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Upcycled Food – How Food Waste Becomes a Nutritional Resource

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

A portion of food that never makes it to the plate has a much greater impact than it might seem at first glance. Every bite we throw away contributes to methane emissions – a gas with roughly 28 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. Consequently, food waste significantly contributes to global warming. Specifically, about eight percent of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions come from food loss and waste, according to Project Drawdown.

The idea of reusing food scraps is not new. For centuries, people have made compost and natural fertilizers, returning nutrients to the soil. However, the concept of upcycled food is more recent and introduces a different approach. Instead of using food waste to enrich soil with nutrients, it is recycled into new, nutritious products intended for human consumption. Additionally, recycled ingredients can also be used in animal feed, pet food, cosmetics, home care products, and much more.

This concept combines innovation, technology, and ecology. Ingredients used include:

  • Fruit and vegetable peels
  • Pulp and leftovers from juice production
  • Seeds and pits
  • Stale bread
  • Yeast and grain residues
  • Nut shells and other by-products from the food industry

Upcycled Food Association

The Upcycled Food Association (UFA) is an organization that promotes upcycling as one of the most important solutions to mitigate the climate crisis. Their role is to coordinate hundreds of companies around the world to prevent food waste and to empower consumers to make a difference with their purchases.

Food produced in this way can sometimes cause skepticism among the public due to how it is made. That’s why UFA also focuses on educating and empowering millions of consumers worldwide to choose such products. As a guarantee of quality, the association issues Upcycled Certified certificates – the only globally recognized third-party certification for upcycled foods.

  • The certificate confirms that the product uses food scraps that would otherwise be discarded, while being nutritionally valuable and safe for consumption.
  • It also ensures that the supply chain and production process meet defined upcycled food standards.
  • The label allows consumers to identify products that genuinely contribute to reducing food waste.

The goal is for these certified products to become attractive to consumers – products that bring value not only to them but also to the environment.

While billions of tons of food end up as waste, millions of people still go hungry, and climate change threatens to make this injustice even worse. Upcycled food is a way to simultaneously reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help provide food for those who need it most.

Katarina Vuinac

Danube4all – Restoring Danube Floodplains for the Benefit of Nature and People

Photo: DANUBE4all

The Danube is much more than a river. It is a link between cultures, a vessel of stories written through history, and a legacy for future generations. Connecting ten countries along its course, it serves as an important route for trade and transport. The river provides water for millions of people, while its beauty is enriched by the diverse array of plant and animal species that inhabit it. Preserving the Danube is of exceptional importance for both nature and people, especially given that today as much as 80 percent of its floodplains are degraded and disconnected from the main watercourses that feed them. As emphasized by Marija M. Smederevac-Lalić from the Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, preserving the Danube is not only an environmental issue but also a matter concerning the future of the entire region.

DANUBE4all is a five-year Horizon Europe project that brings together 48 partners and associated partners from 14 European countries, with the goal of restoring freshwater ecosystems in the Danube Basin through the development of a scientifically based yet practical Danube Basin Restoration Action Plan. The project connects science and restoration practices, involving local communities as well as business actors.

– By the end of 2027, all EU member states are required to adopt national restoration action plans, which is why this project is in the public spotlight, says Marija.

Key ecological challenges addressed by the project include the loss of river connectivity due to damming and watercourse alterations, which lead to ecosystem degradation. The project also tackles biodiversity loss and the need for nature-based solutions, which can contribute not only to revitalization but also to economic development. In this context, Marija notes, the project aims to demonstrate the economic and social benefits of restored ecosystems, supporting long-term efforts for their protection.

– Our Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, participates as a partner and leader of the work package focused on the scientific aspects of biodiversity. Our role is to assess the state of biodiversity, primarily using fish as bioindicator species – among the best indicators of aquatic ecosystem health – to highlight shortcomings and propose measures to be implemented for the restoration and protection of aquatic ecosystems in the Danube Basin, Marija explains.

The significance of the project also lies in the fact that concrete restoration measures are being carried out at three locations along the Danube – in the Upper Danube in Austria, the Middle Danube in Hungary, and the Lower Danube in Romania. Before implementing specific hydrotechnical renaturalization works, detailed monitoring was conducted, and after the measures are applied, post-monitoring of aquatic ecosystems will follow to determine the effectiveness of the activities.

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According to Marija, Western European countries have realized that urbanization and industrialization have severely endangered river ecosystems and riparian areas.

Besides harming nature, such impacts entail high financial costs. This is why investments are increasingly being directed toward nature-based solutions. These require habitat revitalization and renaturalization, providing an example of how effective measures can contribute to ecosystem sustainability and full use of ecosystem services that support both general and economic well-being.

– I assume that for many, the economic dimension of the project is particularly significant, and this project makes exactly that possible – the economic valorization of conserving and revitalizing natural resources, she adds.

Finally, Marija emphasizes the demonstration site in the Upper Danube in Austria, near Vienna, where partners plan to restore the natural dynamics of the river and its banks. The aim is to enable water to penetrate the floodplain once again and to transform an existing island into a wild one, which, once vegetation develops, will become a habitat for species characteristic of floodplain areas. This example is also important for Serbia, as similar wild islands near Belgrade need to be protected from conversion, urbanization, and industrialization.

The Role of Floodplains in Preserving Nature and Societal Well-Being

Floodplains are among the most valuable natural resources, as they simultaneously provide habitats for numerous species, contribute to maintaining a balanced climate, protect against flooding, and bring direct benefits to people.

Thanks to their unique characteristics, floodplains provide living space for a wide range of microorganisms, plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals. As our interviewee pointed out, these areas can be viewed as “biological supermarkets” because they abound with food used by many animal species. The combination of shallow water, high levels of nutrients, and intensive primary production makes them ideal places for the development of organisms that form the foundation of the food chain. In addition, many species use these areas for breeding, raising offspring, as shelter, or as permanent habitats. Dead plant matter decomposes in water, creating detritus – fine particles of organic material that feed aquatic insects, mussels, and fish, which in turn serve as food for larger predators.

They also play a crucial role in maintaining global ecological cycles. Organisms found within them participate in the circulation of water, nitrogen, and sulfur. Today, many scientists believe that floodplains and wetlands may also function in maintaining the atmosphere. As our interviewee explained, these areas store carbon, thereby contributing to mitigating the effects of global climate conditions.

Floodplain habitats provide values that no other ecosystem can offer, such as natural improvement of water quality, flood protection, bank erosion control, opportunities for recreation and aesthetic enjoyment, as well as natural products we use. For these reasons, protecting such areas has a positive impact on human health and well-being.

Floodplains act like natural sponges – they retain and gradually release rainwater, melted snow, groundwater, and flood waves. Trees, roots, and riparian vegetation slow down water flow and allow its even distribution, thereby reducing the intensity of flood impact and soil erosion. These areas are significant for cities, as they alleviate extreme climate conditions and reduce the need for costly works such as excavations and the construction of embankments. They are also important for agriculture, as they prevent excessive crop inundation.

Prepared by Katarina Vuinac

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine CLIMATE CHANGE

Exposed: Uncontrolled Biogas Expansion Funded by Public Purse

Photo-illustration: Freepik (mrblmoreno)

A new report from the Methane Matters coalition – a consortium of civil society organisations – finds that The EU has handed the biogas industry billions of euros of public money to expand, without ensuring adequate environmental controls.

The consortium warns that without an environmental impact assessment, the EU’s unchecked rush to scale up biogas and biomethane production risks locking in pollution, fuelling industrial livestock farming, and undermining climate goals.

The findings come as ‘Biomethane Week’ gets underway in Brussels and reveals a lack of oversight that opens the door wide to perverse incentives and harmful side effects, including methane leaks from biogas plants, increased air and water pollution, manure feedstocks increasing intensive animal rearing, and the possible lock-in of fossil fuel use.

The report recommends that EU policymakers ensure appropriate regulation of the biogas sector by undertaking an immediate environmental impact assessment of the RePowerEU target, and calls for the immediate cessation of any public funding until this has been completed.

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Key findings

  • Not a single EU policy analysed sufficiently mitigates the potential negative environmental and social impacts of biogas and biomethane production in the region.
  • The Biomethane Industrial Partnership (BIP) has opened the door for industry to set policy on biogas and dictate what is considered sustainable.
  • Industry interests are positioned to receive 37 billion euros of public funding for biogas projects, with no environmental impact assessment.
  • The biogas rush has led to further 28 billion euros in private investments until 2030 risking being locked into unsustainable biogas production and creating long-term climate and financial risks. The three largest recipients of this investment are Spain, Denmark, and the UK. Spain and Denmark both have significant industrial animal agriculture operations wreaking havoc on local pollution and water quality, while the UK promotes the use of manure as a feedstock.
  • The EU treats manure as a ‘zero emissions’ waste product, ignoring emissions from enteric fermentation and land-use change. Since 2019, the use of manure as a feedstock has increased. Subsidies could replicate US-style incentives that led to a 3.7 percent increase year-on-year in livestock herd sizes. Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the UK all actively incentivise manure as a feedstock.
  • There is no EU-level regulation of methane leakage from biogas plants. Current estimates suggesting around 5 percent of methane in supply chains in the EU is lost to leakage. In Germany, for example roughly 300,000 tonnes of methane are estimated to be lost annually, equivalent to about 24 million tons of CO₂. While Denmark, Germany and the UK do have national regulation for leaks, these are inconsistently applied and recent investigations have shown leaks continue to occur. No plans could be found for Ireland, Poland or Romania.
  • The biogas rush enables greenwashing, as fossil fuels are mixed with methane to make biogas for the grid, delaying the phase out of fossil fuels.

Source: EEB

Smart gardens – a technological response to climate challenges in agriculture

Illustration: Mihajlo Pupin Institute

Agriculture in Serbia faces significant challenges today. Climate change brings increasingly unpredictable weather conditions, while the average age of the farming population is high, and producers’ financial capacity is often limited. Added to this are problems in the organization of procurement and subsidy systems, forcing producers, especially smaller ones, to rely on their own resourcefulness and new knowledge to survive on the market.

Photo: Mihajlo Pupin Institute

In recent years, climate change has revealed its actual impact: prolonged droughts, heavy rainfall, hailstorms, heatwaves, and sudden frosts have become increasingly common occurrences. Traditional farming methods are increasingly unable to secure stable yields, so agriculture is gradually turning to technological solutions that can link nature and science, while at the same time safeguarding the economic interests of producers.

The Mihajlo Pupin Institute, Serbia’s leading research organization in the field of technical and technological sciences, has recognized the need to provide farmers with concrete tools to overcome the consequences of climate change. One of its most recent projects is the “Smart Garden” – an integrated system for planned irrigation and drainage of land, particularly suitable for openfield vegetable production.

How Automated Irrigation Is Changing Agriculture

The data clearly show the seriousness of the situation: in Serbia, every second year is a drought year, every third year has excessive rainfall, and only every fifth year falls within the range of the multi-year average. Moreover, rainfall patterns have changed – from March to June, there is more rain than needed, while from July to October, there is a pronounced lack of soil moisture. The “Smart Garden” was designed precisely as a response to such climate extremes.

The basic idea of the system is simple yet powerful: excess water during rainy periods is collected, stored, and utilized during droughts. Beneath the soil surface, a network of drainage pipes gathers water from the root zone of plants and directs it into reservoirs or storage basins. That water is later returned to the crops through a precise drip irrigation system or perforated hoses.

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What sets this system apart from conventional solutions is its full automation. The operation of drainage, pumps, and irrigation is managed by a PLC – programmable logic controller connected to sensors for moisture, temperature, and light. Based on the data collected by the sensors, the system itself decides when and how much to irrigate a given sector. An additional advantage of the “Smart Garden” is its energy independence. It is powered by a combination of a 3 kW small solar power plant and a 600 W wind turbine, which provide electricity for all key components – soil sensors, solenoid valves, control units, and water pumps. In this way, the system becomes completely energy independent, without the need for additional power sources from the grid.

There is also the possibility of liquid fertigation – the application of dissolved nutrients directly through the drip irrigation system. Nutrients are thus added in precisely controlled amounts and during the plant growth phases when they are most needed, thereby contributing to optimal growth and higher-quality yields.

The entire system is managed by MobiSun – a device that is at the same time the “brain” of the process. It not only produces electricity from solar panels but also serves as a communication hub, transmitting sensor data remotely to the farmer’s computer or mobile application. This allows the user to monitor crop conditions in real time and adjust system parameters even when not physically present in the field. A pilot project carried out in the village of Belegiš, municipality of Stara Pazova, in cooperation with the Institute of Agricultural Economics, showed that such technology delivers tangible results. The system user achieved up to 30 percent higher income on the same land area, thanks to more stable yields and reduced damage from weather extremes.

As emphasized by Prof. Aleksandar Rodić, PhD from the Mihajlo Pupin Institute, the time when smart systems were a luxury has passed – today they are a necessity for anyone who wants stable, economically sustainable, and environmentally responsible production. The “Smart Garden” demonstrates that agriculture in Serbia does not have to be hostage to weather conditions – technology can provide it with security, resilience, and competitiveness.

Prepared by Milena Maglovski

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine CLIMATE CHANGE

Veliko Gradište Awaits an Influx of Solar Energy

Photo:Wikimedia/Zoran Cvetković

The right moment to invest in solar power plants in Serbia no longer needs to be awaited – it is already here. Lower equipment prices and rising electricity costs together create excellent conditions for achieving a return on investment in solar energy. This situation is now being recognized by people across Serbia, in all regions and municipalities.

In Veliko Gradište, the construction of a new solar power plant, Solar VG, is planned – a project of the Belgrade-based company BOP SOLAR d.o.o. On the investor’s plot, which has obtained a building permit, a 3 MW system will be installed, intended exclusively for generating electricity from sunlight and delivering it to the distribution network. In doing so, the municipality will gain a modern energy project that directly contributes to a higher share of renewables in Serbia’s energy mix.

The project design of this solar power plant in eastern Serbia, along with all accompanying technical documentation, was prepared by the Center for Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development (CEEFOR) – a company with extensive experience in developing renewable energy projects.

The power plant will be equipped with 30 inverters of 100 kW each, with the proposed manufacturer being Huawei. It is planned to include 5,688 photovoltaic panels of 625 Wp each, or an appropriate number of panels within the range of 570 to 720 Wp, depending on the final equipment selection. The solar plant will have a trapezoidal shape, with panels arranged in rows, oriented southward, and will include a total of two transformer substations.

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The project design stipulates that at least half of the complex area will remain green space, while constructed facilities may occupy no more than 30 percent of the parcel. The entire site will be enclosed with a protective fence up to 2.7 meters high, featuring fire access roads and designated parking areas.

Upon completion, Solar VG will become a local source of clean energy, designed to blend harmoniously into the landscape.

A 3 MW power plant, such as this one in Veliko Gradište, could, under ideal conditions, be compared to the simultaneous supply of around 1,000 average households, considering that an average household consumes approximately 3 kW at peak load (lighting, household appliances, air conditioning, etc.).

Compared to the same amount of energy produced in a coal-fired thermal power plant, this solar facility could potentially prevent emissions of 3,500 to 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, thereby significantly contributing to the reduction of air pollution.

Prepared by Milica Vučković

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine CLIMATE CHANGE

Guardian of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Mountain Waters – an Amphibian from the Ice Age whose Survival is Now Threatened

Photo: VTF studio

On the plateau of Mount Vranica, in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, lies Prokoško Lake – a natural jewel of exceptional biological value. In the cold, clear waters of this mountain lake and its surroundings, a unique amphibian species has survived for centuries – the Bosnian alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris reiseri). This special subspecies of the alpine newt lives nowhere else in the world, making it a true natural rarity. As a post-glacial relict, it survived the last Ice Age precisely in this area and represents the only true stenoendemic amphibian in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

However, due to human influence, this species is now endangered. What extreme weather conditions failed to accomplish, humans did in the late 1960s, when an invasive predatory fish – rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) – was introduced into Prokoško Lake. Its presence caused a drastic decline in the newt population, and the subsequent introduction of additional fish species in recent years led to its complete disappearance.

Photo: VTF studio

Today, a team of experts and young biologists gathered around the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is dedicated to protecting the Bosnian alpine newt and its natural habitat. We spoke with herpetologist Adnan Zimić, project leader and one of the most knowledgeable experts, about its significance and the ongoing conservation efforts.

Prokoško Lake is the site where this subspecies was first scientifically described, but today it no longer has a stable population there, which, as Zimić emphasizes, is particularly sad. Although individual specimens occasionally appear, they fail to establish a sustainable population due to the presence of invasive fish.

Climate change further worsens the situation by accelerating the eutrophication of water bodies, while fungal diseases affecting amphibians worldwide also pose a threat. Nevertheless, invasive fish remain the main problem.

The Bosnian alpine newt differs from other alpine newts by its more robust build and more prominent head. Although relatively little is known about its biology, it plays an important role in the ecosystem – particularly in regulating invertebrate populations – making it an indicator of healthy aquatic habitats.

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Conservation of the Bosnian Alpine Newt

The conservation team has been formed around the project of the National Museum of BiH, with the participation of biology students from the Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, and members of the Herpetological Association ATRA. Through joint field activities, students acquire practical knowledge in monitoring and conservation biology. At the same time, the entire team works on mapping potential habitats and restoring aquatic areas that newts use throughout the year.

The activities were launched through a UNDP project on the sustainability of protected areas, in cooperation with the public utility company Šćona. During 2023, aquatic habitats were restored at two sites – Zavol and Šestica – where hibernacula (overwintering shelters for newts) were also built. At the same time, regular population monitoring and mapping of new sites around Prokoško Lake are being carried out.

An ex situ unit has also been established at the National Museum – a specially arranged space where individuals are kept and bred under controlled conditions. This population serves as the basis for future reintroduction, should the conditions allow it.

Experts emphasize that without the removal of invasive fish species from Prokoško Lake, the Bosnian alpine newt will not be able to survive in its original habitat. The process of fish eradication is complex but crucial for the recovery of this endangered species.

A Broader Perspective: The State of Other Amphibians and Reptiles in BiH

Zimić warns that amphibians and reptiles are among the most endangered vertebrates in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and invasive species threaten their populations. Many species are tied to specific and sensitive microhabitats, such as small ponds, which are easily disrupted.

Amphibians are particularly vulnerable due to their thin, permeable skin, which they use partly for respiration, making them sensitive to pollution, drought, and changes in temperature and humidity. In BiH, all species of tailed amphibians, many frog species, all turtle species, and a large number of snakes are endangered. Each faces specific threats and requires special attention.

As our interviewee concluded, helping these species requires the preservation and restoration of habitats, a ban on the introduction of foreign species, and raising awareness among the local population.

Prepared by Katarina Vuinac

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine CLIMATE CHANGE

Fluo Varoš 1 and 2 – Construction Begins on Two Modern Solar Power Plants in Aleksinac

Photo: MT-KOMEX

Sunny days inspire great undertakings, and the investor SE Solar Fluo has entrusted the realization of two important projects to MT-KOMEX, one of the leading domestic contractors in the field of solar energy.

Photo: MT-KOMEX

The first month of summer 2025 has been marked by the start of construction of two ground-mounted solar power plants – Fluo Varoš 1 and Fluo Varoš 2. The works are being carried out at a sunny location within the municipality of Aleksinac, where the average annual level of global solar radiation reaches 1,300 kWh/m² to 1,400 kWh/m², while optimally positioned panels can receive up to 1,550 kWh/m², making this site highly suitable for solar power generation.

Within the Fluo Varoš 1 solar power plant, a total of 1,952 panels manufactured by Aiko Solar, each with a power of 650 Wp, will be installed, with a total installed capacity of 1,268.8 kWp and an active connection capacity of 999 kW AC. The expected annual electricity generation is approximately 1,650 MWh.

The second project, Fluo Varoš 2, includes the installation of 1,792 Aiko Solar panels, with a total capacity of 1,164.8 kWp and an active connection capacity of 900 kW AC. The solar power plant is expected to generate about 1,515 MWh of electricity annually.

IN FOCUS:

Reliable Technology and the Highest Safety Standards

Both plants will be equipped with Huawei inverters of 100 kW each – a total of 10 for the Fluo 1 project and nine for the Fluo 2 project. The panels will be mounted on a steel structure manufactured by Sigma Energy, while the assembly and complete execution of works are being carried out by MT-KOMEX, in accordance with domestic and international quality standards.

To maximize the solar potential of the location, especially during the summer months, the panels will be installed at a 20-degree tilt, oriented southward. The structure rests on support poles driven into the ground at a depth of about 1.5 meters, which also form a highly efficient grounding system.

Photo: MT-KOMEX

The power plants will be connected to the distribution system at the 10 kV voltage level, in accordance with the technical requirements of the competent electricity distribution company, and all generated energy will be delivered to the grid.

Both facilities will be equipped with Level I lightning protection, in line with the Rulebook on Technical Norms for the Protection of Buildings Against Atmospheric Discharges. In addition, a complete monitoring system will be installed, along with sophisticated grounding and lightning protection systems.

Fire safety is further ensured by the fact that the solar panels are made of glass and aluminum, which are completely non-combustible, as well as the steel mounting structure. The only combustible elements – DC cables and inverters – are additionally protected and mounted beneath the panels, which together form a Faraday cage, protecting the system from direct lightning strikes.

Fluo Varoš 1 and 2 are not only an investment in renewable energy but also an important incentive for the development of green infrastructure and energy independence, both for the local community and beyond.

Prepared by Katarina Vuinac

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine CLIMATE CHANGE

CEEFOR Celebrates 15 Years of Expertise and Steady Growth

Photo: CEEFOR
Photo: CEEFOR

The Center for Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development – CEEFOR recently marked its 15th anniversary, celebrating not only a milestone in years but also a reaffirmation of its position in the field of sustainable development and energy efficiency. Over the course of a decade and a half, CEEFOR has established a recognizable identity as a company that not only keeps pace with, but actively shapes trends in modern business and environmental responsibility.

At a time when business success is increasingly measured by sustainability and social responsibility, CEEFOR remains committed to principles of quality, transparency, and ecological accountability. Thanks to this approach, the company has successfully designed a wide range of solar power plants across the country — both rooftop and ground-mounted — in locations including Kikinda, Nova Crnja, Novi Sad, Belgrade, Kladovo, Lapovo, Aleksinac, and Vranje.

Photo: CEEFOR

Today, the company holds five internationally recognized ISO certifications – 9001:2015, 14001:2015, 45001:2018, as well as the recently acquired 50001:2018 and 27001:2022. These are more than just formal frameworks; they are confirmation that all operational processes align with the highest global standards of quality, environmental protection, energy efficiency, safety, and information management — and that this alignment will continue into the future.

Fifteen years of consistent growth and development stand as a testament to the professionalism, vision, and adaptability of the team, as well as its unwavering commitment to core values.

This anniversary is not only a time for celebration and reflection, but also a moment of inspiration — a renewed drive toward even greater contributions to the energy transition of our country.

Energy portal

WWF Expands a Network Of Hope – From Vienna To The Danube, From Schools To Forests

Photo-illustration: Pixabay/Gerd Altmann

Climate change in Serbia is no longer an abstract threat – it is a reality. Droughts, extreme weather events, and shifts in seasonality are leaving a profound impact not only on agriculture but also on plant and animal life, warns Aleksandra Ugarković from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Photo: WWF

Aquatic ecosystems are drying up, forest communities are changing, and migratory species are losing their safe havens. To break this vicious cycle of habitat loss and climate impacts, WWF in Serbia is combining nature conservation with a just transition to renewable energy sources. Through projects in local communities, such as Obrenovac and Aleksinac, young people are developing green ideas that do not harm nature. The organization also works with municipalities and decision-makers to ensure that the energy transition is inclusive and sustainable.

– Our goal is to unite nature conservation with a just transition to renewable energy. Over the past four years, we have done this through projects that encourage the development of green ideas and activism among high school students in Obrenovac and Aleksinac. The idea is for young people to think in terms of businesses that do not threaten habitats and species, as opposed to past models that have unsustainably exploited nature and its resources. We also work with communities, municipalities, and decision-makers to make this transition inclusive and sustainable, said Ugarković.

Another example of concrete action in Serbia is the planting of native tree species in Gornje Podunavlje – by restoring black and white poplar, oak, and willow, WWF is reviving wetland ecosystems, increasing resilience to floods, and capturing CO2 from the atmosphere.

– We launched tree planting in Gornje Podunavlje, the Serbian part of the European Amazon, because it is one of the last major wetland areas in Europe with immense importance for nature conservation, but which has been exposed to degradation for decades. Restoring trees such as black and white poplar, oak, and willow means restoring natural balance, strengthening resilience against floods, and capturing CO2 from the atmosphere. These species are native and adapted to the specific conditions of the Danube forests. They are not only a symbol of nature’s return but also our allies in the fight against climate change in the Amazon of Serbia, Ugarković emphasized.

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Floating Station in Vienna Safeguards the Future of Sturgeons

Photo: WWF

Hardly any animal species on the planet is closer to extinction than sturgeons – ancient river giants that have survived for over 200 million years. Today, they are among the most endangered species in the world. In an effort to halt their disappearance, the first European floating station for sturgeon breeding was recently opened in Vienna.

On the MS Negrelli, a 66-meter-long vessel currently moored at the Danube Island, a breeding stock and genetic bank of the remaining native Danube species will be established. The goal of the project is to breed and return about 1.6 million young individuals of four surviving sturgeon species to the wild by 2030.

Ugarković adds that through activities such as the European floating station for breeding young sturgeons, WWF contributes to their return to the Danube. There are similar initiatives in Serbia as well, but she stresses that broader international cooperation is essential.

Earth Hour: More than Turning Off the Lights, a Beginning of Change

The global campaign Earth Hour once again brought together more than 20 cities and municipalities from Serbia this year. The message was clear: let us use our moment for the planet – through small but meaningful actions.

– Earth Hour is much more than turning off the lights – it is a moment when we remember that we are all connected. This year’s message was simple: to use our moment for the planet. Whether it is planting a tree, talking about climate with friends, or switching off the lights, everyone can contribute. From Serbia and the region, more than 20 cities and municipalities joined this year, and support also came from institutions, schools, media, and individuals. This shows that awareness is growing, said our interviewee.

In the coming period, WWF will continue with projects for the conservation of rivers, forests, and species, with a strong focus on the energy transition. The goal of having 70 percent of energy come from renewable sources by 2040 is ambitious but achievable – if, as WWF says, we work together and start with ourselves.

Prepared by Milena Maglovski

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine CLIMATE CHANGE

Land, climate and regenerative agriculture – it’s time to change the rules of the game

Photo: Regenerative farm Gellért Kaszás, Ada

Agriculture is the largest global employer and the only sector whose products we all use every day, multiple times. It still primarily takes place on land, which is the source of as much as 95 percent of the food we consume. However, today land is much more than the basis of nutrition – it is a non-renewable resource, the habitat of two-thirds of living beings, an essential link in the carbon cycle, the infrastructure of future cities, and a strategic ally in the fight against climate change.

Photo: Courtesy of Jordana Ninkov

In a time of increasing pressure on natural resources, it is high time that soil regains the place it deserves – at the heart of policies, investments, and our attention.

Soil Connects all Sectors

Agriculture plays a key role in food supply and biodiversity preservation, but at the same time, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. It is often cited that the agriculture, forestry, and other land use sector, known as the AFOLU sector, accounts for 13–21 percent of total anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Less well known is that a significant portion of those emissions comes from land-use changes, including deforestation, which alone contributes around 11 percent.

Soil is no longer solely an agricultural issue – it is a strategic resource that links all sectors of development. Energy, construction, tourism, mining, and the management of protected natural areas – all rely at their core on the spatial capacity provided by land. Its value increases in proportion to the pressure exerted by society, as every sector demands more and more land, in ever larger areas.

Unlike air, rivers, or oceans, land can be owned and traded. This possibility of alienation makes soil a deep social and political issue, where fairness, sustainability, and long-term planning must be prioritized.

IN FOCUS:

Healthy Soil – a Vital Link in the Carbon Cycle

The carbon cycle enables life on Earth and the functioning of life processes. Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, and carbon is stored in their tissues. When organisms die, the carbon returns to the soil or atmosphere through decomposition. Although carbon sequestration is a slow process, it is possible – hence the slogan: “Put carbon back where it belongs – in the soil.”

Photo: Regenerative farm Gellért Kaszás, Ada

Soil down to a depth of one meter contains more carbon than aboveground vegetation and the atmosphere combined. However, over half of the world’s agricultural land is already degraded in some way, mostly due to the loss of organic matter – humus – caused by intensive farming. Paradoxically, this leads to such degraded soils releasing even more carbon dioxide instead of storing it, which can cancel out all our other savings in the energy sector. Furthermore, degraded soils are especially vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather events, jeopardizing stable food production.

Organic matter (humus) has always been an indicator of soil fertility. Due to intensive production, declining livestock numbers, burning of crop residues, loss of crop rotation, and erosion, most soils in our country are showing a downward trend in humus content. Fewer and fewer producers can claim their soils contain more than three percent humus – the minimum threshold for successful and climate-resilient production.

Carbon sequestration in soil is primarily a microbiological process, and favorable conditions are needed to activate it. Agronomic practices of regenerative agriculture specifically aim to improve these conditions and stimulate the resynthesis of organic matter. In analyses of greenhouse gas emission reduction potential in the food industry, the greatest impact is achieved precisely through improving soil. That is why more and more large agricultural systems are adopting regenerative agriculture as part of their ESG goals.

Jordana Ninkov, PhD

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine CLIMATE CHANGE

The largest French offshore wind farm is being built off the coast of Normandy

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Levan Badzgaradze)

The largest French offshore wind farm is set to be built off the coast of Normandy: TotalEnergies has won the AO8 auction for the development of Centre-Manche 2, which will become France’s biggest offshore wind project to date, with a capacity of 1.5 GW, according to the European wind industry association WindEurope. The project will be located around 40 kilometers from the Normandy coast and is expected to be operational by 2033.

The new wind farm will supply enough electricity to power more than one million French households at a competitive price of €66/MWh, making offshore wind the cheapest source of electricity generation in France.

In addition to strengthening the country’s energy independence, the project will create new jobs and reinforce the domestic supply chain. European-made turbines and cables will be used, while at least 10 percent of the project will be carried out through small and medium-sized enterprises – from studies and manufacturing to construction and operation.

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France currently has 1.6 GW of operational offshore wind capacity, with another 1.5 GW under construction. The national target is to reach 18 GW by 2035 and as much as 45 GW by 2050. The Centre-Manche 2 project is part of this long-term strategy and confirms the attractiveness of the French market for offshore wind investments.

However, on the same day that AO8 was completed, the French government announced that the AO7 auction had received no bids due to technical challenges and changing market conditions. WindEurope emphasizes that future auctions must strike a better balance to ensure sustainable investment.

The AO8 results show that offshore wind works for France – it delivers clean energy, creates jobs, and strengthens European energy security. WindEurope is calling for the launch of the next AO9 and AO10 auctions, as well as for the swift adoption of the multi-year energy program (PPE3), which is a prerequisite for continued large-scale investment in the sector.

Energy portal

How ABB Technology Redefines Industrial Energy Efficiency

Photo: ABB

In today’s business landscape, energy efficiency is no longer viewed as an optional initiative or a matter of corporate social responsibility. It has become a pillar of strategic positioning, a prerequisite for market survival, and a driver of technological modernization. With industry consuming more than 30 percent of the world’s total energy—45 percent of which is used solely by electric motor systems—it is clear that the real answer to energy, regulatory, and climate challenges lies in the way we manage existing resources.

The greatest potential often goes unnoticed—in the electric motors that power everyday processes in factories, pumping stations, transport lines, irrigation systems, and industrial plants of every kind. Statistics show that more than half of these motors are over 20 years old, often oversized for actual operational needs, lacking control capabilities, and incurring inefficiencies that quietly but steadily translate into higher costs and increased CO₂ emissions.

This is precisely where ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation, sees opportunities for both technological and economic advancement. Replacing conventional motors with new high-efficiency models in the IE4, IE5, and even IE6 classes—achieving efficiencies of up to 99.13 percent—combined with the integration of variable speed drives (VSDs) and digital monitoring, forms the backbone of a modern energy strategy. The essence lies not simply in replacing equipment, but in creating an intelligent system—one where motors operate neither more nor less than needed, where speed and load adjust in real time, and where every kilowatt is used purposefully.

Photo: ABB

When high-efficiency motors are paired with VSD technologies such as ABB variable speed drives, systems gain a new level of controllability. Instead of running at full capacity regardless of demand, motors become “smart”: responding to processes, conserving energy, and reducing wear. Although these technologies have been available for decades, only about 25 percent of industrial motors worldwide are currently connected to VSD systems—highlighting the vast potential still to be unlocked.

Industry case studies confirm the effectiveness of such solutions. At the Aurubis copper plant in Bulgaria, 460 motors were replaced, and ABB variable-speed drives were installed. The result: annual energy savings of 25 GWh and a return on investment within three and a half years. In Brazil, the utility company Saneago leveraged ABB Ability™ digital tools to cut energy costs by USD 700,000 annually, while simultaneously improving system availability and maintenance control.

In the agricultural sector—where balancing efficiency with resource sustainability is becoming increasingly critical due to climate change and mounting pressure on water supplies—smart solutions based on high-efficiency motors and variable speed drives (VSDs) deliver tangible benefits. In the United States, irrigation systems for large corn farms were upgraded with ABB VSD technologies, enabling precise pump operation tailored to actual crop needs and available water levels. The results were significant: electricity consumption decreased by 35 percent, while water usage was optimized and reduced by around 25 percent within a single season. The system achieved full payback in under two years, while simultaneously delivering higher yields and improved irrigation control.

IN FOCUS:

Digitalization adds further value to these technological solutions. By connecting motors and drives to IIoT sensors and advanced analytics platforms, operators can now monitor equipment performance in real time, predict failures, analyze consumption trends, and optimize processes in line with broader energy system requirements. When such technologies are integrated with factory-wide management systems and efficiency strategies, they open a new chapter in how production is planned and executed.

National strategies in major markets underscore the importance of energy efficiency. In China, as many as 86 percent of companies plan additional investments in efficient systems. At the same time, India has adopted a carbon credit framework that rewards industries for reducing emissions through the modernization of their equipment. Energy efficiency is no longer just a technical goal; it has become a tool for financial, regulatory, and competitive positioning.

ABB is also a technological leader in this field. In 2025, working with partners in India, the company set a new world record for industrial motor efficiency—99.13 percent. Crucially for the economy, the cost of this motor was only one percent higher than that of a conventional model, with a payback achieved in less than four months. This example demonstrates that sustainability and profitability are not opposing forces; in fact, they often align within the same business equation.

Global analyses indicate that doubling the rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030 could deliver one-third of all the emission reductions required to meet international climate targets. That achievement would be equivalent to the entire annual energy consumption of China. In this scenario, industry plays a pivotal role—but not alone. Public policies, tax incentives, and smart regulation can create an environment where energy efficiency is seen not as a cost, but as an investment with guaranteed returns.

Photo: ABB

Through its Top Industrial Efficiency initiative and participation in the international Energy Efficiency Movement, ABB is already connecting companies, institutions, and innovators to accelerate this transition. The movement aims to promote efficient solutions, share best practices, provide collaboration platforms, and work with strategic partners to demonstrate the benefits of energy efficiency initiatives. By optimizing the performance of industrial electric motors, it is possible to return more than 10 percent of electricity back to the grid—without spending trillions on new infrastructure.

In a rapidly changing world, energy-saving technologies are becoming the foundation of every intelligent business. ABB today delivers solutions that provide greater control, safer operations, and long-term savings—available now and applicable to nearly every industrial process. The challenges of the modern era demand concrete responses, and energy efficiency stands as one of the most powerful. For ABB, the future is sustainable only if it is efficient.

ABB

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine CLIMATE CHANGE

Every Eleventh Person Goes Hungry While Billions of Tons of Food End Up as Waste

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Elevate)

In a world where one in eleven people goes hungry, more than 2.3 billion tons of food are lost or wasted every year, the United Nations warns on the occasion of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, marked on September 29.

According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), about 13 percent of food – equivalent to 1.25 billion tons – disappears already between harvest and retail, while an additional 19 percent (1.05 billion tons) is wasted in households, restaurants, and shops. Households alone generate as much as 60 percent of global food waste.

This problem not only undermines global food security, but also significantly contributes to climate change: 8 to 10 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions come from lost or wasted food.

 “Our food systems cannot be resilient if they are not sustainable. When we waste food, we waste water, land, energy, and labor invested in its production,” the United Nations (UN) stresses.

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The UN reminds that reducing food loss and waste is part of Sustainable Development Goal 12, which aims to halve global per capita food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce losses along production and supply chains by 2030.

With the world’s population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the fight against food waste is becoming a matter of survival. Experts say that introducing new technologies, digital platforms, circular economy models, and innovative food processing solutions could create new jobs, enhance sustainbility, and contribute to a healthier future.

As every September 29 reminds us, the message is clear: everyone – from producers to consumers – has a role in building a world without hunger and food waste.

Milena Maglovski

Climate Vulnerability in Bosnia and Herzegovina – What Awaits Urban Areas

Photo-illustration: Unsplash ( Markus Winkler)
Photo: courtesy of Predrag Ilić

The Institute for Protection and Ecology of Republika Srpska, with nearly half a century of experience, recognizes climate change and environmental pollution as some of the most serious challenges of our time. Through years of research and active participation in international projects, the Institute significantly contributes to improving environmental standards and protecting natural resources. The Institute’s director, Predrag Ilić, shared insights into their current projects, support for local communities, and educational initiatives aimed at children and youth, highlighting the broader societal importance of their work.

Q: What are the most significant climate challenges for Bosnia and Herzegovina according to the Institute’s research?

A: Our country is facing a rapid increase in average temperatures and extreme events, increasingly frequent heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and sudden floods. Snow cover is decreasing, while cities are experiencing a rise in the urban heat island effect. Uneven distribution of rainfall further complicates water resource management, causing hydrological stress, water shortages in summer, and flash floods during winter and spring.

We are actively involved in the revitalisation of water bodies through projects such as WATER-GUIDE and BRIDGEWAT, while projects like RES2FIRE and FireSafe Jezero focus on prevention and education about the increasing risk of forest fires caused by climate change. There has also been a rise in airborne allergens, particularly ragweed pollen, which is monitored and analysed through the AllerShield project aimed at protecting public health. An additional challenge is the insufficient institutional and local preparedness for adapting to climate threats.

IN FOCUS:

Q: Which parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina are currently the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change?

A: According to the NAP – National Adaptation Plan to Climate Change, which provides the most detailed and up-to-date analysis of climate vulnerability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the most vulnerable areas are those exposed to multiple climate risks, including floods, droughts, landslides, heatwaves, and land degradation. Vulnerability is particularly pronounced in the northeastern, central, and southern parts of the country.

Photo: Institute for Protection and Ecology of Republika Srpska

Northeastern Bosnia (including regions around Tuzla and Bijeljina) is prone to frequent flooding and is at high risk of landslides due to soil degradation and inadequate infrastructure. Central Bosnia and parts of the Sarajevo Canton face increased risks from torrential rains and urban flooding, especially in the context of more frequent extreme weather events. Southern Herzegovina, including the areas around Mostar and Trebinje, is confronted with extended periods of drought and a heightened risk of forest fires due to higher temperatures and reduced summer rainfall.

Additionally, lowland areas along the River Sava and its tributaries are among the most exposed to flood risks. In contrast, hilly and mountainous areas, although often rich in precipitation, have high geological vulnerability, especially to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall. Urbanised areas such as Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Zenica, and Tuzla are increasingly experiencing heatwaves and air pollution, further exacerbating the health and infrastructure vulnerability of the population. The NAP document also highlights that institutional and technical vulnerabilities, such as poor spatial planning and limited water and waste management capacity, further worsen the situation in many municipalities.

Q: How does the Institute support municipalities and public institutions in building capacity to adapt to climate threats?

A: The Institute provides significant support to municipalities and public institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina by helping build capacity for climate adaptation, relying on a multidisciplinary approach, expertise in analytical testing, and experience in implementing international projects. Through active participation in projects such as WATER-GUIDE and BRIDGEWAT (Horizon Europe), we organise educational workshops and training sessions that enable local governments and other stakeholders to understand climate risks related to water management and to develop adaptation plans aligned with EU directives and national strategies.

As part of its activities, the Institute has also contributed to the development of strategic documents such as BIH ESAP 2030+ (Environmental Strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina), through the creation of the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment, directly assisting public bodies in integrating climate aspects into policy planning and spatial development. Within the RES2FIRE project (Interreg Adrion) and the FireSafe Jezero programme (SDC), we conduct specialised training for managing forest fire risks, especially in highly vulnerable areas, and develop guidelines for interventions and preventive measures. In addition, through the CircleAware project, we provide technical and educational support for introducing circular waste management in local communities, thereby contributing to climate resilience through more sustainable use of resources.

Interview by Jasna Dragojević

The interview was published in Energy portal Magazine CLIMATE CHANGE

The July Wildfire Wave In Serbia – An Alarm We Must Not Ignore

Photograph: Unsplash/Mary Hammel

In July 2025, Serbia faced one of the most severe wildfire waves in its recent history. Although forest and field fires are not usually expected every summer to the extent, they are common in certain parts of the Mediterranean; this year’s statistics show a serious increase in our country. Extreme heat, with days above 40 degrees Celsius, combined with prolonged drought and windy weather, created highly favorable conditions for the rapid spread of fires across the country.

The culmination occurred on July 7, when, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. alone, more than 620 open-space fires were recorded. Fires appeared in landfills, forests, agricultural fields, orchards, and around houses and auxiliary buildings. Under such conditions, firefighting units were under enormous pressure and at the edge of their capacity, while the situation also highlighted deeper issues within the fire protection system. According to available data, Serbia has approximately 3,600 professional firefighters, with an additional 1,500 engaged through volunteer firefighting associations.

The most critical situation was in the Toplica District, where fires affected the entire area – Prokuplje, Kuršumlija, Žitorađa, and Blace. Severe consequences were also suffered in parts of the Jablanica District in the southeast, the Rasina and Šumadija districts in central Serbia, particularly around Kragujevac, as well as the Bor District in the east. In many areas, due to dry vegetation and low soil moisture, fires spread rapidly. Thick smoke, stretching for tens of kilometers, further hindered efforts to extinguish them. In some places, visibility was reduced to only about fifty meters.

On July 9, the Government of Serbia announced that it had secured 350 million dinars of aid for those affected. It also announced the formation of a Commission for Fire Damage Recovery, tasked with directing activities in this regard and working on prevention.

Relief, however, came only in mid-July, when the first heavier rainfall, combined with the joint intervention of all engaged services, enabled the localization and extinguishing of most fires. Nevertheless, the damage remained enormous – both materially and psychologically – as the experience in the fire zones left a lasting sense of insecurity.

This catastrophe, however, did not affect only Serbia. Similar situations were recorded at the same time in Greece, Italy, France, and other parts of Europe, struck by an intense heatwave. In Serbia, however, additional problems arose from underdeveloped infrastructure, insufficiently equipped local services, and the absence of detailed emergency plans at the municipal level. In many places, it was precisely the citizens – alone, without adequate support – who were the first to react.

IN FOCUS:

Stubble Burning – A Dangerous and Persistent Practice

One of the dangerous human causes of fires is stubble burning. Although prohibited by law, this method of clearing agricultural land is still widely practiced, especially in rural areas, where it is passed down as part of traditional practice. Under conditions of drought and high winds, fires can easily get out of control and spread to surrounding fields, forests, or even residential buildings. A single flame is enough to cause chaos.

Penalties for this practice are prescribed by the Law on Fire Protection and the Law on Agricultural Land – 10,000 dinars for individuals and several hundred thousand dinars for legal entities. In more severe cases, when major material damage or injuries occur, criminal liability also follows. However, in practice, such cases are rarely prosecuted. The problem is that burning is often done at night, in remote fields, and the perpetrators remain unknown.

In addition to causing fires, stubble burning has long-term negative consequences on the soil itself. The combustion of plant residues destroys beneficial microorganisms, dries out the surface layer of soil, and reduces its fertility. Instead, as a sustainable and safe alternative, plowing plant residues back into the soil, composting, or shredding and evenly spreading plant material across fields is recommended. These methods preserve soil, restore nutrients, eliminate fire risk, and do not pollute the air.

Landfills – A Recurring Summer Risk

Another serious problem that comes with the summer months is the increased number of landfill fires. Although this is not a new phenomenon, data show that the number of incidents is not decreasing; on the contrary, the problems are growing. Since the beginning of the year, hundreds of incidents have been recorded at landfills across Serbia, most often at unsanitary sites that lack basic fire protection systems. Causes include high temperatures, the presence of flammable waste, and usually poor management.

For this reason, representatives of the Sector for Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Environmental Protection held a joint meeting. They agreed on a series of urgent measures. The key among them is the introduction of 24-hour shifts of public utility employees at landfills, as well as a ban on access by unauthorized persons, including informal waste collectors.

The need was emphasized for checking hydrant networks and firefighting equipment, securing water tanks, nozzles, hoses, and distributors, as well as arranging fire access roads for unobstructed vehicle entry. It was also recommended to surround landfills with fire belts free of combustible materials to prevent the spread of fire to the surrounding areas. Additional protection is envisaged through so-called tamping – covering critical points with layers of soil, as well as regularly layering waste with inert material. For these measures to be effective, it was proposed to provide permanent locations for soil delivery and a sufficient number of machines for emergency interventions.

Prepared by Milica Vučković

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine CLIMATE CHANGE

Bosnia and Herzegovina Leads the Region in Issues with Overvoltage

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Andrey Metelev)

The Independent System Operator in Bosnia and Herzegovina (NOSBiH) oversees and manages the country’s power transmission system. Its competencies and responsibilities are defined by the overarching Law on Transmission, Regulator, and System Operator of Electricity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as by the Law on Establishing the Independent System Operator for the Transmission System.

Bojan Rebić, Head of the Real-Time Power System Operation Department, highlights the challenges the system faces due to the increasing integration of renewable energy sources. He explains how these challenges affect the electricity market, from which countries balancing energy is imported, and what the future holds for the power system.

Q: How does NOSBiH technically and operationally manage major transmission lines and high-voltage substations?

Photo: Courtesy of Bojan Rebić

A: The management of the power system in Bosnia and Herzegovina is carried out from the Main Dispatch center of NOSBiH through 24/7 operational activities. In addition to the Main Dispatch center, and in line with obligations defined by the ENTSO-E network codes, NOSBiH operates a Backup Dispatch center, fully equipped with the tools and systems necessary for managing the power system in the event of a loss of the Main Dispatch center.

Operation of the transmission network at 400 kV and 220 kV levels, as well as all interconnected 110 kV transmission lines, is conducted by issuing direct instructions to operational staff at transformer substations and switchyards.

The operation of 110 kV lines that connect generation facilities to the transmission network is conducted indirectly, via the Generation Control Centers (CUP) of power utilities in BiH and the relevant Operational Areas (OP) of Elektroprenos BiH. Meanwhile, the operation of 110 kV line bays owned by users (new generating facilities) is performed remotely via the SCADA/EMS system from the NOSBiH Dispatch center (DC).

Through coordinated operation between the dispatch centers of NOSBiH, Elektroprenos BiH, the power utilities in BiH, and neighboring system operators, reliable and stable functioning of the BiH power system is ensured. In coordination with the Regional Security Coordination Center (SCC) in Belgrade, regular and additional security analyses of the power system are performed on a day-ahead and intra-day basis. These analyses are carried out for every hour using the interconnected model of the Continental European power system. If the N-1 security criterion is not met, available preventive and corrective measures are applied.

Supervision and management of the BiH transmission system are conducted through the SCADA/EMS system installed at the NOSBiH Dispatch center. Every two seconds, the SCADA/EMS system collects and archives data from all substations in BiH as well as from the observability zones of neighboring system operators.

In addition to the SCADA/EMS system, various software applications are used for day-ahead scheduling, balancing services, work approvals, dispatch logs, and information exchange at the ENTSO-E level.

IN FOCUS:

Q: How challenging is it to balance the electricity market in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and how is it done?

A: Balancing the electricity market is becoming increasingly demanding and complex, making it an equally important task for the operational staff of the NOSBiH Dispatch center. A decade ago, balancing was almost negligible compared to transmission system operation.

With the integration of a large number of variable renewable energy sources, we are facing growing deviations and rapid changes in generation, which result in imbalances within the BiH control area. Often, within a short period of time, balancing services must be activated in opposite directions, leading to higher balancing costs. Deviations are also influenced by electricity prices on regional and European exchanges.

In cases of imbalances, NOSBiH procures and activates balancing energy daily to cover electricity deficits or surpluses. This is done by using automatic and manual frequency restoration reserves (aFRR and mFRR), procured from registered providers. NOSBiH has signed agreements for the procurement of balancing energy from neighboring systems, including the SHB block (Slovenia, Croatia, BiH), as well as cross-border tertiary reserve exchanges with Serbia and Montenegro.

The quality of regulation had been satisfactory in previous years; however, in 2024 and the first quarters of 2025, it has significantly deteriorated, indicating the need to identify new balancing resources. Given the expected increase in renewable integration and current difficulties in the BiH power system, NOSBiH has sought modalities to expand the balancing reserve within the system.

According to the European Commission Regulation (SOGL), transmission system operators are entitled to exchange imbalances across different areas. At present, NOSBiH only has access to the GCC (INOM) platform, used by EMS (Serbia) and CGES (Montenegro). Together with EMS and CGES, NOSBiH has analyzed the possibilities of joining this platform, which would bring both technical and financial benefits. The agreement has been finalized and is pending approval from the relevant institutions. This would serve as a temporary solution until Bosnia and Herzegovina potentially joins the pan-European platform for automatic imbalance netting (IGCC).

Q: What are the biggest challenges for the BiH transmission network in the coming years?

A: The greatest challenge for any transmission system operator in the upcoming period is ensuring secure and stable operation of the transmission grid during the ongoing and future energy transition.

One of the major issues in operating the BiH power system is overvoltage – a problem for which the NOSBiH Dispatch center currently has no mechanism of control. Unfortunately, BiH leads the region in overvoltage problems, partly due to the structure of consumption in the country, and partly because neighboring transmission systems have already implemented voltage regulation measures, such as installing compensation devices. Overvoltages can result in partial or total collapse of the BiH power system, as well as the regional grid. Elektroprenos BiH has included the installation of four compensation devices in its investment plans, which have been approved, and procurement and installation activities are expected to commence.

Another major challenge is posed by large fluctuations in cross-border transit flows, which create significant operational difficulties. The BiH power system is integrated into the Continental European transmission system, which generally contributes to its secure and stable operation. However, during certain periods, due to significant transit flows from east to west and vice versa – directly driven by electricity markets and the integration of large volumes of renewables in Southeast Europe – severe overloads occur on both cross-border transmission lines and internal lines and transformers. These issues were the cause of the last two major disturbances: on January 8, 2021, when the Continental European transmission system split into two parts, and on June 21, 2024, when a major disturbance affected the power systems of BiH, Montenegro, Albania, and parts of Croatia.

In both cases, the BiH power system was neither the cause of the disturbance nor in a position to prevent its occurrence and propagation. Fortunately, all disturbances were resolved in record time. The dispatchers of the NOSBiH Dispatch center and neighboring TSOs successfully restored system stability: on January 8, 2021, Europe was re-synchronized within around 40 minutes, and during the blackout on June 21, 2024, system restoration was completed within approximately two hours.

Interview by Jasna Dragojević

The interview was published in Energy portal Magazine CLIMATE CHANGE

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