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Why Are Sustainable Fuels Not Enough to Reduce Emissions in the Aviation Industry?

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Pascal Meier)

In an effort to limit global warming, the European Commission has set an ambitious goal of reducing emissions by 90 percent by 2040 compared to 1990. All industries must take concrete steps to align their operations with this target.

However, the aviation industry plans to more than double passenger traffic by 2050 compared to 2019, which presents a significant challenge to achieving climate goals.

The organization Transport & Environment (T&E) analyzed the potential impact of this growth on greenhouse gas emissions. Although sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are increasingly used as an alternative to fossil kerosene, the predicted increase in traffic will negate the benefits of these fuels. T&E estimates that, despite improvements in efficiency, aircraft in 2050 will consume 59 percent more fuel than in 2019.

Another issue concerning the further development of this industry is the sustainability of alternative fuels. According to reports, the European aviation industry could use up to 24.2 million tons of bio-kerosene by 2050. However, it is alarming that four out of five liters of this fuel could come from non-sustainable sources. It is worth noting that biofuel production often involves agricultural land, which can lead to further deforestation as land is converted into arable fields. Additionally, some types of biofuels do not result in significant emissions savings when their entire lifecycle—from production to use—is taken into account.

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On the other hand, e-fuels are produced using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, and by capturing CO₂ from the atmosphere or industrial facilities. This process makes them a more sustainable choice compared to biofuels, as they reduce emissions throughout their lifecycle and do not require the use of agricultural land.

However, producing e-fuels is extremely energy-intensive. A large amount of electricity is needed to produce just one liter of e-fuel, meaning their widespread adoption depends on expanding renewable energy production capacity. If these capacities do not grow quickly enough, the aviation industry will not be able to rely on e-fuels as a key tool for decarbonization.

Alternative fuels are still not sustainable enough to offset the projected increase in traffic. Without policies to limit the growth of the aviation sector, emissions from this sector will not decrease rapidly enough and could even lead to an additional 960 million tons of CO2 by 2050.

T&E is urging the European Commission to take steps to halt infrastructure expansion, reduce business travel, and address the issue of frequent flying.

Energy portal

From Gas Power Plants to 1,200 MW of Renewable Energy: Romania’s Projects for 2025

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (ondrej-bocek)

Romania is preparing for several significant projects in the energy sector in 2025.

In the current global context, where energy security becomes increasingly critical, particularly due to situations such as the disruption of Russian gas supplies via Ukraine, Romania underscores the necessity for its energy to be secure, affordable, and environmentally sustainable. The country is actively working to increase its production capacities while aiming to minimize the need for government intervention in regulating energy prices, as stated by the Ministry of Energy. Some projects slated for completion or initiation in 2025 are designed to strengthen the energy infrastructure.

One key example is the completion of the Iernut gas power plant, which is expected to deliver 430 MW to the grid. The plant will feature state-of-the-art combined-cycle technology (gas and steam), achieving higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared to older thermal power plants. The completion deadline is set for June 2025.

Next is the construction of the Răstolița hydropower plant, with a 30 MW flexible capacity, along with the Năvodari cogeneration plant of 80 MW. This is a modern gas-powered cogeneration (CHP) plant with a capacity of 80 MW, simultaneously generating electricity and heat. This production method allows for higher overall efficiency compared to separate production processes, as the heat energy, which would otherwise be wasted, is effectively utilized for heating or industrial purposes.

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Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Asia Chang Yr)

Additionally, through private investments funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the connection of 1,200 to 1,500 MW of renewable energy sources is expected, along with a doubling of energy storage capacities to 400-500 MWh. This will enable more efficient use of renewables and a more stable grid operation.

Significant expectations are also placed on the Mintia gas thermal power plant, where the first 1,000 MW could become operational by the end of the year, with the total capacity reaching 1,750 MW. The plant is projected to produce about 12,000 GWh of electricity annually, with an estimated operational lifespan of 30 years, according to Romania’s Ministry of Energy. At the end of 2024, the “MASS Mintia” power plant was designated a project of national importance in the field of electricity by the Romanian Government, which facilitates administrative procedures. The energy produced here will not be sold to the Russian Federation or Hungary.

Electrica Group also confirms ambitious plans, announcing two significant tenders for the construction of the Satu Mare 3 solar power plant with a capacity of 62.5 MW and a solar complex with a total capacity of 77.6 MW in the municipalities of Cefa and Mădăraș.

At the end of 2024, Romania launched the “Urban Up” program aimed at promoting energy communities as a vital link in the effective implementation of the energy transition. According to the Ministry of Energy, 150 million lei (over 30 million euros) has been allocated for this program, enabling residential communities to apply for funding to build their own green energy production facilities, recognizing that large residential buildings in cities represent untapped potential.

The Ministry of Energy emphasizes that all these efforts are part of a broader strategy that includes exploring new gas fields, developing a civilian nuclear program, and strengthening domestic production of solar panels and batteries.

Energy portal

The Future of the Labor Market – Green Transition at the Heart of Global Changes

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

To meet the climate targets set for 2030, a green transformation of nearly all economic sectors is essential. This ambitious goal will not be achievable without a sufficient number of skilled workers capable of addressing the challenges of the energy transition and the climate crisis.

In an effort to identify the occupations and skills that will be most in demand in the future, the World Economic Forum has published the Future of Jobs Report 2025. This unique document draws on an extensive survey conducted among global employers, providing valuable insights into labor market trends.

The latest edition of the report reflects the views of more than 1,000 employers, collectively employing over 14 million workers across 22 industry clusters and 55 economies worldwide. The result is a highly detailed analysis of emerging jobs and skills that will shape the period from 2025 to 2030.

According to the report’s findings, climate change ranks third among the key trends that will most transform global business operations over the next five years.

Photo-illustration: Pixabay

These trends highlight an increasing demand for roles such as renewable energy engineers, environmental protection engineers, and specialists in electric and autonomous vehicles, which are among the 15 fastest-growing occupations. Climate change is also driving greater emphasis on environmental management, which for the first time has been ranked among the world’s top 10 most sought-after skills.

The second most transformative trend is the rising cost of living, with half of employers expecting this trend to significantly shape their operations by 2030, despite the projected slowdown in global inflation. These factors will further drive the demand for creativity, adaptability, resilience, and agility—skills that are becoming critical for business success.

Finally, the most transformative trend is the expansion of digital access—60 percent of employers predict that digitalization will significantly reshape their business operations by 2030. Technological advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, data processing, robotics, and automation, as well as energy solutions like production, storage, and distribution, will further influence the labor market.

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Training and Reskilling Essential for a Large Portion of the Workforce

As global labor markets undergo structural transformation, the World Economic Forum estimates that jobs such as administrative assistants, postal and banking service clerks, and data entry operators are among those facing the greatest decline.

Additionally, the report predicts that 39 percent of existing skills will become obsolete or transformed by 2030, although this skills instability has slowed compared to 2020, when it peaked at 57 percent. This trend is partly attributed to a higher percentage of workers (50 percent) who have undergone training, reskilling, or upskilling.

Given the growing demand for new skills, a significant portion of the workforce still requires training or reskilling—if the global workforce were represented by 100 people, 59 would need to undergo training by 2030.

Surveyed companies identified skills gaps as the greatest barrier to business transformation. Accordingly, 85 percent of employers plan to prioritize workforce development, with 70 percent expecting to hire staff with new skills, 40 percent planning to reduce headcount as certain skills become less relevant, and 50 percent intending to provide training for their workforce.

Milena Maglovski

EU Built 13 GW of Wind Energy in 2024, but 30 GW Annually Is Needed – What’s Slowing Development?

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Jason Blackeye)

The European Union has set ambitious goals for wind energy, aiming for wind power to account for 34 percent of total electricity consumption by 2030 and over 50 percent by 2050. However, in 2024, the share of wind energy stood at 19 percent. According to WindEurope, the current pace of wind energy development is insufficient to achieve these targets.

In 2024, the EU built 13 GW of new wind capacity, including 11.4 GW onshore and 1.4 GW offshore. This falls significantly short of the 30 GW required annually to meet the 2030 climate and energy goals. Across Europe, a total of 15 GW of new wind capacity was added.

Three main obstacles are slowing progress. The first issue is the permitting process. Most governments have not implemented the EU’s new rules aimed at streamlining and accelerating this process. Although these rules are now mandatory, many countries have yet to incorporate them into their national legislation. In fact, permitting delays worsened in 2024. The new regulations include binding deadlines and a principle of overriding public interest. Countries that have adopted these measures have demonstrated their effectiveness. For example, Germany approved nearly 15 GW of new onshore wind farms, the highest amount ever and seven times more than five years ago.

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Even if permitting is expedited, the second challenge remains – a lack of grid infrastructure. Currently, more than 500 GW of potential wind energy capacity is waiting for grid connection requests to be assessed. Grid development is not progressing quickly enough to accommodate new capacity.

The third issue is the stagnation of electrification rates, meaning the transition to electricity in sectors relying on fossil fuels is not advancing. In the EU, electricity accounts for only 23 percent of total energy consumption, but this needs to increase to 61 percent by 2050.

Interest in wind energy development is not lacking. European countries awarded a record 37 GW of new capacity at national auctions in 2024, including 29 GW within the EU. Corporate consumers are also increasingly recognizing the economic benefits of wind energy. However, to achieve the 2030 and 2050 targets, the three aforementioned challenges must be addressed urgently.

Energy portal

One Man – Many Recycled Bottles

Photo: Courtesy of Dragan Janković
Photo: Courtesy of Dragan Janković

Plastic bottles and caps are among the most common types of waste that fill up landfills and litter streets, taking hundreds of years to decompose. Therefore, every contribution and reuse is valuable, whether it comes from large companies or individuals. Recycling is a simple and accessible way for everyone to contribute to preserving our planet. This is the story of Dragan Janković from Čoka, who crafts brooms from plastic bottles. In doing so, he not only helps combat plastic pollution but also provides himself with additional income.

After retiring due to health issues in 2011, Dragan faced the challenge of increasing his budget. While searching for ideas, he came across a video in Spanish about making brooms from plastic bottles. Although the translation was poor, Dragan persevered and mastered the technique through determination and effort.

He started collecting bottles around the village, and when his friends heard about his plan, they began bringing him plastic bottles. It took him a long time and many failed attempts to make his first broom. Fortunately, his persistence paid off. When his neighbors saw Dragan making brooms, they began collecting bottles and delivering them to his doorstep to help him and contribute to the fight against pollution. Today, it takes him about an hour and a half to make one broom, with his only cost being the purchase of wooden handles.

As Dragan explains, the process of making the brooms is far from easy. First, the bottles must be washed, and the labels and caps must be removed before drying. Next, the bottles are cut into thin strips, which are then wound onto frames and boiled in water. Once dried, the strips are used for the final assembly. These brooms are durable and ideal for sweeping leaves. They are often purchased at fairs or directly from Dragan.

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Although he lives in a small community with low demand, Dragan is satisfied with the positive feedback and reactions.

“There aren’t many customers since this is a small place, but I regularly attend fairs, and people also come directly to me to pick out the broom they want. Most customers are happy with the brooms, and the feedback has been positive. The brooms last a long time and are irreplaceable for sweeping leaves,” Dragan shares.

Recycling as a Way of Life

The stretch between Ostojićevo and Čoka is littered with discarded bottles, a sight that, unfortunately, is not uncommon in the country. While citizens mostly ignore plastic waste on the streets and municipal services still struggle to clean up improperly disposed of garbage, Dragan sees an opportunity to do something useful by crafting brooms from recycled bottles.

In addition to brooms, Dragan also makes briquettes for heating from cardboard, paper, and sawdust. This mixture is soaked, mixed in a concrete mixer, pressed, and left to dry in the sun. Once dry, the briquettes are ready for use and, when combined with wood, can be used for heating.

Prepared by Milena Maglovski

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine ECOLOGICAL TRANSPORT.

State of Emergency and Energy Crisis in Moldova – What’s Next?

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (vadim-russu)
Photo-illustration: Unsplash (sasha-pleshco)

The Government of Moldova declared a state of emergency in mid-December 2024 to address an energy crisis caused by the interruption of Russian gas supplies.

The country found itself in a severe energy crisis following Ukraine’s decision not to renew the five-year agreement for the transit of Russian gas through its territory after its recent expiration. The gas had been supplied to the de facto separatist region of Moldova – Transnistria. This region, entirely unrecognized by international actors but effectively separated from Moldova since the early 1990s, traditionally received very cheap or even free Russian gas delivered via Ukraine, as reported by global media. With these deliveries now halted and no secure alternatives available, tensions are rising both in Transnistria and across the country.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Transnistria declared independence from Moldova. Although even Russia has not recognized this area as a separate state, Transnistria has operated with its own administration and has received the aforementioned favorable or free Russian gas to support its fragile economy. Until a few years ago, Moldova itself was heavily reliant on Russian gas, but the capital Chișinău has since turned to diversifying its energy sources, while Transnistria remains entirely dependent on Moscow.

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Although Chișinău lacks administrative and governing authority in this region, Moldova’s largest gas power plant is located in Transnistria and supplies energy to the rest of Moldova. This means the crisis affects the entire country, including the disputed region.

In early January 2025, Russia officially ceased all gas supplies to Transnistria. Initially, Moscow cited unpaid debts as the main reason, but the non-renewed agreement on gas transit also poses a significant issue, effectively severing the current supply route to Transnistria. As for alternative routes, such as supplying gas via the TurkStream pipeline, no official decisions have been made yet, which Chișinău perceives as a political move by Russia.

The suspension of gas supplies to this region severely threatens the energy stability of the entire country, given that the largest power plant in Moldova is located in Transnistria. The plant has switched to coal in response to the situation, but it does not produce enough electricity to meet demand. The industry is struggling, affecting the entire economy. Sporadic power outages have already been reported in Transnistria, and coal reserves are expected to deplete soon, which would further worsen the situation.

Moldova has accelerated the procurement of additional energy, relying more on Romania and other European sources. This has so far averted massive power outages, but the costs have risen, impacting Moldovan citizens through higher utility bills.

Energy portal

Frozen Danger – Thawing Permafrost Releases Potentially Highly Dangerous Microbes

Photo-illustration: Freepik (jannoon028)

Global warming is causing numerous negative consequences for ecosystems, particularly affecting icy regions in the Northern Hemisphere. While melting ice caps destroy natural habitats for biodiversity in these areas, the thawing of permafrost poses a threat to living beings worldwide by releasing ancient microorganisms and gases that could have global repercussions.

Permafrost is a layer of soil that has remained frozen for more than two years, often for thousands of years. This layer contains numerous microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, locked away and inactive. However, due to climate change and the thawing of permafrost, these microorganisms are being released and reactivated, potentially posing a significant risk to human health and other living beings.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlighted a case from 2016 when a bacterium causing anthrax—a highly dangerous disease—was released. That year, over 2,500 reindeer perished on the Yamal Peninsula in Siberia, and the infection spread to humans through the affected animals, resulting in one death and numerous illnesses.

Scientists warn that the Arctic is warming four times faster than the rest of the planet, which could lead to more frequent releases of deadly microbes. Data from a study reported by UNEP shows that approximately four trillion microbes are released each year due to permafrost thawing. To better grasp the magnitude of this number, it can be explained as the number four followed by 21 zeros, or 4,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.

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Adding to the concern, maritime traffic, mining, and other industries are increasingly expanding in these regions, bringing humans closer to potential dangers and making the spread of diseases easier.

Permafrost is also a massive storage of approximately 1,500 gigatons of carbon dioxide—almost twice the amount currently present in the atmosphere. Its thawing releases carbon dioxide and methane emissions, further intensifying the greenhouse effect.

This highlights the urgent global need to address greenhouse gas emissions to avoid potentially catastrophic consequences for both the climate and human health.

Additionally, scientists now predict that the so-called first “ice-free day” in the Arctic could occur as early as 2027, earlier than the previously anticipated 2030. An ice-free day is when the sea ice extent drops below one million square kilometers. This alarming forecast signals significant and irreversible climate changes. Such changes threaten Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, already at risk. Furthermore, ice plays a crucial role in reflecting sunlight; with its reduction, the ocean absorbs more heat.

Reports indicate that in September 2024, the minimum sea ice extent for the year was recorded at 4.28 million square kilometers, marking a substantial decrease compared to previous decades.

Katarina Vuinac

Ecological Transport as a Core Value

Photo: ProCredit Bank

ProCredit Bank has been operating in Serbia for over two decades. Sustainability is not just a part of our corporate culture – it represents our essence, which we strive to integrate into every business process. We are proud to be the first bank with an environmental management system, adapting all our operations to sustainable practices.

Environmental Protection as a Business Priority

All banks within the ProCredit Group adhere to high standards regarding the environmental impact of their business activities. Our internal environmental management system involves monitoring the bank’s energy and other resource consumption, systematically reducing energy and resource usage, and raising employee awareness while cooperating with green suppliers.

We actively work on reducing our environmental footprint by implementing various measures, including monitoring and measuring CO2 emissions arising from our operations. We continuously analyze emissions—such as electricity consumption, heating, and vehicle use (emission range 1 and 2)—to identify areas for improvement and apply effective strategies to reduce emissions. One such measure includes increasing the use of renewable electricity by investing in our photovoltaic systems and collaborating with clean energy suppliers.

The Future of Ecological Transport

Although ecological transport is still considered an innovation, many responsible organizations have already implemented it. It involves using transportation methods that emit fewer greenhouse gases.

Recognizing the negative environmental impact of motor vehicles, we decided to expand our fleet of company vehicles with electric and hybrid cars. We acquired our first electric vehicle in 2016. Since 2023, 100 percent of our fleet consists of low-emission vehicles (electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid vehicles).

As part of our efforts to promote sustainable mobility, we have installed 42 electric vehicle chargers across Serbia, not only in cities where we have branches but also in key locations such as highways, rest stops, and hotels. This initiative aims to provide users with easier access to charging infrastructure. The free ProCredit Charging Stations mobile app shows the exact location of chargers and can significantly assist users in finding them.

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Electric vehicles offer numerous benefits, both for users and the environment. They produce significantly fewer CO2 emissions and other harmful gases, contribute to reducing air pollution, and help minimize noise in urban areas. Additionally, maintenance costs and electricity consumption are lower compared to traditional vehicles.

Photo: ProCredit Bank

Replacing and maintaining our fleet of low-emission vehicles is an ongoing process as we strive to stay updated with the latest technologies and sustainable mobility standards. This year, as part of this process, we offered employees the opportunity to purchase electric vehicles replaced by newer and more advanced models. These vehicles were available at significantly lower prices than market rates, providing our employees with an excellent opportunity to own environmentally friendly cars under favorable terms.

In addition to actively using low-emission company vehicles, we offer special loan programs to our clients to purchase environmentally friendly vehicles. In collaboration with renowned automotive industries, we provide favorable financing conditions to facilitate the transition to green mobility.

We will continue improving our fleet and supporting clients and partners in adopting green mobility. Our vision remains unchanged: to provide responsible, long-term support to initiatives that protect the environment and create a sustainable future. We are committed to supporting the ecological transition, believing that adopting eco-friendly solutions is necessary and highly beneficial for future generations. Our commitment to electromobility is an investment in a better and cleaner world for all of us.

ProCredit Bank

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine ECOLOGICAL TRANSPORT.

Infrastructure for Electric Vehicle Charging – A Challenge for Residential Buildings

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (John Cameron)

The infrastructure for electric vehicle (EV) charging remains a challenge requiring efficient solutions to accelerate broader adoption and support the ongoing transition to sustainable mobility. While private homeowners can more easily install chargers at home, residential communities and individuals without private parking face greater obstacles.

Although the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which came into effect in May 2024, set clear requirements for installing EV chargers in new buildings and those undergoing significant renovations, there are no clear provisions for existing residential buildings.

The organization Transport & Environment (T&E) explored the challenges of developing this infrastructure in buildings and public spaces in a new briefing. Due to the lack of comprehensive data on this topic, T&E conducted a survey to collect experiences from EV drivers. Additionally, interviews with relevant stakeholders in six major European markets—Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and Poland—were conducted to assess regulatory frameworks, barriers, and opportunities.

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Key Barriers

Based on the responses, the main barrier identified is the complex and lengthy process of obtaining approval from landlords or co-owners, which can take years. Regulatory frameworks across Europe are underdeveloped; many countries lack provisions allowing tenants or co-owners to install chargers easily. The right to a connection is unevenly implemented, and even where it exists, it often applies only to property owners, leaving tenants dependent on landlords’ approval.

In almost all surveyed countries, misinformation and a lack of awareness among stakeholders about their rights and obligations were observed, even in cases where the law guarantees the right to a connection. Moreover, the extensive administrative procedures complicate the process, especially when rules are not harmonized between regions and municipalities, as seen in Spain, where each autonomous region has its own regulations.

Another significant issue is the high cost of installing chargers in residential buildings. Estimates suggest that the total cost for a simple installation not requiring construction work amounts to around 2,500 euros per parking space. Factors such as the age of the building or the distance between the parking space and the electrical panel further drive up costs. Financial support programs are particularly needed for vulnerable populations.

Additionally, the electrical installations in most existing residential buildings were not designed to support EV charging and lack the capacity to manage additional load.

Proposed Solutions

To overcome these challenges, T&E suggests extending the right to a connection to both owners and tenants, coupled with a simplified procedure requiring only notification to other residents, without the need for their approval. Opposition to the project would be permissible only for clearly defined reasons, such as safety concerns.

Currently, the EPBD does not impose specific obligations for improving EV charging infrastructure in existing residential buildings, focusing primarily on new and renovated structures. This highlights the need for strategies that would enable the modernization of the existing housing stock.

Katarina Vuinac

Vujović: Subsidies for Electric Vehicles to Continue in 2025

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The Ministry of Environmental Protection will continue to subsidize the purchase of electric vehicles in 2025, marking the sixth consecutive year of this initiative as part of efforts to improve air quality.

Irena Vujović, Minister of Environmental Protection, highlighted that over the past five years, around 2,800 environmentally friendly vehicles have been purchased with the support of the Ministry.

According to her, subsidizing electric vehicles is a crucial measure for improving air quality, and its implementation will continue this year as well.

„The current plan is for the Government of Serbia to adopt the Regulation on the Conditions and Procedure for Subsidized Purchase of New Electric Vehicles for 2025 by the end of January. This will allow individuals and legal entities to submit applications and qualify for this form of state support starting in February. Last year, we allocated 170 million dinars for this purpose, but due to the large number of valid applications, we secured additional funds and spent a total of 205 million dinars. If interest exceeds the allocated amount again this year, we will strive to provide additional funds”, said Vujović.

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She added that the subsidy amounts will depend on the type of electric vehicle and will range from 250 to 5,000 euros. State subsidies will also be available to future buyers of the electric „Panda” car produced in the Kragujevac factory, with a subsidy of 5,000 euros planned for this passenger vehicle.

After the adoption of the 2025 Regulation, which will specify the amounts and procedures for applying for subsidies this year, the Ministry of Environmental Protection’s website will publish a form with details of the required documentation. The deadline for submitting applications will, as in previous years, be October 31, to ensure all applications are processed within the current year, the Ministry stated in its announcement.

Energetski portal

Collision of Two Weather Extremes in the USA

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik AI)

Although the Balkans are characterized by a temperate climate, in recent years, we have increasingly faced frequent and intense weather extremes. Extended dry periods are interrupted by heavy rains causing floods, and the beginning of January has been marked by spring-like temperatures. When we turn the globe and look at the other side, in the United States, we observe even more dramatic climatic extremes currently taking place.

On the west coast of the United States, in Los Angeles, a wildfire broke out on Tuesday morning and spread to nearly 3,000 hectares in the Pacific Palisades in less than 24 hours. This fire has been described as the worst in Southern California since 2011. In the same area, three additional fires have been reported, one of which has burned over 2,000 hectares. These events have been exacerbated by strong winds reaching speeds of up to 145 kilometers per hour. Due to these conditions, the use of planes and helicopters to extinguish the fires has been severely hindered. The city of Pasadena issued an emergency alert regarding the safety of drinking water, advising residents to use only bottled water for all purposes.

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

Moving towards the eastern part of the United States presents a completely different picture. In almost the same time frame, a powerful winter storm struck the eastern region, bringing blizzards, heavy snowfall, and extremely low temperatures. Areas affected include Kansas, Missouri, Maryland, Virginia, and others. Extreme weather conditions led to airport closures, temperatures nearing -20 degrees Celsius, impacting around 60 million people, and causing power outages.

Some areas declared states of emergency, and meteorologists warned that this winter storm could be the harshest in the past decade, forecasting another storm likely to bring even more snow from Friday to Saturday.

The impact of climate change is evident in the fact that Texas, known for its typically mild winters, is also under a weather warning.

These events serve as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature while urging us to act in the fight against climate change and strive for a future where such extremes are exceptions rather than the norm.

Katarina Vuinac

Czechia Updates National Climate and Energy Plan: Focus on Renewable Energy and Nuclear Power

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

At the end of 2024, the Government of the Czech Republic approved the update of the National Climate and Energy Plan, a joint initiative developed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of the Environment. The updated plan focuses on potential development scenarios for the Czech energy sector until 2030, emphasizing compliance with European targets while ensuring energy supply security.

Following government approval, the updated plan envisions a significant increase in capacities from renewable energy sources and nuclear energy to meet climate targets in the most cost-effective way. The strategy highlights the role of renewable energy sources and nuclear power, while gas remains an important part of the energy plan, as stated on the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s website.

The plan outlines that the share of RES in electricity production will grow from 16.5 percent in 2023 to 28 percent by 2030 and further to 46 percent by 2050. It is projected that nuclear energy will account for approximately 44 percent of electricity production by 2030, with new reactors expected to increase this share to 68 percent by 2040. Additionally, 28 percent of heat energy in the Czech Republic currently comes from renewable sources, with plans to increase this share to 40 percent by 2030 and 74 percent by 2050.

The plan details the role of natural gas as a transitional energy source, which, due to its stability and ability to provide quick production, complements the less predictable output from renewable sources. However, it is anticipated that gas will gradually phase out from the energy mix, replaced by renewable and low-emission gases, including hydrogen.

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The goal of the updated plan is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030 through the development of RES, improvement of storage and system flexibility, energy savings, and the gradual elimination of fossil fuels, including the complete cessation of coal mining and combustion by 2033. It also envisions a fivefold increase in energy production from solar panels and wind turbines, an increase in building renovation rates (currently supported through the „New Green Savings” program), and the development of nuclear energy.

Currently, the Czech Republic operates six nuclear reactors that generate about one-third of its electricity. The plan includes significant capacity expansion, with up to four new large energy blocks and the introduction of up to 3 GW of capacity from small modular reactors.

This update comes after the Czech Republic was among 13 EU member states criticized by the European Commission for delays in submitting the updated version of the document, leading to infringement proceedings. However, following months of negotiations and finalization, the updated plan avoided severe penalties. It now places greater emphasis on renewables and nuclear power as the foundation of future electricity production, along with an expanded role for gas sources and a crucial commitment to phasing out coal use by 2033.

With this plan, a drastic reduction in energy import dependency is anticipated by 2050, provided the outlined goals are achieved.

Energy portal

Germany Sets New Record – 62.7 percent of Electricity from Renewables in 2024

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Michael_Pointner)

According to an analysis by Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, the country achieved a new milestone in 2024, with renewable energy sources accounting for 62.7 percent of net public electricity generation.

Last year was particularly favorable for the development of solar energy. Newly installed solar capacities continued to exceed the federal government’s targets, with solar energy production reaching a new record of 72.2 terawatt hours (TWh). This represents an increase of approximately 10.8 TWh, or 18 percent, compared to the previous year, with solar energy accounting for 14 percent of net public electricity generation.

With 8.7 TWh, July 2024 marked the month with the highest solar energy production. Once again, solar expansion surpassed government targets, with 13.3 gigawatts (GW) installed by November 2024, exceeding the planned 13 GW. Although full energy data for 2024 is not yet available, the institute estimates that new solar capacity added in the past year amounted to 15.9 GW.

In 2024, wind energy remained Germany’s most significant source of electricity, generating 136.4 TWh and accounting for 33 percent of net public electricity production. However, onshore wind production decreased to 110.7 TWh (compared to 115.3 TWh in 2023), while offshore wind generation slightly exceeded the previous year’s level at 25.7 TWh.

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The expansion of new wind energy capacities fell short of expectations in 2024. Onshore installations amounted to just 2.44 GW by November 2024, compared to the planned 7 GW. Offshore installations performed slightly better than in previous years but remained far below expectations. Germany added 0.7 GW of offshore capacity in 2024, while plans called for 5–7 GW annually, aiming for 30 GW by 2030.

Hydropower production in 2024 totaled 21.7 TWh, approximately equal to the 2023 level of 19.7 TWh, while the installed capacity of river plants increased from 4.94 GW to 6.4 GW. Biomass also contributed 36 TWh of electricity, with installed capacity remaining unchanged at 9.1 GW.

In addition to net public electricity production, total net electricity production includes electricity generated by industries for their own consumption. The share of renewable energy in total net electricity production, including industrial plants in manufacturing, mining, and quarrying, reached 58.6 percent in 2024.

Renewable energy plants generated approximately 275.2 TWh of electricity in 2024, a 4.4 percent increase compared to 2023 (267 TWh), the institute stated.

Milena Maglovski

Green Mobility Is A Key Part Of The European Green Deal

Photo: Schneider Electric
Photo: Schneider Electric

The European Green Deal sets ambitious goals for all EU members, which are essential to addressing today’s biggest challenge: climate change. Along with the efficient and rational use of energy, one of its most important areas is the transition to green mobility, which includes electric vehicles and the infrastructure for charging them.

According to the European Commission’s “Ready for 55” legislative package, road traffic will move towards zero-emission mobility by 2050, reducing average emissions from new cars by 55 percent by 2030.

It is also important to note that, in accordance with the new and amended directives EU ETS (European Emissions Trading System), EED (Energy Efficiency Directive), and EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive), road traffic will be included in the emissions trading system. Darko Zeljković, in charge of further developing e-mobility in Southeastern Europe at Schneider Electric, talks about green mobility.

Q: From Schneider Electric’s perspective, what awaits us in the field of green mobility in the context of the new and amended directives?

A: The new obligations facing us as producers, buyers, and consumers will lead to a significant increase in the use of electric cars. Statistics show that the number of electric vehicles sold in the European Union is growing three times faster than the number of chargers for those vehicles. That is why it is necessary to start building the infrastructure for charging vehicles for short and long trips in our region. Regarding infrastructure, we must be aware that it includes not only publicly accessible areas but also private areas, i.e., private connections.

The leaders of the current wave of traffic electrification in Serbia and Montenegro are primarily companies that are increasingly introducing electric vehicles to their company car fleets and equipping their existing garages and parking spaces with adequate chargers. One of them is our company, Schneider Electric, which, as a signatory of the global initiative EV100, has the ambition to replace its vehicle fleet with electric vehicles by 2030 completely. In addition to them, a significant role is played by hotels, catering facilities, shopping centers, public garages, and parking spaces, which want to provide more services to their users.

IN FOCUS:

Q: We know that publicly available chargers will not be able to meet the charging needs of electric cars. Can we expect them in private buildings and houses?

A: It is essential to develop a network of publicly accessible chargers along the highways, near the hubs of crucial roads and public transport stations. Here, the great importance of domestic companies (Charge Point Operators and eMobility Service Providers), which in previous years, regardless of the small number of electric cars registered in Serbia, recognized this need and started or continued their business in the direction of infrastructure development charger. Thanks to them, today, through their networks and applications for charging and payment, we have around 150 chargers available in Serbia and around 30 in Montenegro.

The efforts of PE Roads of Serbia to expand its network of publicly accessible chargers along the main road routes in Serbia, which currently has eight fast chargers, by the end of this year from a new 50 and by the end of 2025 to total of 114 fast chargers of different power, are commendable.

I hope that their intentions will come true. Along with the already mentioned domestic companies, they will provide electric vehicle drivers with a safe and secure ride and a user experience of the highest level, especially during the summer months, when a large number of transit passengers from Europe are on our roads.

I want to emphasize that the latest amendments to the Law on Planning and Construction of the Republic of Serbia will significantly contribute to the further development of infrastructure and the increase in the number of chargers in residential buildings, commercial buildings, and along roads. Commercial, multi-apartment buildings and houses play a significant role in the provision of infrastructure because vehicles are regularly parked there for long periods of time.

Cars with internal combustion engines are usually charged on the road. Expert estimates show that in the future, as much as 90 percent of electric car charging will be at the destination, home, or work. Charging at the destination will increase electricity consumption by 40 percent in buildings, ultimately leading to an increase in electricity costs for each building, that is, for each household. That is why, right now, there is an ideal opportunity for buildings undergoing some renovation to adapt to the future increased electricity consumption and the need to prepare installations for electric vehicle chargers.

Schneider Electric

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine ECOLOGICAL TRANSPORT.

Boosting Green Megawatts for Kragujevac

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Jadon Kelly)

Thanks to ongoing efforts to enhance energy efficiency and the growing interest in clean energy, new solar power plants have enriched Serbia, further expanding its solar capacity with additional green megawatts. These investments reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lay the foundation for a sustainable future, creating new opportunities for local economic development. 

Photo: CEEFOR

Solar power plants on the rooftops of Pavilion 1, Pavilion 2, Pavilion 3 (in preparation), and Pavilion 4 serve as an excellent example of how change can be initiated. These plants were implemented based on the investor’s needs, the Student Center Kragujevac, which recognized the importance of renewable energy. With the support of these and similar projects, Kragujevac is joining cities focused on improving the local energy sector, where every project, regardless of its scale, is a bold step toward sustainable development. 

The comprehensive technical and project documentation for the student complex was handled by CEEFOR, a company renowned for its extensive experience in the renewable energy sector. Over the years, CEEFOR has tackled a wide range of challenging projects, demonstrating adaptability in designing various solar systems, whether for ground-mounted installations or, as in this case, rooftop projects. 

Pavilions of the Future 

The solar power plant on the rooftop of Pavilion 1 at the Student Center Kragujevac, with a capacity of 15 kW AC, was installed to increase energy efficiency and the energy independence of the building. The roof houses 32 photovoltaic panels from Luxor Solar, each with a power output of 545 Wp. Mounted on an aluminum substructure by Chiko, the panels are designed to withstand diverse weather conditions, including winds up to 60 m/s and snow loads of up to 1.8 kN/m², ensuring system durability. The DC electricity generated by the panels is converted into AC by a 15 kW Fronius inverter. The plant is expected to produce approximately 20,809.6 kWh of electricity annually and save 1.3 tons of CO2 annually.

On Pavilion 2, a solar power plant with a capacity of 35 kW AC has been installed, resulting in different specifications compared to the first pavilion. The roof of Pavilion 2 features 74 photovoltaic panels from Luxor Solar, each with a power output of 545 Wp, arranged on the northwest and northeast sides of the roof at a 6° angle and on the southwest side at a 13° angle. The system utilizes two Fronius inverters, one with a capacity of 20 kW and the other with 15 kW. It is estimated that this pavilion will annually reduce CO2 emissions by 1.2 tons, a tangible step toward cleaner air and a healthier city. 

IN FOCUS:

For Pavilion 3, a solar power plant with the same output capacity of 35 kW AC is in preparation. The plant will cover a total area of approximately 186.2 m² on the roof of the third pavilion. It is planned to install 72 photovoltaic panels, each with a power output of 570 Wp, again from Luxor Solar, as in the previous cases. The system will use two Fronius inverters, one with a capacity of 20 kW and the other with 15 kW. The facility is expected to produce 41,149.2 kWh of electricity annually, with a projected CO2 savings of 1.1 tons. 

On Pavilion 4, a solar power plant with a capacity of 25 kW AC has been designed. The roof has 49 photovoltaic panels from Luxor Solar, each with a power output of 545 Wp. The plant will use two inverters: a 15 kW and a 10 kW model, both manufactured by Fronius. Similar to the other pavilions, the estimated annual CO2 savings for this pavilion are 1.25 tons. 

All electricity generated by the solar power plants on these pavilions will power their internal systems, with any excess energy supplied to the distribution grid following the prosumer model. 

CEEFOR, responsible for designing these solar power plants, will continue to advance its vision through a series of diverse projects in the future, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable solutions and adherence to the principles of environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.

Prepared by Milica Vučković

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine ECOLOGICAL TRANSPORT.

Education of Children is Crucial for Creating Environmentally Aware Generations

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Tung Lam)
Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Victoria)

A child’s upbringing is a period during which they discover themselves and the world around them. Through tailored play, learning, and other activities, a child gradually develops the ability to think critically, behave responsibly, and take a stance with knowledge and arguments. Fundamental values and life understanding should also include an ecological aspect. Although the issue of c is very complex, introducing this topic step by step will instill in children a sense of responsibility for stopping climate change and preserving nature in general.

We spoke with Dr. Igor Leščešen, a scientific associate at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Novi Sad and a geography teacher in elementary school, about how much attention is devoted to the topic of climate change in elementary schools and whether children at that age are ready to absorb such environmental knowledge. He was part of an expert team that researched how climate change is taught in elementary schools in Serbia.

The research was conducted as part of two projects, “ClearClimate” EU Horizon Europe and “CoolClimate” Erasmus+ project. The questionnaires, designed by Dr. Leščešen, Dr. Biljana Basarin, a full professor at the Department of Geography, Tourism, and Hotel Management at the University of Novi Sad, and Dr. Miroslav Vujičić, an associate professor at the same department, were distributed online. The questions in the questionnaire tested students’ knowledge about the causes and consequences of climate change, and the research results showed that the curriculum needs to be improved to provide children with a deeper understanding of this issue.

As our interlocutor explains, the idea for the research was born out of his ten years of experience as a geography teacher in elementary school.

IN FOCUS:

The Complexity of the Climate Change Topic

The topic of climate change is complex and challenging for children to understand. The professor says that it is important for children to be introduced to ecological topics from an early age, but the approach needs to be carefully selected according to their age.

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (sobima)

“Environmental topics such as nature conservation, proper waste disposal, waste separation, and water conservation can and should be covered as early as kindergarten. However, the topic of climate change is extremely complex, and I believe that children in the fifth grade are not yet mature enough to grasp all aspects of this problem.”

As a solution, the professor suggests that related content should gradually be introduced in textbooks for each grade. For example, in the sixth grade, the focus could be on climate refugees; in the seventh grade, on the impact of glacier disappearance in the Himalayas on the lives of people in the valleys of major Asian rivers. In the eighth grade, the topic of climate change and its effects on Serbia could be covered, as by then children have enough background knowledge in biology, physics, and chemistry to understand the complexity of the topic. Additionally, children learn much better by the principle of “proceed from the known to the unknown,” which is why issues they can experience in their environment can be closer and more understandable than problems faced by people on the other side of the world.

Dr. Leščešen’s experience with students has shown that they are somewhat aware of the importance of environmental protection and possess a certain level of environmental consciousness. Most students are generally interested in environmental preservation, especially when faced with specific ecological problems, and the topic of climate change becomes particularly engaging for them when connected with concrete examples.

Prepared by Katarina Vuinac

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine ECOLOGICAL TRANSPORT

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