citizens were the media. At the same time, training was held for sellers, distributors, small and medium-sized enterprises and employees of the Ministry of Mining and Energy. More than 70 media participated in the implementation of this campaign through advertising spots and guest appearances by project collaborators on television with a national frequency, as well as on the radio. Also, video materials were distributed through social networks, billboards were placed in 40 locations, and printed materials were distributed to citizens. There were stickers on city buses.

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Speaking about the achieved results, Mirko Đapić, PhD, says they are satisfied with what has been achieved. It is supported by the results of the public opinion poll conducted at the beginning and end of the campaign.

“We can state that there has been an increase in the number of Serbian citizens familiar with the concept of energy efficiency compared to the situation before the campaign was launched. For example, 81 per cent of respondents claim to be familiar with this term (77 per cent before the start of the campaign), 68 per cent of respondents are aware of the meaning of the energy class labels on the electrical devices they use (66 per cent before the campaign), while 72 per cent know that the device is more efficient if its estimated energy efficiency is rated green (68 per cent before the start of the campaign)”, says our interlocutor.

Nevertheless, the doubts present among citizens regarding energy efficiency are still great and are especially pronounced among the elderly population, citizens with a lower level of education, as well as those with lower personal and family incomes. When asked whether the reason for the insufficient response of citizens to the call for the replacement of products with higher energy efficiency is financial or a lack of awareness, Mirko Đapić, PhD, says 41 that the answer includes both reasons.

According to him, one of the key motives of citizens when buying products is still the savings they can achieve. That is why it is necessary, and the media is expected, to inform the citizens of the result of choosing energy-efficient products, which is reflected not only in the contribution to the preservation of the environment but also in financial savings.

However, it is necessary to work on enabling more favorable purchases for those groups of citizens who cannot make purchases due to insufficient income, through financial incentives, deferred payment, payment in installments, and exchanging old for new.

It is necessary to focus the activities on developing awareness of personal contribution to the increase of energy efficiency among citizens and among sellers of household appliances because they can also be one of the channels of influence, bearing in mind the significant reliance on their recommendations.

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (PhotoMIX-Company)

“For example, respondents who come from Vojvodina and Western Serbia and Šumadija, as well as from rural areas of Serbia, above average rely on recommendations, and the sellers themselves confirm this finding,” says Mirko Đapić.

Although sellers claim that all products are adequately marked with energy efficiency labels, it seems that customers still do not pay much attention to these labels. It is confirmed by the fact that more than 60 per cent of citizens do not know that there have been changes in the scaling of energy efficiency labels.

The results of a survey conducted as part of the project before the launch of the “Turn to Green” campaign show that when buying home appliances in Serbia, the brand of the appliance has a decisive influence, as confirmed by 33 per cent of the respondents. This is followed by the price of the device (30 per cent), low power consumption (13 per cent) and the possibility of purchasing the device in installments (6 per cent). Based on these results, we can conclude that only 13 per cent of Serbian citizens are guided by the energy efficiency of the appliances when purchasing them, while in the EU, it is about 79 per cent of citizens.

“That is one of the main reasons why the EU, through the application of legislation in the field of eco-design and energy labeling of products, reduced household electricity consumption by 20 per cent from 1990 to 2020, taking 1990 as the base year,” says Đapić.

Prepared by: Katarina Vuinac

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY

THE COMPANY ENERGETIK ENERGIJA D.O.O. CONQUERS THE BALKAN MARKET

07.06.2023

Research said that solar and wind energy has expanded during the past several years, and now they make up more than 10 per cent of global electricity. When it comes to solar energy, growth is notable, and the global capacity is expected to grow more than double by 2025 and continue in the following years. Balkan is on a good path, however, it will take time for this renewable energy to become an energy mainstay in households in Serbia and, thus, a part of our daily life.

Riccardo Frisinghelli, CEO of Energetik Energija d.o.o., confirms for our Magazine that the growth of solar energy usage is expected to increase in the coming years. As a specialized distributor of photovoltaic material, Energetik Energija d.o.o is expanding and growing each year and only by providing a different approach to clients. Energetik Energija d.o.o., doesn’t just bring products, prices, or readyto-stock availability but also a human approach, where all the clients and potential ones are listened to and understood, after which the company can suggest solutions to customers easily.

IN FOCUS:

EP: The company Energetik Enerija d.o.o. was created due to 20 years of experience and enthusiasm in the energy and renewable energy field. What can you offer your clients today?

Riccardo Frisinghelli: What Energetik Energija d.o.o., offers to all its customers, wherever they are in the world, is that we don’t just sell products. We’re not just a product list and availability. To be a specialized distributor of photovoltaic material like we are, having availability and prices that are appropriate to the market is part of the DNA of a company, and I don’t see it as something special. What I see as something special is a company’s approach, actively listening to the customer and understanding their needs to design the technological solution together. That’s why I believe Energetik Energija d.o.o. doesn’t just bring products, prices, or ready-to-stock availability. To be the right supplier for photovoltaic installers around the world, it’s not enough to have ready-made materials and prices. We must demonstrate what’s behind the availability, study the markets to understand what products to have ready, listen to our partners to understand when they need them and try to anticipate their needs. Having a full warehouse has never been a characteristic that Energetik Energija d.o.o. boasts about. But having a ready warehouse with products based on our customers’ forecasts is. The customer feels understood by us, my colleagues are always available to listen, and no one waits for more than 24 hours for an answer because we know that speed is essential. Time is not a variable; it’s a factor in the business operation. The installers who turn to us need quick answers and the product only when they can go to install it. With Energetik Energija d.o.o., that’s exactly what happens. You’re heard, we find the solution together, and when you must go on the roof, your product will be in the warehouse ready for you. That’s what Energetik Energija d.o.o. does: we listen, learn, and once we’ve learned, we suggest solutions to customers. The technological solutions that we offer are based on a thorough study of the customer’s needs and the market. That’s why Energetik Energija d.o.o. is constantly looking to improve to be the right partner for photovoltaic installers in Serbia.

EP: You have been in this business for a long time. How fast is the technology in this field advancing? Which segment of progress would you single out in particular?

Riccardo Frisinghelli: I have been working in the photovoltaic industry since 2007, always with leading companies on the market. I started in the Italian market and went through all the challenges, ups and downs, to become an international manager at VP Solar. It is a difficult question because I have witnessed many technological innovations that have changed this market over the years. Undoubtedly, we now live in a completely different world regarding technology. Just think of the big challenges related to storage systems and electric mobility. The production of photovoltaic modules has changed a lot, and the industrial economy of scale has led to the fact that today we have prices that allow everyone to install solar panels on their roofs. However, I still want to believe that, despite very useful incentives to stimulate the market, in addition to increasingly powerful photovoltaic modules, more efficient inverters, larger storage capacities and electric mobility, the real development lies in smart grids where each of us can use electricity as a value that we can exchange and share with our fellow citizens and neighbors. For me, energy sharing is essential in all the proposed technologies. In a network where energy can be shared, we will truly feel like we are all part of a system that is geared towards change.

EP: The use of solar energy in the last few years has been experiencing expansion. How do you see it, and what do you expect from the next years?

Riccardo Frisinghelli: It is, more or less, natural flow. The growth of solar energy usage is expected to increase in the coming years. The adoption of solar energy is followed by technological advancements, decreasing costs and government incentives with different financing for renewable energy, and they result in more than logical growth of the photovoltaic industry. The global solar energy capacity is expected to grow more than double by 2025 and continue to grow in the following years. However, this growth varies from country to region, and Balkan is on a good path. Renewable energy, especially solar energy, is at the centre of the transition to less carbon-intensive energy. The increasing demand for electricity, especially in developing countries, is also expected to contribute to the growth of photovoltaics.

EP: For years, you have been cooperating with the world’s most famous manufacturers and Slovenian companies. Can you tell us more about that?

Riccardo Frisinghelli: As a specialized distributor of photovoltaic components, we are at the center of the supply chain. We are very close to the most reliable and largest manufacturers in the world, both for photovoltaic panels and inverters, both for storage systems and charging stations and mounting systems, but our secret and commitment is to be even closer to the needs of installers because, in the end, the real decision-maker in this field is the installer. The installer has the trust of the end customer, who decides what to install, when to install, and at what price. Over the years, we have become a true and proper supplier partner for all the companies that are now our suppliers and customers. Whether you are a large energy operator or an installer focusing on installing small systems in your city or the countryside, it doesn’t matter. At Energetik Energija d.o.o., you will always find someone who will take care of your needs and provide you with the best advice and products for your system. You will find people who are attentive to your needs and willing to give you your product when you need it at a competitive price and at the address you choose. Energetik Energija d.o.o. doesn’t just want to be a distributor, it wants to be your warehouse, the warehouse for installers so that the installer can only think about selling and installing systems when the time comes.

Interviewed by: Nevena Đukić

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY

ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN SERBIA

06.06.2023

light-bulb-ga18dc4f73_1920 — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay (jplenio)

You’ve probably heard quite a few times already that we can’t really boast of having a careful attitude towards energy consumption because energy consumption in our country is several times higher than in the European Union countries. The Law on Energy Efficiency and Rational Use of Energy prescribes an energy management system as one of the ways to save energy.

Energy management system and its entities

The subjects of the energy management system are the Government, the Ministry, the obligors of the energy management system, energy managers and energy advisors.

Following the provisions of this law, it is the Government that, following the line Ministry’s proposal, enacts regulations in the field of energy and rational use of energy. At the same time, system obligors execute them to facilitate the rational use of energy with the least possible costs. Obligors of the energy management system are companies and public enterprises whose main activity is production, retail/wholesale or service, provided they have annual energy consumption greater than the amount prescribed by the Government. In addition to them, local self-governments, and municipalities with more than 20,000 inhabitants, as well as state administration bodies and other bodies and organizations founded by the Republic of Serbia, then bodies and organizations of autonomous provinces and organizations for mandatory social insurance, are also liable.

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The energy management system obligors have to monitor and analyze all aspects of their energy consumption and keep records of it. They must establish energy efficiency goals for their operations and submit an Annual Report on their results to the Ministry. Furthermore, they must appoint an energy manager who reports to the Ministry.

An energy manager is a person who has an energy manager’s license issued under this law and who is appointed by the system obligor. Based on the Law on Energy Efficiency and Rational Use of Energy, the Rulebook on the appointment of energy managers was approved in December 2022.

The term energy manager is relatively rare in Serbia, so the Rulebook enables a clearer understanding of its meaning.

The Rulebook prescribes the necessary conditions for the appointment of energy managers, depending on the type of system obligor and the type of license of the energy manager.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (American Public Power Association)

Speaking of companies, one manager is appointed for each location, and their license depends on the type of their principal activity. Accordingly, an energy manager license may be required for the industrial or construction energy segment.

When it comes to municipalities, the number of energy managers depends on the population in that municipality and whether a city is comprised of municipalities or not. The number of managers is specifically prescribed for the Belgrade area, and the energy manager must have a public sector energy license in all these cases.

The third type of obligor, which includes authorities and organizations, has to appoint at least one energy manager each. The number may increase depending on whether they submit an annual report on reaching their energy-saving targets for more than 100 buildings or 100,000m². These managers must hold a public sector energy license or a construction energy license.

The energy manager collects and analyzes data on the method of energy use by the system obligor and participates in drafting the energy efficiency plan and programme. Also, the energy manager proposes energy efficiency measures, participates in their implementation and undertakes other activities necessary to achieve energy efficiency. Finally, the manager prepares the Annual Report on the achieved results.

Prepared by: Katarina Vuinac

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY

It’s time for governments and industry to act on energy efficiency

06.06.2023

energy-gf2c019551_1920 — Photo-Ilustration: Pixabay (ColiN00B)

Amid a global energy crisis, policy makers, industry executives and consumers are all talking about how to bring down the cost of energy and reinforce security of supply. Often that conversation focuses on energy source we should use.

Discussions on energy supply tend to dominate the headlines. Yet, there’s one energy source, the “first fuel” as it’s known, that rarely gets the airtime it deserves – energy efficiency. The last year has taught us all how important smarter use of energy is to our security of supply and economic resilience.

Energy efficiency is equally vital to climate action and clean energy transitions around the world. Few technologies can claim to save energy, save money, and save the planet all in one go – while creating jobs in the process. The energy efficiency industry employs tens of millions of people around the world, and there’s more to come.

There’s never been as much interest in energy efficiency as there is today. That’s why next week IEA are hosting the most significant high-level conference on this subject ever: the IEA’s 8^th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency. From 6-8 June, 600 people from more than 80 countries, including over 30 ministers and 50 CEOs, will gather in the historic setting of Versailles to discuss how to accelerate energy efficiency. The event is co-hosted by France’s Minister for Energy Transition Agnès Pannier-Runacher and Executive Director of IEA Fatih Birol, and is being organised in partnership with Schneider Electric. Across three days of high-level discussions, a wide range of topics will be on the agenda including finance, innovation, digitalisation and consumer engagement.

Policy will have a critical role to play in whether the world delivers on energy efficiency in the short, medium and long term. Just in the past year or so, we have seen many new policies announced. The RePowerEU plan in Europe, the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States and Japan’s Green Transformation (GX) initiative are just a few examples, while various emerging and developing economies – including India, Chile and South Africa – have enacted progressive measures to stimulate the energy efficiency agenda. Countries around the world are demonstrating a commitment to efficiency whether that’s through smart meters, high-quality appliances, well-insulated buildings or supporting industrial consumers and businesses to optimise their operations. But no country has implemented them all, and there is no silver bullet to deliver the energy savings needed to help put the world on course for net zero emissions while limiting global warming to the 1.5 °C target.

In 2022, global investments in energy efficiency – such as building renovations, public transport and electric car infrastructure – reached USD 560 billion, an increase of 16 precent on 2021, according to the IEA’s latest energy efficiency market report. But overall efficiency investment in 2023 is expected to be largely flat, hampered by the global energy crisis and higher costs in the building sector among a number of other factors. At our conference, the IEA will be urging greater ambition and the need to prioritise energy efficiency implementation without delay.

Source: IEA

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

05.06.2023

more-obala-sea-nature — Foto-ilustracija: Pexels

World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5, which triggers conversations at the global level about the need to preserve the health of our planet Earth. Recognition of this day was initiated by The United Nations, and it is celebrated as such in over 140 countries.

It was first established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 after the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, and since 1974 it has been celebrated with the aim of raising awareness of environmental issues, as well as encouraging political actions on this topic.

The global commemoration is anchored each year around a unique theme, which focuses on a particular concern for the environment – for example, in 2021 the theme was “Ecosystem Restoration”. A certain country is the host every year, and it takes a leading role in organizing the event. This year it is Côte d’Ivoire, and the main topic on June 5, 2023 is “Solutions to plastic pollution”.

On the occasion of this day, the “Fair of Green Ideas, Projects and Innovations” is being held in Serbia. The best projects for the green transformation of the Serbian economy and society will be presented at the “Cvijeta Zuzorić” Art Pavilion at Kalemegdan. Also, three panel discussions related to the implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans in Serbia will be held as part of this fair.

The environment includes everything – from tiny microorganisms to tall mountains, from the great oceans to the vast deserts, from the canopy of tropical rain forests to the polar ice caps. The environment is the sum of our planet’s ecosystems, which provide resources for every form of life, influencing the global climate and enabling the overall survival of the Earth.

However, in the face of rapid technological progress and increasing human activities, the environment is threatened, and it is not surprising that every year a global conversation must be held on the topics of environmental challenges. Degradation of ecosystems, extinction of species, climate change, pollution, deforestation and other environmental problems are creating more and more serious consequences that leave their mark more and more quickly. This represents a significant challenge for the common future of humanity, making environmental protection a priority.

A wide range of activities and strategies is inevitable to make this day in the calendar meaningful. Reducing carbon emissions, controlling pollution, preserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable use of resources, driving electric cars, bicycles, scooters, heating systems based on renewable energy, recycling, better waste management, solar energy, hydro energy, wind energy are all part of the solution. By protecting our environment, we will not only ensure the survival of countless species, but also our own survival as a species.

Milica Vučković

ROAD TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY THAT MUST BE TAKEN

05.06.2023

stolarija prozor kuca stara — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Sergiu Valena)

It seems that we have never had as many doubts about energy supply as we have this winter. Worrying about whether our homes will be warm during cold days opened up the topic of energy saving, which prompted us to think about how energy efficient our homes are and how important that is in times of crisis.

We spoke with Aleksandar Macura, co-founder and programme director of the RES Foundation, about the ongoing energy issues, including energy transition and energy poverty.

EP: Energy efficiency, it seems, is on everybody’s lips, but how much do we really know about it?

Aleksandar Macura: Recently, there has been an increase in awareness of the importance of energy efficiency. A certain increase in knowledge accompanies this, but the room for improvement is still ample for both professional and ordinary people. As energy efficiency and its importance are both complex and multidisciplinary, education requires time and engagement from professionals, media, civil society organizations and others. The role of professionals is the most important, and their ethics is crucial. Every concrete investment in energy efficiency in the public and private sectors are, at the same time, educational activity. It is important to significantly reduce the number of professional violations in the creation and implementation of these measures.

IN FOCUS:

EP: How important is it to save energy and use it most efficiently?

Aleksandar Macura: Serbia doesn’t have above-average natural resources that facilitate the supply of energy at low prices and the economy’s competitiveness. At the same time, the population’s living standard cannot be developed based on low energy prices in the long term. Our energy mix is also relatively “dirty” because of the resources we use and how we use them. Therefore, improving energy efficiency is, in my opinion, a key development direction for our country. In Serbia, energy efficiency is not observed appropriately, although some progress is visible.

EP: Like all of Europe, Serbia feels the consequences of the energy crisis. Who was most affected by this energy crisis?

Aleksandar Macura: The mismanaged sector, burdened with various deficiencies in the way it is organized, has received a strong external blow. Society, quite expectedly, was unprepared to deal with it. Thanks to various factors, there have been no major consequences for the security of supply so far. The prices of energy and energy products for businesses have increased significantly, and those who consume energy most inefficiently are the most affected.

Taxpayers are also taking a big hit because, according to established practice, the cost of the crisis was passed on to them. Even before the crisis, the operations of parts of the energy sector were paid for by taxpayers. This has been especially true recently for the gas sector, where costs are almost regularly socialized.

EP: Serbia defined the concept of energy poverty, but who are the most vulnerable population segments in our country today?

Aleksandar Macura: The definition establishes a framework for creating and implementing policies to reduce energy poverty. However, the very definition of energy poverty does not help us reach the specific people with a problem. To do this, it is necessary to collaborate with social welfare institutions. This has already been accomplished in some local governments. On the other hand, for years, Serbia has had a mechanism in place, thanks to which several tens of thousands of households received help by having part of their electricity bills paid. Amendments to the Regulation on energy-vulnerable customers have created prerequisites for more people to be on the receiving end of this help. Certainly, this assistance does not permanently improve the position of households since it does not affect energy efficiency in how energy is consumed in those homes.

The need to help hundreds of thousands of households that use firewood for heating, which has become significantly more expensive and to improve the efficiency of its use by giving away more efficient heating devices is still completely unfilled.

Interviewed by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY

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