Art Blooms – The Most Beautiful Front of the Environmental Fight

07.05.2025

Ilustracija---Jelena-Pejković — Illustration: Jelena Pejković

Art has become a powerful ally in raising awareness about nature conservation in a world increasingly facing environmental challenges. Valentina Talijan, a visual artist from Smederevska Palanka, has found a way to merge creativity and activism, creating a unique concept that draws attention to endangered plant and animal species in Serbia. Her initiative, which began as an environmentally conscious brand, has evolved into a true non-profit artistic platform dedicated to nature conservation.

Valentina was deeply engaged with recycled materials during her studies, and her undergraduate and master’s projects carried a strong environmental message. Although she did not directly speak about environmental protection at the time, she consistently chose sustainable materials in her work. After graduating, she wanted to start an eco-business, but the path to achieving this was not easy.

In 2020, she launched the Instagram page – Umetnost cveta (Art Blooms), initially designed as a brand that promotes endangered plant species in Serbia through illustrations. However, the platform carried a broader symbolism. Besides highlighting the importance of preserving nature, it also emphasized the position of artists in society, often drawing parallels between their struggles and those of endangered plant species.

Through this page, Valentina brought together artists who illustrated rare and endangered plants, turning their works into prints, greeting cards, and other products. A portion of the proceeds went to charitable causes, primarily organizations dedicated to animal protection. After three years of work, Valentina decided to stop profiting from promoting endangered species. Still, she did not shut down the page – on the contrary, Umetnost cveta became a creative platform dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues.

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An Urgent Call for Nature Conservation

Serbia is home to rich flora and fauna, but many species are on the brink of extinction due to urbanization, pollution, and climate change. According to the Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia, there are 1,783 strictly protected wild species in the country. In comparison, an additional 860 species of wild animals, fungi, lichens, and plants fall under the protected category.

Valentina launched a unique ecological challenge concept on social media to raise awareness about the importance of protecting plant and animal species. Every week, artists receive a task to illustrate a specific endangered species, bringing public attention to often-overlooked environmental problems. Visual art serves as a gateway to further exploration, and this approach helps people absorb messages about nature conservation more easily.

A special focus has been placed on endangered species in Western Serbia, but Valentina emphasizes that this does not diminish the importance of other species in the country. Almost every part of Serbia contains biodiversity hotspots that are under serious threat, further highlighting the urgency of protecting natural ecosystems.

In addition to contributing to nature conservation, Umetnost cveta provides opportunities for young artists to gain recognition. Illustrators, painters, and designers participating in these challenges get the chance to present their work to an audience of over 7,000 people, which can support their professional development.

Prepared by Milena Maglovski

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

How to defuse the EU’s carbon tax time bomb

05.05.2025

mobilnost, automobili — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (liana-s)

Energy costs and taxes are political dynamite, easily exploited by populist parties. And yet, the EU is set to introduce an economy-wide carbon price (ETS2) on transport and heating fuels in 2027.

Carbon pricing for petrol and gas is not a new idea. In fact, two-thirds of EU citizens already pay some sort of carbon price on transport fuels – in addition to fuel duty.

T&E has always argued for regulations that make car companies or boiler manufacturers responsible for developing and marketing affordable green products. At the same time, making pollution more expensive clearly improves the business case for efficiency and clean energy, especially at a time where oil prices are very low. That is why T&E supported the EU’s carbon market for heat and transport, which was agreed after a marathon ministerial session in December 2022.

The decision to create a Europe-wide carbon price was right but creates significant political risk, both because of how the carbon market was designed and how it is being communicated. What can be done to defuse the situation?

Let the rich pay the carbon price

While wealthier people can afford to pay more or shift to EVs and heat pumps, ordinary families do suffer pain at the pump and can’t easily avoid fossil driving or heating. This ‘lack of alternative’ is the top reason people dislike higher taxes on ‘essential goods’ like petrol and gas.

So, fairness and political intelligence dictate that a carbon price should not impact everyone in the same way. Fortunately it is absolutely possible for the rich to pay most, or even all of, the carbon price. T&E data suggest the top 30 percent earners account for 50 percent of fuel sales, which means they’d also pay for half of the carbon levy. Governments should give back every euro or złoty they raise from low and middle-income people.

Spend the money on things people like and need

Even after compensation – e.g. cashbacks, lower income taxes for all except the top 30-50 percent of earners – there will be plenty of money to invest in clean transport solutions. The amounts available increase when also tackling elite pollution (see below). Governments need to frontload investments before the carbon price kicks in, so people see there is a plan to provide them with alternatives.

Alongside investments in cycling and public transport, targeted social leasing of electric cars where families get access to €100-200/month electric cars is a great and widely supported solution. The same goes for lower taxes on Europe’s sky high electricity taxes and levies.

Don’t let private jets and business travellers off the hook

A fair carbon price has to tackle elite pollution. How to explain that all must pay more for petrol except private jets and yachts? Even more impactful would be addressing carbon tax-free flights to New York and Bali (which are exempt from the EU ETS, for now), or business class tickets. In the long run these need to be included in the aviation ETS, until then they can easily be subjected to a CO₂-related ticket tax.

Create a price control mechanism to keep carbon prices around €55/tonne

In emissions trading, the price floats based on supply (emission allowances) and demand (petrol and gas sales). A carbon price that could be anywhere between €10 and €250 euros a tonne is scary and unpredictable. Since prices cannot be capped at national level – they can only be compensated for – we need a Europe-wide price cap.

The current law contains a soft cap of €45/tonne, or 11cts/litre. (That’s in 2020 prices. Since the cap is adjusted for inflation, it is now €55, or 13cts/litre, and is projected to rise to €60 in nominal terms by 2030.) This is similar to, for example, France and Germany’s CO₂ tax and can be gradually increased over time. Making the soft cap ‘harder’ can be done by strengthening the so-called ‘market stability reserve’ of emissions allowances that inject liquidity into the market if prices risk breaching the cap.

Eliminate national carbon taxes when ETS2 kicks in

Almost half of EU citizens live in a country with a national carbon tax. ETS2 will almost certainly replace the French, German and Swedish national CO₂ taxes. So, the easiest response to the Rassemblement National’s campaign in France against the EU carbon levy is to announce that the EU system will simply replace the already existing French carbon tax. This, of course, is only possible once governments know maximum ETS2 prices.

Governments have full control over how they use the revenues. They can compensate and invest as they please. The Commission can adjust the market stability reserve – it has done so numerous times for the industry and power ETS.

And of course the best way to lower the carbon price is to reduce emissions; so the Commission really should stop tinkering with the vehicle CO₂ standards, and focus on rolling out corporate fleet regulations so company car and truck fleets go all electric by 2030.

The creation of ETS2 was a visionary decision. But vision without proper execution is hallucination. With the right measures, it is still possible to defuse this ticking time bomb.

Source: Transport&Environment

From Soot to Ink – How Pollution Becomes a Tool for Art

03.05.2025

(ricardo-gomez-angel)-Unsplash — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Ricardo Gomez Angel)

Air pollution often resembles dense fog covering cities, and artists frequently use it as inspiration for powerful, mystical photographs. While it may appear abstract and mesmerizing in images, the reality is far more serious—air pollution is responsible for the highest number of premature deaths worldwide.

Asia, the most populous continent on Earth, is home to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world—India. This rapid economic growth has positioned India among the countries with the most polluted air. Data shows that its capital, New Delhi, has the worst air quality among all global capitals. The primary sources of this pollution include vehicle emissions, cooking, power plants, heating, and industrial facilities.

Fine particles, known as PM 2.5, are among the most widespread pollutants, particularly in urban areas. These tiny particles measure only up to 2.5 micromillimeters, allowing them to quickly enter the lungs and bloodstream, leading to serious health problems, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. PM 2.5 particles encompass a wide range of substances, and one of their primary components is soot. Soot forms as a result of burning fossil fuels, biomass, and chemicals containing tiny particles of unburned carbon.

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Although India experiences high soot concentrations, this issue has inspired groundbreaking innovation. The MIT Media Lab, a research center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, developed KAALINK technology designed to capture soot from the air. This small device is installed in the exhaust pipes of vehicles or generators and can capture up to 95 percent of soot particles. Thanks to this innovation, the startup Graviky Labs has created an entirely new product—an eco-friendly ink called AIR-INK.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Olga Thelavart)

AIR-INK repurposes soot emissions generated in industrial and transportation processes instead of relying on fossil fuels, as with traditional inks. This process not only reduces dependence on fossil resources but also improves air quality by capturing particles that would otherwise remain in the atmosphere.

The KAALINK technology can collect enough emissions in just 45 minutes of operation to produce approximately 30 milliliters of ink. So far, the startup has developed two products: a marker with tip sizes ranging from 2 to 50 millimeters and printing ink. The 30-milliliter ink supply is sufficient to fill one marker or one small bottle of printing ink.

Once the soot is collected, it undergoes a purification process to remove harmful substances, such as heavy metals and carcinogenic materials, ensuring the final product is safe for use.

This article began with an artistic note, and it will end the same way. While soot in the air has long inspired artists to create surreal and mystical photographs, its fusion with environmental awareness introduces an entirely new dimension to the world of art. AIR-INK allows soot, once a harmful byproduct of industry and transportation, to become a valuable material for artistic creations. What was once a symbol of pollution is now transformed into a tool for sustainable innovation.

Prepared by Katarina Vuinac

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Transformation From Waste to New Products

02.05.2025

ladies-kutija-sa-mashnom — Photo: Courtesy of Miodrag Ristić

P aper is often presented as an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic, especially when it comes to packaging. However, even paper waste, if not properly managed, remains a source of pollution in its own way. Printing houses, as a sector that works with large amounts of paper daily, are most familiar with the challenges of managing this type of waste.

Miodrag Ristić has been in the printing business for many years and knows exactly how much paper waste remains at the end of a working day. Paper is often perceived as a more eco-friendly material due to its easier recyclability, but our interviewee does not share this view and believes that this process is not the most efficient choice. As he explains, the greatest pollution in the paper industry occurs during the recycling process, which is also highly energy-intensive, leading to greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to the environmental impact, the financial aspect of paper waste should also be considered. The compensation for purchased waste paper has been decreasing over the years, and if this trend continues, printing houses will soon have to pay for its disposal.

“Sometimes, we deal with expensive types of paper or cardboard that go through all stages of production, only for a significant percentage of that valuable material to end up in the recycling bin. The usual question people ask themselves when they notice this anomaly is – if this has been happening for centuries, in almost every printing house worldwide, why hasn’t someone already solved it?” says Ristić.

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He cites this inertia as the first and most significant obstacle to any innovation. However, the family-owned printing house Deto recognized different possibilities and dared to introduce waste paper into an alternative process instead of sending it for recycling.

Officially founded in March 1992, the company carries on a tradition spanning more than a century, as many family members have been engaged in printing, bookbinding, publishing, journalism, and graphic design over the years.

“You could say printing ink runs in our veins, and that’s probably not just a metaphor, since for the past twenty years, the Ristić family has literally lived and worked under the same roof,” our interviewee jokingly adds.

Throughout its existence, the printing house has undergone several phases of development, but as Miodrag notes, they have always been unique. They started collaborating with marketing agencies very early, developing their own products, and incorporating digital tools into their processes.

The inspiration for their idea stemmed from frustration over the environmental and financial challenges related to paper waste. Recognizing the issue of waste generated in the production process, they decided to experiment—how could they turn a narrow strip of waste cardboard into a box? The result surprised and delighted them, prompting them to share a photo of the box on Pinterest.

They modestly state that, thanks to fortunate circumstances, the image achieved great success and inspired them to consider further applications of this idea. Today, decorative and promotional boxes made from surplus technological paper are one of their most sought-after products.

The significance of this idea and the creation of new boxes is best illustrated by the fact that they produce between 10 and 20 tons of such waste annually. As Miodrag emphasizes, they have entered a race where the goal is to reclaim as much material as possible from this waste and turn it back into a useful product.

Prepared by Katarina Vuinac

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

A Potato That Defies Global Warming – How Science Is Shaping Climate-Resilient Food

01.05.2025

35865 — Photo-illustration: Freepik (frimufilms - AI generator)

A farmer is the foundation of every society’s stability and security. While climate change affects nearly every sector, agriculture is among the most vulnerable—as it relies on nature more than any other activity. Changing weather patterns bring great uncertainty: days pass in anxious waiting for a single drop of rain, or the soil turns into a muddy river. Winters are getting warmer, causing plants to bloom too early, only to be destroyed weeks later by spring frost.

There is growing concern, especially for staple crops, such as potatoes—a symbol of everyday food around the world.

Throughout history, the world has adapted to change—plants, people, and entire ecosystems have evolved with nature. However, with increasingly extreme and unpredictable climate conditions, plants’ natural ability to adapt is no longer sufficient. That is why scientists across the globe are searching for solutions—not just through cultivation in controlled environments, but by enhancing the crops themselves.

A team from the University of Illinois succeeded in genetically modifying potatoes, making them more resistant to global warming. Remarkably, the tuber mass increased by 30 percent, even under heat wave conditions. Specifically, while the potato plants were still in the early vegetative growth stage, the heat wave kept temperatures above 35°C for four consecutive days, with peaks surpassing 38°C on two occasions.

Why are such scientific efforts important?

Plants that once thrived under typical conditions are now facing new challenges, and one of them is photorespiration—a process that reduces plant yields, especially at high temperatures. During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce food and oxygen for growth. But during photorespiration, the opposite occurs. At high temperatures, the enzyme Rubisco can “confuse” oxygen for carbon dioxide.

As scientists explain, this results in the production of a harmful byproduct—glycolate, which consumes the plant’s energy that would otherwise go toward growth, leading to reduced yield.

While this is not a new phenomenon, in the past photorespiration occurred in about 25 percent of cases, when conditions were more favorable. However, as temperatures rise, photorespiration now happens much more frequently. Plants must use more energy to repair this mistake instead of using that energy to grow and develop fruit.

To reduce the rate of photorespiration, scientists are adding extra genes that allow plants to process harmful glycolate more efficiently, thereby saving energy for growth—even under high-temperature conditions.

Katarina Vuinac

Big Plans for Batteries in Europe – Will They Come True?

29.04.2025

batteries_baterije — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Frank Wang)

Due to the key role of batteries, especially in the automotive industry, many companies are striving to start production in Europe. The announced production capacities by 2030 exceed two terawatt-hours annually. However, a forecast by the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI) indicates that these capacities surpass the actual demand.

Previous years have shown that the realization of all announced projects is very unlikely, leading the Institute to develop a methodology for assessing the probability of battery production announcements and evaluating the risks associated with these projects.

The growing demand for batteries, primarily from the mobility sector (e.g., electric vehicles), has led to a significant increase in the required production volumes. Europe, mainly due to its developed automotive industry, is facing a major expansion of its battery production capacities. Currently, its share of global production capacity is only about 10 percent, while European battery demand accounts for as much as 25 percent of global demand. Therefore, the European market remains heavily dependent on imports of battery cells, especially from China.

Withdrawal from Plans

Given the estimated European demand, which could reach between 800 and 1,300 GWh by 2030, the announced two terawatt-hours of production capacity would represent a significant surplus.

“One of the reasons is that the electromobility market is developing more slowly than expected. In addition, the growing overcapacity in Asia is leading to a further decline in battery cell prices. The initial difficulties of the first European production plants have further undermined optimism, resulting in many announced projects being already withdrawn,” ISI reports.

They emphasize that despite numerous challenges, Europe can remain competitive thanks to political initiatives such as the new Battery Regulation (which includes requirements for carbon footprint disclosure and battery recycling regulations).

Currently, postponed or completely failed battery cell production projects in Europe are estimated to total more than 700 GWh of capacity. In Germany alone, these projects amount to around 240 GWh. In Sweden, about 110 GWh of capacity has been canceled or questioned. In Romania, Norway, and the United Kingdom, projects totaling up to 30 GW have been canceled, mostly due to weak financial support or underdeveloped markets. Canceled projects have also been reported in Slovakia and Finland.

The study notes that European battery production will most likely significantly lag behind announcements. Results show that only between 54 percent and 75 percent of the announced capacities are likely to materialize, which would amount to between 1.2 and 1.7 TWh annually by 2030.

When expected construction delays, lower production yields due to manufacturing waste, and limited capacity utilization are taken into account, the realistic factory output by 2030 is estimated at only 0.8 to 1.1 TWh annually. Despite numerous challenges, the study indicates a reduction in Europe’s dependence on imported battery cells.

Energy portal

Energy System Collapse Across the Peninsula – Power Outage Paralyzes Spain and Portugal

29.04.2025

struja, električna energija, fabrika, industrija, nestanak struje — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (viktor-mogilat)

On April 28 at 12:30 p.m. local time, Spain and Portugal were struck by one of the most extensive power outages in recent decades, leaving millions of people without electricity, water, internet access, and under a state of emergency declared by the Ministry of the Interior. A complete collapse of the energy system halted public transportation, blocked airports, disrupted numerous services, including metro systems and elevators, and caused widespread chaos across the Iberian Peninsula. Although a significant portion of the power supply was restored and transportation services resumed by the following morning, the cause of the major outage remains unclear, despite operators denying the possibility of a cyberattack or sabotage.

Consequences in Daily Life

In both countries, which are highly dependent on digital infrastructure, the impact was immediate and severe. Metro systems in Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Porto came to a complete standstill, similar to a recent incident in Chile, leaving passengers trapped in tunnels. Hundreds of trains were halted, including high-speed services between Madrid and Barcelona. City streets descended into chaos due to non-functional traffic lights, while major airports such as Lisbon and Madrid suspended all operations.

Hospitals operated on backup generators, but many medical procedures had to be cancelled. The lack of water supply and internet access further complicated the situation in healthcare facilities and private households. Authorities appealed to citizens to avoid calling emergency services unless absolutely necessary, to prevent overloading the system. In addition, police presence on the streets was significantly increased, as security risks tend to rise during widespread power outages, both in terms of traffic incidents and potential criminal activity.

The blackout also affected tens of thousands of tourists who happened to be in the region. Airports cancelled or delayed hundreds of flights. Although passengers were not entitled to financial compensation due to the extraordinary nature of the event, airlines were obligated to provide meals and, if necessary, temporary accommodation, according to international media reports.

While the basic functions of the energy systems have been largely restored today, following a near-complete blackout in Portugal and a widespread outage across many regions of Spain – including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and numerous other cities – the question remains: how could such a massive and simultaneous failure occur in two interconnected yet technically stable power grids.

Energy portal

EU Aviation Sector Almost Reached Pre-Pandemic Emission Levels – How to Reduce Pollution?

28.04.2025

airplane-avion — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease in people’s mobility, resulting in a significant drop in emissions from the aviation sector. However, the latest data shows that by 2024, emissions have almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, despite efforts to decarbonize the sector. Moreover, airlines still do not pay the full cost for the pollution they cause.

The organization Transport & Environment (T&E) believes that in order to reduce emissions, key European legislation needs to be expanded. This would also open the opportunity to mobilize billions of euros for the green transition.

Detailed figures show that in 2024, the European aviation sector achieved 96 percent of the number of flights and 98 percent of the emissions compared to 2019. In total, there were 8.4 million flights, resulting in the emission of 187.6 million tons of CO₂.

Regarding responsibility for pollution, there is a significant gap. Airlines only pay for emissions from flights within the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Yet, flights operating on other routes—those that are the largest polluters—are exempt from this system.

Had the European Union and United Kingdom’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) been extended to cover all flights during 2024, it is estimated that an additional 7.5 billion euros could have been generated. These funds would have been significant for investments in developing green technologies, such as sustainable aviation fuels or electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft.

However, airlines continue to promote the global Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which allows for emissions to be offset through the purchase of carbon credits worldwide. This system charges far less for emissions compared to the expanded EU ETS. According to T&E, relying on CORSIA is not a good option, either environmentally or financially. Instead, expanding the EU ETS to cover all flights is seen as the best option for European economies.

The European aviation sector has still not fully taken responsibility for its emissions, concludes the latest analysis by Transport & Environment (T&E).

Energy portal

China Develops New Strategy: Electric Vehicles as Standard by 2035

28.04.2025

electric-car-gfdb2efda1_1920 — Photo-illustration: Pixabay (andreas160578)

The Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China, in cooperation with nine other government departments, has released a new circular document setting the goal for fully electric vehicles to become the dominant choice in new car sales by 2035.

In order to accelerate the green transition, China will further promote the use of alternative fuel vehicles, environmentally friendly ships and airplanes, as well as the introduction of green and low-carbon solutions in postal and express delivery sectors.

The document also emphasizes the country’s determination to widely implement eco-friendly heavy trucks and to establish an efficient green fuel supply system for the transport sector by the same year.

To support this transformation, China plans to increase financial assistance through various mechanisms, including special local government bonds, green loans, and the issuance of green bonds.

Deeper Integration of Transport and Energy Infrastructure

China has announced an ambitious plan to transform its transport sector, aiming to establish by 2035 a modern energy system based on clean and low-carbon energy sources, technological innovation, and smart, sustainable practices. According to the Ministry of Transport, this strategy represents a key step toward deeper integration of transport and energy infrastructure.

Special focus will be placed on the development and use of clean energy along and near key transport infrastructure—including railways, highways, and seaports.

In the medium term, by 2027, a coordinated development mechanism between the sectors is planned to be established, laying the foundations for further reforms. It is expected that electricity will account for at least 10 percent of final energy consumption in transport, while the installed capacity of non-fossil energy production near key transport infrastructure will exceed five million kilowatts.

In the next steps, the Ministry of Transport, in cooperation with other departments, will develop action plans focused on implementing pilot projects, strengthening supervision, and evaluating performance. All these measures, according to the Ministry, are part of China’s broader strategy to achieve long-term carbon neutrality.

Energy portal

Strategically Placed Solar Panels Do Not Disrupt Agriculture – Food and Electricity on the Same Plot

27.04.2025

soalrni paneli, solar, agrosolar, poljoprivreda — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (michael-fortsch)

Instead of choosing between food production and electricity generation, farmers could potentially benefit from both, as confirmed by a new study from Michigan State University.

It is not necessary to convert entire arable lands into solar farms; instead, panels can be strategically placed on lower-yield sections of fields. This approach helps preserve agricultural production, conserve water, and enhance farmers’ financial stability. Additionally, the panels can be installed in specific ways—elevated or spaced out—to allow more light to reach the crops while still generating electricity.

The study, published on the Michigan State University website and conducted by doctoral student Jake Stid, analyzed the effects of combining solar panels with crop production using satellite imagery and land-use data spanning the past 25 years in California. His research revealed that farmers who allocated part of their land to solar panels were more financially stable per acre than those who either solely farmed or fully converted their land to solar use.

Stid and his team utilized previously published data on solar panel distribution in California, cross-referenced with crop prices, cultivation costs, and electricity revenues to calculate the profitability of different land-use models. Their findings indicate that the combined approach is the most economically resilient.

Rather than viewing agriculture and solar energy as mutually exclusive, the research proposes a collaborative model—where solar panels and crops coexist on the same land. In this model, a smaller portion of the field is dedicated to solar installations, while the majority remains in use for planting. This enables farmers to generate additional income from electricity sales, while also reducing costs related to irrigation, fertilizers, and agricultural equipment. The panels can also reduce evaporation and shield the soil from extreme weather conditions.

At a time when both the agriculture and energy sectors are facing shared challenges—from climate disruptions to rising costs—the synergy between these sectors offers a promising path forward.

Energy portal

Scientists from Vinča Designing a Multifunctional Filter for Wastewater Purification and Hydrogen Production

27.04.2025

PHOTO-2025-01-23-21-48-46 — Photo: Project team HYDIS

Imagine a piece of paper floating on wastewater containing harmless and natural particles. The sun activates these particles, and beneath the film, a miracle occurs. Bacteria are eliminated, pesticides, dyes, and other pollutants in the water are degraded, and as a result, hydrogen is produced, which can be used as fuel. This innovative idea is at the core of research within the HYDIS project, funded by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia.

The project brings together scientists from the Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, the Institute of Chemistry, Technology, and Metallurgy, the Innovation Center of the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, and the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy. The pollution issue in Serbia is highly relevant, and the HYDIS project is designed to contribute to solving this problem. The goal is to improve the quality of life by reducing pollution and utilizing alternative energy sources, such as hydrogen. At the same time, the problem of infections and the resistance of many bacterial strains to common antimicrobial agents necessitates new solutions. Using innovative materials activated by sunlight represents a significant step toward a healthier life for citizens and a more environmentally friendly approach to combating pollution.

IN FOCUS:

The HYDIS project focuses on developing nanomaterials based on metal oxides and natural organic compounds. Materials such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, known for their role in protecting the skin from UV radiation in sunscreens, are activated by sunlight in this research to be used for wastewater purification, even during winter months. Within the project, these metal oxides are combined with natural compounds isolated from plants, creating a material that, under the influence of sunlight, destroys pathogenic microorganisms, breaks down organic pollutants, and produces hydrogen— the fuel of the future.

Project team HYDIS

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Long-Term Profitability of Renewable Energy in the Shadow of High Upfront Costs

26.04.2025

solar, vetar — Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

The decision to transition to renewable energy sources as an alternative to fossil fuels is often questioned due to concerns about financial viability, with high initial costs being the primary factor. However, new research published by EMBER shows that such investments, despite their upfront costs, bring significant economic benefits by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, stabilizing energy prices, and creating energy independence. In fact, the long-term profitability of renewables outweighs the short-term costs.

Dave Jones, Director of Global Insights at EMBER, illustrated this through a simple analogy, stating that fossil fuels are like renting a house, while renewables are like owning one—fossil fuels require ongoing payments, whereas renewables do not incur such recurring costs in the long run.

Almost 75 percent of the world’s population lives in countries that rely on fossil fuel imports. One example is Japan, which depends heavily on imports to meet 87 percent of its total energy demand. Following Japan are South Korea with 81 percent, Turkey with 69 percent, and Germany with 67 percent.

Why Are Imports of Renewables More Profitable in the Long Run?

The study notes that the cost of importing solar panels can be recovered in just one year, compared to the cost of importing gas for power generation.

Specifically, importing one gigawatt of solar panels costs 100 million dollars and can generate 1.5 TWh of electricity per year—equivalent to the energy generated from importing gas. However, solar panels are a one-time purchase, whereas gas imports are a recurring expense.

Although there are additional installation costs for solar panels—around 0.50 dollars per watt—solar panels remain more cost-effective in the long term.

The report highlights that the world is already producing enough solar and wind energy that, if used to power electric vehicles, could replace global gasoline consumption.

In 2024, global gasoline consumption (the energy needed to power all gasoline vehicles) amounted to 14,042 TWh. However, internal combustion engines in gasoline-powered vehicles only convert about 24 percent of that energy into movement, with the rest mostly lost as heat. This means only a small fraction of gasoline energy actually powers the vehicles.

In contrast, the same year saw 4,625 TWh of energy generated from solar and wind. Electric vehicles are far more efficient than gasoline vehicles, capable of using up to 84 percent of the available energy. This means that the majority of energy from solar and wind can effectively power electric vehicles.

Although renewable energy sources have not yet fully replaced fossil fuels, data demonstrating their long-term profitability can encourage further investment. With continued investment and development, renewables have the potential to become a key alternative to fossil fuels.

Energy portal

From Waste To Fashion Show

26.04.2025

Every year, tens of millions of tons of textiles are produced worldwide. The textile industry, which has become highly dynamic in the 21st century, impacts the environment like never before. Textile production is among the major polluters responsible for an enormous amount of water consumption, with used water being significantly contaminated by chemicals from the dyeing and fabric treatment processes. The fashion industry contributes to carbon dioxide emissions through its production processes and global logistics while simultaneously generating vast amounts of textile waste that ends up decomposing instead of being recycled or reused. Moreover, the business model known as fast fashion encourages excessive consumerism, as trends change rapidly, making clothing outdated in no time, leading to an accumulation of waste. The focus is placed on quantity rather than the durability of products, and this consumption pattern is also significantly affecting our region. However, there is another way – sustainable fashion.

Humana Nova was established as a response to social and environmental challenges identified at the beginning of 2011 in Međimurje County, in the far north of Croatia. A group of dedicated individuals, inspired by study trips across the European Union and examples of good practice in social integration, recognized the high unemployment rate among people with disabilities, members of the Roma minority, and middle-aged and older seamstresses who had lost their jobs due to the collapse of the textile industry. Aware that textiles were a major pollutant and were not being systematically collected then, the team decided to launch a project that would simultaneously address social and environmental issues.

From the very foundation of the Humana Nova Social Cooperative, the emphasis has been on integrating individuals from marginalized groups and developing a circular economy model. Establishing a sewing workshop and a textile sorting facility proved to be an effective solution. A key decision was also to register the organization first as a social enterprise and later as a non-profit company, which required reinvesting the first 70 percent and 100 percent of the generated profit into further business development.

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A Sustainable Future Through Textile Recycling and Repurposing

This social cooperative operates in two facilities: a sorting center and a sewing workshop. The textile sorting center first receives clothing donated by citizens at the site or collected through partnerships with private companies and in collaboration with municipal enterprises and initiatives organized in schools and kindergartens. Afterward, a team of workers sorts the clothing and fabrics based on their quality and potential for further use. Usable and well-preserved items end up in a second-hand shop, where they are sold at affordable prices. At the same time, some materials from the sorting facility are set aside for redesign and the production of new items. Unique clothing pieces purchased from the shop can be returned to the sorting center after use. Donating textiles to organizations such as the Red Cross, social work centers, or dog shelters is also an option.

Additionally, there is another form of textile repurposing. After further processing, some materials are used for industrial cloth production or sent for further recycling, where they are transformed into felt, one of the oldest types of fabric known to humankind. Currently, secondary gas production is also in development, in cooperation with partner companies.

In the sewing workshop, employees work daily to produce various clothing and other items made from recycled and eco-friendly materials. The creative team also organizes workshops where children and adults can learn how textiles can be repurposed into new products. In this way, Humana Nova directly reduces pollution and raises community awareness about the importance of responsible resource management.

Prepared by Milica Vučković

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

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