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Active Fires in Serbia – No Threat to the Population

Photo: Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia

In the last 24 hours, the members of the Emergency Situations Sector have been engaged in 108 open-space fires across the territory of the Republic of Serbia, the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported on their Instagram account.

The fire on Mount Vidlič, where dry grass and low vegetation burned over an area of approximately 2,500 hectares, was localized at 7:10 PM. The operation involved 15 firefighters-rescuers with nine vehicles and 40 workers from the public enterprise “Srbijašume” with 21 vehicles.

The fire in the village of Stanča near Kraljevo has also been localized, while the fire in Kraljevo near Ušće remains active. The fire is under control on three sides, while the fourth side is in an inaccessible area within a valley. At this location, 25 firefighters-rescuers are intervening with 10 vehicles, including members of the firefighting units from Kraljevo, Ušće, Raška, Kopaonik, Vrnjačka Banja, Novi Pazar, and Čačak, as well as 10 workers from the public enterprise “Srbijašume” with four vehicles and two firefighters from the volunteer fire department in Studenica with one vehicle. No residential buildings or population are at risk.

The fire in Žagubica near Požarevac has been contained on all sides, and the firefighters-rescuers will continue to monitor and control the burned area the following day.

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The situation with fires in Kučevo and at the Banjska Stena location in the municipality of Bajina Bašta has significantly improved, and efforts are being made to localize and encircle the fire’s perimeter with all necessary safety measures.

The fires in Bor on Mount Stol, in the village of Dušanovac near Negotin, in the village of Beljan near Kladovo, as well as in the villages of Lalinac near Niš, Meminac near Požarevac, and in Žitorađa have been extinguished.

Energetski portal

Child of the Year and the Soap that Cures Skin Cancer

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Allie Smith)

Just over a year ago, I lost my aunt—a person very dear to me—to that insidious disease.

Since then, I often think about cancer—all those people who fight valiantly despite poor medical prognoses, the arduous and uncertain treatments, and the feeling of helplessness that spreads to the entire family. Will I one day find myself in the ring with the deadliest disease in the world? Will I be able to defeat it? These fears sometimes keep me awake at night, and I can’t help but wonder how science has come so far yet still hasn’t found a cure for cancer.

I admit that I have slightly leaned into hypochondria, often catching myself googling the symptoms of various types of cancer and searching for recipes for healthy drinks that will make my immune system invincible. And just as I was studying skin cancer and methods of safe tanning, my scrolling was interrupted by amazing news: Young scientist Heman Bekele has created a soap that can cure skin cancer!

 

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Објава коју дели TIME (@time)

Despite being only 15 years old, Bekele earned the title of “Child of the Year” after devising a simple and economical way to treat skin cancer. In an interview with Time magazine, this promising teenager revealed that he is originally from Ethiopia, where he was daily exposed to people who were overexposed to the sun and had the chance to see the effects on their health.

After moving to the United States with his family, Bekele received his first set of test tubes and chemistry equipment when he was just seven years old.

At first, he experimented with household chemicals like laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid. He often mixed different substances and left them overnight to see how they would react, and his parents were even afraid that Heman would burn down the house.

Fortunately, that did not happen. What did happen is that Bekele grew up to become a true young scientist who brings hope to the entire world that the insidious disease—which often starts as a tiny spot and can end fatally—might finally be easily curable.

Bekele explains that the drug “Imiquimod,” which is used to treat skin cancer, is inaccessible to many vulnerable groups—especially those living in less developed parts of the world. That’s why he thought about how to make the application of this drug more economical, and the solution came in the form of combining the drug with soap.

The reason for this is simple—soap is used daily by almost everyone in the world. If we were to bathe with Bekele’s innovative soap, after rinsing off the lather with water, the drug particles would remain on the skin as an active component capable of treating melanomas.

The teenager explains that the support of older mentors, who contributed their knowledge and experience to the perfection of the cancer-curing soap, was crucial on his path to this discovery. It is possible that this drug will soon be available for sale.

The significance of this young scientist’s discovery is further evidenced by the fact that Bekele won the 2023 Young Scientist Challenge. Well-deserved!

According to data from the World Health Organization, skin cancer is the most widespread form of cancer globally. In the United States, more than five million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, making it the most common type of cancer in the country. Therefore, it’s clear why every step towards improving cancer treatment is immensely important, and Bekele has just proven that even young people like him can make the world a better place.

“If it seems like everything has already been invented and that there’s nothing left for you to create, know that it’s not true. Keep creating and making this world a better place to live,” said Bekele. I think that because of these words, I will sleep much more peacefully tonight.

Milena Maglovski

How Degraded Are Freshwater Systems – What the United Nations Report Reveals

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Jacek Smoter)
Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Ezra Jeffrey-Comeau)

The state of our freshwater ecosystems has been highlighted in a study conducted by UN-Water and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Through three reports on progress in the area of freshwater resources, it has been shown that a significant number of countries worldwide are experiencing degradation in one or more types of freshwater ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, and aquifers. This series of reports is published every three years to assess the progress made in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims for clean water and sanitation for all by protecting and restoring freshwater sources.

The main changes observed include a significant reduction in river flow, a decrease in the surface area of water bodies or their complete disappearance, a deterioration in ambient water quality, and the indication that water management is not on the right track.

More precisely, 90 percent of countries, most of which are located in Africa and Central or Southeast Asia, report degradation in one or more freshwater systems. Contributing factors include pollution, dam construction, land-use changes, excessive water extraction, and climate change.

It is reported that river flow has decreased in 402 river basins worldwide, influenced by climate change and land use. This represents a fivefold increase compared to the year 2000. In a significantly smaller number of river basins, river flow is increasing.

In Southeast Asia, there is a drastic decline in mangroves, and their loss due to human activities poses a serious risk to coastal communities, freshwater resources, biodiversity, and the climate. Their role in ecosystem preservation is multifaceted. To clarify, mangroves are coastal forest systems found in tropical and subtropical regions. The significance of these systems lies in their ability to store up to four times more carbon from the atmosphere than other types of forests. Additionally, they act as a natural barrier protecting coastal communities from erosion, storms, or tsunamis, and they provide habitat for a significant portion of biodiversity. As another example, mangroves have the ability to filter water before it enters open water systems.

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The reports have also shown that lakes and other surface water bodies are shrinking or disappearing, in 364 basins worldwide.

The poorest half of the world contributes less than three percent of global water quality data. There is an urgent need to improve monitoring of these systems, as it is crucial for the adequate management of water resources. Where data does exist, it shows that the quality of freshwater has deteriorated since 2017. The reports recommend expanding government water quality monitoring programs, incorporating citizen science, and using satellite technologies to fill data gaps.

To sustainably manage water resources, integrated water resource management across all sectors must be implemented by 2030. Although 47 countries have achieved or nearly achieved such management, 63 countries need to accelerate implementation, and 73 have limited capacities. If this trend continues, the world will achieve sustainable water management only by 2049. This further means that by 2030, 3.3 billion people in over 100 countries will likely have inefficient water management systems.

Katarina Vuinac

Climate change transforms Pacific Islands

Photo: Wikipedia/US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Photo-illustration: Pixabay

A triple whammy of accelerating sea level rise, ocean warming and acidification is imperilling Pacific Islands, which face growing threats to their socioeconomic viability and indeed their very existence because of climate change.

A scenic view of terraced rice fields with palm trees in the foreground and a mountain range under an illuminated, cloudy sky in the background.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) State of the Climate in the South-West Pacific 2023 report details how sea level rise in the region is above the global average. Sea surface temperatures have risen three times faster than the global average since 1980. During that time marine heatwaves have approximately doubled in frequency since 1980 and are more intense and are lasting longer.

The report was released by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo at the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga. It was accompanied by a special briefing document on Surging Seas in a Warming World, described by Mr Guterres as “an SOS on sea level rise.”

“A worldwide catastrophe is putting this Pacific paradise in peril,” said Mr Guterres.“ Global average sea levels are rising at an unprecedented rate. The ocean is overflowing.”

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“The reason is clear: greenhouse gases – overwhelmingly generated by burning fossil fuels – are cooking our planet. And the sea is taking the heat – literally.”

Despite accounting for just 0.02 per cent of global emissions – the Pacific islands are uniquely exposed. Their average elevation is just one to two meters above sea level; 90 percent of the population live within five kilometres of the coast and half the infrastructure is within 500 metres of the sea, said Mr Guterres.

But the problem is global, he said.

“Surging seas are coming for us all – together with the devastation of fishing, tourism, and the Blue Economy. Across the world, around a billion people live in coastal areas threatened by our swelling ocean. Yet even though some sea level rise is inevitable, its scale, pace, and impact are not. That depends on our decisions,” said Mr Guterres, reiterating his urgent calls for drastic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and increasing in climate adaptation.

The 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting’s host nation, the Kingdom of Tonga, is on the frontline of climate change and is exposed to hazards such as tropical cyclones and flooding. It also suffered a massive volcanic eruption which unleashed a basin-wide tsunami in January 2022 and caused a massive injection of water vapour into the Earth’s atmosphere, impacting the global climate.

“Climate change has become a global crisis and is the defining challenge that humanity currently faces. Communities, economies and ecosystems throughout the South-West Pacific region are significantly affected by its cascading impacts. It is increasingly evident that we are fast running out of time to turn the tide,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

Source: WMO

Accelerated Growth Trend of Solar Capacities

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Mark Merner)
Photo: Courtesy of Profefsor Nikola Rajaković. PhD

The prevailing stance in expert circles today regarding solar energy is undeniably positive. Particular emphasis is placed on its achieved technological maturity and the most rapid growth trend compared to other renewable energy sources, making comparisons with the future share of fossil fuels even more compelling. For the future of energy, an optimal mix that includes wind energy and hydropower, with a carefully measured place for nuclear technologies and moderate hope for nuclear fusion technologies in the more distant future, is indeed being considered.

Energy perspectives on the consumption side must account for the electrification of transport (where feasible) and strong electrification of the heating and cooling sectors and industry. It is essential to focus on reducing energy consumption to improve energy efficiency indicators and possibly due to changes in value systems in what we call the geopolitical West, where there are tentative theories about the need to reduce per capita consumption at this level of development to achieve sector sustainability (degrowthers). Electricity production perspectives balance consumption perspectives.

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For instance, in Europe in 2022, there was a production of 5.7 MWh/ person, and by 2050, a production of 11.7 MWh/person is expected, dominated by renewable energy sources (RES), primarily solar. As an illustration, the final consumption of all types of energy in Europe was 31 MWh/person in 2022, and it is expected to be 23 MWh/person by 2050 due to the impact of the previously analyzed trends. The concept of sustainable development, which sees environmental degradation as the central problem, is often accompanied by much demagoguery. Its main opponent is fundamentally liberal capitalism, which, with its growing hunger for profit, is practically in a perpetual war with sustainability. In 2023, 500 GW of RES capacities were built – a record year!

Of that, 50 per cent of the new RES capacities were built in China. Almost all analyses show that we will reach the peak use of all fossil fuels before 2030, followed by an accelerated decline in the share of fossil fuels in the energy sector. It is worth noting that, according to analyses, the RES sector will participate with about 80 per cent in the construction of new energy capacities in 2030, with solar technologies dominating with more than 50 per cent share. The growth trend of solar capacities is well illustrated by the fact that 220 GW of new solar capacities were built in solar power plants in 2022, and 500 GW of new solar capacities are expected by 2030. Decentralization refers to electricity production from small, geographically distributed renewable energy sources.

Decentralization (distributed production) also brings elements of democratization to the sector by dismantling monopolies of large energy giants. This segment is particularly significant for solar technologies, with solar panels installed on the roofs of family homes, public institutions, parking lots, supermarkets, and factories. In the future, decentralized production of all types of energy is expected to meet almost a third of total energy needs, with solar technologies again standing out as dominant due to their modularity, low cost, environmental friendliness, and potential for installation on vertical facades, car roofs, and numerous unconventional solutions.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Mariana Proença)

Centralized production remains dominant (large power plants) but in synergy with decentralized production, which practically does not burden high-voltage transmission networks, forming an optimal hybrid mix. Agrosolar, or the simultaneous use of land for electricity production through solar panels and food production or biomass, is a significant segment of solar technology applications. The use of agrosolar in viticulture has already proven remarkably successful, where grape yields under solar panels, which have adjustable angles, are somewhat reduced, but accelerated airing of the vines after rain minimizes the development of fungal diseases, achieving optimal sunlight conditions (not too much, not too little sun), leading to a winwin situation with additional income from the produced electricity. For the development of large solar projects, it is crucial to successfully solve three parts of a complex puzzle: land (with the labyrinth of urban project development), grid connection (with realistic and conservative limitations imposed by grid operators), and the power purchase agreement (PPA) for the produced electricity (ensuring project bankability).

A significant characteristic of the energy transition in recent years is undoubtedly the speed of change, especially in reducing solar panel and battery technology costs. It is essential to note that hybrid solutions (combining solar power plants with powerful batteries at the same location as one balancing group) are very competitive today.

Professor Nikola Rajaković, PhD

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

A 600-Year-Old Coral Records Changes in Pacific Ocean Temperatures

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Milos Prelevic)
Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Navigator175)

Global warming is affecting the increase in sea and ocean temperatures, leaving its mark on underwater life. One such coral in Fiji, over 600 years old, has recorded how the temperatures of the Pacific Ocean have changed throughout its long lifespan.

Data from this ancient coral reveal how climate patterns, such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, have evolved over the centuries, offering crucial context for understanding current and future climate trends.

The research was published in the journal Science Advances, and the species of coral is Diploastrea heliopora, sometimes known as the “honeycomb coral.” This massive coral was discovered in 1998, and scientists obtained samples by drilling into it.

This remarkable 627-year-old record from the coral (1370–1997) represents the longest continuous sea surface temperature record to date. To establish the chronology of temperatures in the waters around Fiji, this coral’s record was compared with others from the Fiji archipelago.

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From the coral, scientists determined that local ocean temperatures were high between 1380 and 1553, comparable to those in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. However, when combined with other coral records, the warming observed across the Pacific since 1920, largely attributed to human-induced emissions, represents a significant deviation from the natural variability recorded in earlier centuries.

While the waters around Fiji were almost as warm in the past as they are today, the problem is that the warming is becoming increasingly synchronized across the tropical and subtropical Pacific.

Due to climate change and rising water temperatures, coral bleaching is becoming more frequent, with four global bleaching events recorded so far, leading to the disruption of marine ecosystems.

One of the study’s authors stated that long-term climate variability in the Pacific is crucial for predicting future climate changes.

Energy portal

Cloud Seeding with Drones as a Response to Drought

Photo-illustration: Pixabay
Photo-illustration: Pixabay

After a severe drought hit the Xinjiang Autonomous Region in China, the country has begun testing revolutionary technology that uses drones for cloud seeding to induce rainfall wherever needed.

According to Chinese media reports, the TB-A drones, typically used in military operations, have been equipped with silver iodide sticks for cloud seeding purposes, which stimulate cloud condensation.

The use of drones offers numerous advantages over traditional methods, including greater precision, flexibility, and lower operational costs. The TB-A drone, equipped with three engines, can carry up to 3,250 kg, has an endurance of 40 hours, and a range of 8,000 km, making it ideal for long-duration operations in remote areas.

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The testing in the Xinjiang region will last 45 days, with the aim of increasing precipitation in this drought-stricken area. A successful outcome could lay the groundwork for broader application of this technology in other arid regions, both in China and globally. As climate change intensifies, innovative approaches like this one could become crucial tools in combating drought and managing water resources.

However, experts are concerned that the widespread use of this technology could lead to various consequences, such as increased pollution and the risk of excessive rainfall. Although China is at the forefront of cloud seeding technology, questions remain about the effectiveness and long-term impacts of this technique on the environment.

The Practice of Cloud Seeding in China

Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique used to increase precipitation. This process involves dispersing substances such as silver iodide into the atmosphere, which encourages the condensation of water vapor into clouds, thereby increasing the likelihood of rain or snow. China is one of the leading countries in the world when it comes to the application of this technology, with the goals of managing water resources, combating droughts, and reducing air pollution.

During the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China used cloud seeding to ensure ideal weather conditions for the opening ceremony and the duration of the games. Approximately 1,100 rockets were launched from the ground to disperse silver iodide into the clouds. The goal was to induce rainfall before the clouds reached Beijing, thereby reducing the chances of rain during the opening ceremony.

Milena Maglovski

Australia is Building the World’s Largest Solar Area

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay
Photo-illustration: Pixabay (_leoneil)

The world’s largest solar area project, named the Australia-Asia Power Link, will power three million households and is located in the Northern Territory of this continent. The project has already received the green light.

It will cover an area of 12,000 hectares, and in the second phase of the project, it is expected to send electricity over a distance of 4,300 kilometers to Singapore via underwater cables.

In this phase, the plan for the largest solar farm and environmental approvals has been approved, but the project still depends on approvals from Singapore’s Energy Agency, the Government of Indonesia, and Australian Indigenous communities.

Global media reports that Singapore’s Energy Agency has announced that it is “in negotiations with SunCable regarding their proposal to import electricity into Singapore.”

The project will include a range of solar panels, batteries, and, eventually, a cable that will connect Australia to Singapore. The Australia-Asia Power Link project envisions the production of six GW, of which four gigawatts would go for domestic production, and two would be sent to Singapore, supplying about 15 percent of the city-state’s needs.

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The Federal Ministry for Environmental Protection has approved the first phase of the world’s largest renewable energy and storage project to the company SunCable, while the project is being financed by Mike Cannon-Brookes.

The investment is worth about 30 billion dollars, will create 14,300 jobs, and authorities believe that this project will turn Australia into a “renewable energy superpower,” with the possibility of adding wind power plants also being mentioned.

SunCable has announced that the final investment decision on whether the project will be realized is not expected before 2027, with electricity supply planned for 2030.

Energy is a sensitive issue in this part of the world, as it is home to some of the world’s largest coal and gas exporters.

Energetski portal

China Approves More Nuclear Power Plant Projects, Adding a Total of 11 New Reactors

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Joe)
Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Markus Distelrath)

China, like the rest of the world, is facing an increasing demand for electricity, largely driven by rapid industrial development. Coal has dominated and continues to dominate China’s energy sector, providing more than half of the country’s total electricity production. However, considering environmental challenges and international commitments, China has set ambitious goals to have 20 percent of its primary energy consumption come from non-fossil sources by 2030. Nuclear energy, particularly in the coastal regions of the country, has become a key player in this energy transition.

China’s Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) envisions a significant increase in nuclear capacity to 70 GW by the end of 2025, highlighting the strategic role of nuclear energy in the country’s energy future. Recently, an additional five nuclear energy projects were approved, which will bring 11 new reactors.

Today, China possesses its own advanced nuclear technology, the result of years of technology transfer and cooperation, which it uses both for domestic needs and export. The Hualong One reactors, which have become a significant export product since 2015, symbolize China’s progress in this field.

One of the new projects in China’s nuclear sector is currently underway in Jiangsu Province, where the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is developing the world’s first power plant that combines a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor and pressurized water reactors. This plant will not only generate electricity but also significantly contribute to industrial heating, supplying 32.5 million tons of industrial steam annually, according to World Nuclear News.

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Additionally, it is expected to produce more than 11.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, reduce coal usage by 7.26 million tons, and lower carbon dioxide emissions by 19.6 million tons annually. Thus, two Hualong One pressurized water reactors and one high-temperature gas-cooled reactor are planned for this site.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Ajay Pal Singh Atwal)

In addition to this project, China General Nuclear (CGN) plans to build several new nuclear reactors in different parts of the country. Two Hualong One reactors will be built in one plant in Shandong, while two CAP1000 reactors will be installed in another plant in Guangdong. Furthermore, two more Hualong One reactors will be constructed in a plant in Zhejiang, a province where several companies signed trade agreements with Serbia earlier this year.

The State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) also plays a key role in expanding China’s nuclear capacity. Their latest project includes the construction of two CAP1000 reactors as part of the first phase of a nuclear power plant in Guangxi. Completion is planned within just over four and a half years, with additional capacities, including four CAP1400 reactors, planned in future phases.

China’s nuclear sector has seen stable and continuous growth. From 2019 to 2023, the number of newly approved reactors has steadily increased, indicating positive and secure development in this sector. Currently, China has 56 operational nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 54.3 GW, while an additional 30 reactors, with a total capacity of 32.5 GW, are under construction.

Energy portal

The RES SERBIA 2024 Conference Announces new Investments for a Greener Serbia

Photo: RES Serbia
Photo: RES Serbia

Which wind and solar power plants will participate in auctions for market premiums, how European manufacturers of wind generators, solar panels and other equipment are fighting with competition from China, and what price of electricity we will pay in the coming period – these are just some of the current topics that will be discussed at the RES SERBIA 2024 conference, which is being held on September 23 and 24 in the Vrdnička Kula ethno complex in Vrdnik.

Due to the substantial public interest, the largest regional conference dedicated to renewable energy sources will be held this year as a two-day series of panel discussions focusing on the most important topics of energy transition in Serbia and the region, novelties coming from auction winners, accomplished results, new investments and technologies, integration of renewable energy sources into the electricity market, electromobility and sustainable development in transport and ESG strategies.

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According to data collated by the Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS), as much as 36 per cent of electricity was generated from renewable energy sources last year, which indicates that Serbia was among the leaders in Europe. Small solar power plants are expanding, with more than 3,000 prosumers occupying about 51  MW of capacity registered in the Prosumer Registry. Extensive research recently conducted by the Association Renewable Energy Sources of Serbia, showed that in just one year, the total power generated by prosumers increased almost four times, which speaks volumes about the popularity of producing electricity for one’s own needs, both among individuals and companies.

These topics will be discussed at the RES SERBIA 20024 conference, which will answer current issues and launch new topics to be discussed. This year, for the fourth consecutive year, the organizers are bringing together global, regional, and domestic experts in green business. Speakers include key stakeholders in the creation of regulatory frameworks, leaders of international financial institutions, leading bankers, directors and owners of green development companies, electricity traders, and legal experts. The RES Serbia Association fulfils its mission of connecting key RES stakeholders in the country and the region. Founded in early 2021 with three founding members, the Association is today a representative voice of the industry and a constructive partner for discussions. It also provides support to state institutions, which all contribute to the creation of a positive regulatory framework and a favorable investment environment.

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (mrganso)

RES Serbia (OIE Srbija) is the only association in Europe with the EBRD, the European Investment Bank, and the World Bank’s IFC Group as members. Other members include the Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS), which announced that it would invest 5.4 billion euros in RES projects by 2030. Other members include the largest wind and solar electricity producers, contractors and equipment sellers, and regional and global giants. To assist each other, the RES Serbia members have opted for EPS as an electricity buyer that will provide a balancing service. Furthermore, projects are financed by the EBRD and banks that sponsor conferences. Members sell their wind generators and equipment to other members, while the Association also has designers, contractors, consultants, brokers, and lawyers as its members.

The RES SERBIA 2024 conference will provide a great opportunity for all of them. Last year, almost 500 participants fortified existing connections and established new contacts, all to develop future RES projects that bring us closer to accomplishing a common goal – a greener Serbia.

RES SERBIA

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

How an Innovative Liquid Removes 98 Percent of Nanoplastics from Water

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Naja Bertolt)
Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay (giogio55)

After a piece of plastic enters a water system, such as a sea, ocean, river, or lake, it undergoes degradation due to the influence of sunlight, wind, and water.

A large piece breaks down into micro and eventually into nanoplastics. Although nanoplastics are invisible to the human eye, with a comparison often made to their being much thinner than a human hair, their accumulation poses a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems.

Due to their small size, nanoplastics easily enter organisms like plankton, which ingest them along with water. When larger marine creatures feed on plankton, they unknowingly ingest nanoplastics as well. In this way, nanoplastics are passed through the food chain.

Scientists at the University of Missouri have developed an innovative solution for removing nanoplastics from water. This involves a special solvent or liquid that is hydrophobic. The solvent is made from natural, non-toxic ingredients, making it environmentally safe, but its effectiveness lies in its hydrophobic nature, meaning it repels water.

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To better explain the process, the scientists compared this liquid to oil, which does not mix with water but instead floats on its surface. The process works by first mixing the liquid with water, allowing it to come into contact with the nanoplastic particles and bind them, acting like a magnet. After mixing, the liquid naturally separates from the water and rises to the surface, carrying the nanoplastics with it. Once this layer rises to the surface, it can be easily removed, leaving behind clean water.

However, the entire process currently remains at the laboratory level. In such conditions, scientists used a pipette to carefully remove the solvent from the surface of the water, along with the nanoplastics. The results showed that this method can remove up to 98 percent of nanoplastics from water.

Although the method is still in the testing phase, further research could significantly contribute to reducing this type of pollution in real-world conditions.

Katarina Vuinac

Organela – The Harmony Of Clean Energy and Organic Agriculture

Photo: Organela
Photo: Organela

Clean energy development is a key moment in efforts to establish energy security and preserve our planet. Due to increasingly affordable construction costs, solar power plants have become the most prevalent renewable energy source. However, these plants are often placed on arable land because of the significant amount of sunlight needed for electricity production. On the other hand, agriculture is equally crucial for a secure future for humanity. To ensure the development of both clean energy and agriculture, the agrisolar concept is being increasingly implemented worldwide.

This year, a small street near Valjevska Kamenica became home to the first agrisolar power plant in our country – the Solar Harvest. Comprising 48 solar panels with a total capacity of 17.5 kilowatts, this power plant is located on the Organela organic farm, an estate nestled in pristine nature. Pavle Đorđević, the farm owner and our interlocutor, described the project as “a symbiosis between people and nature”.

The story of this organic farm dates back to Pavle’s childhood when he dreamed of one day having his land where he could create peace and grow fruits and vegetables. He continued to develop his childhood dreams through his studies at the Faculty of Agriculture, and in 2017, he came across an ad that led him to an abandoned farm, which he turned into fertile and healthy land with a lot of love and effort. A few years later, Pavle produces certified organic fruits and vegetables on his farm.

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“We recently added onto our already successful results by installing a solar power plant”, said Mr Đorđević.

As he explains, the benefits are numerous. One advantage for the plants is the shade created by the solar panels above them. Installed in this manner, the solar panels protect the plants from excessive sunlight and heat, which can harm their growth, and also shield them from weather events such as hail.

Speaking about the benefits of solar panels, it is important to note that their efficiency depends on the temperature. Higher temperatures reduce the efficiency of solar panels in producing electricity. It is well known that plants naturally cool the space around them, and since they are under solar panels, they cool them down as well, increasing their efficiency. Through photosynthesis, plants absorb water from the soil through their roots. This water is then transported to the top of the plant, where it evaporates through tiny openings on the leaves, a process known as plant evaporation. This way, water evaporates into the air and cools it, which also benefits the more efficient operation of the solar panels.

In addition to promoting crop growth and more efficient solar panel operation, the Solar Harvest agrisolar power plant will also provide clean electricity for the young team working on this farm. This solar power plant is estimated to save 28 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

Prepared by Katarina Vuinac

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

From Banana Waste to Clean Energy

Foto: pixabay
Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Aditya Chinchure)

Every year, millions of tons of agricultural waste are produced in Pakistan due to the cultivation of bananas and other crops. To utilize this waste and benefit the local population, scientists have joined forces to develop a solution that will turn this waste material into useful products.

Academics from Northumbria University in the United Kingdom have teamed up with colleagues from Pakistan to create a new solution. Together, they are developing an innovative two-part system – the first part will use new technology to convert banana waste into textile fibers, while the second part will use the waste generated from that process to produce renewable energy.

This will reduce the environmental impact of Pakistan’s textile industry while providing clean energy to 50 percent of the rural population that lacks access to the grid and relies on fossil fuels.

The research team has designed a process to extract fibers from banana plant residues, which are typically discarded. These fibers can be used to produce textiles that are not only environmentally friendly but also durable and versatile. Potential uses range from clothing to household items, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.

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Additionally, the remaining biomass from banana plants would be used to generate renewable energy. This dual approach not only facilitates the management of agricultural waste but also contributes to the production of clean energy.

“The process has potential and could be applicable to almost any form of agricultural waste, meaning it could be used worldwide, benefiting communities and the environment by supplying renewable textiles and energy,” stated officials from Northumbria University.

The project, titled “Sustainable Access to Renewable Energy in Rural Pakistan using Agro-Food and Fiber Waste as Renewable Fuel (SAFER),” has received approximately £300,000 through the UK’s national innovation agency.

It is estimated that the banana-growing industry in Pakistan produces around 80 million tons of agricultural waste annually. This could result in the production of over 57,488 million cubic meters of synthetic gas, known as syngas (a gas created through chemical processes using waste products), as well as 30 million tons of nitrogen-enriched biofertilizers.

An ecological revolution has already begun in Uganda, where banana waste is being turned into sustainable textiles, biodegradable extensions, vegan leather, or carbonized residues into smokeless briquettes, offering solutions for clean energy.

Energy Portal

Backing Romania’s Green Ambition with 110 Million Euros Finance Package

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)
Photo-illustration: Freepik (@Oleksandr Ryzhkov)

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Raiffeisen Bank International are providing a 110 million euros financing package to build and operate two solar photovoltaic power plants in south-eastern Romania, with a total installed capacity of around 300 MW. The Iepuresti and Ghimpati projects mark the growing confidence in Romania’s renewables market in the wake of key regulatory changes to support the country’s ambitious green energy programme.

An EBRD loan of 55 million euros, to be matched by 55 million euros from Raiffeisen Bank International, will be split into two tranches of 25 million euros and 30 million euros. The first will be partially covered by a first loss guarantee provided by the European Union under the InvestEU programme.

The project is expected to generate an annual 386 GW/h of renewable electricity, avoiding about 160,000 tonnes a year of carbon dioxide emissions. The electricity produced will be sold on the local market.

Grzegorz Zielinski, EBRD Head of Energy Europe, said: “We are excited to support Nofar Energy’s renewable energy investments in Romania, with the support of the InvestEU guarantee. These solar power plants will increase Romania’s renewable capacity, supporting the country’s ambition to add 11.9 GW of new renewable capacity by 2030.”

Favi Stelian, Chief Executive Officer of Nofar Energy Romania, said: “This achievement is not just a milestone; it is the logical next step in Nofar’s ongoing journey of growth and excellence. The successful completion of these projects will play a crucial role in supporting Romania’s ambitious goal for decarbonisation, contributing to a greener future for the region.”

More:

Following a decade of limited investments, Romania’s renewable energy sector is experiencing renewed momentum. The EBRD is a key supporter of the country’s green transition, which will not only improve the environment but also safeguard the country’s energy security in the context of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Romania’s growing ambition in this area builds on EU-wide commitments enacted under the Fit for 55 and REPowerEU initiatives, which aim to increase renewable energy production and reduce harmful emissions. In 2023, Romania committed to increase the share of renewables in its total energy consumption from 24.3 per cent in 2019 to a more ambitious 36.2 per cent by 2030 by adding 11.9 GW of new renewable capacity.

The owners of the Iepuresti and Ghimpati projects are RTG Solar Energy and Solis Imperium, both limited liability companies incorporated in Romania and ultimately majority owned by OY Nofar Energy, an Israeli renewable energy company listed on the Tel Aviv stock exchange.

The EBRD, a leader in climate finance, has to date invested almost 11 billion euros in 524 projects in Romania.

Source: EBRD

Does the Draft Law on Amendments to the Energy Law Open the Door to Nuclear Energy?

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay (distelAPPArath)
Photo-illustration: Pixabay (analogicus)

A public debate is currently underway on the Draft Law on Amendments to the Energy Law, which introduces significant changes in the energy sector in Serbia. Key innovations include the introduction of the concept of energy poverty, regulation of the balancing market, enabling end consumers to become active participants with variable price contracts, as well as the repeal of the Law on the Prohibition of Nuclear Power Plants in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

The Draft Law on Amendments to the Energy Law introduces the concept of energy poverty for the first time, defining it as a condition where households lack adequate access to basic energy services necessary for a dignified life, such as heating, lighting, hot water, and powering household appliances.

This condition is a result of factors such as high energy prices, low income, poor energy efficiency of households, and unfavorable social status. The Ministry, in cooperation with relevant institutions, will define criteria for identifying and addressing this issue, in line with international standards.

More:

End Consumers Can Enter into Variable Price Contracts

The Draft Law allows end consumers to enter into electricity contracts with variable prices if they have installed advanced meters. All costs, risks, and conditions of such contracts must be clearly presented to the consumer. If an advanced meter is not installed, consumers can request its installation.

The law also allows consumers to enter into aggregation contracts with independent aggregators without the need for approval from the existing supplier. These contracts have the potential to bring greater flexibility and competition to the market.

The Return of Nuclear Energy

Another new provision is the Development Program for Nuclear Energy, which consists of three phases: feasibility assessment, development, and implementation of the program. This includes preparing analyses, studies, and strategies for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, with the possibility of building nuclear facilities for electricity production.

Although this law opens the door for the return of nuclear energy in Serbia, the final decision will depend on the results of studies and strategies that would need to be approved by the National Assembly.

Regulating the Balancing Market: Security and Transparency

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Michael_Pointner)

The balancing market for electricity will be regulated to ensure non-discrimination among market participants, including power plants, energy storage facilities, and demand-side management facilities. Ancillary services will be defined in a technology-neutral manner and procured according to market principles, while the price of balancing energy will be determined by the marginal cost method. From January 2025, settlement intervals will not exceed 15 minutes, except in cases of approved exemptions.

We remind you that the public debate on the Draft Law will last until September 10, 2024. Participants in the debate include representatives of state bodies, public services, economic entities, the professional public, and other interested parties. After the debate concludes, the Ministry of Mining and Energy will analyze all comments and suggestions, after which it will publish a report on its website and on the “eConsultations” portal.

These changes to the Energy Law are designed to improve Serbia’s legal and economic framework for a functional energy market, align with the EU’s legal standards, and ensure energy supply security and environmental protection.

Energy Portal

When the Sun Charges Batteries

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay
Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Robin Worrall)

The signal that my battery is empty triggers a panic attack, which starts with an almost hysterical search for a charger, and then for the nearest available outlet.

Now, imagine that feeling on a crowded bus on the way home, while I try to remember if I have a portable charger in my backpack and, more importantly, whether its battery is charged. This might sound dramatic, and many would say that I am surely exaggerating, but I believe that everyone who uses public transportation in Belgrade understands me.

You can then understand my excitement when I read that scientists from the Department of Physics at the University of Oxford have developed an ultra-thin material that absorbs light, produces energy, and can be applied to a mobile phone, backpack, car, almost any surface. So, with this “miracle,” I can paint or even cover my mobile phone, and the battery will always be 100 percent full. My joy knew no bounds.

Jokes aside, this discovery is truly fascinating. After five years of experiments and calculations, scientists managed, using a pioneering technique developed in Oxford, which layers multiple light-absorbing layers into a single solar cell, to harness a broader range of the light spectrum, allowing more energy to be produced from the same amount of sunlight. They have created a new material that not only absorbs light in a much more efficient way but is also thin and flexible enough to be applied to various surfaces.

Researchers believe that their approach will continue to reduce the costs of solar energy and also make it the most sustainable form of renewable energy.

And while I wait for this innovative solution to become available, I carry both a cable and a portable battery, just in case.

Milica Radičević

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