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Cardboard Revolution: Five Years of the Fight for Water, Air, and Public Goods in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Photo: Cardboard Revolution

The movement „Karton revolucija” was founded five years ago in Tuzla, determined to fight for dignity and against injustice, as well as for the right to water, air, and food. The founders of the movement, Adi Selman and Nedim Musić, say that it is currently the most visible activist movement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, bringing people together around the idea that laws must be applied equally to everyone and that public goods must not be privatized, usurped, or devastated.

Their activism began in 2020, when the campaign for local elections began, and Tuzla faced an urgent problem: the mammography machine was not functioning. After the elections, the problem was quickly forgotten, and everything continued „as usual,” so they decided to organize and fight to ensure that women in this city receive adequate healthcare.

They emphasize that it depends on all of us whether systemic changes will occur and whether, in the future, our children and we will have the right to live and survive in this region.

Photo: Cardboard Revolution

— We believe that the time is coming when the influence of our movement, as well as all the other people with whom we share a vision for the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, will continue to grow. We believe that citizens are becoming more aware of the situation they are in day by day. Until a few years ago, it was unimaginable that anyone would oppose foreign mining companies, domestic politicians, and tycoons who want to exploit our nature for their own profit. However, today, across the entire territory of BiH, we see resistance — resistance from ordinary people — and it is growing stronger every day. This is precisely an indicator that people are becoming aware of the threat to our right to water, air, and food, and to biological survival; therefore, public perception has changed significantly — said members of „Karton revolucija” for the Energy Portal Magazine.

In the past six months, they have implemented numerous campaigns, mostly aimed at preserving natural resources, and have significantly raised awareness and alerted the public, considering that the movement currently has more than 360,000 followers on social media and an annual reach exceeding 70 million.

— Some of the activities we have carried out recently include: successfully stopping the project of RDF waste incineration at the Tuzla Thermal Power Plant. We established oversight of logging within the Protected Landscape „Konjuh.” We initiated that the cities of Lukavac, Srebrenik, and Živinice adopt decisions opposing the opening of critical mineral raw material mines in their territories, for which they had initially given consent, and which were included in the Draft Spatial Plan of Tuzla Canton. Together with the citizens of Tuzla Canton, we successfully carried out a strong campaign opposing these projects within the Spatial Plan, they stated.

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In addition, they initiated the process of declaring the „Treskavica – Bistrica Canyon” area protected on the side of Republika Srpska and will soon launch the same initiative within the Federation. Together with citizens in Kupres, they initiated the annulment of the environmental permit. They halted the project to open a magnesium factory in Kupres, and they are currently continuing activities that, as they say, will lead to its final abandonment. They have taken the first steps toward protecting the Neretva Canyon, initiated legal proceedings and criminal complaints regarding illegal construction in the area of the Prokoško Lake Natural Monument, contributed to opposition against the opening of an antimonite mine in Fojnica, and have taken many other actions.

They emphasize that, as a movement, they are not opposed to economic development or to the use of natural resources for energy production.

— However, what is happening in BiH is a classic example of anarchy, or rather betrayal and destruction. We have become a mining colony that sells our natural resources and the health of our people to foreign companies. The best example of this is Vareš. Rivers are being dammed without any logic, and individual profit is the only thing that matters. Institutions are either incapable or unwilling to act in the interest of citizens. Wind parks, such as those in Tomislavgrad, are being built without appropriate legal regulations or completed studies, and are entirely funded by private investors who generate enormous profits. At the same time, our country is left with nothing but devastated and destroyed nature, they emphasize.

They add that, from all the negative examples that have occurred so far, we can draw lessons and, together, save the remaining parts of the country that have not yet been destroyed, for which there is still an opportunity to be preserved.

Prepared by Jasna Dragojević

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine DIGITALIZATION

Luxor Solar Restructures ECO LINE Module Portfolio

Photo: Luxor Solar

Luxor Solar is realigning its successful ECO LINE module family and, as of early 2026, will introduce a clearer and more differentiated structure. The previously unified ECO LINE will be divided into three precisely defined product families: ECO LINE PRIME, ECO LINE PRO, and ECO LINE CLASSIC.

With this strategic step, Luxor Solar further strengthens its commitment to technological leadership, premium quality and market-oriented solutions – providing the ideal solar module for every application, from cost-driven utility projects to high-end efficiency-focused installations.

ECO LINE PRIME – Highest Efficiency Per Square Meter

ECO LINE PRIME is the technological flagship within the Luxor portfolio and represents the pinnacle of module innovation. Based on advanced back-contact technologies – including HJT Back-Contact and TOPCon Back-Contact – this product family delivers the highest efficiencies and power densities available in the ECO LINE range.

These high-performance solar modules combine advanced solar technology with the highest design standards. Innovative back-contact architecture relocates all electrical contacts to the rear of the cells, leaving the module front completely free of conductor tracks. This maximizes light absorption, reduces electrical losses and delivers exceptional performance alongside a particularly elegant, seamless appearance.

The back-contact architecture enables outstanding performance even in space-constrained installations, making ECO LINE PRIME the ideal solution for limited roof areas, architecturally demanding buildings and premium projects where every square meter counts and maximum yield is required.

Premium materials and refined module engineering ensure long-lasting performance and aesthetic excellence. With comprehensive 30-year product and performance warranties, ECO LINE PRIME combines cutting-edge technology, design sophistication and long-term investment security.

ECO LINE PRIME stands for technological leadership, highest energy output and uncompromising performance.

ECO LINE PRO – 30 Years Of Reliability & Performance

Die ECO LINE PRO is Luxor Solar’s premium solution for projects with a clear long-term perspective and the highest requirements for reliability and durability. This product family combines advanced cell technologies with higher component quality and increased nominal power output, resulting in superior performance and long-term stability.

Representing advanced photovoltaics of the highest quality, ECO LINE PRO is built on the latest N-type technology, delivering maximum efficiency and consistently stable performance over decades of operation. High-quality materials and optimized module engineering minimize degradation and ensure consistently high energy yields — even under demanding environmental conditions.

With a comprehensive 30-year product warranty and 30-year linear performance warranty backed by German law, ECO LINE PRO is designed to minimize project risk and maximize investment security. The robust module design and carefully selected materials ensure consistent performance under challenging operating conditions and long-term value stability.

ECO LINE PRO stands for maximum reliability, reduced lifecycle risk and sustainable returns throughout the entire system lifetime.

ECO LINE CLASSIC – Cost Efficiency – CAPEX Optimization

ECO LINE CLASSIC represents Luxor Solar’s most economical solution, based on modern TOPCon technology and engineered for reliable performance at an optimized cost level. This product family is specifically designed for price-driven projects, tenders and high-volume business, where investment efficiency and competitive system costs are the key decision factors.

With a strong focus on CAPEX optimization, ECO LINE CLASSIC delivers a balanced combination of solid performance, proven quality and attractive pricing – making it the ideal choice for large-scale deployments and markets where economic efficiency is paramount.

Designed as a reliable entry into the Luxor world, ECO LINE CLASSIC combines robust module design with efficient performance and modern cell technology. Its long-lasting quality ensures stable energy yields and dependable operation over many years, providing predictable system performance in economically driven applications.

The modules are backed by a 15-year product warranty and a 30-year linear performance warranty, supported by German-backed warranty standards, ensuring long-term operational security and dependable energy yields.

Its positioning: Smart economics, clear responsibility – cost efficiency without compromise on Luxor quality.

Clear Structure, Clear Value Proposition

With the introduction of this three-tier ECO LINE architecture, Luxor Solar creates a transparent and clearly positioned product portfolio tailored to the diverse requirements of global PV markets. Each product family addresses a specific project focus – from cost-optimized volume solutions, to long-term premium reliability, and up to maximum efficiency for technologically demanding applications.

“With the new ECO LINE structure, we provide our partners with a clearly differentiated portfolio that enables precise project planning and optimal technology selection. Our promise remains unchanged: uncompromising quality, long-term performance and photovoltaic solutions that set standards in their respective segments”, states Volker Leh, CEO / Luxor Solar GmbH.

Luxor Solar

Europe Is Building the Future of Energy Through Digital Twins

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (casey-horner)

The European power system is undergoing the most profound transformation in its history. At the same time, we are facing accelerated electrification, rapid growth of renewable energy sources, and increasingly unpredictable climate conditions, while global security and geopolitical pressures continue to intensify. In such an environment, digitalization is no longer an option—it has become the foundation for system stability, resilience, and successful energy decarbonization.

At the heart of this digital revolution lies Digital Twin (DT) technology, which is gradually becoming a key platform for both transmission system operators (TSOs) and distribution system operators (DSOs) in their operational and planning activities.

DSO Entity and ENTSO-E have jointly published a new report on TSO–DSO digital twin use cases and digital twin solutions, developed within the Joint Working Group on the Digitalization of the Energy System Action Plan (DESAP). DESAP is a joint initiative of European transmission and distribution system operators, launched to accelerate the digital transformation of the power sector. This platform brings together experts from DSOs, TSOs, and European institutions to define digitalization priorities, develop common standards, improve data exchange, and support the advancement of technological solutions—among which digital twins play a central role.

The new DESAP report, therefore, marks a turning point: for the first time, the European energy system is moving from mapping challenges to defining concrete actions and practical use cases for DT technologies.

What Is a Digital Twin?

A digital twin is a dynamic virtual equivalent of a physical system, process, or asset within the power grid. Unlike conventional simulations, it is continuously connected to its physical counterpart through real-time data exchange, enabling it to reflect the system’s actual state, respond to changes, and serve as a living model for advanced analysis, forecasting, and optimization.

Within the European power system, digital twins are becoming a key technology for both transmission and distribution operators. By integrating data from smart meters, sensors, and field inspections, digital models are continuously updated and support decision-making—from predicting issues and simulating scenarios to optimizing operations and planning the entire asset lifecycle.

Digital twins can be local, focusing on individual assets, or integrated to encompass entire networks. Although large-scale integration remains largely at the conceptual stage, the objective is to develop an interconnected ecosystem of digital twins across different organizations, operating under shared standards and governance frameworks.

Why Digitalization Is Essential

The European power sector is undergoing profound changes driven by decarbonization, the growth of renewable energy sources, and increased consumer engagement. Digital twins are becoming essential in this context, as they provide enhanced system visibility, advanced predictive analytics, and the interoperability required for stable and efficient networks.

At the same time, power systems are facing challenges such as the large-scale integration of distributed energy resources, electrification of transport and heating, climate change, geopolitical instability, and cybersecurity risks. For these reasons, digital twins represent a cornerstone of a resilient and flexible energy system of the future.

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Existing Initiatives and the Need for Coordination

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (anton-dmitriev)

The development of digital twins in Europe does not start from scratch—numerous initiatives and research projects are already underway. It is therefore important to clearly map the existing landscape to avoid duplicating efforts and to define the areas where digital twins can deliver the greatest added value.

An important component of the future digital infrastructure is the concept of data spaces. These enable data exchange between organizations while ensuring trust, security, and data sovereignty. Although they are not digital twins themselves, they provide the essential foundation for scalable and interoperable DT solutions.

Currently, several initiatives in the European energy sector are developing data space concepts, all aimed at enhancing secure, efficient data exchange among stakeholders. While their importance has already been recognized, these platforms still face the challenge of evolving into fully industrial-grade, robust systems with clearly defined technical standards, governance models, financial sustainability mechanisms, and accountability frameworks.

One of the leading initiatives is EDDIE, a pan-European open-source infrastructure that enables service providers to more easily integrate and access distributed data from households, distributed generation sources, and consumption data. In doing so, it creates the preconditions for cross-border energy services and cost-effective innovation.

OMEGA-X represents another significant example—a federated, multi-vector marketplace for data and services that simultaneously covers electricity, gas, and heat. It supports distribution and transmission operators, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large energy systems through standardized data exchange and multi-vector flexibility solutions.

The SYNERGIES project is developing a reference energy ecosystem focused on prosumers, network operators, and cross-sector use cases. It integrates building data, mobility data, smart metering information, and operational datasets to enable advanced flexibility services and coordination between TSOs and DSOs.

DATA CELLAR is an initiative designed for local energy communities that integrates smart metering data, meteorological information, and consumption, production, and price data into a unified, federated system. It also incorporates AI-based tools and incentive models to enable communities to develop their own energy services and participate in the market sustainably.

The ENERSHARE initiative demonstrates in practice how energy data spaces can support operational grid management, flexible services in mobility and electric-vehicle integration, and the participation of infrastructure from other sectors, such as water systems—all within secure, standardized, and sovereign data exchange frameworks.

The particularly ambitious INSIEME project goes beyond existing solutions. Its goal is to connect fragmented platforms into a unified Common European Energy Data Space (CEEDS) based on a federated architecture. Acting as an “integrator of integrators,” INSIEME develops key CEEDS components and implements them through numerous use cases and pilot projects across at least 16 countries. It covers a wide range of domains—from energy efficiency, flexibility management, and collective self-consumption, to grid services, electromobility, renewable integration, and sector coupling. More than 60 partners are involved, including DSOs, TSOs, agencies, universities, startups, and leading energy companies.

TwinEU is a key strategic investment by the European Union to develop a pan-European digital twin architecture for the power grid. Rather than pursuing a single, centralized digital twin model, TwinEU adopts a federated approach that connects multiple local digital twins into a coherent European system. This strategy is being tested through eight large-scale pilot projects involving transmission and distribution operators, market operators, and technology providers.

Although each pilot addresses specific local and regional priorities, collectively they contribute to the development of pan-European scenarios and a unified vision of the digitalized grid of the future. For digital twins to become a functional part of the power ecosystem, operators must define clear integration requirements that align with their systems and operational needs. In this way, pilot projects can evolve into a stable and interoperable digital environment operating at the European level.

Prepared by Milena Maglovski

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine DIGITALIZATION

The Link Between Laundry and Ecology

Photo: Erik Witsoe/Unsplash

Microplastics have undoubtedly become a widely discussed topic in recent years—not because environmental awareness is currently “trendy,” but because it has become fundamentally clear how pervasive microplastics are and how difficult they are to remove once they enter ecosystems. Part of this pollution originates from an entirely ordinary daily routine: doing the laundry. When we wash fabrics, especially synthetic ones, microscopic fibers are released and carried away with wastewater—tiny, dispersed, and practically invisible.

Synthetic fabrics are man-made textiles produced in factories from polymers, which are then processed into fabric. Clothing labels commonly list materials such as polyester, polyamide, acrylic, Lycra, and similar substances. During washing, these materials can shed into microscopic fragments that then travel further through wastewater systems.

Photo: Thomas G./Pixabay

To address the problem at its source, microfibers must be captured directly during washing, before the water enters the sewage system. This is the principle behind Regen, a filtration technology developed by the Bristol-based British company Matter. In laboratory conditions, filtration proved relatively straightforward, but real challenges emerged once more demanding washing loads were tested. Versions that appeared stable under controlled conditions began to fail when exposed to substances commonly present in real wash water, such as oils, skin residues, detergents, and grease. These create mixtures that are exceptionally effective at clogging filters. Sediment forms easily as fibers entangle, while particles fill micropores, causing fine-pore filters to rapidly lose flow.

Although filters capture fibers from all types of fabrics, the greatest environmental risk associated with microplastics arises from synthetic materials. Cotton fibers are more biodegradable, although they also burden wastewater systems and can carry chemicals used in textile processing.

For this reason, Matter believes that the solution cannot be “just another filter,” as sustainability would then cease to be the core principle—replacing one form of waste with another through new disposable valves and membranes. The central idea is to avoid additional resource consumption, which is why the technology was also designed not to require additional water. Moreover, frequent maintenance tends to frustrate users, and in a world saturated with information and obligations, people easily stop using devices that inconvenience them or simply bypass them altogether.

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How does Regen work? During washing, the filter captures material within a specific zone, thereby keeping most of the membrane clean until the system approaches saturation. A sensor then detects that the filter is nearing blockage and activates the Regen function. A dedicated valve has also been introduced so that, even if the filter becomes fully saturated mid-cycle, the washing machine can still complete the wash. This prevents the filter from becoming a point of failure within the household. The captured material is easily removable, and the filter is not filled with water during emptying, thereby maintaining hygiene.

Regen is primarily designed for integration into washing machines, but it can also be used as an add-on filter. As a technology, however, its application is not limited to household washing machines—it can serve as a solution across the entire chain, from households and professional laundries to the textile industry itself. The system is not limited to washing machines; it can also be applied at the fabric production stage in textile factories, where large volumes of wastewater are generated during material production and processing.

By 2030, Matter aims to develop and deploy sufficient solutions—both in the textile industry and in laundry applications—to collectively capture 15,000 tons of microfibers. Broader adoption of these systems in households, laundries, and factories would prevent an equivalent amount of microfibers from entering wastewater systems and ultimately the natural environment.

New standards emerge only when an environmental solution becomes invisible in everyday life—when it operates reliably and requires no additional effort or resources. Only then do such solutions become the new normal.

Prepared by Milica Vučković

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine DIGITALIZATION

The H-Bridges Team and Laboratory as the Foundation of Development

Photo: H-Bridges

The H-Bridges team of students from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade, has, for many years, been developing innovative solutions in the field of power electronics and successfully presenting them at the prestigious global competition, the International Future Energy Challenge (IFEC), under the auspices of the IEEE. Over the past few years, the team has achieved notable results, including winning 1st place in 2019, as well as second places in the 2020, 2022, and 2023 competitions. The winning team in 2019 developed a drive system for an electric bicycle and an Android application for communication between the cyclist and the electric drive. More information about previous successes and projects can be found on the H-Bridges team website.

Behind these results stand students who, alongside their regular academic obligations, spend months developing complex engineering systems, often spending evenings and weekends in the laboratory. In addition to the technical aspect, given that competition rules require teams to independently secure funds for prototype development and participation, being part of such a project offers students significant experience, enabling them to work in a multidisciplinary team, strengthen teamwork, and develop entrepreneurial skills.

Photo: H-Bridges

The team’s work takes place within the Laboratory for Digital Control of Converters and Drives at the Department of Power Converters and Drives. This laboratory serves as a research and educational base for developing and applying modern digital control methods for power converters and drive systems. The focus includes the design and implementation of algorithms for current, voltage, and torque regulation, as well as systems that ensure high power quality and stable operation under real conditions.

With the growing share of variable renewable energy sources and the increasing role of electric vehicles, the need for the digitalization of energy systems is becoming essential. At the same time, power electronic devices represent an indispensable part of such systems. It is precisely in this environment that students connect theory, modeling, and practical implementation, developing prototypes that integrate digital control platforms, control algorithms, and real-time measurements — technologies that are today standard in modern power engineering. In addition to working on competition projects, a certain number of students continue cooperation with the laboratory through bachelor’s and master’s theses under the mentorship of Assistant Professor Aleksandar Milić, deepening their knowledge in the field of control of power converters and drive systems.

IN FOCUS:

Current Project

This year’s team task is the design of a bidirectional on-board charger for electric vehicles. The project responds to the need for solutions that enable not only battery charging but also energy feedback from electric vehicles to the power grid, thereby making electric vehicles an active element of the energy system.

The competition requirements include a power rating of 1 kW, a power density of 2 kW/L, plug-and-play functionality, and a minimum efficiency of 92 percent at nominal power. These criteria set a high technical standard and require careful design of the topology, control strategy, and protection system. In addition, the dimensions of the prototype are limited to achieve greater compactness.

This year, the H-Bridges team consists of 25 members and is organized into three sub-teams: Hardware, Firmware and Control, and Public Relations and Fundraising. Development has entered the phase of intensive laboratory testing of the prototype, which includes verification of protection functions, measurement of key electrical parameters, and final optimization of the control system, as well as analysis of the system’s dynamic behavior, verification of control stability, and performance assessment under different operating modes. In parallel with technical activities, the team independently secures the funds necessary for participation in the next phase of the competition.

The competition consists of qualification, semifinal, and final rounds. After submitting a technically elaborated proposal, the H-Bridges team received confirmation of its placement in the semifinals at the end of December 2025. The explanation of the decision highlighted the clear structure of the document, the technical elaboration of the solution, the well-argued selection of the topology and control strategy, and the innovation and economic analysis of the project, which particularly contributed to its credibility.

The semifinal will be held in March 2026 in San Antonio, USA, during the IEEE APEC conference, where teams present technical results and progress. Placement in this phase represents a significant success for the team and the University of Belgrade, considering that H-Bridges competes on equal terms with universities from around the world. The final stage of the competition will be held in Belgium, at the Catholic University of Leuven.

H-Bridges

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine DIGITALIZATION

Zagreb Streets Welcome Autonomous Taxis – The First Step Towards Driverless Rides in Europe

Photo-illustration: Freepik (wirestock)

Imagine a perfectly ordinary taxi ride. You sit down, close the door, and within minutes, a conversation starts on its own. Sometimes it drifts into serious topics, sometimes into laughter, sometimes you find yourself recounting your whole day to a complete stranger. And then there’s the familiar question: “Which route would you like us to take?” – followed by explanations of why this street is better, where the traffic is heavier, what’s going on in the city… and suddenly, the ride becomes more than just transportation.

We’re used to this. And probably many of us have enjoyed it. But what happens when you enter a vehicle – and that conversation is gone? No questions, no route suggestions, no glances in the rearview mirror. Just you, silence, and technology that “knows” the way better than any driver. This is where a new era of mobility begins – one in which the taxi is no longer a person, but a system. And the question is no longer which route you want to take, but whether you are ready to trust a ride without a driver.

It may still seem like an experience reserved for distant countries and tech metropolises. Yet, a company from this region has just pushed that boundary – by launching Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service. This story comes from Croatia, where in Zagreb, the company Verne has started a new era of mobility, introducing autonomous taxis on city streets. Citizens of Zagreb can now book rides and pay via an app.

In the first phase, electric vehicles equipped with Pony.ai’s seventh-generation autonomous driving system will hit the streets of Zagreb. It’s completely normal to feel a certain degree of fear or mistrust towards such new technology, but passengers can relax – during this early phase, trained operators will be present in the vehicles, acting as a safety net while the system fully integrates into city traffic.

For now, the service is available in key parts of the city, with plans to expand routes to the rest of Zagreb in the near future. Once all safety standards are met and the necessary regulatory approvals are obtained, the taxis will become fully autonomous, without the presence of operators.

The speed of this kind of taxi service development is confirmed by the fact that Verne is already in talks for permits with 11 cities across the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East, with more than 30 additional cities under consideration.

Perhaps we shouldn’t close the door on new technologies right away – they can bring advantages. Still, the question remains how such a change will impact taxi drivers and their work, and maybe the next step will be the introduction of AI “taxi drivers” who can chat with passengers just like we’re used to – laughter, stories about the day, and debates about the best routes.

What do you think about all this? Would you dare to try a ride like this?

Katarina Vuinac

Croatia Announces First Incentives for Residential Battery Systems, Alongside New Package for Solar and Heat Pumps

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Mark Merner)

Croatia’s Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, Marija Vučković, presented on Tuesday, April 7, a public call worth €38 million aimed at encouraging the use of renewable energy sources and energy storage systems. The initiative is part of the Government’s tenth support package for citizens and businesses.

The implementation of the call has been entrusted to the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund (FZOEU), through which citizens will be able to access funding for the installation of solar power plants, heat pumps, and battery systems.

Citizens with an average monthly income in 2025 of up to €1,341.42 will be eligible for subsidies covering 70% of the investment in solar systems, heat pumps, and batteries, while those with higher incomes will be able to receive 50% support, announced Žarko Latković from FZOEU.

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Specifically, support for heat pumps ranges from €6,250 to €8,750, for solar power plants from €6,000 to €8,400, while battery systems can receive between €5,600 and €7,840—but only if installed together with solar panels. FZOEU Director Luka Balen noted that this is the first time citizens will have access to incentives for installing battery systems, enabling not only electricity generation but also its storage.

According to the announcement, around 1,000 heat pumps have already been installed with state support.

Funds have been allocated as follows: €20 million for solar power plants, €10 million for heat pumps, and €8 million for battery systems. The call is open to owners of family houses where they have registered residence, provided that the buildings are legal and meet the prescribed technical requirements.

At the same time, a separate program worth €80 million has been launched for businesses, aimed at decarbonization and modernization of heating and cooling systems. Companies can receive grants of up to €30 million per project for investments in the production and storage of thermal energy from renewable sources, improving energy efficiency, and reducing the use of fossil fuels.

Energy portal

Bulgaria Expands Capacity of the Vertical Gas Corridor: Gas Transmission to Double by the End of 2026

Photo: Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy, Trajčo Trajkov, met with Romania’s Ambassador to Bulgaria, Brinduša Joana Predesku, to discuss strengthening energy and infrastructure cooperation between the two countries. The talks focused on the development of gas interconnections, regional corridors, and joint transport projects. Special emphasis was placed on the development of the Vertical Gas Corridor, where Bulgaria is already working on expanding the transmission network along the Rupcha–Vetrino route.

The project envisages increasing transmission capacity from five to ten billion cubic meters per year in the south–north direction, with the start of commercial operations expected in October 2026. At the same time, regulatory activities are being carried out to ensure more competitive prices and more efficient use of capacity.

During the meeting, Trajkov called for prioritizing opportunities for reverse gas supplies to Bulgaria, considering the expected production from the Black Sea, which could reach up to eight billion cubic meters annually.

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The participants also discussed broader regional initiatives, including a subsea energy cable project between Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Romania, as well as the possibility of Bulgaria joining the project under certain conditions. There was also discussion on the development of a green energy corridor connecting Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye, and Bulgaria.

In addition to energy, a significant part of the discussion was devoted to infrastructure projects, including the construction of a third bridge over the Danube and the development of a highway linking Greece and Romania via Bulgaria. Although European funding has been secured for this project, implementation has been delayed due to repeated suspensions of public procurement procedures by the Romanian company CNAIR.

One of the key conclusions of the meeting was the need to accelerate the implementation of major infrastructure and energy projects, which are of strategic importance for regional connectivity, security of supply, and economic competitiveness. It was also emphasized that future connections of transport routes, including the Alexandroupolis–Constanța route with an extension toward Ukraine, could play an important role in the country’s post-war reconstruction.

Energetski portal

How the Greenfield Project Is Transforming Students’ Environmental Awareness

Photo by Greenfield

When a volunteer initiative grows into a movement that brings together generations of students, you know that something worth noticing is taking shape. This is precisely the story behind the student project Greenfield, about which we spoke with Ana Vrbica, a student at the Faculty of Economics and an active member of the initiative that has been raising environmental awareness among young people in recent years.

Ana takes us back to 2022, when it all began with a panel discussion titled, symbolically, ‘Why Would Anyone Be Eco?’ As she explains, Stefan Nevistić, then a member of the organization, presented the idea that each of us can be an agent of change—even through small gestures —in an inspiring way.

— In the first year, our colleagues immediately put theory into practice by organizing a trip to Divčibare, which became a concrete first step toward everything that followed, Ana explains.

Photo by Greenfield

That initial enthusiasm did not remain confined to the first generation of participants. On the contrary, it spread, inspired new members, and gradually evolved into increasingly ambitious and tangible activities year after year. Today, Greenfield stands behind cleanup actions in Ovčar Banja and Subotica, as well as numerous initiatives organized at the Faculty itself.

— What motivates us most are the small changes we initiate each year, which over time lead to significant results, Ana says.

As a student organization, Greenfield members feel a particular responsibility to bring environmental protection closer to young people and, through their own example, demonstrate that solidarity can go hand in hand with ecology. At the Faculty of Economics, they regularly organize humanitarian collections of recyclable materials and are especially proud of their volunteer cleanup campaign at Mount Avala.

This year, they have taken a step further: alongside recycling efforts, they have launched a collection of used ‘Terea’ tobacco sticks, empty cigarette packs, and similar packaging, which they donate to the association Naša kuća (Our House), an organization that provides support to persons with developmental disabilities.

— This association supports individuals with developmental disabilities, and we are extremely pleased that through this project we can help them and contribute to raising awareness about their position in society, our interlocutor emphasizes.

Success Measured by Student Engagement

For Greenfield, one of its greatest achievements is the fact that it has succeeded in mobilizing a large number of students who had long wanted to contribute but lacked a clear opportunity to do so.

In focus:

— With the support of the faculty, in 2024, we organized our first recycling campaign, which resulted in the purchase of essential equipment for those who needed it most, Ana says.

That moment clearly demonstrated that environmental awareness among students not only exists, but is simply waiting for the right impulse to be expressed. This year, several new initiatives are being introduced in response to the growing support the project receives with each cycle.

Although Greenfield does not currently have formal cooperation with other faculties, invitations for joint actions have already been extended. Ana emphasizes that they are open to partnerships and would welcome the opportunity to join forces with other student organizations in the future.

When it comes to companies, cooperation has already been established and continues year after year. The project is supported by numerous firms that recognize the importance of raising environmental awareness, and Greenfield is committed to nurturing and expanding these partnerships.

Asked where she sees the project in the coming years, Ana responds with optimism:

— We hope that future generations will continue in our footsteps, while also further developing the project through new ideas, initiatives, and actions. Our goal is to organize conferences featuring experts in ecology to show young people that even seemingly small changes in everyday behavior can make a significant difference. We would also like to carry out tree-planting initiatives and contribute to improving certain areas in Belgrade and other cities across Serbia.

Most importantly, she adds, the project must remain alive and maintain continuity. Cleanup actions, recycling, and raising awareness about responsible behavior toward nature remain the core pillars of Greenfield.

— We believe that continuity and dedication are the key to real change, Ana concludes.

Prepared by Milena Maglovski

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine DIGITALIZATION

Sustainable Mobility in Croatia: The Role of Cities, Energy, and Digitalization

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Hrvoje Photography)

The electrification of transport, the integration of renewable energy sources, and the application of digital solutions are no longer distant-future issues but concrete challenges facing local communities, decision-makers, and businesses across the region today.

We discussed these topics—as well as the realistic potential of sustainable mobility, institutional capacities, financial models, and the role of knowledge in a successful transition—with Vedran Kirinčić, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Electric Power Systems at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Rijeka.

Photo: Courtesy of Vedran Kirinčić

Q: Your professional biography is strongly associated with clean energy, sustainable mobility, and digitalization. How would you describe your current professional focus, and which projects are you involved in—both in Croatia and beyond?

A: My current professional focus is on linking the energy transition and sustainable mobility through concrete, implementable projects at the local and regional levels. As an energy transition consultant, I work on developing investment concepts that integrate energy generation, transport electrification, and digital solutions into unified systems that are both technically feasible and financially sustainable. I collaborate with cities and municipalities on projects that integrate renewable energy sources, EV charging infrastructure, energy communities, and smart energy management. Through EU initiatives, I am also involved in projects across the wider region.

At the same time, as a member of the academic community, I place strong emphasis on knowledge transfer and capacity building for local and regional stakeholders—through numerous panels and workshops, as well as through a new university course, Energy Transition in the Transport Sector. Practical experience shows that without people and institutions that understand the system, there can be no long-term transition. My interest, therefore, always lies at the intersection of technology, finance, and real-world implementation.

IN FOCUS:

Q: Sustainable mobility is becoming one of the key pillars of the energy transition. How do you assess the current state of sustainable mobility in Croatia, and where does it realistically stand in relation to the goals set by the EU?

A: Sustainable mobility in Croatia has made progress in recent years, but this progress has largely come through isolated initiatives rather than through systematically planned development. We are seeing an increase in the number of electric vehicles, the first more serious projects focused on the electrification of public transport, and investments in infrastructure; however, these advances are still not sufficiently integrated into the energy system or spatial planning.

In relation to the goals of the European Union, Croatia is currently lagging behind, primarily due to slower implementation and the lack of an integrated approach that would link transport, renewable energy sources, and grid infrastructure. From a technological perspective, solutions are available and well proven, but the key challenges remain in organization, financing, and capacity building at the local level.

EU targets are extremely ambitious, yet achievable in the long term—provided there is a shift from high-level strategies to systemic, coordinated projects with clear operational and financial logic.

Q: What would you highlight as Croatia’s greatest achievements in the field of sustainable mobility to date, and whose efforts have contributed the most to these results?

A: Croatia’s greatest achievements in sustainable mobility are most visible where there has been a clear vision and strong personal commitment from individuals and teams at the local level, rather than merely formally adopted strategies. This is particularly evident in projects related to the development of public transport and mobility-on-demand services, the expansion of charging infrastructure, and pilot car-sharing systems, all of which have demonstrated that new solutions are technically and operationally feasible.

It is important to emphasize that these advances are not the result of systemic mechanisms, but rather of the work of motivated local authorities, experts, and companies that assumed responsibility and successfully connected various stakeholders. These examples clearly show that success does not primarily depend on the regulatory framework, but on capacity, knowledge, and willingness to cooperate. Educated and motivated individuals represent the greatest value. Their projects should serve as a foundation for scaling up best practices and building a more long-term, coherent approach to sustainable mobility at the national and regional levels.

Q: Looking ahead, what are your expectations for the development of sustainable mobility in Croatia by the end of this decade, and do you see room for stronger regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and Southeast Europe?

A: I expect sustainable mobility in Croatia to develop more rapidly than it has so far, primarily through further electrification of road transport and the strengthening of public transport, as well as through increasingly closer integration with the energy system. However, this development will not be linear and will inevitably involve certain missteps from which lessons will need to be learned. The key question will be how successfully we manage to move from isolated projects to systemic models that can be replicated and scaled.

Photo: Solarpark

As for regional cooperation, the potential is significant, as countries in the Western Balkans and Southeast Europe share similar infrastructural, institutional, and financial challenges. Rather than developing similar solutions in parallel, a stronger exchange of knowledge, experience, and best practices could substantially accelerate the transition and reduce overall costs for all stakeholders involved.

Q: Renewable energy sources and mobility are increasingly being viewed as interconnected systems. What is your engagement in the field of renewables, and how do you see the interplay between the development of renewable energy and the electrification of transport?

A: I strongly advocate an approach in which renewable energy sources and mobility are developed as interconnected systems, rather than as two separate sectors. The electrification of transport only makes full sense if it is accompanied by local clean energy generation and smart demand management. For this reason, my projects—implemented in cooperation with technology solution providers—focus on photovoltaic systems on buildings and solar carports, integrated with electric vehicle charging infrastructure and, where justified, with energy storage systems.

Such an approach reduces grid load, increases system resilience, and improves the economic viability of investments. I consider joint planning of energy and transport solutions to be essential, as only in this way can real climate impacts be achieved and the long-term sustainability of transport electrification be ensured.

Interview by: Milena Maglovski 

Read the whole interview in Energy portal Magazine DIGITALIZATION. 

Solar Power Brings Europe Significant Savings Amid Middle East Crisis

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

The events in the Middle East have prompted countries around the world to increase investments in renewable energy, and a new report from SolarPower Europe highlights just how much solar power is currently contributing to Europe’s savings.

Data shows that the EU’s existing solar capacity saved more than 110 million euros per day on gas imports between March 1 and 17, reducing the overall gas import bill by 32 percent.

During these two and a half weeks, the EU’s solar capacity generated 19.9 TWh of electricity. Producing the same amount of energy from gas-fired power plants would have cost around 1.9 billion euros – an additional 32 percent on top of the 6 billion euros the European Commission estimates was spent on fossil fuel imports during the same period. More precisely, from March 1 to 31, total savings reached 3.77 billion euros.

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If gas prices rise above the average March levels, solar energy savings could reach nearly 67 billion euros by the end of 2026. According to SolarPower Europe’s medium scenario for future solar deployment, cumulative savings by the end of the decade could reach 170 billion euros.

SolarPower Europe emphasizes that, in addition to expanding solar capacity, it is urgent to develop flexible solutions such as battery storage, smart grids, and demand management, in order to further reduce dependence on gas and stabilize electricity prices.

The increased use of fossil fuels also affects periods when the most expensive fuel sets the price for all electricity on the market, so such measures directly contribute to lower costs for industry and households.

Energy portal

European Commission Examines French Support for New Nuclear Reactors

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (distelAPPArath)

In November 2025, France presented to the European Commission a plan to support the construction and operation of six new nuclear reactors, with a total capacity of 9,990 MW. The new units will be built in pairs at existing nuclear power plant sites – Penly, Gravelines, and Bugey – with commissioning planned between 2038 and 2044 and an expected operational lifespan of 60 years. The total project cost is currently estimated at 72.8 billion eruos.

The project aims to increase the security of electricity supply in France and neighboring countries, as well as to contribute to the EU’s decarbonization goals. Under EU Treaties, Member States have the right to determine their own energy mix, and accordingly, France has opted, within its national energy policy, for a stronger development of nuclear energy.

The European Commission, however, has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether the planned public support complies with EU State aid rules. This is a standard procedure for complex aid packages, allowing France and interested third parties to submit comments.

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France plans to support the project through a subsidized loan covering 60 percent of the investment, a 40-year two-way contract for difference, and a risk-sharing mechanism for unforeseen circumstances, with the support directed to Électricité de France S.A. (EDF), the state-owned energy company and operator of France’s nuclear fleet.

Although the European Commission’s preliminary assessment recognizes the importance of the project for supply security and decarbonization, the investigation will determine whether the aid package is proportionate, whether it distorts competition – particularly by potentially strengthening EDF’s market position – and whether it is fully compliant with EU rules.

The outcome of the investigation will show to what extent Member States can use public funds for large nuclear projects in accordance with EU electricity market rules.

Energy portal

Romania Declares Crisis Situation on the Crude Oil and Petroleum Products Market

Photo-illustration: Freepik (frimufilms)

An emergency ordinance declaring a crisis situation on the crude oil and petroleum products market has officially come into effect in Romania. According to the Romanian Government, the ordinance applies to the period from April 1 to June 30, 2026, but it may be extended depending on developments in the Middle East.

The ordinance was adopted with the aim of protecting citizens and the economy in light of events on the energy market.

The first measure under the ordinance concerns restrictions on the export of crude oil and diesel. Companies wishing to export to the European Union are required to obtain prior approval from the competent authorities, and penalties are envisaged for failure to comply with this obligation.

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The next measure applies to fuel producers, importers, and distributors, who will be required to limit trading margins to the average levels recorded in 2025.

Another measure allows for a reduction in the share of biodiesel in gasoline, which will help limit the final price for consumers.

Energy portal

Croatia Releases 35,000 Tons of Diesel from Reserves to Support the Stabilization of the European Energy Market

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

In order to contribute to joint European efforts to stabilize the energy market, the Government of the Republic of Croatia has decided to release 35,000 tons of diesel fuel from mandatory oil and petroleum product reserves onto the market.

According to Croatia’s Minister of Economy, Ante Šušnjar, this decision does not constitute an emergency measure nor is it a result of supply disruptions; rather, it is part of a coordinated action reflecting solidarity with countries more heavily affected by the current challenges on the global energy market.

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The decision was made following a meeting of the International Energy Agency on March 10, where a coordinated release of 400 million barrels of crude oil equivalents from strategic reserves was agreed upon to mitigate disruptions caused by transit issues through the Hormuz Strait and the decline in production in the Middle East.

Although not a member of the Agency, Croatia participates in joint European activities. The country will release 35,000 tons of diesel onto the market, representing about 4.7 percent of its mandatory reserves, with the government announcing that these quantities will be replenished in a timely manner.

Energy portal

ENTSO-E Publishes Final Report on the Causes of the Power Outage in Spain and Portugal

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Thomas)

The European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) has published the final report of the Expert Panel on the power outage of 28 April 2025 in continental Spain and Portugal. In addition to identifying the causes of this event, the report also provides recommendations to strengthen the resilience of Europe’s interconnected electricity system.

The results of the investigation show that the outage was caused by a combination of several interrelated factors, including system oscillations, shortcomings in voltage and reactive power control, differences in voltage regulation practices, rapid reductions in generation and generator disconnections in Spain, as well as uneven system stabilisation capabilities.

These factors led to a rapid increase in voltage and cascading disconnections of generation units, ultimately resulting in the power outage.

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To prevent similar events in the future, the recommendations highlight the need to improve operational practices and system monitoring, as well as to ensure closer coordination and more efficient data exchange among power system actors.

The report also underlines the importance of adapting regulatory frameworks to better reflect the increasingly dynamic and evolving nature of modern power systems.

More about the final report can be found here.

Energy portal

H-Bridges in the Semifinals of IEEE IFEC 2026 at the IEEE APEC Conference

Photo: H-Bridges

The student team H-Bridges from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade, is participating in the semifinal stage of the prestigious international competition IEEE International Future Energy Challenge (IFEC), held as part of the IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition (APEC 2026) in San Antonio, USA, from March 22 to 26. The presentation of the team’s results to the judges took place on March 22, while the results regarding advancement to the next stage are expected in mid-April.

Photo: H-Bridges

H-Bridges brings together students who, through year-long multidisciplinary projects, develop innovative and energy-efficient technical solutions. For seven consecutive years, the team has successfully presented its work at the IFEC competition, organized under the auspices of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the world’s leading organization in the field of electrical and electronics engineering.

The IFEC semifinal stage gathers 11 of the best student teams from around the world, who present and defend their technical solutions before an international jury. At this stage, not only innovation is evaluated, but also the team’s ability to develop a reliable, efficient, and functional device capable of operating in real-world conditions. It is in the semifinals that student projects are tested against global technical standards and compared with solutions developed by top young engineers worldwide, highlighting those with potential for further industrial application. For this reason, the cost of the device is also an important evaluation criterion.

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The IEEE APEC conference is one of the most significant global events in the field of power electronics, bringing together leading researchers, engineers, and representatives of technology companies from around the world. The conference showcases state-of-the-art solutions in power conversion, energy management, and transport electrification, and hosting the IFEC semifinals within such an environment further emphasizes the importance and prestige of the competition.

This year’s task for the H-Bridges team is to develop a bidirectional on-board charger for electric vehicles—a device that, in addition to conventional battery charging, enables energy to be fed back from the vehicle to the power grid. This concept, known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G), represents one of the key steps toward the development of smart energy systems, where electric vehicles become active participants in balancing electricity supply and demand.

Developing such a device requires achieving high efficiency, compactness, and reliability, which represents a significant engineering challenge even in industrial environments. According to the competition requirements, the solution must meet strict technical criteria, including a nominal power of 1 kW, a minimum efficiency of 92 percent at nominal load, high power density, and plug-and-play functionality. In addition to performance, special attention is given to device safety, electrical isolation, reliable operation in both directions of energy flow, as well as the economic feasibility of the selected components.

This year’s H-Bridges team consists of 25 members and is organized into three sub-teams: hardware, firmware and control, and fundraising and public relations. During the one-year project cycle, students independently go through the entire process—from concept and design, through prototyping and testing, to presenting their solution before an international jury. This approach allows students to gain experience that goes beyond the scope of traditional academic education. The team’s motto is: “Save on iron and copper through the smart use of silicon and software.”

Consistency in results is one of the greatest strengths of the H-Bridges team. The team has won first place at the IFEC competition twice—in 2005 and 2019—when they developed an electric bicycle drive that successfully passed all technical tests without penalty points and achieved outstanding efficiency. In addition to these victories, the team has reached final rounds multiple times and secured high second-place finishes, with a total of nine international awards and recognitions. Furthermore, over the past seven years, H-Bridges members have received 12 national awards, and notably, four startup companies in Serbia have emerged from the H-Bridges team.

H-Bridges

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