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

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.

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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.

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

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

Photo: Humana Nova

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

Major Carbon Capture Investment to Create Thousands of Jobs in the UK

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The United Kingdom has launched the construction of a major carbon capture and storage (CCS) system, expected to create over 2,000 new jobs. The project is part of the UK Government’s broader „Powering Up Britain” strategy, aimed at accelerating the transition to clean energy, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and opening new opportunities for the workforce, according to the official government website.

A key step in implementing this plan is the signing of an agreement between the UK Government and the Italian energy company Eni, which will invest around two billion pounds in procurement and construction as part of the Liverpool Bay Carbon Capture and Storage project. This initiative covers the North Wales and Northwest England regions.

The project includes the development of a comprehensive CCS network, supported by 21.7 billion pounds in government funding. It will enable the decarbonization of sectors such as waste-to-energy, cement manufacturing, and hydrogen production.

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Planning Reforms and International Collaboration

At the same time, the UK Government has announced reforms to energy infrastructure planning to accelerate the deployment of clean energy sources such as solar and wind power, as well as nuclear facilities. Previously, administrative delays and vague guidelines often hindered the progress of renewable energy projects. The new approach removes these obstacles and offers investors greater legal certainty.

In addition to domestic efforts, the UK has also announced an international initiative—the Global Clean Power Alliance. This alliance aims to bring countries together to strengthen global clean energy supply chains.

According to data from 2024, 80 percent of global electricity generation growth came from renewable and nuclear sources, and the UK alone attracted nearly 44 billion pounds in private clean energy investments since July of that year.

Energy portal

Start of Drafting the Law on Protection Against Non-Ionizing Radiation

Foto-ilustracija: Freepik (OpenAI)

The Ministry of Environmental Protection has announced the initiation of the drafting process for the Law on Protection Against Non-Ionizing Radiation, along with the presentation of the Baseline Principles which will serve as the foundation for further development of this legislation.

The Baseline Principles document highlights the existing challenges and issues in the implementation of the current Law on Protection Against Non-Ionizing Radiation. One such issue concerns the inadequate interpretation and application of fundamental principles, such as the principle of prohibition—which stipulates that exposure to non-ionizing radiation is prohibited except under specific circumstances. Additionally, the document points to inconsistent application of legal regulations and environmental impact assessments.

It is emphasized that there is a need to define the format, scope, and content of the expert environmental burden assessment—a document that should include all necessary data and information related to protection from non-ionizing radiation. Another challenge involves the need to improve systematic monitoring of non-ionizing radiation levels in the environment.

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Raising public awareness is also identified as a key priority. The goal is to bring the topic of non-ionizing radiation protection closer to the general public through the presentation of relevant information and results, thereby increasing knowledge and awareness.

The need for stronger cooperation with experts in the field of non-ionizing radiation protection is underlined as essential for enhancing and implementing activities in this area. Moreover, conducting a larger number of joint inspection activities remains a challenge, mainly due to a lack of adequate human resources, in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Inspection Oversight.

Public Consultation and Submission of Comments

The Ministry invites all interested members of the public to submit their written proposals and suggestions regarding the Baseline Principles by May 16, 2025, using the official comment submission form, available [here].

Completed forms should be sent via email to: njzzakon@eko.gov.rs, or by post to:

Ministry of Environmental Protection, Omladinskih brigada St. No. 1, 11070 Belgrade

Subject: Environmental Management Sector – Department for Noise, Vibration, and Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection

The designated consultation coordinator is Natalija Kocić, from the Department for Noise, Vibration, and Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.

For more information, she can be contacted at: +381 11 3131 226.

Energy portal

Montenegro’s 2024 Energy Balance – Hydrological Challenges and Increased Electricity Consumption

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Montenegro’s annual energy balance for 2024 revealed that the country produced less electricity than planned, while consumption increased.

A total of 3,446.6 GWh of electricity was generated, which is 4.4 percent less than projected and nearly 15 percent less compared to 2023. However, the amount of electricity produced was sufficient to meet domestic market needs.

The main factor behind the production decline was an unfavorable hydrological balance – a lack of precipitation and a dry year, which significantly reduced output from hydropower plants. Specifically, the Perućica Hydropower Plant achieved around 93 percent of its planned production, while the Piva HPP was close to its target but still recorded significantly lower results than the previous year. Small hydropower plants generated only 83 percent of the planned amount.

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As for wind power plants, they produced about 89 percent of the planned energy, while solar power plants reached 59 percent of their target. Although solar energy fell short of expectations, it’s worth noting that production from this source more than tripled compared to the previous year, indicating room for further growth.

The Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant delivered the best performance, generating 1,337.84 GWh – about 20 GWh more than planned.

In 2024, electricity consumption in Montenegro rose by approximately six percent above the projected levels.

By the end of the year, the country’s total installed electricity generation capacity stood at 1,090 MW – with hydropower plants accounting for the largest share (705 MW), followed by thermal power plants (225 MW), wind farms (118 MW), and solar power plants (43 MW).

Energy portal

When AI Answers, the Planet Pays: The Truth About Electricity and Water Consumption

We hardly noticed when ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and other AI chatbots snuck into every segment of our lives – from planning family trips to solving complicated work tasks, and even dealing with love problems.

Life has undoubtedly become easier with this sophisticated technology, but if we rely on it too much, the question is whether we’ll manage to preserve our curiosity, creativity, and ability to think independently.

Whether out of fear that artificial intelligence will soon become the dominant form of intelligence, or from a need to maintain some human-like contact with their digital interlocutor, many users feel compelled to thank AI chatbots for their help. While this may seem like a small, charming gesture, it actually comes at a cost. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, recently shared a fact that shook the public: daily thank-yous to ChatGPT have so far cost the company tens of millions of dollars, with the largest part of that expense attributed to electricity and water usage.

The Digital Giant That Consumes Resources

To understand why, we need to look at how AI chatbots work. Every time we ask a question, data is processed on powerful servers housed in massive data centers that consume enormous amounts of electricity. The so-called “training” of a large language model, such as GPT, according to a study from the University of Michigan, can consume up to 1,287 megawatt-hours of electricity – enough to power an average household in the U.S. for 120 years.

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay (Yamu jay)

What’s even more concerning is the use of water. Servers not only require power but must also be intensively cooled – a process that often involves large quantities of water. A study from the University of California, Riverside, shows that an average user who sends 20 to 50 queries to ChatGPT per day indirectly consumes up to half a liter of water. Globally, this amounts to millions of liters every day, and just training the GPT-3 model used about 700,000 liters of water.

In a world where most electricity still comes from fossil fuels, and water is becoming an increasingly precious and scarce resource, these figures can’t be ignored. Perhaps it’s time to think more carefully about when and how we interact with digital assistants.

AI as the Planet’s Ally

But it’s not all bad – artificial intelligence also has a bright, highly useful side, especially when it comes to environmental protection.

Thanks to data analysis, AI enables more precise planning and use of resources across almost all industries. It can also suggest more efficient transportation routes, optimize electricity consumption in buildings and homes, or assist in developing heating and cooling systems that are less harmful to the planet.

AI is also a great teacher – capable of explaining how to properly sort waste, how to make useful things from what we would otherwise throw away, and how to raise environmental awareness in children, adults, and decision-makers alike.

So, the question is not whether we should use AI, but how to do it responsibly. Instead of mindless chatting, we should aim for every interaction to have a purpose, helping to solve specific problems – and save pleasantries like thank-yous for our fellow humans.

Milena Maglovski

Reverse Vending Machines – A Smart Solution for a Clean Future

Photo: TOMRA Collection Srbija i Crna Gora

Plastic waste is one of today’s biggest environmental challenges. Every year, around 500 billion plastic bottles are consumed worldwide, with a significant number ending up in nature instead of being recycled. It is estimated that as much as eight million tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, leading to an alarming forecast – by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the seas, measured by weight.

This is why society must recognize the importance of recycling and the circular economy in reducing waste and preserving valuable resources. Recycling saves energy that would otherwise be spent on extracting and processing raw materials, thereby contributing to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

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How Important is Recycling?

Some materials decompose extremely slowly or almost never. For example, it takes about 500 years for an aluminum can to decompose, but recycling saves up to 90-95 percent of the energy compared to producing aluminum from primary raw materials. PET plastic takes around 100 years to break down, with the most significant problem arising when it ends up in rivers, lakes, and seas. Glass does not decompose in nature. Still, it is fully recyclable and can be reused indefinitely.

It is essential to understand that packaging waste is not useless—it is a valuable resource that can be returned to the system and reused. Instead of ending up in landfills or, even worse, in nature, packaging waste can be recycled and used to produce new products. This reduces the need to exploit natural resources, contributing to environmental protection and the conservation of raw materials for future generations.

Recycling packaging waste also brings significant economic benefits. Materials such as plastic, glass, and aluminum can be reprocessed and used in manufacturing, reducing production costs and energy consumption. The recycling industry also creates new jobs and stimulates the development of a sustainable economy.

TOMRA Collection Serbia and Montenegro

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Power in Every Drop – How Rain Becomes Electricity

Photo-Ilustration: Pixabay (pictures101)

Energy is all around us – in the air, in the waves, and even in the grass beneath our feet. The key question is no longer whether energy exists, but whether we can harness it in the right way.

In search of answers, scientists around the world are tirelessly developing technologies that allow us to extract clean energy from nature. One fascinating breakthrough comes from researchers at the American Chemical Society, who have managed to generate electricity using raindrops.

How does it work? When flowing water drives a turbine, it generates electricity – the basic principle behind hydroelectric power. However, this method requires large volumes of water and complex infrastructure, which limits its use to river flows and larger bodies of water. But what happens when we only have a small amount of water, like rain? This is where an innovative approach comes into play, one that relies on electrical charge separation.

When water flows through a channel with a conductive inner surface, it causes the separation of electrical charges. This phenomenon can be used to generate electricity, but previous attempts were inefficient because the interaction occurred only at the surface of the channel. Scientists tried to solve this by creating micro- and nano-sized channels to increase the surface area. However, water does not flow easily through such tiny openings naturally, and when it is artificially pumped, more energy is used than produced.

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To overcome these challenges, researchers developed a new approach – using larger channels that allow rainwater to flow freely.

They built a simple system: water dripped from a metal needle, forming droplets similar to those that fall during rain. These droplets fell into a vertical, narrow polymer tube, 32 centimeters high and only two millimeters in diameter. When the droplets hit the top of the tube, short water columns were formed, separated by air pockets – a phenomenon known as plug flow. As the water moved down the tube, it came into contact with the inner walls, leading to the separation of electrical charges. The water was then collected in a container at the bottom, and wires placed at the top of the tube and in the container captured the generated electrical energy.

The results were highly encouraging: the system was able to convert over 10 percent of the energy from falling water into electrical energy. Compared to a constant, uninterrupted water flow, this method generated up to 100,000 times more electricity.

Even more impressive – in a second experiment, the team found that using two tubes simultaneously or in sequence doubled the amount of energy produced. When four tubes were used at once, they successfully powered 12 LED lights, which stayed illuminated for 20 seconds continuously.

This technology has the potential to offer a simpler, more affordable, and more sustainable alternative to traditional hydroelectric power. Due to its compact design, it can be easily adapted to urban environments – for instance, installed on rooftops where it would collect rainwater and convert it directly into energy.

Milena Maglovski

Earth Day 2025 – Dedicated to Renewable Energy

Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22nd and represents a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of environmental protection. It was first marked in 1970 in the United States, and it has been officially celebrated in Serbia since 1992.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, and the global theme is “Our Power, Our Planet.” The global organizer of this day, EARTHDAY.ORG (EDO), calls on its billion supporters in 192 countries to unite around renewable energy, aiming to triple global clean electricity production by 2030.

Renewable energy, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps combat climate change. Countries like Iceland, Norway, and Sweden already produce more than half of their electricity from these sources.

EARTHDAY.ORG invites all citizens to get involved – to talk with their neighbors, employers, local and state authorities, and advocate for a faster transition to renewable sources. A wide range of tools is available for education, action, and networking – from organizing events to spreading messages through social media.

A Global Map of Earth Day 2025 Events is available on their website, where users can view nearby initiatives by entering their location. You can view the global map here.

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On the occasion of Earth Day, WWF emphasized the importance of sustainable food production and consumption. The current food production system uses 40 percent of habitable land, causes habitat loss, and emits carbon dioxide, while the Earth cannot regenerate resources at the same pace.

Nataša Kalauz from WWF warns that we must stop buying more than we need and avoid throwing away food, as this contributes to pollution and poverty. By reducing waste, we not only protect the planet but also give the Earth 13 additional days to regenerate its resources.

Sustainable thinking about food can bring long-term benefits for us and our planet.

Energy portal

Circular Economy – A Goal or a Means of Waste Management?

Photo: Pixabay (Franz-W)
Photo: courtesy of Nemanja Stanisavljević

The last two centuries have been characterized by intensive exploitation of natural resources, resulting in significant changes in both natural and anthropogenic material flows. The need for developing and implementing a circular economy has arisen due to the excessive consumption of material goods in modern societies, coupled with waste generation, climate change, and detrimental environmental emissions. The circular economy (CE), serving as a foundation for the economy of the future, promotes responsible behavior towards secondary resources, advocating for environmental preservation while still maintaining the benefits of modern civilization. While these ideas and principles sound inspiring, the question remains: Is it genuinely possible to achieve such a balance, and under what conditions?

August Wilhelm von Hofmann, the first president of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a pioneer of the circular economy, stated in 1848: “In an ideal chemical factory, there is no waste—only products. The better a factory utilizes its waste, the closer it is to its goal—greater profit.” Today, even though the circular economy is recognized as the foundation of sustainable development, we remain far from Hofmann’s ideal. Furthermore, our task is even more complex, as we must optimize individual industrial processes and the entire anthropogenic metabolism, incorporating all economic and industrial sectors, consumers, and households.

A declarative commitment to the principles of the circular economy has become highly attractive—not only for the economy and industry but also for environmental protection. The Circular Economy Development Program of the Republic of Serbia for the period 2022–2024 establishes a legal framework aimed at creating an environment in which resources are used efficiently, environmental pressure is reduced, and economic development continues. The document Roadmap for Circular Economy in Serbia describes the circular economy as an industrial model focused on resource regeneration and waste reduction. The core idea of this approach is that waste does not exist—every waste material has the potential for reuse and must be fully utilized.

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Although this concept encourages a positive transformation of production processes, the question remains: How feasible is this approach in modern societies facing overconsumption (the very foundation of economic growth), increasing product complexity, waste challenges, and infrastructure limitations? It is essential to highlight that reducing environmental pressure while fostering economic development simultaneously remains one of the most significant challenges of contemporary societies!

This very challenge necessitates the definition and positioning of the role of waste management in the modern economy. Although in recent years, waste management goals have not been given much significance or discussed within professional and academic circles in Serbia, they have already been elaborated on in the public sphere. The anthroposphere consumes large quantities of materials, accumulates part of these materials in infrastructure over long periods, and generates significant amounts of waste daily. Efficient waste management is crucial for adequately addressing all outputs of the anthroposphere. These outputs, which may have been produced 10 or even 100 years ago, may contain legacy substances that are either currently unusable or banned due to toxicity or hazardous characteristics, such as mercury, lead, asbestos, cadmium, or brominated flame retardants (BFRs). These substances must be managed to prevent contamination of the circular economy. For this reason, the problem of waste and its management, treatment, disposal, and reuse as a secondary resource cannot and must not be viewed solely in terms of mass; instead, its chemical composition and hazardous substance content must also be considered. In the circular economy, waste containing hazardous substances must be purified (detoxified) before recycling, which is sometimes impossible or extremely costly. Moreover, new consumer products with complex chemical compositions appear every year, some of which may contain newly identified hazardous substances. These substances, together with legacy contaminants, pose a challenge to waste management systems and circular economy concepts.

Nemanja Stanisavljević

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Responsible Waste Management: Key to Sustainable Solar Energy

The management of construction waste in Serbia is regulated by a series of laws and by-laws, with an emphasis on the Law on Waste Management and the Regulation on the Manner and Procedure for Construction and Demolition Waste Management. These documents provide basic criteria and guidelines for the responsible handling of waste generated during construction projects, including the construction of solar power plants, whether they are ground-mounted or rooftop installations. Although solar power plants generate clean megawatts, waste at construction sites is unavoidable. However, CEEFOR, a company with many years of experience in designing solar power plants, also has expertise in developing waste management plans.

These plans are created specifically based on the aforementioned regulations to forecast the types, amounts, and waste disposal methods at an early stage. One of the recent projects undertaken by CEEFOR involved the construction of a 4.1 MW photovoltaic power plant on the ground, with the total energy output being fed into the distribution system. This project required the installation of more than 7,300 solar panels with an individual power of 650 Wp. The company has developed a waste management plan for this project, which requires implementing the measures outlined in the Regulation.

Photo: CEEFOR

These measures primarily focus on the separate collection of different types of waste, classification into categories (hazardous and non-hazardous), determining appropriate spaces for their temporary storage, and regulating the final treatment or disposal through cooperation with licensed operators. During construction, the most significant part of the waste will consist of wooden pallets, reels, and accompanying wood materials used for transporting, storing, and installing solar panels, inverters, and cables. Estimates for this project predicted about four tons of wood waste. In comparison, the other sources of waste will be plastic materials, about 0.005 tons (five kilograms), packaging films, protective covers, and other various elements.

A waste management plan was drawn up on the construction site, ensuring that wooden waste is stored in metal containers with a capacity of 10 m³. In comparison, plastic waste is disposed of in separate containers with a capacity of 1.1 m³. Thanks to such a system, materials suitable for recycling or reuse are not mixed with other types of waste or referred to landfills. In practice, wooden pallets that remain intact are returned to manufacturers or distributed to suppliers for subsequent transport processes.

In contrast, damaged ones are usually forwarded to recycling centers, where the wood mass is ground and prepared for secondary use in chipboards, boards, or biofuel. When it comes to plastic, it is treated by washing, sorting, and granulation, after which it becomes suitable for producing new products, which achieves multiple benefits for the economy and the environment. The authorized operator further monitors the dynamics of container filling, the time of removal, and the location where further treatment is performed.

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Roof-mounted Power Plant

Example Another project that was taken as an example of the waste management strategy concerns the construction of a solar power plant on the roof of the building with a total power of 120 kW. Although the capacity and scope of work are smaller than in the previous example, the basic principles of responsible waste management that the CEEFOR company adhered to remain the same.

The power plant consists of 312 solar panels with an individual power of 410 Wp. In this case, recording types of waste, determination of space for temporary storage, labeling, and safe transportation are also applied. The specificity of this project lies in the fact that the roof did not provide a large manipulation area. As a result, waste is collected in smaller containers, which, when filled, are transported to a separate location within the warehouse.

Photo: CEEFOR

The types of waste generated by this solar power plant project include approximately 0.8 tons of wooden pallets and reels, about one kilogram of plastic waste, around 0.5 kilograms of copper, bronze, and brass, five kilograms of aluminum, 0.5 kilograms of mixed metals, and one kilogram of cables. Due to the relatively small quantities of certain materials, metal waste, and cables are most often collected in one container designated for mixed metals, with clear markings to ensure proper selection. Plastic is disposed of separately in its container, while wood waste is placed on a surface protected from precipitation, as in the previous example. After the installation is complete, the operator takes the waste and transports it to the facilities, where recycling, energy recovery, or, in the worst case, disposed of if some materials are not suitable for reuse.

Regardless of the type and capacity of solar power plants, both CEEFOR projects share a common feature: the critical importance of planning and implementing efficient waste management strategies from the outset of construction. This approach ensures that waste is disposed of responsibly, preventing uncontrolled disposal that could result in illegal landfills and significant environmental damage. CEEFOR adheres to the principles of sustainable development and continuously improves its practices and expertise in the areas where it achieves the best results.

Prepared by Milica Vučković

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Is Green Steel the Next Step Toward a Climate-Neutral Truck?

Photo: Volvo

Steel makes up 47 percent of a typical diesel-powered truck, the so-called heavy truck, and is responsible for about 44 percent of the CO2 emissions generated during its production. But what if all this steel could be replaced with a low-CO2 emission alternative?

In 2025, Volvo Trucks will begin massively incorporating low-CO2 emission steel into its commercial production. This marks a significant step forward toward its goal of achieving a net-zero emissions supply chain by 2040.

The new low-CO2 emission steel is produced using recycled materials and renewable energy, which reduces emissions by about 80 percent compared to standard steel.

Starting next year, this new lowCO2 steel will be used for rail frames in approximately 12,000 Volvo FH and Volvo FM trucks, which is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by around 6,600 tons. That is equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions produced by 910 European residents.

Why Low-CO2 Emission Steel Is a Key Factor in Producing Net-Zero Emission Trucks

If Volvo Trucks aims to fulfill its environmental ambitions, including a net-zero emissions supply chain, it is crucial to use an alternative to standard steel with low CO2 emissions.

– Since steel is the largest structural material in a truck and its production has the most significant environmental impact, the ability to use a low-CO2 alternative in mass production is genuinely essential for meeting our environmental ambitions, says Håkan Björklund, Product Architect at Volvo Trucks.

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In 2022, Volvo Trucks became the first truck manufacturer in the world to use fossil-free steel. This steel is produced using a new technology that involves hydrogen instead of coal in the iron reduction process, effectively eliminating all CO2 emissions. However, this technology is still developing and is not yet commercially available in large quantities. In the meantime, Volvo Trucks is exploring ways to use recycled steel to reduce the carbon footprint of its trucks today.

Now that low-CO2 steel is better understood, the next step is to replace steel in different parts of the truck— and that plan is already underway.

How Low-CO2 Emission Steel Could Shape the Future of Truck Transport

Photo: Volvo

Before it could incorporate new lowCO2 steel into production, Volvo Trucks had to test and verify its quality.

– From a technological perspective, we need to understand steel better. Due to its recycled content, there are some differences in its properties. That’s why we had to ensure that it could pass all our internal durability and surface treatment tests and that its characteristics were equal to those of conventional steel. Only then did we decide to start using it in production, explains Harsha A.R., Chief Engineer at Volvo Trucks.

As this is a recently developed product, the available quantities of new steel are still relatively small. However, as the supplier ramps up production for all steel grades, Volvo Trucks hopes to increase its use to replace standard steel consumption.

– Our strategy was to start with one type of steel of a specific thickness in a pilot project, but the plan has always been to expand this practice if the outcome is successful. Now that we have a better understanding of this steel and have tested it, the next step is to apply it to different steel grades and thicknesses and replace steel in various truck sections. That plan is already in preparation, says Harsha.

The successful adoption of lowCO2 emission steel eliminates one of the biggest obstacles to producing net-zero emission heavy trucks. By integrating this innovative material, Volvo Trucks is making a significant step forward in achieving its environmental goals.

Volvo Trucks

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Human Health is Directly Dependent on the Health of Nature

Photo: WWF

Atypical cancers, endocrine disorders, neurological impairments, allergies, and vector-borne diseases are a common denominator, whether we are talking about climate change or excessive plastic pollution as their cause. The ability of the system to function is repeatedly proven when a crisis occurs, yet what is missing is mitigation and adaptation to climate change, along with a systematic approach to prevention and treatment once the crisis has passed. These were the key conclusions of the second WWF Environmental Policy Forum, Impact on People and Health.

„There is ample evidence that climate disruptions have led to an increase in diseases that were previously considered atypical for our region. A concrete example is West Nile fever or allergies, which nearly 50 percent of the population now reports experiencing symptoms of. We feel these effects every day. The range of causes extends from heat waves (which are responsible for the immediate deaths of 70,000 people), through droughts and floods, to the emergence of viruses we are encountering for the first time”, stated Dunja Macoko Drvar, Director of the Nature Conservation Program at WWF Adria.

Photo: WWF

Milanko Šekler, scientific advisor at the Veterinary Specialist Institute in Kraljevo, explained that viruses primarily spread through insects and birds, their most frequent targets. He emphasized that any climate deviation of even +0.1 degrees Celsius results in an expansion of insect populations by approximately 150 kilometers north and south of the measurement point. Maja Vučković Krčmar from the Delegation of the European Union followed up with data from the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting the alarming increase in lung cancer cases among non-smokers (with as many as 200,000 cases recorded), as well as a 15 percent rise in cardiovascular diseases in 2023.

„Through our actions or inaction, humans will push themselves to the brink of survival, while nature will endure”, emphasized Vučković Krčmar.

IN FOCUS:

To Sustain Healthcare Systems, Investments, and Workforce Retention Are Crucial

To ensure the survival of healthcare systems, we must invest more in healthcare, work on motivating healthcare professionals to remain in the country and follow the recommendations of recognized experts. According to Igor Jezdimirović from the Association of Environmental Protection Engineers, of the 1.25 kg of waste we produce daily, 0.2 kg is plastic, which ends up in sanitary or non-sanitary landfills. The lack of deposit and recycling systems, as well as the unwillingness to enforce existing regulations, has led to a general reluctance to address the issue of waste management.

Once plastic breaks down into micro and nanoparticles, it primarily ends up in the water, from where it enters the bodies of humans, plants, and animals. Senior Research Associate Maja Raković noted that the Institute for Biological Research Siniša Stanković maintains a relational database on river pollution in the Danube basin, which is updated daily with precise data. This database could serve as a foundation for further research on the impact of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems and human health. Large quantities of plastic are present in 63 percent of everyday products, with its proportion ranging from 15 percent to 50 percent.

„The most common way humans are exposed to harmful plastic substances is through skin contact (via clothing, cosmetics, and hygiene products containing these particles). Long-term exposure, even at low intensity, is key to understanding how these substances accumulate in the human body”, warned Branislava Matić from the Institute of Public Health of Serbia Dr Milan Jovanović Batut.

Foto: WWF

Another major water-related issue caused by climate change is water blooming, which leads to the proliferation of cyanobacteria. Without first acknowledging that nearly all surface waters are affected by this issue, followed by proper and continuous monitoring and ultimately timely interventions by public water treatment companies, disruptions in water supply systems become inevitable. The most recent incident occurred in Užice, but this case also demonstrated how a crisis led to the redefinition of operational processes to prevent similar situations in the future. Marija Simić Savić from the association Ekomar emphasized that it is crucial to encourage all authorities responsible for water management to conduct regular and proper monitoring to ensure an uninterrupted water supply and prevent potential crises.

„Environmental issues are the greatest generational battle. I urge all actors, both institutional and non-institutional, not to lose enthusiasm and to continue upholding the principles of networking, to which forums like this significantly contribute”, stated Mihailo Vesović, Director of the Sector for Strategic Analysis, Services, and Internationalization at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, during the opening of the Forum.

The WWF Environmental Policy Forum was organized at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and implemented as part of the Safe Nature and Climate project, which was financially supported by the European Commission. The project’s goal is to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations in Serbia that focus on environmental protection and climate change.

WWF

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Summer Vacation 2025 – Would You Consider Traveling to Space for 55 Million Dollars?

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik AI)

There are just under two months left until the start of what is, for many, the most beloved season – summer. Have you already chosen your vacation destination for this year? If not, allow me to present a rather unusual one – space. Let me share a more specific offer. A commercial space company is offering a short flight at an altitude of about 100 kilometers, to the internationally recognized boundary of space, known as the Kármán line. The price for this journey is a modest 250,000 dollars per person, but if you’re lucky, you might snag a last-minute deal with a discount.

If you’re interested in a more exclusive adventure, a trip to the International Space Station (ISS) is highly recommended. This is a longer journey, at an altitude of around 400 kilometers, and the price tag is 55 million dollars.

If you choose to go with a more accessible and familiar destination this year, I completely understand and support you – I’ve made a similar choice myself. However, while we await our vacations, new adventures, and memories to be made, let’s take a moment to explore space tourism. Who knows, it might one day become our travel destination of choice.

When Did Space Tourism Begin?

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik AI)

It’s been quite some time since space tourism was confined to the realm of science fiction. The first private citizen to travel into space was American businessman Dennis Tito, who began his journey on April 30, 2001. Although NASA was skeptical, Russia made his flight possible via the Soyuz rocket, which reached the International Space Station. Subsequent trips took place in 2002, 2005, and 2006.

The commercialization of space tourism is supported by the ambitious plans of several companies, which are announcing the development of suborbital spacecraft – vehicles that allow passengers to experience a brief time in space without entering orbit around Earth. There are also plans to build orbital cities – space stations that could function as hotels, research centers, or even long-term residences, constantly circling our planet.

Although space tourism has the potential to become a profitable new industry, there are challenges to its full realization, such as passenger safety and the development of reliable, reusable launch technology.

The Challenge – Negative Environmental Impact

This topic certainly offers plenty of fascinating angles to explore, but what remains most important in my view is – its environmental impact.

Research I’ve come across shows that rockets release large amounts of water vapor into the upper layers of the atmosphere, which can contribute to warming, especially because these layers naturally contain very little moisture. In addition, rocket exhaust gases convert nitrogen into nitrogen oxides – powerful greenhouse gases that remain in the stratosphere and mesosphere for extended periods. The climate effects of these gases are still not fully understood. Interestingly, some scientists jokingly refer to these high altitudes as the “ignorosphere,” pointing out our limited understanding of pollution consequences at these levels.

A particular challenge is the black carbon (soot) left behind by rockets. Although it makes up a small portion of total emissions, it can remain in the stratosphere for up to four years. Its negative impact lies in absorbing sunlight and releasing it as heat, further warming the air.

Currently, rocket traffic produces about two percent of the emissions of the aviation industry. However, the rapid development of space tourism could significantly increase that percentage and its climate impact. Moreover, studies indicate that black soot could slow air circulation and damage the ozone layer, which has only recently started to recover.

That’s why space tourism, although young and full of potential, must invest in sustainability. Journeys to the stars must not outshine the most important star of all – our planet Earth, which remains the only true home we have.

Katarina Vuinac

Bulgaria Announces New Oil and Gas Exploration in the Black Sea

Photo-Ilustration: Pixabay (catmoz)

At a ceremony held at the Council of Ministers, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov signed an agreement for the exploration and search for oil and natural gas in Block 1-26 Han Tervel. On this occasion, the Prime Minister emphasized that Bulgaria is positioning itself among the countries actively developing the untapped natural potential of the Black Sea seabed.

He added that this exploration effort contributes to both national and European energy security, as well as to the diversification of energy sources.

The exploration will involve the application of cutting-edge technologies, including supercomputers and artificial intelligence. The Prime Minister noted that Shell’s involvement in the project indicates the tremendous potential for the development of Bulgaria’s own energy reserves.

Zhecho Stankov, Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy, stated that these exploration efforts in the Black Sea represent another important step toward unlocking the country’s domestic exploitation potential.

More:

The Minister emphasized that this will contribute to achieving the country’s energy independence—one of the government’s key priorities—and added that a direct benefit for Bulgarian citizens would be that, in the event of discovery, up to 30 percent of the revenue would remain with the state through concession fees.

Shell stated that their priority is to carry out operations safely and in full compliance with Bulgarian legislation.

„Shell Exploration & Production’s work program includes comprehensive geological and geophysical activities, including new 3D seismic surveys, seismic data processing and interpretation, area potential assessment, and other activities”, according to the website of the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy.

Through financial support, Shell will also provide educational programs to offer additional training for Bulgarian experts in oil and natural gas exploration and production.

Energy portal

Four Solar Power Plants in Prnjavor For New Green Kilowatts

Photo: MT-KOMEX BH

Soon, new kilowatts of green energy will begin to be produced in the town of Prnjavor, where preparatory works are underway for the construction of four solar power plants on the ground. The winter months were used to carry out earthworks – marking the terrain, digging and laying cables, and the progress of the works is going according to plan.

Photo: MT-KOMEX BH

Power plants Prosjek 1, Prosjek 2, Prosjek 3, and Prosjek 4 each have a capacity of 149.26 kWp and will occupy a total area of around 13,500 square meters. They are being constructed in the town of Prnjavor in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the investor is Solo Verde. z

The locations of the power plants are easily accessible via the local access road, and the well-developed power infrastructure in this area enables efficient connection to the grid. The new plants are planned to be connected to the medium-voltage grid via a dedicated transformer station, ensuring a stable supply and maximum utilization of solar energy.

Solar panels from AIKO Solar and inverter systems from Huawei will be used for the construction of solar power plants, and other equipment will come from world-famous brands that guarantee long-term use and stable electricity production. The panels will be placed on an aluminum and steel structure oriented towards the south at a tilt angle of 28 degrees. The project envisages a basic primary steel structure driven into the ground.

IN FOCUS:

Each of the power plants consists of 234 panels with a power of 640 Wp and three inverters with a power of 50 kW. The construction of Prosjek 1, Prosjek 2, Prosjek 3, and Prosjek 4 solar power plants was entrusted to the company MT-KOMEX BH, a renowned leader in renewable energy sources. With years of experience, the company’s team of skilled engineers and installers applies state-ofthe-art technical solutions to ensure maximum efficiency and long-term reliability of the system.

– The terrain where the solar power plants are being built is challenging as it is inclined towards the north, which is not ideal for the installation of solar panels. However, after a detailed analysis, the optimal panel tilt angle and the distance between the rows were determined so that they would not be shaded, which can cause reduced production. Based on the above, the layout of the solar power plants was designed to ensure the best utilization of the plot – said Bojan Lazić, the project engineer.

Photo: MT-KOMEX BH

Thanks to the expertise and dedication of MT-KOMEX BH, the investor has been able to optimally use the potential of this location with top-notch implementation of all project segments – from design and preparatory works to final installation and grid connection.

According to the data, the average annual electricity production per solar power plant, accounting for losses, is 211,897 kWh. The estimated annual production of solar power plants was obtained using software packages.

With the completion of these projects, Bosnia and Herzegovina will receive new kilowatts of green energy. Energy from renewable sources enables economic growth, improves the quality of life, and contributes to the fight against climate change. One of the main advantages of solar power plants is their ability to reduce the emission of harmful gases because they do not use fossil fuels to operate. The installation of solar panels is becoming increasingly affordable, and their performance continues to improve, contributing to global efforts to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources.

Prepared by Jasna Dragojević

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

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