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Solar Trees: A New Chance for Solar Energy Development Without Destroying Forests

Foto: OpenAI

The global expansion of solar energy often comes with a high ecological cost—massive deforestation to make way for solar panels, creating a deep conflict between the need for renewable energy and the preservation of natural ecosystems. However, new research conducted by scientists in South Korea shows that so-called solar trees can offer a sustainable solution: simultaneously increasing electricity generation capacity while preserving forest landscapes.

According to the results of a quantitative comparison carried out by researchers at the Korea Maritime Institute, a linear arrangement of solar trees makes it possible to preserve 99 percent of forest cover, while traditional flat fixed-panel installations require the removal of up to 98 percent of existing forests to achieve the same electricity generation capacity.

These findings were obtained through a combination of 3D geospatial simulations and standardized testing conditions, and the methodology can also be applied in other countries aiming to accelerate the energy transition while preserving natural carbon sinks.

How Does Solar Tree Technology Work?

Solar trees are innovative vertical structures that mimic the natural form of real trees: solar panels are arranged like canopies and branches, producing energy at the top while allowing enough light to pass through for vegetation to grow underneath. This way, two key goals are combined—renewable energy production and the preservation of forest ecosystems. Unlike conventional solar farms, which completely remove trees and disrupt biodiversity, solar trees maintain forest functions such as protection from erosion, landslides, noise, and strong winds.

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The example from South Korea clearly illustrates the importance of this concept. In just three years—from 2016 to 2018—the expansion of solar farms in the country’s mountainous regions led to deforestation of over 4,400 hectares. The removal of mature forests caused soil erosion and numerous landslides near solar installations. Similar risks threaten coastal forests, which are particularly valuable since, beyond producing oxygen and storing carbon, they serve as natural protection against winds, salinity, and tsunamis.

Until now, most research has focused on measuring the performance of individual solar trees—yielding limited results. The new study, however, shows that the same installed capacity as traditional fixed panels can be achieved with just 63 solar trees, although up to 97 could be arranged in the experimental area.

Since panels are becoming increasingly efficient at using the same surface area, solar trees can deliver higher capacity with a smaller spatial footprint. This opens up the possibility of precisely planning the expansion of solar energy in forested and coastal landscapes without dramatic destruction of nature.

Researchers emphasize that solar energy already delivers the highest power output per unit area compared to other renewable sources and, with falling production costs, is on track to become the most cost-effective technology in most regions of the world. As global commitments call for a tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030 while also preserving forests, solar trees emerge as a promising dual solution.

Energy portal

Switzerland on the Verge of an Energy Policy Shift

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (daniel cox)

Switzerland may soon lift the ban on building new nuclear power plants, which has been in place since January 1, 2018, as part of the country’s “Energy Strategy 2050.” The decision to prohibit new construction came in the wake of strong political and social pressures following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan in March 2011. Just a few months later, the Swiss parliament and government resolved to gradually phase out nuclear power.

However, circumstances have changed. The country’s four nuclear reactors, which remain active and operational, currently provide around one-third of Switzerland’s electricity, and are allowed to run as long as they are deemed safe, according to World Nuclear News. Yet, the growth in consumption—driven by electrification, digitalization, and the development of artificial intelligence—raises doubts about the sustainability of the current energy mix.

The most significant turning point came in 2024, when voters approved the popular initiative “Electricity for All at All Times.” This enshrined into the constitution the requirement that electricity supply must be permanent and guaranteed, while production must meet climate goals. In practice, this opened the door to nuclear power once again, as it is a low-carbon source capable of providing stable energy supply.

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In response, the Federal Council proposed an indirect counterproposal—rather than amending the constitution, it called for changes to the Nuclear Energy Act. These changes would remove the ban on issuing permits for new reactors or modifications to existing plants, thereby reopening the licensing process. While there are still no concrete plans for new construction, the proposal itself represents a major political shift: Switzerland, which decided in 2011 to phase out nuclear power, is now acknowledging that it cannot rely solely on renewables and imported electricity.

If parliament adopts the legislative changes, it will mark the most significant reversal in Swiss energy policy since Fukushima. After more than a decade of restrictive measures, the country would once again be open to considering new nuclear capacity.

Energy Portal

A Global Standard for the Environmental Responsibility of the Cocoa Industry

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Pablo Merchan)

Over the past year, the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) hosted the 5th World Cocoa Conference, at which the Brussels Declaration was adopted—a document that lays the foundation for a more sustainable, transparent, and equitable future in the production and supply of this commodity. The conference was attended by leading chocolate producers, government representatives, and activists to establish a new direction for the global industry. Precisely in the context of this new path that the cocoa industry is taking, a response has recently arrived, as the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) introduced the GHG Accounting Standard Methodology on February 6, 2025. This methodology brings a clearer framework for monitoring, reporting, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the entire cocoa industry value chain.

Where Cocoa is Grown

Cocoa thrives in areas near the equator, where high temperatures, abundant rainfall, and humid conditions dominate. Although originally from Latin America, today it is mostly cultivated in West Africa. According to ICCO data, the African continent has provided an average of around 70 percent of total global production in recent years. Côte d’Ivoire has contributed the most, accounting for just under 40 percent of the global output, followed by Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon, which together contribute hundreds of thousands of tons. In Latin America — the original home of cocoa — the leading producers are Ecuador, Brazil, and Peru, while in Asia, Indonesia is the leading producer.

Most raw cocoa comes from small family farms, whose work is often hampered by unfavorable climate conditions, natural disasters, and unstable prices. These small producers form the foundation and starting point of a chain that usually culminates in chocolate production. In addition to economic challenges, cocoa production also has environmental consequences, resulting from land management practices, fertilizer use, and the clearing of increasingly large forest areas to create space for new plantations. For this reason, the Brussels Declaration emphasized the need for reforestation and the development of agroforestry practices as a response to sustainability challenges.

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Precise Tools for Measuring and Managing Emissions

Calculating environmental footprint and measuring carbon emissions in the cocoa industry has been inconsistent, unclear, and often unreliable to date, which has significantly hindered the implementation of shared sustainability standards, particularly due to the complex value chain that encompasses small family farms, numerous intermediaries, and ultimately large producers and factories.

The new method brings a range of concrete benefits for the entire industry, from producers to consumers. By introducing a unified standard, companies receive precise tools for measuring and managing carbon dioxide emissions across every segment of production, with a special focus on so-called Scope 3 emissions, which are the most challenging to identify and will be addressed further. The goal is to achieve more transparent reporting, aligned with the requirements of international frameworks, such as the GHG Protocol and the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which is particularly important for alignment with increasingly stringent European Union legislation.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Monika Guzikowska)

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is the most widely accepted system for classifying and reporting emissions. It distinguishes three categories of emissions: direct emissions occurring within the company itself (Scope 1), emissions from electricity consumption (Scope 2), and the aforementioned Scope 3 emissions, which include all other indirect emissions, such as those from supply chains, transportation, and agriculture. The latter, Scope 3 emissions, are the most difficult to track but also the most important for the cocoa industry, as a large portion of emissions occurs on farms and in intermediary stages of production.

The standard is also aligned with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which encourages companies to set emission reduction targets in line with global efforts to limit planetary warming to 1.5°C.

Consumers, at the end of the chain, can potentially expect greater transparency, with chocolate product packaging soon possibly displaying labels on carbon footprint, origin of raw materials, and levels of sustainability. As a result, the development of new products with a lower environmental impact is anticipated, along with potential price adjustments due to the additional costs associated with sustainable production.

As much as cocoa and chocolate are beloved products around the world, global production also carries bitter consequences, which is why it remains on the agenda of international sustainability initiatives.

Prepared by Milica Vučković

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine PURE ENERGY

Solarplaza Summit Balkans PV & Storage in Zagreb

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Michael_Pointner)

Join us in Zagreb, Croatia, on October 21, 2025, for the Solarplaza Summit Balkans PV & Storage—the leading industry event connecting solar energy professionals across the entire Balkan region. From Slovenia to North Macedonia, this high-impact gathering brings together developers, investors, policymakers, and technology providers to tackle the region’s most pressing solar challenges and opportunities.

Gain exclusive insights into the latest market developments, policy shifts, and regulatory frameworks shaping Balkan solar growth. Explore cutting-edge discussions on grid integration, energy storage business cases, and investment strategies, with a special focus on PPAs and bankability in evolving electricity markets.

Building on our previous success—where 97 percent of attendees established valuable business connections—this year’s summit offers even more opportunities to expand your network, forge partnerships, and drive actionable strategies. Whether you’re looking to influence policy, deploy innovative grid solutions, or unlock new investment opportunities, the Solarplaza Summit Balkans 2025 is your key to navigating and shaping the region’s solar energy landscape.

The Industry Advisory Board empowering the event

The combined wealth of knowledge, years of experience, and high-level network of our expert advisory board members help shape our program and enhance our event. Their involvement guarantees the practical and inspirational relevance of our event in the dynamic and ever-evolving solar landscape.

Source: Solarplaza

Two and a Half Decades of Fighting for a Clean Future

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Sebastian Ganso)

The fight against climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges today, and the transition to clean energy sources is a crucial step toward a sustainable future. Guided by these principles, numerous organizations around the world are dedicated to environmental protection, among them the Center for Environment from Banja Luka, which for a quarter of a century has been actively promoting an ecologically responsible way of life and advocating for a healthier and more sustainable Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Photo: Courtesy of Dragan Ostić

Their work is focused on concrete change – through active cooperation with local communities, experts, and partner organizations, they combat harmful projects by advocating for policies that protect both nature and people.

They are also present in the field of renewable energy sources (RES), where they have long been working on projects that encourage institutions to adopt and implement necessary regulations, allowing citizens to participate in clean energy production using solar panels to generate electricity for their households.

In addition, they advocate for initiatives that would enable the formation of renewable energy communities — models in which citizens can invest jointly and benefit from renewable energy sources. Dragan Ostić, Assistant for Energy and Climate, highlights for the Energy Portal Magazine that the Center monitors laws and policies to ensure the transition is fair and sustainable for all. He points out that there are numerous challenges in BiH, from institutions that obstruct processes to a lack of knowledge about available opportunities.

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“The biggest challenge is the inertia and sluggishness of the system, from vague laws and slow procedures to the continued favoring of outdated energy models based on coal. Currently, it often happens that citizens want to install solar panels but face a mountain of paperwork and poorly coordinated institutions. In addition, misinformation and insufficient knowledge about the possibilities of RES hinder faster progress“, says Ostić.

The complex state apparatus of BiH is reflected in all spheres of society and also slows down the transition to clean energy sources. However, institutions in both entities are increasingly recognizing the importance of the energy transition, though this is still not followed by decisive action. According to our interviewee, in the Republic of Srpska, processes are often centralized but lack transparency, whereas in the Federation of BiH, there are more actors involved, which slows down decision-making.

“Regulations differ between the entities, which further complicates the situation. BiH has great potential — with many sunny days and possibilities for wind energy — but also room for improvement in energy efficiency. All in all, we have the potential, but we lack precise coordination and concrete steps toward real transition“, he says.

Ostić notes that the energy transition is most hindered by outdated energy policies, slow administrative processes, a lack of political will, and the influence of interest groups seeking to preserve the existing model. Additionally, we lack a concrete national energy strategy, which makes it challenging to secure funding from European sources. All this contributes to the fact that, unfortunately, we are still among the countries most dependent on coal.

The message that the Center has been sending for years is that the green transition should not be seen as a cost, but as an investment in the future. For Bosnia and Herzegovina to become a clean energy country, authorities must show determination, create space for citizens and local communities, and make it clear that the coal era is behind us. Our interviewee emphasizes that there is less and less time for delay and that the transition must be fair, sustainable, and focused on the well-being of all citizens.

Prepared by Jasna Dragojević

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine PURE ENERGY

New gas routes from Greece via Bulgaria to Ukraine

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (mike benna)

The Independent Natural Gas Transmission Operator of the Greece–Bulgaria Interconnector (ICGB) has announced the launch of two new cross-border routes – Route 2 and Route 3 – within the framework of the Vertical Gas Corridor, a strategic initiative connecting the south with the markets of Southeast Europe, Moldova, and Ukraine.

ICGB operates the IGB pipeline, which links the Greek city of Komotini with the Bulgarian city of Stara Zagora. This pipeline is part of a broader network enabling the transport of natural gas from various sources (the Alexandroupolis LNG terminal, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP, etc.) to Bulgaria, Southeast Europe, and further to Ukraine and Moldova.

The project in question is being implemented in cooperation with the transmission system operators of Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine, with the goal of strengthening the region’s energy security and ensuring the direct transport of gas from northern Greece to Ukrainian underground storage facilities before the winter season, according to the ICGB website.

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Capacities will be offered exclusively as monthly products through a single uniform-price auction, with all project participants agreeing on a 25 percent discount on standard monthly tariffs, while ICGB and the Ukrainian GTSOU are offering even greater discounts of 46 percent – the largest in the region.

These capacities will be available solely for exit to Ukraine, without access to national virtual trading points or domestic exit points in transit countries. With the introduction of these routes, ICGB further consolidates its role as the central artery of the Vertical Gas Corridor, connecting diversified gas sources with Northeastern Europe.

Revolution in Reforestation – AI Robot Plants 100 Trees per Hour

Photo-illustration: Canva (AI Generated)

Humans destroy, humans repair – like in a vicious circle, we live in an age that develops and changes at lightning speed, yet also degrades. How many times must nature suffer for our benefit? Blinded by the desire to make life “better,” we often fail to see that in the long run, we are causing greater harm. Our forests are suffering huge losses – from land repurposing, fires, climate change, pollution, urbanization, the timber industry, and energy production – all contributing to their disappearance.

Then comes the moment when we become aware and want to correct the mistake. But can the human hand in restoration keep pace with the speed at which it once destroyed? This is exactly why Brazil has called technology to the rescue – the Plantio-100 robot, which plants as many as 100 trees per hour, taking reforestation to an entirely new level.

This robot uses artificial intelligence, giving it an advantage not only in speed but also in precision and planting quality. Plantio-100 moves across previously destroyed areas and analyzes soil conditions. Based on data about nutrients, moisture, and shading, the robot chooses the most suitable seedling species for each location.

A planted seedling is not forgotten – the robot later returns to the same spots to monitor its growth, hydrating it when needed or providing additional protection against pests. This method of planting shows an exceptionally high success rate – nearly 90% of seedlings survive, which is almost twice as much as with traditional mass planting methods.

Plantio-100 is also environmentally sustainable – thanks to its solar power system, it does not depend on fuel and can operate in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

With the goal of restoring 12 million hectares of land by 2030, Brazil is currently preparing and training dozens of such robots, laying the foundation for a new era of reforestation.

The development of artificial intelligence today is incredibly fast – so much so that it’s hard to keep up with all its possibilities without constant learning. Like any powerful innovation, AI sparks justified concern, as its power can be used for the wrong purposes. Still, the example of the Plantio-100 robot shows how technology can be used for good – to help both humanity and nature by restoring what has been degraded for decades. In responsible hands, AI becomes an ally in protecting and renewing the world around us.

Katarina Vuinac

Mushroom-Based Batteries – A Story of Applying Nature’s Cycle in Technology

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (timothy dykes)

The development of batteries marked a turning point in technological advancement, enabling numerous benefits without which life today would be almost unimaginable. In the past, batteries were used only for simple devices, such as remote controls; however, their application expanded quickly. Today, batteries not only power our electronic devices but have become an essential element in the development of ecological transport, from scooters and bicycles to cars and airplanes. However, their widespread use also brings challenges related to sustainability and environmental impact.

That’s why researchers are seeking more sustainable solutions, and one such approach comes from Switzerland. At the Empa laboratory, scientists are developing ‘living’ batteries that use microorganisms from the fungi kingdom as the basis for generating electricity. What makes them even more environmentally friendly is their ability to decompose naturally after completing their function.

How Mushroom-Based Batteries Work

Traditional batteries generate energy through chemical reactions, whereas these biodegradable batteries rely on the metabolic processes of fungi. Essentially, the idea is based on what fungi do in nature, like many other microorganisms – they convert nutrients into energy.

Researchers at the Empa laboratory used two types of fungi to produce their batteries – yeast and white-rot fungi – and both proved to be highly effective. To better understand this, it’s essential to note that every battery consists of a cathode and an anode, the components through which electrons flow in and out. In this context, yeast is placed on the anode side because, during its metabolism. At the same time, it consumes sugars, just as it does when making bread or beer, and it releases electrons, which then travel through an external circuit and generate electricity. What’s essential is for that current not to disappear, but to keep circulating. That’s exactly the role of the white rot fungus, which is located on the other side – the cathode. This fungus has the ability to capture electrons, thereby closing the electrical circuit and allowing the current to circulate continuously.

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Unlike conventional batteries, which require metals like lithium, often toxic to the environment and difficult to recycle, mushroom-based batteries are completely nontoxic and biodegradable. When their lifespan ends, these batteries do not become hazardous waste – on the contrary, they decompose naturally and can even be beneficial to the soil. Fungi, after all, have the ability to break down organic materials such as cellulose and convert them into nutrients for the soil.

3D Printing

What makes these batteries additionally innovative is the use of 3D printing in their development. This technology enables researchers to design the battery in a manner that provides fungi with easier access to nutrients and makes the structure adaptable to specific conditions. For instance, the batteries can contain specific nutrients that enable fungi to survive in dry environments, if they are to be used in areas with limited water access.

It is also important to note that the materials used to produce the battery are entirely biodegradable, since the 3D printing is done using cellulose-based material – a natural substance derived from plants. This enables the battery to fully decompose in nature after use, leaving no harmful residue.

Although such batteries are not yet powerful enough to operate larger electronic devices, the amount of energy they produce is sufficient, for example, to power sensors used in agriculture and environmental research, and for several days at that. Researchers continue to work on improving this solution, aiming to increase both power and durability.

A technology that doesn’t harm nature but instead contributes to it does more than bring innovation – it changes our perception of what progress and success truly mean. Nature once again reminds us that it already holds everything we need. All that is required from humans is to learn from it and act in accordance with its laws. When the natural cycle is properly applied in technology, we obtain solutions that are sustainable and circular, without leaving an unwanted environmental footprint.

Prepared by Katarina Vuinac

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine PURE ENERGY

Ecomondo 2025: Green Industry Gathering from November 4 to 7 in Rimini

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik - AI)

From November 4 to 7, 2025, the Italian city of Rimini will once again become the epicenter of sustainable development and green innovation. This time, it will host the 28th edition of Ecomondo – the most important international event in Europe dedicated to ecological transition and the circular economy.

This year, Ecomondo exceeds expectations with a rich program that brings together companies, startups, researchers, decision-makers, and experts from over 120 countries. With 165,000 square meters of exhibition space, 1,700 exhibitors, and more than 250 conferences, the fair offers insight into the latest technologies, research projects, and regulatory developments shaping a sustainable future.

Main topics include:

  • the current state of implementation of leading projects from Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR),

  • the adoption of the circular economy at both national and European levels,

  • the regeneration of land, waterways, and coastlines,

  • models for the “circular and healthy cities” of the future.

Special emphasis will also be placed on networking and knowledge exchange in the fields of research funding, innovation, and specialized training. The program is aimed at public administration, freelancers, managers, and sustainability professionals, offering practical tools and resources for transitioning to sustainable processes.

At the previous edition, the fair welcomed over 103,000 visitors who attended to grow their businesses, adopt advanced solutions, and improve compliance with new regulations. Ecomondo positions itself as an unmissable event for all who wish to actively shape ecological transformation – through technology, policy, education, and partnerships.

More information is available on the official event website: en.ecomondo.com

Energy Portal

Methane from Abandoned Mines Remains a Climate Challenge for Europe

Photo illustration: Pixabay

Europe is taking numerous steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but some of them do not mean that the problem is truly solved. More and more coal mines are being closed, yet methane from abandoned mines continues to quietly escape into the atmosphere.

This greenhouse gas is over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term, and methane emissions from these mines can last for decades after closure.

AMM – Abandoned Mine Methane – emissions from abandoned mines are not always constant. As explained on the EMBER website, they behave like a mine’s “breathing.” Changes in atmospheric pressure cause the mine to “inhale” air and “exhale” methane. When the pressure is higher, air is pushed into the mine, and when it drops, the accumulated gas is released.

There are thousands of closed coal mines across Europe, and in 2021 alone, the European Union estimated that closed and abandoned mines emitted 235,000 tons of methane. The largest share comes from Romania – as much as 83 percent. The challenge remains that there are no direct measurements, so these are only approximate figures.

Research by Global Energy Monitor shows how underestimated official figures are. In Poland, the government reported 21,500 tons of AMM emissions for 2021, while a 2024 analysis revealed that mines closed since 2015 emit around 75,000 tons annually – more than three times higher.

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How the EU Regulates Methane from Abandoned Mines

Last year, the EU Methane Regulation was adopted, making this issue one of the priorities. Until then, it was largely unregulated, with no specific responsibilities. The regulation requires that all Member States, by August 5, 2025, publish a public register of closed and abandoned underground coal mines where exploitation ceased after August 3, 1954. From May 5, 2026, methane emissions from these mines will have to be directly measured, and by February 5, 2027, a mitigation plan must be developed. From January 1, 2030, venting and flaring of methane from capture equipment will be prohibited.

Technology to monitor, capture, and utilize AMM already exists. One way to use it is for supplying households and industry. Although burning methane releases CO₂, it is a better option than venting it into the atmosphere, as methane is a significantly more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

While possibilities are open, the next steps remain dependent on political will.

Energy portal

A Family Mission in the Service of Sustainability

Photo: Wood Play

In a time when environmental issues are increasingly in the spotlight, one family team from Serbia decided to combine their values, knowledge, and unity into a unique business model that promotes the circular economy through play.

Their handmade board games, crafted from natural and recycled materials, are not just products but also messages. Messages about how the circular economy can be communicated through simple yet deeply thoughtful tools that connect generations, encourage creativity, and bring people back together around the same table.

Vladimir Ilić, who is in charge of sales and client communication in the family brand Wood Play, says that the idea originated from a personal family experience – memories of games his father made when he was a child. Today, those memories have been transformed into a sustainable product that brings people of all ages together, with applications ranging from family events to educational programs and even corporate settings.

“My father has always been passionate about making things from wood. While we were growing up, he made all kinds of items for my sister and me – chairs, toys, various wooden objects – and that’s when he sparked our love for working with wood,” says Vladimir.

A Business Model Based on Circularity and Togetherness

At the heart of the model lies a team-based division of labor within the family, encompassing brand development, design, production, testing, and logistics. Vladimir’s wife, Jelena, and sister, Jovana, handle visual identity and communication, while their mother, Gordana, manages accounting. The two Milošes – Vladimir’s father and brother-inlaw – are responsible for the actual production, working mainly with plywood and panels made from recycled Tetra Pak materials.

Thanks to this structure, the family has developed a flexible, sustainable, and scalable product suited for various markets.

Their games are rented out for corporate team-building events, Family Day gatherings, Fun Room spaces, and fairs. Delivery is organized directly, accompanied by personalized presentations, and the games come with QR codes linking to instructions, which makes the usage process as simple as possible.

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In addition to offering a new form of entertainment for all age groups, the Wood Play brand also has an environmental component. Vladimir explains that all surplus material is either reused or recycled, while every stage, from prototype to final product, is designed according to the principles of zero waste.

“We collect all Tetra Pak waste and send it for recycling, where the material is ground down and given a new life. We use recycled boards to create educational games. At fairs and charity events, we raise awareness by setting up bins for collecting used cans, juice boxes, and cartons, then hold lectures on recycling and send all collected materials to recycling factories,” our interviewee explains.

Play as a Tool for Education and Raising Awareness

The most popular games – such as CenterShoot, Fishing, and Wembley – are designed to promote interaction, precision, and team spirit. Their strength lies in their universality – they are suitable for children, adults, educators, and even HR departments seeking innovative ways to enhance team dynamics.

In developing new games, the family employs a testing method in real-life conditions, progressing from initial cardboard prototypes to final versions crafted from durable and recycled materials. Every game must meet essential criteria: it must be fun, simple, inclusive, and educational.

Plans for a Broader Social and Environmental Mission

In the next stages of development, this family plans to equip eco-parks where children will learn about recycling, circular economy, and sustainable behavior through play. Moreover, the first digital detox park was already opened on June 1st in Divci, Divčibare, at the Sports Airport. In parallel, Vladimir says they are also developing a line of home toys, created with the same principles: functionality, durability, eco-friendly materials, and family interaction.

This initiative demonstrates that sustainable models are not exclusive to large systems – they can emerge from a single family, a single memory, or a single game. And for that very reason, they hold the power to inspire change, step by step, game by game.

Prepared by Milena Maglovski

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine PURE ENERGY

Water Purification Using Activated Carbon Derived from Biowaste

Photo: courtesy of Marija Stojmenović
Photo: courtesy of Marija Stojmenović

The Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences is the largest institute of national importance for the Republic of Serbia, operating under the University of Belgrade. It conducts multidisciplinary research with a particular focus on environmental protection. A healthy and safe environment is one of the fundamental prerequisites for human survival and the well-being of the living world. However, with economic progress comes the generation of large amounts of waste and its inadequate disposal, along with the emission of harmful gases and the greenhouse effect, which has led to climate change and the pollution of water, air, and soil.

Our multidisciplinary team within the Laboratory for Materials, which comprises PhDs in fields such as physical chemistry, technology, environmental protection, chemistry, biology, and mining, has been engaged for many years in solving problems across various disciplines. Members of our team have extensive experience in obtaining ecological, inexpensive, and readily available materials from different raw sources (biomass, mineral raw materials, etc.), as well as from waste (industrial, biowaste, etc.), with the aim of removing various pollutants (organic and inorganic) from the environment. All research is focused on finding the usable value of biowaste and waste generated in industrial production, while also educating and raising the ecological awareness of the population. This has been achieved through numerous completed projects, financed by various domestic and international sources.

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I would particularly emphasize the discovery of the usable value of food and green waste from parks and picnic areas, which is usually disposed of in landfills, along with addressing the global ecological problem of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins appearing in water bodies. These studies represent a major challenge today, not only in Serbia and Europe but also globally. The greatest danger associated with cyanobacteria is the release of potentially carcinogenic cyanotoxins, which, at specific concentrations, can be lethal to plant and animal life, and in humans, can cause serious health problems as they quickly travel through the food chain. Through the development of an entirely new technology based on inexpensive and environmentally friendly activated carbon materials derived from food waste and green waste from parks and picnic areas, it has become possible to purify water contaminated with cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins by replacing expensive commercial carbons.

In addition to the above, I would like to point out that within our group, research has been conducted on the development of a new high-temperature ceramic adhesive incorporating waste sludge from wastewater treatment plants, intended for use as a sealing material in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT–SOFC fuel cells). Solid oxide fuel cells represent the third generation of fuel cells for clean energy production and are the subject of research by many scientists worldwide. In recent years, modern society’s increasing tendency towards green technologies, which address concerns about growing fossil fuel consumption, has been on the rise. The adoption of so-called waste-to-wealth concepts in industry is becoming a primary focus of future scientific research. Accordingly, within our research, various tests were conducted on the innovative ceramic adhesive with added waste sludge, which confirmed environmental compatibility, good hermetic sealing, and stable operating voltages in the intermediate-temperature range of the cells, indicating potential applicability in IT–SOFC technology.

Marija Stojmenović

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine PURE ENERGY

New Tests Reveal Gap Between Advertised and Actual Range of Electric Vehicles

Photo-illustration: Pexels (David Gallie)

The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has released the results of testing five electric vehicles in real driving conditions, showing that their range is between five and 23 percent shorter than recorded in the manufacturers’ mandatory laboratory tests.

The testing, carried out under the Commonwealth-funded Real-World Testing Program, aims to provide consumers with independent insight into vehicle performance and help them overcome concerns about range and charging — which, according to a July AAA survey, is the main reason 60 percent of potential electric car buyers hesitate to make a purchase.

The smallest deviation was recorded by the 2024 Smart #3 EV, with a real-world range of 432 km — just five percent less than the laboratory result. The 2022 Kia EV6 and the 2024 Tesla Model Y had an eight percent shorter range in real conditions, while the 2024 Tesla Model 3 achieved 441 km, which is 14 percent less than the advertised 513 km. The largest deviation was recorded by the 2023 BYD Atto 3, with a real-world range of 369 km — 23 percent less than the laboratory-tested 480 km.

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AAA CEO Michael Bradley stressed that these tests will help buyers identify which models meet expectations in practice and which do not. He noted that laboratory tests are often optimized for the best possible results, whereas the Real-World Testing Program provides a more accurate picture, using a 93 km circular route around Geelong and protocols based on European standards.

Launched in 2023 with $14 million in funding, the program has so far also tested 114 internal combustion engine and hybrid vehicles, with 77 percent recording higher fuel consumption than in laboratory measurements, and one in five exceeding emission limits.

Energy portal

Radioactive Horn – Science Against the Rhino Black Market

Photo: Pixabay

Planet Earth has been home to rhinoceroses for millions of years—one of its oldest giants still walking today, albeit with an uncertain future. While the most extreme natural disasters failed to bring this species to the brink of extinction, humans have. Estimates suggest that at the beginning of the 20th century, around half a million rhinos inhabited Europe, Asia, and Africa. Today, only about 27,000 remain in the wild, mostly within national parks and reserves.

Although habitat loss is considered one of the main causes of the rhino population decline, intensive poaching poses a particularly grave threat. Rhino horns are highly valued on the black market, making them a common target of illegal trade. Their use in traditional medicine and as a status symbol further fuels demand.

The Rhisotope Project – Nuclear Science in Service of Rhino Conservation

While some efforts in recent decades have yielded positive results in protecting certain rhino species, the threat persists. In search of new ways to combat poaching, science is stepping up. The Rhisotope Project, through a unique scientific approach, uses radioisotopes to make rhino horns less desirable and harder to trade.

It may sound a bit frightening, but scientists offer a clear explanation. By carefully injecting a small, controlled amount of radioactive isotopes into the horns of live rhinos, the method remains completely safe for the animals. The horn becomes radioactive to a level that is not dangerous to humans or other animals, but it does pose a high risk to smugglers and traders. How? Borders are equipped with detectors that measure radioactivity, significantly increasing the chances of traffickers being caught.

In this way, the Rhisotope Project directly contributes to reducing poaching and also plays an important role in educating and supporting local communities living near rhino habitats.

Wildlife crime is one of the four largest black markets, along with drug, human, and arms trafficking.

So far, 30 live rhinos at two locations have undergone the injection process through the Rhisotope Project. The goal is to protect a total of 180 rhinos by the end of 2025.

The project has received approval from the Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC), in accordance with the University of the Witwatersrand.

The fight to save rhinos is a symbol of a much broader struggle—for the preservation of nature, biodiversity, and the health of our planet. Every rhino saved is a victory against the destructive impact of humans. The message of this project is clear: people should benefit from live, not dead, rhinos.

Katarina Vuinac

Collapse of Energy Grids and Their Resilience in the 21st Century

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Hector Espinoza)

Electricity grids are the backbone of energy systems, from which complex and interconnected lines branch out, enabling even the most remote places in the country to access electricity. In the first half of 2025, the world witnessed three major collapses of national electricity systems, leaving millions of people without power, water, communication, and in the dark. Chile, Spain, and Portugal experienced incidents that highlighted the potential and current weaknesses of new energy mixes combined with traditional infrastructure.

Chile – the land of the sun in the darkness

On 25 February 2025, Chile experienced one of the most serious energy incidents in its recent history. In the afternoon hours, a sudden and widespread collapse of the power grid occurred, leaving over 90 percent of the country without electricity within a short time, including the capital city, Santiago.

According to preliminary analyses currently available to the public, an unplanned outage occurred in one region along a high-voltage transmission line connecting the north to the central system. Unexpected activation of protective systems, still under investigation, due to certain circumstances, led to their shutdown, which then triggered a cascading effect of destabilization.

At the time of the blackout, most of the country’s electricity was coming from renewable sources – not an uncommon situation in Chile. Among other sources, Chile has a large number of solar power plants that produce and supply significant amounts of electricity on a daily basis. Moreover, the northern part of the country, including the Atacama Desert – the world’s driest desert – is particularly abundant in solar capacity, which is enhanced by the number of sunny days, geography, and open space.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (ehmitrich)

Renewable energy sources – such as solar power plants and wind farms that depend on weather conditions – are often located in regions with favorable conditions for production, generating large amounts of energy even at considerable distances from main consumption centers. The transmission grid has limited capacity, so if a fault or imbalance occurs on a key line, the surplus electricity cannot be easily rerouted. There are insufficient alternative routes or energy storage systems, so the surplus is discarded, and the grid becomes unstable.

Due to the heavy reliance on decentralized production from renewables, without adequate stabilization infrastructure, systems are often unable to overcome immediate issues. When the north and south were left without their main connection, an imbalance arose between the electricity surplus in the north and the deficit in the center, where consumption is higher due to the population size.

During the hours-long power outage, life in the country was seriously disrupted. In the capital, Santiago, which was particularly affected, traffic collapsed as traffic lights stopped working, and the metro system, which transports over two million people daily, was forced to carry out an emergency evacuation of passengers. People were trapped in lifts, while hospitals continued to operate under challenging conditions thanks to backup generators.

The government soon declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew to prevent potential unrest and ensure emergency services could function. At the same time, the banking sector came to a halt as electronic transaction systems went down.

By the morning of the following day, 26 February, electricity had been gradually restored to around 90 percent of households, according to reports from the National Electric System Coordinator (Coordinador Eléctrico Nacional).

For many years, Chile has operated under a liberalized and privatized energy model, where various companies manage electricity production, transmission, and distribution, while the main public institution plays a role of oversight and technical coordination but does not have operational control over the infrastructure. Critics argue that this model has led to the lack of a unified crisis centre and proper coordination, highlighting the need for a stronger state role in network oversight and greater investment in infrastructure to balance and protect the system from cascading failures.

IN FOCUS:

Energy collapse of the Iberian Peninsula

The next major energy collapse occurred roughly two months later, on the European continent, on 28 April this year, around 12:30 local time, when the electricity systems of Spain and Portugal suffered a total shutdown.

It all began with a series of frequency fluctuations in southwestern Spain. The most critical fluctuation triggered protective mechanisms in France, which cut the interconnection with the Spanish system. This severed a key flow of electricity between the peninsula and the rest of Europe, leaving the region energy-isolated. Although preliminary findings have identified several events that led to the blackout, including frequency and voltage fluctuations and a sharp drop in production, the exact cause of all changes and components awaits official clarification.

Without support from the continental grid, the Spanish and Portuguese systems had to rely solely on their own resources. As the grid began to lose balance, power plants were automatically shut down, and the grid soon collapsed entirely.

Initial data from the Spanish grid operator pointed to unusually low-frequency oscillations between the Iberian Peninsula and the main European network just before the blackout, according to the WindEurope association.

At the time of the incident, renewable sources accounted for a significant share of electricity production in Spain, also a typical scenario for this region, prompting public discourse around the challenges renewables may pose during moments of technical instability.

Solar power plants are connected to the grid via inverters, which are designed to automatically shut down the plant if they detect unstable grid conditions, such as a frequency falling below a permitted threshold or excessively high voltage. In this case, the inverters may have detected certain instabilities and immediately shut down the solar systems—a standard safety mechanism designed to protect both the grid and the equipment. This resulted in the loss of a significant portion of the electricity being produced at the time.

Under ideal conditions, the loss of solar energy is compensated by battery storage systems or flexible power plants such as gas or hydroelectric stations. However, Spain did not have sufficient capacity to make up for the drop in real time.

Once the solar power plants shut down, the load was automatically transferred to other sources. Nuclear reactors have strict safety protocols, which means that when they detect such deviations in grid parameters, they shut down to prevent risk. The grid continued to lose balance, and eventually, the entire system collapsed.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Viktor Mogilat)

Some expert circles believe that in situations where there are frequency deviations, a generation mix with a large share of renewables can accelerate system destabilization, as these sources do not provide inertia—the ability of the grid to naturally resist rapid changes in frequency—as conventional power plants with rotating generators do. Nevertheless, this only highlights the need to adapt the grid to the new technological demands of the modern energy transition.

As in the previous case, metro systems in Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Porto came to a halt, leaving passengers stranded. Hundreds of trains, including high-speed lines between major cities, had to be stopped. Traffic was in chaos due to inactive traffic lights, and operations at the main airports were suspended. Hospitals switched to generators, while water, internet, and digital services were unavailable across the country. The police were mobilized to maintain order and ensure emergency assistance.

Still, by the next morning, more than 99 percent of the system had been stabilized. However, the damage—economic, social, and infrastructural—had already been done.

Conclusion

Although providing an official and comprehensive explanation will take time, it is clear that stability in the 21st century must be built in parallel with capacity, through the use of battery storage, flexible sources, and regional coordination. The energy transition must be accompanied by the development of stable and resilient domestic infrastructure to avoid falling behind the expansion of renewable energy sources.

Prepared by Milica Vučković

The story was published in Energy portal Magazine PURE ENERGY

IRENA 2025: Digitalization, AI, and the Future of the Energy Transition

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (mrganso)

During IRENA Innovation Week 2025 (International Renewable Energy Agency – IRENA Innovation Week 2025), the central theme was the interconnection between digitalization and the energy transition. As emphasized, there is no digitalization without energy, nor an energy transition without digitalization.

The growing demand for electricity is particularly evident in the increasing use of smart devices and the internet, including cloud services and the virtual world.

For this energy to come from renewable sources, greater integration into power grids is necessary. Thanks to digital technologies, solar and wind energy can become more reliable sources. Digitalization enables smart grid management, predictive maintenance, balancing of supply and demand, and more efficient energy use.

Artificial intelligence allows for real-time performance monitoring and smart maintenance based on weather forecasts. AI-driven analytics help operators accurately predict production patterns and grid needs, thereby reducing operational and maintenance costs.

In addition, consumers benefit from increased efficiency and savings. Smart meters, dynamic pricing, and Internet of Things (IoT)-connected devices—which can communicate and manage energy consumption—allow users to adjust electricity usage based on price signals.

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Furthermore, advanced grid management systems can forecast congestion, coordinate distributed energy resources, and optimize distribution in real time.

However, alongside opportunities come challenges. The increasing energy demand from AI data centers complicates grid planning and expansion, requiring careful coordination between digital innovation and energy infrastructure.

Moreover, the implementation of digital solutions is not evenly distributed. Developing markets lag due to a lack of smart meters, low investment levels, and regulatory barriers that hinder the participation of virtual power plants and other systems. Additional challenges include the lack of shared technical standards and increasing cybersecurity risks.

Therefore, solutions must be developed—an area to which Adrian Gonzalez from IRENA is particularly dedicated. He is closely studying the energy challenges posed by AI data centers.

Energy portal

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