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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.

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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.

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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

RESET Project Results: Education and Skills for the Renewable Energy Future of the Western Balkans (2023–2025)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Evgeniy Alyoshin)

Did you know that in the Western Balkans, carbon intensity is more than five times higher than in the EU, and that most households still rely on coal, oil, or even traditional firewood for heating? This dependence not only makes the region one of the most carbon-intensive in Europe, but also increases vulnerability to energy poverty, health risks, and economic instability.  To tackle this, the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, launched in 2020, set a clear direction: cut CO₂ emissions, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and move towards renewable energy. But there is a catch – without skilled workers and modern education systems, this transition cannot succeed.

This is where the RESET – Renewable Energy Services in Education and Training project comes in. Implemented by the Education Reform Initiative of South Eastern Europe (ERI SEE), with the support of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) under the Regional Climate Partnership framework, RESET served as the education and skills dimension of the broader regional project Green Agenda: Decarbonisation of the Electricity Sector in the Western Balkans.

While the Green Agenda for WB set the overall direction and long-term goals of the energy transition, RESET project focused on making these ambitions tangible in the vocational education and training sector. By developing teaching materials, strengthening vocational education and training (VET) systems, and supporting schools, teachers, and learners, RESET project helped ensure that the transition to renewable energy is not only about new technologies and infrastructure, but also about people and the skills that will shape the region’s energy future.

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Over two years (2023–2025), RESET project team worked across six Western Balkan economies – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia – and delivered concrete, lasting results:

  • Teaching and Learning Materials (TLM): For the first time, regional teaching and learning resources were developed for two areas critical to the renewable energy sector – Installation and Maintenance of Solar Photovoltaic Systems and Installation and Maintenance of Electrical Equipment in Wind Power Plants. These practical and modern guides, with numerous videos, exercises, and examples, published in Montenegrin, Albanian, Macedonian and Serbian, are now available to vocational schools and adult education centres across the region. Teaching and learning materials are available for download on the following link.
  • Action Plan: In 2025, RESET coordinated the development of the Regional Action Plan – Supporting Education and Training for the Renewable Energy sector. This strategic document gives ministries, agencies, and other relevant bodies a roadmap to align their activities with labour market needs in the renewable energy sector, ensuring that they can support the energy transition.
  • Awareness and outreach at regional and national levels: Through two regional EduEnergy conferences, 12 national events, and a targeted media campaign, RESET brought together educators, businesses, policymakers, and the wider public, showing that renewable energy careers are not only necessary, but also attractive, gender and socially inclusive, and future-oriented.
    • The first EduEnergy Conference: Building Bridges for Sustainable Energy Learning (March 2024) examined challenges in the energy sector and the skills needed to support the green transition, engaging over 200 participants from the region. The second conference, EduEnergy 2.0: Towards Shaping the Future of Renewable Energy Transition in the Western Balkans (October 2024), focused on the role of education in renewable energy transition, exploring labour market needs, social sustainability, and gender equity. Both conferences provided regional platforms for dialogue, exchange, and alignment between education systems and the energy sector, ensuring that skills development is recognised as a cornerstone of the green transition.
    • In addition, twelve national events were organised across all Western Balkan economies between April and June 2025. These events gathered representatives of vocational schools and adult education providers, introduced the newly developed regional teaching and learning materials on solar photovoltaics and wind power, and highlighted labour market needs, gender aspects, and funding opportunities. By engaging education institutions, experts, and policymakers at the national level, the events strengthened cooperation with the energy sector and promoted renewable energy careers more directly within each economy.

From its start in Budva in November 2023 to the final Action Plan in September 2025, RESET has shown what regional cooperation can achieve: new teaching and learning tools, joint set of proposed actions, and stronger bridges between schools and the labour market.

But the story does not end here. The sustainability of the RESET project depends on how its results are carried forward: by teachers who bring renewable energy into classrooms, by students who turn new skills into future careers, and by policymakers who create the frameworks that will support the workforce of tomorrow.

The next step is to build on the foundation laid. That means staying connected across the region, encouraging stronger partnerships between schools, businesses, and governments, ensuring that funding continues to support green education, and keeping the transition inclusive so that no one is left behind.

With these steps, the Western Balkans can move faster towards a clean, competitive, and fair energy future and everyone has a role to play in that journey.

Find out more about the project and its results on the project page.

Source: ERI SEE

* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNCSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo* declaration of independence.

Energy Week Western Balkans 2025: agenda now live for the region’s flagship energy gathering

Photo: Energy Week Western Balkans

Energy Week Western Balkans returns to Montenegro on 8- 9 October 2025 with the full conference agenda now live, bringing together the people who are shaping the energy transition across the region. Hosted at the Maestral Resort and Casino in Sveti Stefan, the event convenes a senior audience of investors, policymakers, regulators and utilities for two days of practical discussion, structured networking and real outcomes.

This year’s edition builds on strong momentum in auctions, market integration and project pipelines across all six Western Balkans economies and Croatia. Delegates can expect a programme focused on delivery to 2040, including system ready approaches to hybrid renewables, bankable offtake, grid modernisation and industrial decarbonisation. The agenda also provides a country by country look at policies that align with European market rules and investment frameworks.

Attendance is set to exceed three hundred decision makers, with more than forty five speakers confirmed across ministerial, regulatory and industry sessions. The line-up includes senior voices from government, transmission and distribution operators, power exchanges and leading developers and financiers. Among the confirmed names are Admir Šahmanović, Petar Đokić, Milutin Đukanović, Aleksandar Mijušković, Daniel Calderon, Dejan Drašković, Dejan Popović, Elton B. Radheshi, Erald Elezi, Elisian Bici, Luka Petrović, Damien Sorrell, Miloš Mladenović, Kelly Clutterbuck, Amalia Giannakikou, Neda Lazendić, Nemanja Pandurević, Emre Erdoğan, Michael Viberg Pedersen, Miloš Kostić, Matti Piiparinen, Mats Lundin, Pranav Khamar and many others.

Photo: Energy Week Western Balkans

Key sessions include a ministerial panel on the path to 2040, next generation PPAs with corporate and CfD structures, financing and de-risk solutions for utility scale projects, grid and interconnection priorities that enable market coupling, and a regulatory clinic offering country specific legal insight. These discussions are designed to help projects move from pipeline to procurement and construction, with an emphasis on workable models that suit the Western Balkans context.

Networking remains central to the experience. Delegates have more than ten hours of targeted networking including curated introductions and facilitated B2B meetings, alongside the signature Watt A Night social on the Adriatic coast. The bespoke event app opens a week in advance so participants can build personal schedules and secure meetings before arrival.

The 2025 programme lands at a timely moment for the region. Recent policy moves include competitive renewables auctions in Montenegro, while efforts to integrate Western Balkan electricity markets with the European market continue to progress. Energy Week provides a neutral forum to compare lessons, share data and align on bankable structures that can accelerate capacity additions.

Energy Week Western Balkans has established itself as the leading platform for investment dialogue in the region. Feedback from previous editions points to exceptional knowledge sharing, productive meetings and a venue that supports serious work in a relaxed setting. With the agenda now live and the speaker roster continuing to grow, this year’s gathering is set to be the most comprehensive to date.

Registration and full agenda are available at https://wbenergyweek.com/. For enquiries, contact the organisers at info@investinnet.com.

Energy portal

SCC Belgrade – Safety and Stability of the Network as a Priority

Photo: courtesy of Luka Okuka

As energy systems develop rapidly and their interdependence becomes increasingly complex, network stability takes on strategic importance. In this game of precise coordination and technical reliability, regional coordination centers play a key role. One of them, SCC – Security Coordination Centre SCC Belgrade, has been connecting transmission system operators from several South-East European countries for ten years, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of the network.

We spoke with Luka Okuka, Director of SCC, about how this centre operates, its daily responsibilities, and why coordination between countries is crucial for a stable electricity supply.

Q: Mr Okuka, to begin with, could you briefly introduce SCC Belgrade? Who are your founders, and where precisely do you position yourselves in the power sector?

A: SCC – Security Coordination Centre Belgrade is a regional centre for security coordination in power systems, founded in 2015. It was established as an initiative by transmission system operators from the region, following the practice of developed European countries, to set up a joint centre that would contribute to greater security and efficiency in the operation of the transmission network. Our primary role is to ensure, through daily work and analyses, the stable and coordinated operation of transmission systems in the region, in line with the standards of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E).

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Artur Pawlak)

SCC is the result of a shared commitment by regional transmission system operators to pool their knowledge, tools, and resources to ensure reliability and interoperability of systems in an increasingly complex energy environment.

The founders of the company are EMS from Serbia, CGES from Montenegro, and NOSBiH from Bosnia and Herzegovina – operators who recognized the need for a regional approach and coordinated security. Over the years, SCC has expanded its range of services, with OST from Albania, MEPSO from North Macedonia, and TEIAS from Turkey joining as service users, further strengthening the centre’s regional significance as well as its technical capacity.

Today, with ten years of successful operation behind it, SCC is recognized as one of six European Regional Coordination Centers (RCCs), in line with the European Union’s legislative framework and ENTSO-E standards. Our role is to provide technical and operational support to transmission system operators through security analyses, risk assessments, coordination of planned works, and other key activities that contribute to the stable and safe operation of the power system – both at the regional level and within the European framework.

IN FOCUS:

Q: What are the specific responsibilities and daily activities of SCC?

A: SCC has clearly defined responsibilities arising from the European regulatory framework, and our main role is to provide operational and technical support to transmission system operators to maintain the safety, stability, and efficiency of the power system.

Specifically, SCC’s responsibilities cover the following areas:

  • Creation of a unified network model of Continental Europe Every day, based on input data (network models) provided by the transmission system operators of Continental Europe at the two-dayahead, day-ahead, and intraday timeframes, we create a unified network model of the entire synchronous interconnection. This model serves as the basis for all subsequent analyses and calculations, both by RCCs and TSOs.
  • Security analyses We conduct daily n-1 (n-x) security analyses at both the day-ahead and intraday timeframes to identify potential overloads and risks to system security. Based on the analyses, if potential problems are identified, we propose corrective measures.
  • Coordination of planned works We coordinate annual, monthly, and weekly planned outages of network elements of regional importance, owned by our service users, such as transmission lines or transformers, to minimize the impact on the region’s transmission system and maintain supply security.
  • System adequacy assessment We monitor whether the regional system has sufficient capacity to cover demand over different time horizons – from day-ahead to seven-day-ahead.
  • Calculation of cross-border transmission capacities SCC takes part in calculating available capacities for cross-border electricity transmission, which is crucial for the functioning of the regional electricity market.
  • Operational coordination and data exchange SCC collaborates daily with TSOs and other RCCs in Europe through data exchange, joint operational meetings, and urgent coordination as needed.

Our activities are highly technical and require expert teams, sophisticated software, and constant real-time communication with TSOs and RCCs. It is precisely SCC’s position, situated between operational planning and real-time decision-making, that makes us a key element in the security of the South-East European power system.

Q: How would you explain the difference between the role of SCC, the transmission system operators (TSO), and the power exchanges? Where exactly does your role fit within this network of actors?

A: In the power system, each institution has a clearly defined role: the transmission system operators (TSOs), the power exchanges, and the regional coordination centers, such as SCC. Our role lies precisely at the intersection of technical coordination and support for the safe operation of the system, both in the regional and European contexts.

Here is how these roles differ:

  • The TSO (transmission system operator) is responsible for managing the transmission network in its own country – ensuring the physical delivery of electricity, balancing the system, operating in real time, and maintaining network stability at the national level.
  • Power exchanges are market institutions that enable the organized buying and selling of electricity, mainly in the day-ahead and intraday timeframes. They deal with the price and volume of trading but do not operate the transmission system.
  • SCC, as a Regional Coordination Centre, does not operate the network directly, nor does it participate in the market. Our role is to coordinate operational processes between multiple TSOs, analyze technical risks, assist in planning outages, and assess transmission capacities at the cross-border level.
  • In short, the TSO runs the network, the exchange manages the trading, and SCC ensures that all of this can function safely and in harmony within regional and cross-border frameworks.

Our position is neutral, technical, and coordinative, and it is precisely in this role that we enable the safe operation of the entire system, support the energy market, and facilitate cooperation between different actors.

Interview by Milena Maglovski

The interview was published in Energy portal Magazine CLIMATE CHANGE

Most River Basins Faced Poor Hydrological Conditions in 2024

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The year 2024 marked the sixth consecutive year of unstable hydrological cycles and was also the warmest year in 175 years of observations, according to the Global Water Resources Status Report 2024 published by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The past year was defined by record-breaking heat, climate extremes, and widespread water-related impacts. According to the report, both excessive and insufficient water supplies triggered a series of cascading consequences. Extremes were observed throughout the entire water cycle: rivers, reservoirs, lakes, groundwater, and glaciers all showed significant deviations from long-term averages.

All glacial regions worldwide reported ice loss in 2024. Many small glaciers have already reached or are close to reaching “peak water” – the moment when glacier meltwater is at its maximum before declining due to the shrinking size of the glaciers.

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It was also the hottest year on record, with the onset of an El Niño event that influenced major river basins, contributing to droughts in northern South America, the Amazon basin, and southern Africa.

Over the past six years, only one-third of the world’s river basin areas experienced normal flow conditions compared to the 1991–2020 average. This means two-thirds had either too much or too little water, reflecting the increasingly unpredictable nature of the hydrological cycle.

According to UN Water data, an estimated 3.6 billion people already face inadequate access to water for at least one month each year. That number is expected to rise to over five billion by 2050.

The consequences of these shortages, particularly in the context of extreme hydrological events, underscore the urgent need for improved monitoring, early warning systems, and adaptive water management strategies.

Energy portal

Revolutionary Plastic Recycling Technology from Northwestern University

Photo-illustrator: Pixabay (Pete Linforth)

Plastic becomes a problem only when it ends up where it doesn’t belong – in nature, the air, or, worse, in our bodies. In all other situations, it is a practical material that can be turned into raw feedstock in a sustainable recycling cycle, dispelling once and for all the “horror stories” and pessimistic scenarios surrounding its use. All it takes is imagination, knowledge, and the creation of processes that make this possible. That is where chemists at Northwestern University in the United States step in, with a discovery that could change the way we think about plastic recycling.

At the heart of this breakthrough lies a nickel-based catalyst: inexpensive, widely available, and extremely powerful. It selectively breaks down polyolefins – the type of plastic that makes up nearly two-thirds of global plastic consumption. Most importantly, this innovative catalyst enables recycling even when the waste stream is unsorted, meaning that industrial users could apply it to large quantities of mixed plastic waste without the painstaking and costly process of separating different types.

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Hans)

Once the catalyst does its job, low-value solid plastics are transformed into liquid oils and waxes, which can later become higher-value products such as lubricants, fuels, and even candles.

Professor Tobin Marks, the study’s lead author and a world-renowned expert in catalysis, explained that one of the biggest obstacles in plastic recycling has always been the meticulous sorting of waste by type. Their new catalyst, he said, could bypass that complicated and labor-intensive step, making recycling more practical and economically viable.

A Precise “Cut” Through Plastic Waste

The challenge with polyolefins is their extraordinary chemical toughness – they are made of small molecules held together by strong carbon–carbon bonds. Unlike other polymers, they lack weak spots that catalysts can attack. This is why recycling rates for these plastics remain dismally low worldwide – less than 1 to 10 percent – despite annual production exceeding 220 million tons.

Traditional recycling methods have not been effective. Mechanical shredding and melting result in low-quality materials, while thermal treatment requires temperatures of 400 to 700 degrees Celsius and massive amounts of energy.

The Northwestern team, in collaboration with researchers from other institutions, tackled the problem through hydrogenolysis – a process that uses hydrogen and a catalyst to break plastic down into smaller, useful molecules. But instead of expensive precious metals like platinum or palladium, they developed a catalyst from cationic nickel, a cheap and abundant element.

Their solution is brilliant: a molecular catalyst with a single active site. Instead of striking blindly like a blunt tool, this catalyst works like a precision scalpel, selectively cutting carbon–carbon bonds.

The results are remarkable: the process operates at temperatures 100 degrees lower than other methods and under half the hydrogen pressure. It requires ten times less catalyst, yet its activity is ten times greater. In short – it wins on every front.

And then comes the almost unbelievable part. One of the biggest challenges in recycling has always been contamination by PVC. This toxic polymer typically deactivates catalysts and disrupts the entire process. But the new catalyst not only withstood the presence of PVC – it actually performed better in those conditions. Even when a quarter of the waste mixture was PVC, the catalyst’s activity increased.

“That’s crazy. Nobody expected that,” said another researcher Yosi Kratish

The study, titled Stable Single-Site Organo-Nickel Catalyst Preferentially Hydrogenolyzes Branched Polyolefinic C–C Bonds, was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and Dow Chemical, and published on September 2 in Nature Chemistry.

Looking at all of this, it’s hard not to feel optimistic. We may be on the verge of a future where mixed plastic waste is no longer seen as an unsolvable problem, but rather as a valuable resource.

Milena Maglovski

A Game-Changer: ProCredit Bank’s Net Zero Calculator for Measuring CO₂ Emissions

Photo: ProCredit bank

ProCredit Bank has developed the first Net Zero Calculator for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Serbian market. This tool enables businesses to easily measure their carbon footprint, understand where their emissions come from, and plan their next steps in the energy transition. We spoke with Marina Mijić, Head of the Sustainable Department, about the development of the Net Zero Calculator, while Miloš Stepandić, Head of Business Department, shared his perspective on the importance of supporting businesses at the start of their ESG journey.

How did the idea of creating a Net Zero Calculator for SMEs come about?

Marina Mijić: The idea arose from a real market need. Through daily interactions with our clients, we noticed that many small and medium-sized companies want to operate more responsibly but lack the tools and knowledge to understand their environmental impact. As a bank committed to sustainable development, we wanted to offer them a simple yet precise tool that helps them take the first step—measuring greenhouse gas emissions from their activities. At the ProCredit Group level, and in cooperation with external experts, we developed the Net Zero Calculator tailored to the business needs of SMEs in the region.

Photo: ProCredit bank

What exactly does the Net Zero Calculator offer and how does it work? 

Marina Mijić: The Calculator was designed so that companies can independently calculate their direct and indirect CO₂ emissions by entering data on electricity and fuel consumption, transport, and even raw materials. The results provide a clear breakdown of emissions by sector, enabling companies to identify the key areas where they can reduce emissions and optimize costs. In the future, the Calculator will also offer guidance on where the biggest savings can be achieved—whether through switching to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, or planning investments. Importantly, the Calculator is free of charge and represents the first step towards sustainable operations that also generate savings.

When will the Net Zero Calculator be available and how can SMEs prepare to use it?

Marina Mijić: The Calculator will officially be available on the ProCredit Bank website in September this year. Before calculating their emissions, we recommend that companies download our Net Zero Guide, which explains in simple terms which data they need to collect. This way, they’ll be ready to immediately obtain relevant results and identify areas for reducing emissions. The Calculator was designed so that no prior expertise in sustainable business practices is required—we want every company, regardless of size or sector, to be able to take the first step towards sustainability.

IN FOCUS:

What role does the bank play in supporting companies that want to reduce emissions?

Miloš Stepandić: Our role is not just to provide a tool, but to be a partner throughout the transformation process. Many SMEs are only just beginning their ESG transition and often lack the internal resources or expertise to deal with complex requirements such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). That’s why, in addition to the Calculator, ProCredit Bank offers tailored advice and financial products designed for investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Our goal is to help businesses improve their operations and achieve savings, not to see ESG as an additional cost or burden.

How important is this for companies that export or work with EU partners?  

Miloš Stepandić: Extremely important. The CBAM requires companies exporting goods to the EU to report the emissions embedded in their products. Those that fail to do so will face additional costs and barriers. While the Omnibus package has introduced some temporary relief, it won’t last long. Companies that already measure their footprint and take steps to reduce it will be at a significant advantage—both from a regulatory and a market perspective. That’s why we say the Calculator is not only a tool for environmental protection but also for competitiveness.

What are ProCredit Bank’s next steps in ESG support?   

Miloš Stepandić: We are continuing to develop tools, educate clients, and finance sustainable projects. At the same time, we are strengthening our internal capacities—our vision is for every advisor to also be an ESG advisor. Ultimately, our goal is to make sustainable business the new standard, not the exception.

Interview by Milena Maglovski 

The interview was published in Energy portal Magazine CLIMATE CHANGE.

Belgrade Fair, October 20–22: Energy Challenges and Environmental Solutions in One Place

Photo: Belgrade fair

This year’s 20th International Energy Fair, together with the 21st International Fair of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources EcoFair, will be presented to visitors from October 20 to 22, 2025, in Hall 3 of the Belgrade Fair.

Photo: Belgrade fair

At a time when the world is facing the challenges of energy crises, climate change, and the need to transition to renewable energy sources, the Energy Fair provides a unique opportunity to explore the latest achievements, technologies, and trends in this field and remains a key platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience. Participants will have the chance to connect with leading experts, showcase innovations and solutions that not only increase efficiency but also contribute to the global goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

The EcoFair exists to remind us of the urgent need to protect our environment. Environmental sustainability is not only a matter of moral responsibility; it is an essential part of every successful business strategy and of society’s overall development. This fair brings together all those committed to preserving natural resources, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable practices.

Together, these two fairs form a unique event that has become the central meeting point for leaders, experts, investors, and enthusiasts in fields crucial to our future. Today, perhaps more than ever, energy resources and environmental sustainability represent the two pillars on which the future of humanity rests. Our choices and decisions in these areas not only shape the economic landscape but also directly affect the quality of life for present and future generations. This is why these fairs are of exceptional importance not only for individuals and companies, but also at the national level.

Photo: Belgrade fair

As a responsible organizer, and with new business management in place, the Belgrade Fair seeks to highlight what makes these two areas particularly significant – their organic interconnection. In this context, special emphasis is placed on organizing B2B meetings between entrepreneurs from the country and the region, state administration, and representatives of local government. Still, this event is more than just a venue for presentations and business meetings, it is a space where new ideas are born, partnerships are built, and everyone works together to shape a sustainable future.

Energy portal

The Primeval Forests of the Federation of BiH Among the Few in Europe

Photo: FEA

Primeval forests are one of the most valuable and most sensitive ecosystems on Earth. They absorb large amounts of rainfall, serve as a crucial regulatory core of global climate and biogeochemical processes, and provide a home to a vast number of plant and animal species. Although we most often associate them with tropical regions, primeval forests also exist in temperate areas, including Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is among the few European countries that still have preserved primeval forests and forests of high conservation value – areas where humans have never significantly intervened.

In the territory of the Federation of BiH, there are nine primeval forests, and to highlight their richness and importance, the Forest and Mountain Protected Areas (FEA) published an educational brochure titled Guardians of Biodiversity – Exploring the Primeval Forests of the Federation of BiH and Raising Awareness of the Importance of Their Protection. The project was co-financed by the Environmental Protection Fund of the Federation of BiH.

Lejla Hukić, project coordinator at FEA, emphasized that through this brochure, they want to bring primeval and high conservation value forests closer to the wider public, aiming at a better understanding of how important they are, not only for nature but also for our lives, health, and future.

– The primeval forests in Bosnia and Herzegovina are among the few that have remained almost untouched in Europe, and their preservation is a shared responsibility of us all. In them, nature lives at its own pace, without human influence, and it is precisely in this untouched balance that their priceless value lies. Through education and awareness-raising, we want to encourage people to recognize this value and to contribute to their protection through their actions, says Hukić.

IN FOCUS:

Complexes such as Ravna Vala, Bobija, Mačen Do, or Crni Vrh prove that nature can survive untouched, but only if we protect it. Their formal designation as protected areas would not only mean the fulfillment of international obligations but also represent an investment in the long-term security, health, and economic development of the country.

According to FEA, all remaining primeval forest complexes in the Federation of BiH could be formally protected through a new forestry law by being placed in the highest international protection category – IUCN Category Ia (Strict Nature Reserve).
– Such a status would mean that these areas are recognized as Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM), which would include their surface in the total coverage of protected areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this way, our country would significantly contribute to meeting national and international biodiversity protection goals, particularly those defined by European and global strategies, FEA stated.

The mountain forests of Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially those within the Dinaric mountain system, are distinguished by their high naturalness and the preservation of their ecosystems. Unlike much of Central and Western Europe, where forest ecosystems have been largely altered by human activity, BiH’s primeval and high conservation value forests represent an exceptional comparative advantage. Therefore, as the organization stresses, their preservation means protecting one of the last proofs of what European nature looked like before industrialization and mass logging.

The Importance of Primeval Forests

Primeval forests produce about 20 percent of the oxygen we breathe and play a key role in the fight against climate change. They store large amounts of carbon dioxide in their trunks, leaves, and roots, while at the same time absorbing solar radiation and helping regulate temperature. The Amazon rainforest, for example, stores around 48 billion tons of carbon. Primeval forests are home to more than half of the world’s plant and animal species. On an area of just 10 km², up to 1,500 species of flowering plants can be found, along with hundreds of other organisms. The Amazon ecosystem, which covers 6.7 million km², contains about 40 percent of the remaining primeval forests, 25 percent of terrestrial biodiversity, and the highest number of freshwater fish species in the world.

Primeval forests also provide resources and jobs for local populations, especially where other opportunities are limited. It is estimated that services such as carbon storage, water regulation, and eco-tourism are worth over 400 million dollars annually for communities in the Brazilian Amazon.

Prepared by Jasna Dragojević

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