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PFAS in Textiles Endangers Health and Complicates Recycling – Is There a More Sustainable Alternative?

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Lauren Fleischmann)

The textile industry produces materials used in everyday life, and the modern world demands mass production of these materials. Although textiles offer many advantages, it is less known that many products contain harmful chemicals that can have serious negative consequences for human health and the environment. This industry is one of the largest sources of pollution from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Europe. According to data from the European Environment Agency (EEA), textiles account for about 35 percent of the global demand for PFAS.

These substances represent a broad group of synthetic chemicals known for their durability – they are resistant to water, grease, and heat. It is estimated that there are more than 10,000 different PFAS compounds. However, their very durability makes them extremely harmful to the environment. PFAS are known as “forever pollutants” because they do not break down naturally and can persist for decades in nature, as well as in the human body.

Although their harmfulness is well known, most textiles in Europe are imported from Asian countries where chemical regulations are less stringent, meaning there is very little information about the PFAS content in imported textiles.

PFAS spread through water, air, and soil, and their excessive concentration can cause various health issues, from fertility problems to an increased risk of cancer. Just as they can enter the human body, they more easily enter animal organisms and can accumulate in plants, spreading further through the food chain. Prolonged exposure can cause disruptions to entire ecosystems.

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Previously, it was believed that there were no good alternatives to PFAS, but research has shown that there are indeed safer alternatives for the environment, such as biodegradable or less harmful synthetic materials. For example, waterproof materials made from natural fibers enriched with wax or resin.

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Angela Bailey)

The issue with textiles containing PFAS also lies in the difficulty of recycling. At the end of a textile’s life cycle, there is usually no information on whether it contains PFAS, and if it does, in what quantity. Testing textiles for these chemical substances is a costly and demanding process. Textiles containing these substances are difficult to recycle due to their resistance to decomposition, and if subjected to recycling, the substances spread through recycling streams. Moreover, the process of removing PFAS from the remaining recyclable textiles is financially unfeasible. Another alternative could be the use of biopolymers, which are becoming increasingly popular worldwide and are significantly easier to recycle and degrade.

Technically feasible alternatives exist for various categories of textiles such as home textiles, sportswear, and footwear. However, for certain categories, such as protective gear for firefighters or medical equipment that shields against exposure to various fluids, there is still no adequate substitute for PFAS.

The European Union should continue introducing new technologies and stricter regulations, such as digital product passports, as well as improving sorting methods. All of this will help track PFAS throughout the entire product life cycle.

Katarina Vuinac

We Are Actively Reducing CO2 Emissions in Our Operations

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)
Photo: courtesy of Vesna Brkić Bošković

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Generali Group’s first corporate social responsibility department. Two decades later, Generali demonstrates its social responsibility through four distinct roles:

  • responsible employer,
  • responsible corporate citizen,
  • responsible insurer, and
  • responsible investor.

– As a responsible investor, we invest in the economic sectors that positively impact the environment and society. As a responsible insurer, we offer products with ESG components. As a responsible corporate citizen, we contribute to our community via Generali Group’s global initiative The Human Safety Net. As a responsible employer, we promote workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion and support our employees’ professional and personal growth. All this makes us a sought-after employer – says Vesna Brkić Bošković, Head of the Logistics and Procurement Department at Generali Osiguranje Srbija.

We discussed the company’s plans in terms of CO2 emissions reduction targets, how the employees engage in this process, and what they consider to be an important message when it comes to their views on sustainability.

Q: One of the Generali’s goals is CO2 emission reduction. What are the company’s specific targets?

A: Generali Group aims to cut CO2 emissions in its operations by 35 per cent by 2025 and by 40  per cent by 2026 from the 2019 baseline. The 2023 results indicate that we are on the right track with a 33.4  per cent reduction compared to 2019. This achievement required management and employee support and a dedicated energy and environment management team. Our company has long held ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 certifications for environmental and energy management systems, respectively.

Generali Group’s goal is to cut CO2 emissions in its operations by 35 per cent by 2025 and 40 per cent by 2026, compared to the 2019 baseline.

Generali Group’s sustainability activities include purchasing renewable electricity, enhancing office energy efficiency, and optimizing the use of business premises. We are also committed to reducing business travel, transitioning to electric company cars, and minimizing paper use through digitizing and optimizing our processes.

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Q: The employees themselves play an important role in reaching these targets. How are they involved in this process?

Photo: courtesy of Vesna Brkić Bošković

A: Our employees are integral to reaching sustainability targets. They will soon relocate to our new headquarters, which will also hold energy efficiency certification and have the option to use renewable electricity. Last year, our local ESG team developed an action plan focusing on environmental and energy efficiency initiatives. Our employees – our sustainability ambassadors – collaborated with managers on this plan. Their suggestions have sparked initiatives to reduce paper usage by further digitizing processes, minimizing physical mail, reducing the quantity of printed documents, and keeping track of the quantity of printed material.

Training employees and raising awareness about the importance of reducing carbon footprint is vital. In addition to Group-level training, we have initiated local workshops and numerous activities to educate our colleagues on how they can contribute to environmental protection. We have participated in tree planting in Novi Sad and Niš and various clean-up campaigns. Goals can only be achieved if the employees are motivated, engaged, and willing to extend our activities into their communities.

Q: What do you consider to be an important message when it comes to the environment?

A: Once all activities are completed, it is time to evaluate their impact and draw comparisons. Companies must have a system and clear methodology in place. Since 2019, we have recorded data on fuel, electricity, and paper consumption, waste recycling rates, and business travel mileage in the Sphera app. All this data is documented for external audit and verification. It not only serves as a reliable indicator of our correct decisions but also demonstrates their tangible and significant impact on environmental preservation.

Generali Osiguranje Srbija

Read the whole interview in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine AGROSOLAR ENERGY AND RES.

Canadian Researchers Develop a Process to Convert Methane and CO2 into Useful Resources

Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Scientists from McGill University, one of the oldest in Canada, have discovered how to harness sunlight to transform two harmful gases, methane and carbon dioxide, into useful chemicals. In a way, this process could be considered a form of recycling harmful emissions.

The team of scientists managed to achieve this feat using a special catalyst made of gold, palladium, and gallium nitride, which, in combination with sunlight, triggers a chemical reaction that further converts methane and carbon dioxide into green methanol and carbon monoxide, both of which are highly useful in the energy and chemical industries.

A remarkable advantage of this process is that it works at room temperature and does not require high temperatures or strong chemicals, which is astounding.

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Researchers believe this discovery could help Canada achieve its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050, by converting these harmful gases into useful resources that can contribute to a sustainable future.

Given that sunlight is harnessed, and one substance is transformed into another, the comparison with photosynthesis is inevitable. Photosynthesis, a process inherent to nature, uses sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and water into food and oxygen. In both cases, solar energy plays a key role in converting harmful gases into useful products.

Transforming the most harmful chemicals into valuable ones in a sustainable way remains a question for the future, the serious application of which could reshape industrial processes.

Energetski portal

Old Press In a New Guise

Photo: Courtesy of Nada Ubiparip

The production of paper requires a lot of electricity, water, and cellulose, and as we all know, it is “easily and quickly” used up; that is why rational consumption, recycling, or reuse is important in many ways. Nada Ubiparip from Mrkonjić Grad reveals to us how old paper can be breathed new life and given a new use value. In addition to taking care of her family as the mother of three children, she manages to find time to devote herself to her hobby. She is a technician-clothing designer by profession, but unfortunately, she did not have the opportunity and possibility to tailor and sew. Instead, she found a way to express her creativity by making baskets from old newspapers.

Photo: Courtesy of Nada Ubiparip

I have never worked in the profession, and the main reason is that this job requires an adequate workspace, which I do not have. Although I also know how to tailor and sew something, I decided to put that aside and choose something that I can do anywhere in the house. When I was little, my mother taught me how to knit, and that’s how I came up with the idea of using that knowledge to create something new and beautiful – Nada explains.

At first, she used to knit hats, scarves, and sweaters for her children. Then, quite by chance, while watching various clips, she came across one in which a woman makes paper baskets. She recalls that it delighted her, so she spent hours and days learning and perfecting paper knitting.

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Today, Nada’s creative hands produce baskets of various motifs, sizes, and shapes. On her Instagram page, Nadinokorparstvo, you can see baskets made for Easter, New Year, and Christmas, baskets in the shape of bees, carts, huge toy baskets, and even fashion bags.

She reveals that her favorite work is the basket – a cart that actually serves as a holder for pencils and school supplies.

For making baskets, I get old press from a country in the region because the paper is much better than what can be found here. First, I design what the basket will look like, and then the production follows. The crafting process itself begins by first preparing the paper, then I make the sticks, paint them, and then weave them. I usually have some model, molds of all kinds of shapes for different baskets. I always knit the bottom first, then when I finish it, I raise the sticks and knit as high as I need – our interlocutor explains.

She points out that the colors she uses are ecological and that they are safe even if they come into contact with food. So, the baskets can be used for various services at home.

Prepared by Jasna Dragojević

Read the story in the new issue the Energy portal Magazine AGROSOLAR ENERGY AND RES.

World Cleanup Day 2024

Foto ilustracija: Pixabay

On 8 December 2023, the United Nations General Assembly, in its seventy-eighth session, unanimously adopted resolution 78/122 “World Cleanup Day”, which proclaims 20 September as World Cleanup Day.

The resolution invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, other international and regional organizations, and other relevant stakeholders – including civil society, the private sector and academia – to observe World Cleanup Day through activities aimed at raising awareness of the role clean-up efforts play in sustainable development. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) facilitates the observance of the Day.

Over the years, many national, regional and local governments and communities have been undertaking clean-up activities globally. World Cleanup Day represents the reflection on their achievements. The clean-ups serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility we share in preserving and maintaining a clean and healthy environment as well as sustainable waste and resources management.

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The theme of the inaugural event, taking place on 20 September in the city of Tromsø, Norway, is “Arctic Cities and Marine Litter”. The event, convened with support from UN-Habitat, GRID-Arendal, and the Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, the municipality of Tromsø, the Fram Centre, and Let’s Do It World, aims to inspire global communities to adopt sustainable practices that protect the arctic regions.

The Arctic’s delicate ecosystem necessitates focused efforts on plastic and marine litter clean-up. Cities like Tromsø, within the Arctic Circle, face unique challenges due to extreme weather, isolation, and costly infrastructure.

The inaugural World Cleanup Day in Tromsø showcases Norway’s innovative waste management strategies tailored to harsh climates. The event will highlight the role of innovation, community involvement, and collaboration in creating sustainable waste systems that protect the Arctic environment and contribute to global waste reduction efforts. It also emphasizes the importance of professional cleanups and innovative funding mechanisms in tackling waste management challenges in complex urban settings.

Source: United Nations

For the First Time, Electric Cars Outnumber Gasoline Vehicles on Norway’s Roads

Photo-Ilustration: Pixabay (paulbr75)

Norway has confirmed its leadership in the global transition to electric vehicles, as recent statistics demonstrate. For the first time in history, the number of electric cars has surpassed the number of gasoline cars on Norwegian roads. In August, as we previously reported, a new record was set in electric vehicle sales, with 94 percent of all newly registered cars being electric.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Mikita Karasiou)

Nevertheless, the news that the number of gasoline-powered cars has fallen below electric vehicles marks a significant achievement in the world of e-mobility. Of the total 2.8 million registered passenger vehicles, 754,303 were electric, while 753,905 ran on gasoline, according to data from the Road Traffic Information Council (OFV). This statistic keeps Norway at the forefront of integrating sustainable transportation into daily life, and it is likely to be the first country in the world to achieve the highest number of electric cars on its streets.

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However, while the number of gasoline cars has fallen below electric, diesel vehicles still make up a significant portion of the fleet, with one million registered vehicles. Diesel cars remain in first place, followed by electric cars, then gasoline-powered vehicles, and various versions of hybrids. Projections suggest that electric cars could surpass the number of diesel vehicles by 2026.

To recap another record, in August 2024, 94 percent of all new passenger car registrations were electric, surpassing the previous record from January of the same year, when electric vehicles accounted for 92 percent of new registrations. In August, a total of 11,114 new cars were registered, of which 10,480 were electric, marking a 13 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to OFV.

In the past 20 years, over one million gasoline cars have disappeared from Norway’s vehicle fleet, mostly in favor of electric vehicles, and a similar trend is expected for diesel cars. Since 2017, diesel car numbers have dropped by over 280,000. Although this process will be slower due to the large number of registered diesel cars, Norway has already laid the groundwork for the dominance of electric vehicles on its roads.

Energy portal

Are Artificial Rivers the Future of Water Resource Management?

Photo-illustration: Freepik (Freepik)

Water bodies cover about 70 percent of Earth’s surface, but how much do we truly value this precious resource? It is often said that what is abundant is taken for granted. The astonishing fact that water ecosystems make up such a large percentage of our planet can lead to a misconception – that we don’t need to worry about their survival. Somewhere along the way, the understanding was lost that of this total amount, over 95 percent of the water is in seas and oceans, while only a small percentage is freshwater sources like rivers and lakes. We should recall lessons from school – the first civilizations arose near rivers, which provided drinking water and fertile land.

The construction of dams, climate change, pollution, urbanization, and other human-driven factors have threatened the health of these ecosystems. Alarms have already been sounded, and in our country, they should echo even louder because it seems we are not hearing them. The jewels of our drinking water, the remaining healthy sources, are mostly fragile rivers. By this, I mean that the sources of drinking water are not giant rivers but small streams, which are under threat from human activity.

The New Delta Project

Photo-illustration: Freepik (Freepik)

The Nile River, the longest river in the world, stretches through several African countries and is especially significant for Egypt, where it was home to one of the oldest civilizations. The longest natural river flows through this country, and now Egypt is building the longest artificial river created by man.

The New Delta Project is Egypt’s response to a major challenge – water. This artificial river will be 114 kilometers long and located in the northwestern part of the country. The project’s value is approximately 5.25 billion dollars and is part of a broader plan to expand agricultural land and improve water management. Specifically, the construction of this artificial river has several key objectives.

Most of Egypt’s territory is covered by deserts, which limits irrigation systems and agriculture. With the river’s construction, water will be delivered to areas that previously had no sources for this resource. In this way, new areas of agricultural land will be created. As noted, the project will enable irrigation for 2.2 million hectares of new agricultural land and create thousands of jobs. This will also reduce dependence on food imports, such as wheat.

Speaking of improved water management, this river will use recycled water from agricultural wastewater, and groundwater will also be used more efficiently. This is particularly important when considering climate change and more frequent drought periods. The artificial river is significant for climate change adaptation as a reliable source of water.

It must be acknowledged that this endeavor is indeed bold and deserves attention and consideration from other regions worldwide. Although we may not have always appreciated this valuable natural resource, it is not too late for humanity to create something positive for preserving nature and its future. Perhaps such innovative projects will inspire global efforts toward sustainable water resource management.

Katarina Vuinac

Electric cars expected to reach up to 24 percent market share as carmakers grow EV sales to meet EU targets – T&E analysis

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Andrew Roberts)

Car manufacturers have clear pathways to meet their EU climate targets next year due to the expected rapid growth in electric car sales, new analysis shows. Electric cars (BEV) should reach between 20-24 percent market share in 2025, according to Transport & Environment (T&E) modelling based on sales in the first half of this year and sales forecasts.

Some manufacturers are calling on the EU to trigger a special crisis clause to delay their CO2 targets by two years, citing fears over sluggish EV sales. But T&E’s central scenario forecasts BEVs will contribute 60 percent, on average, of the CO2 reduction that carmakers still need to achieve for the EU emissions targets next year. This will be partly driven by seven new fully electric models under €25,000 which have arrived or are coming on the market in 2024 and 2025.

Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Lucien Mathieu, cars director at T&E, said: “2025 will be a great year for Europeans in the market for an electric car. BEVs should be almost a quarter of new cars sold thanks to a glut of new, more affordable models. But manufacturers’ reliance on hybrids, which are reaching the limits of their CO2 saving potential, is a short sighted strategy for the climate and competing with Chinese BEVs.”

While BEVs would make the greatest contribution, Stellantis and Volkswagen Group are also expected to rely on hybrids (HEVs) for 33 percent and 30 percent respectively of the CO2 reduction they still need to achieve the EU targets. That is according to the central scenario in T&E’s modelling, which is based on sales forecasts informed by market research company GlobalData. Hybrid sales should also close significant parts of the emissions gap for Mercedes-Benz (17 percent) and Renault (15 percent), it shows.

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On top of its fully electric models, BMW is expected to depend on plug-in hybrids to achieve 18 percent of the emissions cut it needs to meet the EU 2025 target, the central scenario shows. If manufacturers rely more heavily on selling hybrids to comply, overall BEV market share would be 20 percent next year, according to T&E’s high HEV scenario, compared to 24 percent in the central scenario. In all scenarios, Volvo Cars is already compliant thanks to high BEV sales.

If carmakers still struggle, they can ‘pool’ with other manufacturers to further cut their average emissions, according to the analysis. If VW pools with Tesla, only 17 percent of its sales would need to be BEVs in 2025 (instead of 22 percent). If Ford pools with Volvo, as it did in 2021, BEVs would need to account for just 9 percent of its sales instead of 21 percent.

In July, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the bloc’s zero-emissions cars target will go ahead in 2035. Last week the German government rejected the car industry’s call to weaken the 2025 target. T&E is calling on EU and national lawmakers to do more to support EV demand with policies such as corporate fleet targets, charging masterplans and social leasing schemes.

Lucien Mathieu said: “We welcome that President von der Leyen and the German government have put an end to uncertainty over the car CO2 targets. Now it’s time for the EU to support electric car uptake by setting electrification targets for corporate fleets. Governments need to build a stable regulatory environment for EVs with national charging goals and targeted support for buyers.”

Source: Transport & Environment (T&E)

Dublin Introduces a Ban on Disposing of Waste in Plastic Bags

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Gregory Dalleau)

Dublin is facing an increasing problem of waste on city streets caused by animals, such as seagulls, tearing open plastic garbage bags.

Areas in the Irish capital where waste collection in bags has been allowed so far include around 1,000 streets. Buildings in these streets were previously exempt from the requirement to use bins and were allowed to dispose of their waste in plastic bags, leaving them outside their premises.

In response, city authorities have decided to implement measures to improve the city’s cleanliness, one of which is the ban on the use of plastic bags in 90 streets of the Central Commercial District.

The ordinance preventing commercial premises from leaving their waste in plastic bags partially came into effect on September 16 of this year, with full compliance expected by January 1, 2025.

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

“Dublin is not the ‘old dirty city,’ but for too long, commercial premises have been allowed to expose their waste in plastic bags,” said Mayor James Geoghegan, adding that waste collection companies will provide more flexible solutions for restaurants and stores, which will no longer be allowed to place waste bags on the street. This will enable households and businesses in the Central Commercial District to hand over their waste seven days a week from 5 PM to 10 AM the following day.

City authorities also plan to carry out a waste awareness campaign to bring about a cultural and public behavioral change. As part of the broader campaign, they will explore all possibilities for preventing littering. One way to achieve this goal is to reduce the use of plastic bags for waste disposal, and plans are in place to examine the effectiveness of shared waste storage areas in residential complexes, according to the city’s statement.

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More Employees in City Cleanliness

An additional measure for a cleaner city is hiring another 100 operatives in cleaning and waste collection services.

These reinforcements will increase staff numbers in each of the three teams working in the center, which will allow a total of 150 employees to cover shifts from 6 AM to 9 PM, all seven days of the week. Once the new staff is fully trained and familiar with service requirements, waste collection in the city center will be available 24 hours a day.

In addition to increasing human resources, the city is investing 8.5 million euros in upgrading and improving the fleet for waste management. The new vehicles will include 30 electric side loaders, and the city will also purchase specialized machines for cleaning bike lanes. All these measures represent an important step in improving the cleaning and maintenance services of the city, according to the city administration.

Milena Maglovski

Zagreb on the Path to Climate Neutrality

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Goran Horvat)

Careful planning of the preservation of existing green areas and planting greenery in new areas is very important, especially for the urban environment. Greenery reduces air pollution, mitigates the effects of tropical heat, and increases resistance to floods and extreme weather events. Zagreb was one of the cities that demonstrated a strong commitment to such during the previous planting season when the city got 8,000 new trees.

Following the adoption of the Green Urban Renewal Strategy for the City of Zagreb, plans are in place for developing green infrastructure, achieving energy efficiency goals, adapting to climate change, and boosting resistance to risks. Zagreb’s commitment is also reflected in the city’s entry into the European Union’s Mission of 100 climate-neutral and smart cities, whereby the city government committed to drafting and implementing the Climate City Contract. This document reflects the political determination and vision of decarbonization in the city’s key sectors. It primarily refers to decarbonizing the built environment (buildings), traffic, (centralized) heating and cooling systems and related activities.

“The complete transformation of the planning and implementation process of decarbonization measures and adaptation to climate change is underway. Our goal is to include elements of decarbonization and adaptation in all city processes and key documents. We started the process by implementing higher energy efficiency standards, using renewable energy sources and incorporating adaptation elements into spatial plans”, explains Ana Pavičić Kaselj from the city’s office department for economic affairs, environmental sustainability and strategic planning.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Kristina Kutlesa)

Regarding waste management, the construction of the new facility in Resnik will ensure the processing of mixed municipal waste, bio-waste, paper, plastic, and metal is in line with the latest standards. Ms Pavičić Kaselj points out that the facility is a unique plant for mechanical-biological waste treatment (MBT) of the latest generation, completely closed, without releasing unpleasant odors and harmful emissions into the environment, which uses the best currently available technologies in the EU and includes a mixed waste processing plant and a sorting and composting plant.

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Energy efficiency and decarbonization of traffic

The energy rehabilitation of public buildings in Zagreb is carried out in line with a clearly established plan, all to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions by more than 50 per cent in each building. During the building renovation, economically viable and energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy sources, and environmentally friendly fuels are applied.

“The plan related to energy efficiency and renewable energy sources projects for public use, covering the period from 2024 to 2026, which the City Assembly adopted in December 2023, identifies the facilities that will be renovated to boost their energy efficiency as well as construction and extension of public purpose buildings. A budget of around 133,000,000 euros is planned for these projects this and the next two years”, adds Ms Pavičić Kaselj.

Regarding traffic decarbonization, the city’s priority is to make public city transport faster, more reliable, and more efficient, which will contribute to an increasing number of citizens using this type of transport over their vehicles. Although encouraging public urban transport alone will not completely and immediately solve the problem of motor vehicle exhaust gases, improving the quality and speed of urban public passenger transport is a sure and proven way to reduce air pollution and the number of vehicles on city roads.

Prepared by Milica Radičević

Read the whole story in the new issue the Energy portal Magazine AGROSOLAR ENERGY AND RES.

Landslide Triggered by Climate Change Caused Earth’s Vibration

Foto-Ilustracija: Pixabay (Pexels)

A massive landslide caused by climate change in a remote part of Greenland created a megatsunami, causing the Earth to vibrate for nine days in September last year, according to newly released research by scientists.

The unusual and prolonged vibrations had a completely different pattern from tremors caused by earthquakes. To uncover the cause, scientists used field recordings, satellite images, and mathematical modeling

The research, published in the journal Science, concluded that the landslide was triggered by glacier melting, which has thinned in recent years due to climate change.

In the remote Dixon Fjord, there was a 200-meter-high splash of water and a wave up to 110 meters high. This wave, which stretched across 10 kilometers of the fjord, reduced to seven meters in a few minutes, according to researchers’ estimates, and then diminished to just a few centimeters over the following days.

This is the first time that water splashing has caused measurable vibrations through the Earth’s crust, which traveled across the globe and lasted several days.

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“When I first saw the seismic signal, I was completely baffled. Although we know that seismometers can record various sources from the Earth’s surface, such a prolonged, globally traveling seismic wave with only one oscillation frequency had never been recorded before. This inspired me to co-lead a large team of scientists trying to solve this mystery,” said Stephen Hicks of UCL Earth Sciences.

The mysterious seismic signal — originating from vibrations through the Earth’s crust — was detected by seismometers worldwide, from the Arctic to Antarctica. It appeared completely different from the rich frequencies of “splashes” and “sound signals” from earthquake recordings, as it contained only one frequency of vibration, like a monotonous hum.

A team of 68 scientists from 40 institutions in 15 countries estimated that 25 million cubic meters of rock and ice fell into the fjord (enough to fill 10,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools).

The fjord is located on a route often used by tourist cruise ships visiting Greenland’s fjords. Fortunately, no cruise ships were near Dixon Fjord on the day of the landslide and tsunami.

The study concluded that with the acceleration of climate change, it will become increasingly important to characterize and monitor regions previously considered stable and provide early warnings for such massive landslide and tsunami events.

Energetski portal

Will EPS Be Ready for the Winter?

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

In Kostolac B thermal power plant, the B2 unit overhaul has been completed and 350 megawatts unit is connected to the power grid. The plan is to have B1 unit online, after the capital overhaul in the second half of September, which will mark the end of the overhaul season in Kostolac. In May, the first major overhaul of the B1 unit since the completion of the revitalization in 2014 began and is considered one of the most important undertakings to ensure the safe operation of the 350 MW plant in the coming years.

This major overhaul will improve the reliability, energy efficiency of the units, as well as environmental performance. Small repairs of A1 and A2 units in Kostolac A TPP were completed earlier.

– Overhauls and revitalizations are going according to the plan and everything will be ready for the winter season and stable electricity supply. All overhauls are fully adapted to the most important investment – the revitalization of our only pumped storage hydro power plant Bajina Basta, which started after 42 years of operation. This year, we will complete the first unit, and the second one in the following year, which will mean complete refurbishment of more than 600 megawatts that will give our system significant energy security – says Dušan Živković, General Manager of EPS JSC.

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Despite the drought, the EPS system has steadily supplied electricity to the industry and citizens even during extreme temperatures.

In the summer, consumption was about 15 percent higher compared to the previous years, while production from the hydro sector was about 30 percent lower compared to 2023, and hydrological conditions were also very unfavourable because the largest number of watercourses was on the verge of biological minimum.

Source: EPS

Innovative “Living Plastic” Decomposes in Just One Week

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The fight against plastic pollution is crucial for the protection of natural resources and mitigating the climate crisis. Developing environmentally friendly solutions and reducing the use of plastic in everyday life are necessary steps to preserve the planet, and scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have contributed to these efforts.

They have designed so-called “living plastic” that self-destructs when it begins to erode. This innovative material decomposes in compost in one month, compared to the 55 days required for traditional plastic.

The technology is inspired by enzymes produced by bacteria discovered in Japan in 2016, which naturally break down plastic, reports Science Alert.

Researchers have successfully embedded bacterial spores into the structure of polycaprolactone (PCL) plastic. As the plastic erodes, the spores begin to release enzymes that almost completely break down the plastic molecules.

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By combining with lipase produced from the yeast Candida antarctica, the plastic degradation process was accelerated to just one week. Tests showed that the spores survive the high temperatures and pressures required for creating various types of plastic, including PET plastic.

The study by Chinese scientists was published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology, and their discovery provides hope for future sustainable materials that will reduce the problem of plastic pollution.

Although the use of biodegradable plastic and bioplastic is increasing today, they still represent a negligible portion of global plastic production. For example, bioplastic, which is made from renewable resources such as corn, sugarcane, or cellulose, currently accounts for only about one percent of the total 367 million tons of plastic produced worldwide each year, according to data from the European Bioplastics organization.

Energy Portal

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet.

The phaseout of controlled uses of ozone depleting substances and the related reductions have not only helped protect the ozone layer for this and future generations, but have also contributed significantly to global efforts to address climate change; furthermore, it has protected human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the Earth.

On this World Ozone Day, we not only celebrate the achievements to date but also look to the future for deeper and faster action under the Montreal Protocol. Deeper and faster for the ozone layer but above all, for people, for climate and for the planet.

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Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer

The scientific confirmation of the depletion of the ozone layer prompted the international community to establish a mechanism for cooperation to take action to protect the ozone layer. This was formalized in the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, which was adopted and signed by 28 countries, on 22 March 1985. In September 1987, this led to the drafting of The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

The principal aim of the Montreal Protocol is to protect the ozone layer by taking measures to control total global production and consumption of substances that deplete it, with the ultimate objective of their elimination on the basis of developments in scientific knowledge and technological information.

Source: United Nations

MOL Group is a Leading Player in Creating a Green and Self-Sustaining Region

Photo: MOL Group

In mid-March of this year, MOL Group updated its long-term strategy SHAPE TOMORROW, according to which the company aims to make the region greener, more self-sustainable and more competitive. MOL Group ensures a smart transition with defined solutions by further strengthening the security of supply in the region, creating value from waste and shaping the future of mobility with innovative technologies. The updated strategy emphasizes renewable fuels, green hydrogen, biomethane and geothermal energy. In the coming years, the company will invest more than 4 billion dollars in green investments and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

We believe that MOL Group will meet its goals because, in the past month, the company has opened two factories that meet the strategy’s goals. In mid-April, a green hydrogen plant was opened in Százhalombatta, which will produce as many as 1,600 tons of green hydrogen per year using electricity from renewable sources. It is the largest green hydrogen plant in Central and Eastern Europe, with a capacity of 10 Megawatts. The investment of 22 million euros will make fuel production more sustainable, and the factory will reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the Danube refinery by 25,000 tons per year.

IN FOCUS:

The new technology will gradually replace the production process based on natural gas, which currently accounts for one-sixth of MOL Group’s total carbon dioxide emissions. It will primarily use green hydrogen in its own network during fuel production. We asked MOL Group representatives to explain how they will make green hydrogen, and here is their answer:

“MOL Group has reached another milestone: from now on, we can produce green hydrogen without emitting greenhouse gases. With this technology, we achieve a reduction in emissions that is equivalent to removing around 5,500 vehicles from the road at once. Today, our new green hydrogen plant makes MOL’s industrial operations greener, but tomorrow, it will offer solutions for the entire industry and hydrogen mobility. After Sasalombata, we will transfer the technology to the other two production units in Rijeka and Bratislava to make the fuel production process more sustainable in all MOL Group refineries,” said József Molnár, CEO of MOL Group, at the opening ceremony of the new green hydrogen plant.

Photo: MOL Group

The second factory, more precisely, the polyol complex, was opened in mid-May in Tiszaújváros. The value of this investment is as much as 1.3 billion euros, and the complex has a capacity of about 200,000 tons of polyol per year. With the opening of the polyol factory, MOL Group became the only entity in Hungary and Central and Eastern Europe that covers the entire value chain, from oil refining to the production of polyol (a plastic raw material with an extensive application). Polyol is one of the most sought-after plastic raw materials, used in a wide range of industries from automotive manufacturing to clothing and insulation.

Polyurethane is made from polyols and is the base material for many consumer durables that everyone encounters daily. The plant in Tiszaújváros will produce polyol using one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly methods available today. According to MOL’s calculations, the factory will annually contribute nearly 150 million euros to the financial results of the MOL Group and will provide long-term employment for almost 300 people. MOL Group creates value from waste, starts a circular economy and additionally strengthens the security of supply. There is no doubt that the energy transition must be implemented, and the very ambitious goals set by the European Union must be achieved. This is in the interest of all actors on the market. MOL Group, as a leading company in the Central European industry, is doing everything it can to fulfil these goals and transform the company.

Mol Group

Read the story in the new issue the Energy portal Magazine AGROSOLAR ENERGY AND RES.

China’s Slowdown is Weighing on the Outlook for Global Oil Demand Growth

Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Monthly data reported by countries representing 80 percent of global oil demand for the first six months of 2024 are now available. The data confirm the sharp slowdown in the rate of growth in oil consumption. Global demand rose by 800,000 b/d, or 0.8 percent, year‑on‑year during the first half of the year.

The recent downturn in China has been even more acute than expected, with oil demand in July declining year‑on‑year for a fourth consecutive month. At the same time, growth outside of China is tepid at best. This weaker demand environment has helped fuel a sharp sell-off in oil markets. Brent crude oil futures have plunged from a high of more than 82 dollars per barrel in early August to near three-year lows at just below 70 dollars per barrel on 11 September.

More:

China has been the cornerstone of the growth in global oil demand so far this century. Dynamic factory activity, massive infrastructure investments and rising prosperity across a population of over one billion people driving what has, at times, felt like an inexorable expansion in oil consumption.

Over the past decade, the annual increase in Chinese oil demand has averaged in excess of 600 000 b/d, accounting for more than 60 percent of the total global average increase. Moreover, China’s share of global demand growth has expanded since the pandemic. This year, demand outside China will remain 0.3 percent below 2019 levels, but in China, consumption will be 18 percent higher.

Source: IEA

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