EBRD Loans USD 100 Million to Boost Renewables in Turkey

06.09.2022

cape-ortegal-vetar-vetroelektrana — Photo-illustration: Pixabay (makunin)

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is extending up to USD 100 million in financing to Adnan Polat Enerji Yatirimi A.S. (APEY) as part of a financing package jointly provided by Turkiye Is Bankasi, Turkiye Sinai Kalkinma Bankasi (TSKB) and Garanti BBVA.

The new EBRD loan will help APEY to develop further 203 MW in renewable energy capacity in the next three years. The investment aims to provide a fresh boost to the renewable energy sector in Turkey.

APEY is one of the sector’s prominent players in Turkey with a total installed capacity of 695MW under two subsidiaries Erguvan RES (110MW) and Polat Enerji (585MW). Maxis, an Is Group private equity investment fund, shares ownership in APEY with Polat Holding.

The expansion includes 53 MW in wind and 150 MW in solar capacities, which will prevent the emission of approximately 154,000 tonnes of CO2 each year from the Turkish power system by generating 438,000 GWh of electricity per year.

Aida Sitdikova, EBRD Director of Energy Eurasia MEA, said: “We are delighted to work with a renowned and experienced renewable energy investor to speed up the transition to clean energy in Turkey. Turkey has an immense potential in renewable resources, and the EBRD continues to support the country in advancing its green agenda and meeting its commitments under the Paris Agreement.“

A joint statement from Polat Holding and Maxis highlighted their common goal of supporting the country’s transition to clean energy: “We established a joint partnership in APEY last year to contribute to the renewable energy sector in Turkey and to the country’s economic growth. Through this loan, APEY will further strengthen its position in the clean energy sector, lower carbon emissions and play a more active role in securing sustainable energy resources for our country.”

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Turkey. It has invested more than EUR 16.5 billion in 378 projects in the country since 2009, with the overwhelming majority of those projects being in the private sector.

Source: EBRD

“Open Balkans” Important for Economic Future of the Region

05.09.2022

gol7901-1200x0 — Foto: Predsedništvo Srbije / Dimitrije Goll

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic said, opening the Summit of Leaders within the “Open Balkan” initiative, that the success of this project depends on the extent to which member countries of this initiative will manage to ensure their good economic future, but also to consolidate peace and stability in the region.

Vucic voiced the hope that this initiative will contribute to further economic strengthening and connection, but also provide the opportunity for us all to speak with one voice when it comes to key issues of interest for all countries of the region.

He pointed out that the establishment of a green corridor for the transportation of foodstuffs at border crossings led to a 17 percent increase in trade in this sector, and said that the competent authorities will continue their efforts to reduce waiting times for goods and passengers at border crossings.

The President also expressed hope that the implementation of the agreed documents will be even more successful, stating that the documents that will be signed today are the result of our determination to reach an even higher level of cooperation.

Vucic voiced his satisfaction that the three countries organised the International Wine Fair, which showed that they can hold such an important event at the world level, bringing most of their wine companies and promoting the capital cities and our countries.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that the leaders of the “Open Balkans” member countries will seriously consider inviting other countries important for our region, such as Greece, Italy, Turkey and Hungary, to this regional initiative.

With this initiative, we sent out a clear message to everyone that the first choice of all of us is peace, to work for our peoples. Of course, it doesn’t solve all our problems, it doesn’t make the issues we disagree on any different, but this is the right way, Rama concluded.

Prime Minister of North Macedonia Dimitar Kovacevski assessed that with the aforementioned initiative, North Macedonia, Albania and Serbia took a key step at a key time.

We have gathered to promote regional cooperation on the way to the European Union. Together, we are committed to facilitating the free movement of people, goods, and services. We have built neighbourly relations and trust between friendly countries, he underlined.

Source: The Government of the Republic of Serbia

Germany’s EUR 9 Transit Ticket Cuts 1.8 Million Tonnes of CO2

04.09.2022

fernzug-voz-lokomotiva — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

For three months, Germany has been offering ultracheap monthly tickets for all local trains, metros, trams and buses. The scheme was introduced in an effort to encourage the use of public transportation and ease the burden of inflation and high energy costs.

The plan appears to have been a success. Over 52 million people have bought the EUR 9 tickets and the reduction in car use has cut carbon dioxide emissions by 1.8 million tonnes, according to VDV, the leading public-transport organisation in Germany.

“The 9-euro ticket not only relieved citizens financially but also had a clearly positive effect on the climate,” said Oliver Wolff, VDV’s CEO.

The impact of Germany’s 9-euro tickets

Notable improvements to air quality in metropolitan areas have also been documented. Researchers at the University of Potsdam found that air pollution levels fell by up to 7 percent in response to the introduction of the low-cost ticket.

“Our results may have important policy and health implications: they show that subsidizing public transportation might be a viable option to reduce air pollution particularly in cities, thereby contributing to the UN’s sustainability goal of creating more resilient, safer and healthier urban agglomerations,” the University of Potsdam’s report states.

The study echoes the World Economic Forum’s recent Sustainable Road Transport and Pricing report, which called for affordable public transportation to “further encourage adoption and reduce the financial burden for current users.”

Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national rail authority, said it alone sold 26 million of the 9-euro tickets and saw a 10 percent increase in ridership over the summer months. Evelyn Palla, a Deutsche Bahn board member, called the 9-euro ticket experiment a “complete success.”

The discounted ticket constituted a major price reduction. Normally, monthly tickets for local transportation in Berlin cost EUR 107. Among new purchasers of monthly public transportation tickets since June, over half said the low price was the leading incentive, VDV surveys found.

The 9-euro ticket scheme is set to expire at the end of August, but many advocates are pushing for an extension.

“All responsible actors should therefore now decide quickly on the continuation and further development of such an offer,” Wolff added. “If we take the traffic turnaround and climate change seriously, then we have to act now.”

The decision comes as Germany continues to face high inflation, which nearly hit 8 percent in August. The uptick reversed a slight downward trend that was recorded in the months prior.

Source: World Economic Forum

“Open Balkan” is an opportunity for all countries to be more energy secure

03.09.2022

Elektricna-energija- — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mining and Energy, prof. Zorana Mihajlovic, Ph.D., stated that the “Open Balkan” initiative represents an opportunity for Serbia, Albania and North Macedonia to jointly implement projects in the field of energy, primarily when it comes to new capacities and strengthening energy security.

“Open Balkan” initiative is an excellent opportunity for connection and cooperation, for the flow of people, goods and capital, as well as for joint projects. The presidents of the governments of Albania and North Macedonia are coming today, and several agreements will be signed”, said Mihajlovic.

“We also have a joint energy crisis group, which we talked about recently in Tirana. We have several projects with North Macedonia that we plan to do. One is a gas pipeline that will cost around 20 million euros, with a capacity of 1.4 billion cubic meters of gas. We are also discussing the possibility of building a joint solar power plant. When it comes to cooperation with Albania and the construction of a new LNG terminal, we are discussing the possibility of Serbia being part of that project. That terminal, which should be operational in two years, will have a capacity of five billion cubic meters of gas, and it would be very important if we had the possibility of supply, said Minister of Mining and Energy.

“What is important for all three states and what we also discussed is the joint balancing of electricity, given that we all have capacities that use RES and the plan is to increase them,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Source: Ministry of Mining and Energy

Mihajlovic: We need solidarity, recommendations can bring savings of 15 percent

02.09.2022

Lampa_sijalica_struja — Foto: Bulb photo created by dashu83 - www.freepik.com

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mining and Energy, prof. Zorana Mihajlovic, Ph.D said that the recommendations proposed by the Ministry to reduce the consumption of electricity and heat can provide savings of 15 percent, and that households that have a lower bill compared to the same month of the previous year will be stimulated with additional discounts.

“The state is working all the time to ensure that there are enough energy and energy sources for both the economy and households, but the question is how much money we give for that, and that’s why we appeal to everyone to start saving.” So, the question is not whether we will be able to produce and import, but whether we should pay such a high price for electricity? Let’s try to reduce spending so that the state has more money. Many countries in Europe, in addition to punitive measures, also announce restrictions, France, which also has nuclear power plants, as announced, will certainly have restrictions. We want to fight for every household to have sufficient amounts of electricity,” Mihajlovic said in a guest appearance on TV Happy.

She explained that the Ministry made recommendations, not only for households, but also for cities and municipalities, for state administration, public companies that should make their own plans to reduce consumption.

“Recommendations are not only for households, but also for the economy.” The biggest consumption is in heating plants, water supply systems in EPS. All public companies should make a plan to reduce spending by 15 percent compared to last year and designate people who will control the implementation of all measures, and I hope they will be mandatory. Some local governments have already started implementing the recommendations, reducing public lighting. It won’t compromise security, but it will help us give out less money. Projections say that by the end of the heating season, we will need 3.5 or 4 billion euros to have electricity, gas, and fuel oil. “Yesterday we had a meeting with mayors and presidents of municipalities and directors of heating plants, and we need to secure another 30 million euros for the fuel oil they lack,” she said.

The Deputy Prime Minister requested all the media in Serbia to contribute to raising awareness about the importance of saving energy in the conditions of the energy crisis.

“Unfortunately, we waste electricity not only because it is cheap, but because we are used to it, we don’t have a culture of saving electricity. EPS cannot produce enough quantities and the crisis is huge and prices change on a daily basis. Today, a megawatt-hour costs 630 euros, three days ago it cost 730, who knows what the price will be in December, and if we know that in August we spent almost 100 million euros to import electricity, why should we give half a billion during the winter. Savings are very important, and we have been talking about it for two years. And about energy efficiency, and more rational use of energy, and about solar panels. We decided to save, in addition to helping EPS to produce more energy and to reduce imports. In many European countries, there are no incentive measures, but high fines are prescribed. In France, the fine is 750 euros for shops if the doors are open and the air conditioning is on, there is talk of million fines in Spain, Italy also prescribes fines from 500 to 3,000 euros. We opted for recommendations, to say where and how it is possible to save and to help households whose bills will be lower compared to the same month last year,” said Mihajlovic.

Source: Ministry of Mining and Energy

Support for Fossil Fuels Almost Doubled in 2021, Slowing Progress Toward International Climate Goals, According to New Analysis From OECD and IEA

01.09.2022

emissions-elektrane-ugalj — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Major economies sharply increased support for the production and consumption of coal, oil and natural gas, with many countries struggling to balance long standing pledges to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies with efforts to protect households from surging energy prices, according to analysis released today by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the International Energy Agency.

New OECD and IEA data show that overall government support for fossil fuels in 51 countries worldwide almost doubled to 697.2 USD billion in 2021, from 362.4 USD billion in 2020, as energy prices rose with the rebound of the global economy. In addition, consumption subsidies are anticipated to rise even further in 2022 due to higher fuel prices and energy use.

“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has caused sharp increases in energy prices and undermined energy security. Significant increases in fossil fuel subsidies encourage wasteful consumption though, while not necessarily reaching low-income households,” OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said. “We need to adopt measures which protect consumers from the extreme impacts of shifting market and geopolitical forces in a way that helps keep us on track to carbon neutrality as well as energy security and affordability.”

“Fossil fuel subsidies are a roadblock to a more sustainable future, but the difficulty that governments face in removing them is underscored at times of high and volatile fuel prices. A surge in investment in clean energy technologies and infrastructure is the only lasting solution to today’s global energy crisis and the best way to reduce the exposure of consumers to high fuel costs.” IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said.

The OECD and IEA produce complementary databases that provide estimates of different forms of government support for fossil fuels. The current OECD-IEA combined estimates cover 51 major economies, spanning the OECD, G20 and 33 other major energy producing and consuming economies representing around 85 percent of the world’s total energy supply.

OECD analysis of budgetary transfers and tax breaks linked to the production and use of coal, oil, gas and other petroleum products in G20 economies showed total fossil fuel support rose to USD 190 billion in 2021 from USD 147 billion in 2020. Support for producers reached levels not previously seen in OECD tracking efforts, at USD 64 billion in 2021 – up by almost 50 percent year-on-year, and 17 percent above 2019 levels. Those subsidies have partly offset producer losses from domestic price controls as global energy prices surged in late 2021. The estimate of consumer support reached USD 115 billion, up from USD 93 billion in 2020.

The IEA produces estimates of fossil fuel subsidies by comparing prices on international markets and prices paid by domestic consumers that are kept artificially low using measures like direct price regulation, pricing formulas, border controls or taxes, and domestic purchase or supply mandates. Covering 42 economies, the IEA finds that consumer support increased to USD 531 billion in 2021, more than triple their 2020 level, driven by the surge in energy prices.

The OECD and IEA have consistently called for the phasing out of inefficient fossil fuel support and re-direction of public funding toward the development of low-carbon alternatives alongside improvements in energy security and energy efficiency. Subsidies intended to support low-income households often tend to favour wealthier households that use more fuel and energy and should therefore be replaced with more targeted forms of support.

Source: IEA

Municipality on the Path to Green Transformation and Economic Development

31.08.2022

Opština Lapovo (2) — Foto: Opština Lapovo

In the central part of Serbia, there is a settlement of medieval origin – Lapovo. By royal decree, once a large Serbian village, in 1896, it was declared a small town. Today, it is divided into two parts, the Upper, through which the Constantinople Road passes, and the Lower, through which the Svilajnac Road and the BelgradeNiš-Skopje-Athens railway.

The municipality of Lapovo, formerly known as Hlapovo valley, is located between three rivers, the Great Morava, Rača and Lepenica, and at the crossroads connecting Central Europe and the Middle East. It has an exceptional geographical position, making it a dynamic economic development scene. However, as we cannot talk about development today without adding the adjective “sustainable”, we were interested in how the municipality of Lapovo harmonizes the large influx of domestic and foreign investors with measures for environmental protection. We talked about this with the mayor of Lapovo, Boban Miličić.

EP: Environmental protection is recognized as a priority worldwide, so investments in renewable energy sources, afforestation and the fight against pollution are increasing. How important is this issue for the Municipality of Lapovo?

Boban Miličić: The issue of environmental protection is of great importance everywhere in the world and, therefore, in the municipality of Lapovo. The transition to the use of renewable energy sources and a responsible attitude towards the environment, in general, is very important, both for us and the generations to come. The energies of the sun and wind are inexhaustible and should definitely be used according to the budget possibilities. One of the ideas that our municipality is guided by is the afforestation of locations where it is feasible.

EP: Air pollution is undoubtedly the biggest environmental problem in Serbia, especially in the winter months when the concentration of suspended particles is several times higher than it is allowed. How is the Municipality of Lapovo dealing with this problem? Are there plans to replace fossil fuel furnaces with those that use environmentally friendly energy sources?

Boban Miličić: Air pollution is a big environmental problem, especially in winter. One measurement conducted on the municipality’s territory showed that in the winter months, the use of fossil fuels leads to increased air pollution, especially in the center of Lapovo. As there is no continuous monitoring of air quality in the municipality of Lapovo, the first and necessary step that needs to be implemented to determine air quality is its monitoring. To influence the environmental awareness of citizens, this year, the municipality of Lapovo signed an agreement with the Ministry of Mining and Energy on co-financing the program of energy remediation of residential buildings, family houses and apartments, which will enable citizens to directly contribute to preserving the quality of the environment with own funds, state, and municipal subsidies. Implementing the planned energy efficiency measures will contribute to reducing the waste of existing energy and obtaining it from renewable energy sources.

In focus:

EP: More green areas guarantee healthier air and the restoration of biodiversity. How much is the Municipality of Lapovo dedicated to afforestation, and what can you tell us about the recent actions or those that await you?

Boban Miličić: On the territory of the municipality of Lapovo, with the help of socially responsible companies, afforestation action was carried out at several locations last year, and this trend is planned to continue in the future. The preschool and school institutions were also involved in the afforestation action, all to raise the awareness of young people about the importance of preserving the environment. Also, the municipality of Lapovo has repeatedly responded to the call of the NGO Green Development Center, which through the action “Plant your shade” gives free seedlings to citizens and thus conducted an organized distribution of seedlings to a large number of interested citizens.

EP: Wild landfills “at every step” not only spoils the appearance of our country but also represents a serious environmental problem whose solution requires the engagement of all actors in the society. Are there any illegal landfills on the territory of the municipality of Lapovo, and how is this problem solved?

Boban Miličić: The municipality is aware of the problem of the existence of illegal landfills. In accordance with that, it is taking appropriate measures to solve this problem. Every year, certain budget funds are allocated for cleaning existing landfills. Last year, the largest of them was partially rehabilitated, and the works continued this year. In cooperation with the company FCC EKO Ltd., which deals with waste management on the territory of the municipality, spring and autumn cleaning is being carried out. In certain locations, large containers are set up to collect larger and bulky waste to make it easier for citizens to dispose of it and reduce the possibility of its disposal in unauthorized locations. Also, the municipality regularly fulfills its annual obligation to submit records of illegal landfills on its territory to the Environmental Protection Agency. A significant contribution to the reduction of environmental pollution in this way is the donation of the Ministry of Environmental Protection in the form of 13 plastic containers with a volume of 1,100 liters and 490 garbage cans with a volume of 240 liters, whose use will also reduce illegal waste disposal.

Interviewed by: Milena Maglovski

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES.

Limit on Prices of Petroleum Products, Basic Foodstuffs Extended

31.08.2022

The Serbian government adopted the Decree on Limitation of Prices of Petroleum Products, which refers to Euro-Diesel and Euro-Premium BMB 95, which is extended for the next 30 days.

The government made this decision taking into account the current situation with the price of crude oil on the world market, which negatively affects macroeconomic stability of the country, and with the aim of regularly supplying the market with petroleum products, preserving the living standards of citizens, as well as preserving economic stability.

An amended Regulation on the mandatory production and sale of bread was adopted, which limits the price of bread made from T-500 flour and the margin on other types of this foodstuff.

Bearing in mind that the market is still unstable, it was necessary to extend the period of validity of price restrictions by another 30 days in order to prevent major disturbances and preserve the living standards of the population.

An amended Regulation on limiting the price of basic foodstuffs – UHT milk with 2.8 percent milk fat in a one-litre package and the producer and retail price of white crystal sugar, which will be valid until 30 September this year was adopted.

The maximum retail price of UHT milk with 2.8 percent milk fat in a one-litre package must not exceed RSD 119.99, and the previous price was RSD 113.99.

The maximum retail price of white crystal sugar, in all packages, must not exceed RSD 102.99 per kilogram.

The maximum producer price of white crystal sugar in packages of one kilogram, five and 10 kilograms must not exceed RSD 85.11 per kilogram, while the maximum producer price of white crystal sugar for all other packages must not exceed RSD 93.63 per kilogram.

The Serbian government adopted this Regulation in order to protect the market, that is, to prevent deformations in the formation of the prices of the above-mentioned goods, which are extremely important for the supply of consumers, especially the underprivileged.

The correction of the price of milk and white crystal sugar was necessary considering that there was an increase in the prices of raw materials, which will not affect the traders of these foods, since the margins remained at the same level, and when it comes to consumers, the increase in prices will not significantly affect their standard of living.

A bigger problem at the moment would be the shortage of basic foodstuffs, which would happen if prices were to remain at a level that does not cover business costs.

Source: The Government of the Republic of Serbia

EBRD Provides USD 127 Million Loan to Turkey’s Isbank

30.08.2022

people-discussion-mladi-sastanak — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing USD 127 million in new funding to Isbank for on-lending to women-led businesses and to facilitate Turkey’s transition to a green economy.

The financing is being made available through the Bank’s Diversified Payment Rights (DPR) programme, an established market instrument used by Turkish banks to raise long-term funding.

The funds will be split between the Turkey Women in Business (TurWiB II) programme, which finances women-led SMEs, and the Turkey Sustainable Energy Finance Facility (TurSEFF III) programme, which supports resource efficiency and small-scale renewable energy investments. With this new investment the EUR 350 million financing made available under TurSEFF III programme is now fully subscribed.

Arvid Tuerkner, EBRD Managing Director for Turkey, emphasized the significance of the funding for a green and inclusive future: “The EBRD remains committed to securing the competitiveness of women-led businesses in Turkey and will continue to expand financial opportunities for women in the economy,” he said. “We are also dedicated to accelerating the country’s green agenda through our investments. We are happy to be working with a credible partner like Isbank in moving towards both of those ambitions.”

In addition, women-led businesses will benefit from risk sharing through the Turkish Credit Guarantee Fund and the Turkish Ministry of Treasury and Finance. They will also have access to advisory, mentoring and networking opportunities, facilitating their access to know-how, non-financial development services and markets.

The new funding under the TurWiB II programme is part of the EUR 600 million in financing dedicated to Turkish women entrepreneurs announced last year by EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso.

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Turkey, with a strong commitment to the country’s green agenda. It has invested more than EUR 16.5 billion in 378 projects in the country since 2009, with the overwhelming majority of those projects in the private sector.

Source: EBRD

ABB and Hydrogen Optimized Expand Hydrogen Partnership, Including a Strategic Investment

29.08.2022

hydrogen-hidrogen — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

ABB and Hydrogen Optimized Inc. (HOI), the Canadian technology innovator unlocking green hydrogen production at scale, have signed an agreement to expand the companies’ existing strategic relationship. This includes an investment by ABB into Key DH Technologies Inc. (KEY), the parent company of HOI, as they seek to accelerate the fast-emerging green hydrogen production segment with unique large-scale architecture. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The signing follows the two companies’ showcase of their green hydrogen technologies at the August 23, 2022 German-Canadian Atlantic Renewable Hydrogen Expo in Stephenville, Newfoundland, which was attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Hydrogen produced with low-to-zero carbon dioxide emissions is widely recognized as essential to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

By accelerating the strategic collaboration between ABB and HOI launched in 2020, the two companies are advancing the deployment of economic large-scale green hydrogen production systems to decarbonize hard-to-abate industries that address a wide range of essential needs – energy, metals, cement, utilities, ammonia, fertilizers, and fuels for aircraft, ships, trucks and rail.

The companies will leverage their respective capabilities and resources to rapidly commercialize HOI’s patented RuggedCell™ high-power water electrolysis technology for the world’s largest green hydrogen plants. Water electrolysis is the process of applying electrical energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. RuggedCell™ technology converts renewable electricity such as hydro, solar and wind power into green hydrogen for industry.

“We look forward to building on our companies’ two-year working relationship to pursue the enormous global opportunity of green hydrogen,” said Joachim Braun, Division President, ABB Process Industries.

“Following a rigorous validation of the RuggedCell™ technology, we are confident that, in combination with ABB’s high-power rectifiers, it can become a category leader in the large-scale green hydrogen segment. Our complementary technologies will strengthen the Hydrogen Optimized value proposition and fast-track the commercialization of the RuggedCell™.”

“This agreement positions us for success in the large-scale segment with customers requiring installations in the hundreds of megawatts to multi-gigawatts,” said Andrew T. B. Stuart, President and CEO of KEY and HOI. “ABB’s global footprint, commercial relationships and technology leadership in high-power rectifiers, distributed control systems and manufacturing automation provide us with the market reach and capabilities to achieve our company’s goals.”

Global electrolyzer capacity will reach an estimated 3,100 gigawatts by 2050, according to a June 2022 report published by DNV. The group forecasts that electricity-based green hydrogen will be the dominant form of hydrogen production by the middle of this century, accounting for 72 percent of output.

The proceeds of ABB’s investment into KEY, led by ABB Technology Ventures (ATV), will be used to advance HOI’s intellectual property development, build up corporate capabilities for increased business activity and introduce automated manufacturing and robotics. This will accelerate the rollout of gigawatt-scale electrolyzer manufacturing.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

ABB Technology Ventures (ATV) is the venture capital unit of ABB (NYSE: ABB). ATV looks for breakthrough technology companies aligned with ABB’s goal to write the future of industrial digitalization. Since its formation in 2009, ATV has deployed around USD 250 million into startups spanning a range of sectors including robotics, industrial IoT, AI/machine learning, energy transition, cybersecurity, electric mobility, smart buildings and distributed energy. For more information, visit www.abb.com/ventures.

KEY DH Technologies Inc. develops innovation-driven businesses in the deuterium and hydrogen industries, serving global markets. KEY’s three main operating companies are: Hydrogen Optimized, a private hydrogen technology company that develops and commercializes the patented RuggedCell™ water electrolysis systems for the large-scale production of green hydrogen; Isowater®, a leading supplier of deuterium oxide to global customers in the life sciences, advanced technology and environmental science sectors; and deutraMed™, a breakthrough deuterium science and innovation company that provides high-value deuterium-containing products for specialized applications along with IP-driven research and services. For more information, please visit www.keydht.com.

Hydrogen Optimized Inc. is a private hydrogen technology company that develops and commercializes large-scale green hydrogen production systems. It is part of Key DH Technologies Inc. Hydrogen Optimized enables the conversion of green electricity into green hydrogen and the transformation of heavy fossil fuel-use industries into sustainability leaders. Our patented high-power RuggedCell™ water electrolysis system integrates a scalable design that is free of iridium and other expensive platinum group metals, and enables low-cost mass manufacturing. It can be deployed for use in green hydrogen plants in the hundreds of megawatts to multi-gigawatt scale. The solution is targeted to major industrial, chemical, utility and energy end users. For more information on Hydrogen Optimized, please visit www.hydrogenoptimized.com.

Source: ABB

Carbon neutral and net zero – what do they mean?

28.08.2022

smoke-zagađenje — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Whether we’re buying a coffee, booking a vacation or making investments, the jargon around sustainability can be confusing and overwhelming, making it hard to know if we’re making the right choices.

In this article we take a look at some of these terms and dig deeper to investigate whether they remain meaningful tools in the fight against climate change – and consider whether new words are needed to help us in our efforts to save the planet.

Carbon Neutral vs Net Zero – what’s the difference?

In a carbon neutral organization there is a commitment to evaluate the CO2 emissions produced. This is coupled with finding ways to reduce those emissions and with compensating for these by reducing emissions elsewhere, or by removing an equal amount of CO2 from the atmosphere.

This balancing practice is known as carbon offsetting and could involve planting new trees or investing in renewable energy, or with for example bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS).

The term carbon neutral “has been in use for quite some time already,” says Senja Kuokkanen, Sustainability Manager at Neste, a global leader in renewable and circular solutions. “Carbon neutral can cover a defined part of business operations, and typically accounts for CO2 emissions,” and not other greenhouse gases.

“Net Zero is considered the gold standard for corporate climate action”.

Net Zero on the other hand means that a company reduces its absolute emissions across its whole supply chain, in order to support the target to limit global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as agreed in the 2015 Paris climate summit.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute and the World Wide Fund for Nature, has set out the world’s first Net Zero standard, providing companies with a framework and tools to effectively implement the Net Zero target.

While the newer ‘Net Zero’ term is considered “the gold standard for corporate climate action,” Kuokkanen adds that it isn’t about one term being better than the other; both refer to different actions that are essential parts of the whole as we combat climate change.

Indeed both terms have an important role to play as part of a hierarchy of emissions mitigation work carried out to meet climate targets; this starts off at one end of the scale with avoiding new greenhouse gas emissions altogether, to compensating for any remaining with actions outside your own value chain at the other end of the scale.

Mind your climate change language!

With everyone now talking about climate crises, carbon neutrality and Net Zero targets, should we worry that the green momentum could be dented by buzz words that have little meaning for the wider public?

Climate terms are certainly prone to misuse, says James Cameron, an independent climate advocate who advises organizations including Neste and the climate investment consultancy Pollination Global.

With terms like carbon neutral and Net Zero, “we’ve had to construct ideas that motivate action,” says Cameron, who helped negotiate international climate accords including the 1997 Kyoto protocol.

“With terms like carbon neutral and Net Zero we’ve had to construct ideas that motivate action.”

“They are themselves simplifications and have flaws and need to be interpreted, but they are better than not having anything,” he insists.

Even if some companies do overstate their green credentials, the very act of talking about the issue pushes the climate emergency further up the agenda, Cameron believes.

What’s more, the idea of Net Zero “is simple to communicate, when a lot of the other targets and methodologies are quite complicated.”

Kuokkanen agrees that “the amount of enthusiasm around climate topics” is cause for optimism, and “is steering us all in the right direction.”

Source: WE Forum

Elnos Group – Innovation and Boldness are the Key to Success in the RES Field

27.08.2022

The expansion of projects that will bring clean and rich sources of renewable energy is reaching incredible levels, and every green kilowatt on the market is worth its weight in gold. One thing is certain, the energy of the future wants to be green. For years, Elnos Group has been an important link in the largest green ventures in the region and in Europe, and the company’s ambitions in this regard are still high.

Today, this company employs more than 630 workers, operates in 15 countries of the region and in Europe, and this year will implement projects with a rich green energy mix of wind, hydro and solar energy.

What certainly sets Elnos Group apart from others is the fact that it has so far defeated the stereotype about the limited possibilities of domestic engineering in the realization of green projects many times. This is clearly supported by the fact that Elnos Group teams have so far participated in the construction of more than 500 megawatts of installed capacity in the field of renewable energy.

Current green projects

Elnos Group teams are an important part of green projects throughout the region this year. They have recently completed the construction of power facilities for the Bogoslovec wind farm (36 MW) in North Macedonia and are currently working on the construction of the Krivaca wind farm (103 MW) in Serbia.

When it comes to solar power, the company started construction of the Bukovica solar power plant (6.25 MW) in Croatia. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, they are intensively preparing for participation in the HPP Dabar venture.

From Iceland and Portugal to Serbia and North Macedonia

Elnos Group is in a very special position in the field of renewable energy by participating in green projects such as: the construction of the Burfell 2 hydroelectric power plant with a capacity of 100 megawatts in Iceland, the installation of the GIS 245/132/12 kV plant for Iceland’s largest geothermal power plant Krafla with a capacity of 60 megawatts, and the design of the Morgavel solar power plant power of 49 megawatts in Portugal.

There is also the construction of a 35/400 kV substation and a 2×400 kV two-system transmission line for the largest wind farm in the Balkans – Cibuk 1 with a capacity of 158 megawatts, and the revitalization of the Zvornik hydroelectric plant with a capacity of 125 megawatts, as well as the undertaking of revitalizing small hydroelectric plants in western Serbia.

“In order to succeed in the development of energy in the modern era, you must be committed to progress and to following innovations. We are a company with decades of experience that is always ready to innovate, to change and adapt business to new challenges. We are known for our special way of working, which has been confirmed so far through the successful implementation of a large number of RES projects of which we have been a part. I am convinced that our current position gives us credibility as an important carrier of the development of this area in the future”, said Branko Torbica, Vice President of the Elnos Group Management Board.

HVDC – energy connections of the new generation

HVDC interconnections are key technologies of the new generation, they are increasingly shaping the energy networks of the future. Their construction is one of the biggest challenges of the energy transition. Elnos Group has so far become part of the implementation of as many as three European HVDC projects.

This company is proud that this year it will participate in the construction of the new HVDC interconnection DolWin 5 in Germany for the offshore wind farm that is part of that venture.

Until now, Elnos Group teams have been part of the construction of the HVDC interconnection – NordLink, one of the largest European energy links for the exchange of electricity, obtained exclusively from renewable sources, between the power systems of Germany and Norway, and the HVDC interconnection MONITA (Montenegro-Italy), the first energy HVDC interconnection between the Balkans and the EU.

Gold sponsor of the OIE Serbia 2022 conference

Elnos Group is the gold sponsor of the OIE Serbia 2022 conference, which will gather the largest domestic and international experts in the field of renewable energy sources on September 15 at the Metropol Hotel.

Having the same goal in mind – the affirmation of renewable energy sources and an efficient energy transition in the region, Elnos Group has been supporting the work of the RES Association Serbia since its foundation.

Source: RES Serbia

The Construction of Largest Solar Power Plant in Serbia is About to Start

26.08.2022

solar-panel-g20da084fd_1920 — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay (

The construction of Serbia’s largest privately-owned bifacial solar power plant on ground is about to begin. The 9,913 MW solar power plant “DeLasol” will be constructed on over 12 hectares in the area of the municipality of Lapovo.

“The building permit was obtained, as well as all other necessary permits. The construction should begin on September 1 this year. Hopefully everything will go according to plan and the solar power plant “DeLasol” will be fully completed by the beginning of March next year”, said Mr. Miloš Kostić, the investor.

This solar power plant will be connected to the Lapovo substation and will produce 15,000 megawatt hours annually.

The construction of the “DeLasol” power plant was entrusted to MT-KOMEX company, which is a leader in the construction of solar power plants in our country. So far, this company has built and delivered equipment for a large number of solar power plants on the ground and on roofs, with a total installed capacity of 60 MW.

According to the investor, 17,980 solar panels will be installed on specially made SONNEN structures.

“The equipment has already started to arrive and soon everything will be ready for the beginning of the solar power plant construction,” Kostić adds.

As he says, he opted for bifacial or double-sided solar panels because they have the ability to collect sun rays that bounce off the ground and produce electricity more efficiently than power plants with monofacial modules.

Milica Radičević

Decree Limiting Amount of Difference in Purchase Price of Sunflower

26.08.2022

polje_suncokreta_sunflower_field — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (meric Tuna)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Jordan Cormack)

The government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Decree on determining the programme of financial support for agricultural producers of sunflower in 2022 in order to preserve the stability of the income of producers of this oilseed.

The decree was adopted considering that it is necessary to maintain the food security of the population and mitigate the consequences of the current situation caused by the increase in input prices and the drought affecting agricultural production.

At the session, the decree limiting the amount of the difference in the purchase price of sunflower was adopted with the aim of protecting the market and preventing deformations in the formation of the price of sunflower, which predominantly participates in the formation of the price of edible sunflower oil, and which is extremely important for the supply of consumers, especially poorer social category.

At the session, the Decision on the temporary ban on the export of Euro diesel EN 590 was adopted and amended, extending the ban for another seven days.

Adopting this measure will prevent possible damage to the economy and citizens, given that the energy crisis on the world market continues to cause a threat of a critical shortage of this essential commodity for the citizens of Serbia.

Source: The Government of the Republic of Serbia

Extreme Weather in China Highlights Climate Change Impacts and Need for Early Warnings

25.08.2022

shenzhen_china_šenžen_kina — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Extreme weather – record-breaking heatwaves, severe drought, and deadly rainfall – have battered China since June. The summer of extremes – in China as in Europe – has underlined the importance of the WMO community’s commitment to Early Warning and Early Action and reinforced the need for the ongoing campaign to provide Early Warnings for All in the next five years.

The high socio-economic and environmental cost of the extreme weather has also highlighted the vulnerability of the world’s most populous nation to climate change impacts and the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“The weather and climate situation in China is severe and complex. Extreme temperature and drought in the South and high precipitation in the North. The superimposed situation of drought and flood has brought challenges to disaster prevention, mitigation and relief work,” said WMO Assistant Secretary-General Dr Wenjian Zhang. “We are clearly witnessing the impacts of climate change.”

Heatwave

In terms of the intensity, impacts, scale, and duration, the regional heatwave in southern China which started 13 June was the strongest since complete meteorological observation records started in 1961, according to the China Meteorological Administration.

By 15 August, the heatwave broke the 2013 record of 62 days. National Meteorological Center (NMC) of China has issued 30 Red high temperature red warnings.

Official climate forecasters predict the current heatwave will only begin to subside on August 26.

More than 200 national observatories broke through the historical extreme value of the highest temperature.

Some 1.680 meteorological observatories have had of above 35℃ – covering an area of 4.5 million square kilometers in China or almost half of the country’s total land area. The incidence of temperatures of above 40℃ has been the largest on record.

A total of 914 national meteorological observatories (accounting for 37.7 percent of the total number of national meteorological observatories in China) have reached the standard for extreme heat wave events, and 262 of them in Hebei, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Hubei, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Qinghai and other places equaled or exceeded the historical maximum temperature records.

Source: WMO

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