The New Era of Artificial Intelligence – and What it Means for the Data Center Segment

23.05.2024

GettyImages-1159763203 — Photo: Schneider Electric

Artificial intelligence is currently the most potent force transforming how we process, analyze, and use data. Predictions say that the artificial intelligence market will reach a whopping $407 billion by 2027. We are talking about an expected annual growth rate of around 37 per cent until 2030. Our interlocutor, Jelena Pejković, Sales Director of Secure Power at Schneider Electric, points out that it is crucial to understand that we are not only talking about generative AI here; this technology will revolutionize numerous industries.

Q: What is artificial intelligence?

A: Artificial intelligence is much more than ChatGPT and similar Generative AI applications intended for the broadest audience. AI already has applications in industry, medicine, education, science, autonomous driving systems, and many other fields. Its exponential growth brings along challenges, such as a lack of new locations and new mega data centers that require large amounts of energy and, therefore, will be responsible for a higher percentage of CO2 emissions, which brings us to the question of sustainability. However, the answer to sustainability challenges is digital transformation, of which AI is an integral part, so this must not be an obstacle in their construction because it would slow it down significantly.

This story is fascinating, like the eternal dilemma – which came first, the chicken or the egg. Honestly, I’m thrilled that I’m dealing with this segment right now when this topic is hot. Perhaps it is easiest to start with Generative AI because everyone has already encountered it. Whether talking about Chat GPT or Microsoft Copilot, as many as 97 per cent of company managers already see the benefits of using AI in their daily business, generating reports and presentations, translating information, developing websites, etc. Still, this peak in the adoption of new technology will undoubtedly require more significant investments in infrastructure.

In Serbia, the topic of renewable energy sources, solar power plants and wind farms is topical. Here, AI algorithms also play a crucial role in optimizing energy distribution through the network in real-time. These algorithms continuously analyze data from the grid and adjust the flow of electricity to meet demand while at the same time ensuring the stability and efficiency of the entire grid. With these two examples, I want to illustrate how broad the field of AI application is.

IN FOCUS:

Q: How can we meet the demands of this new world driven by artificial intelligence?

A: Data centers represent the critical infrastructure that supports the artificial intelligence ecosystem. Here, it is perhaps important to emphasize, without going deeply into the topic, that we distinguish training and inference models. So, there are data centers where training clusters are located, where training or model training is carried out, and data centers where AI applications are located that we, as users, use for decision-making.

However, whether we are talking about large clusters for training or smaller edge servers that run applications, artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly large percentage in the data centers themselves, and this is currently affecting a significant increase in consumption per river, i.e. density. These new, significantly increased densities further influence the design and management of data centers. Here, we talk about four key AI attributes and the latest trends that answer the challenges of the physical infrastructure of data centers: power supply, cooling, placement in racks, and management software.

Perhaps a more significant issue than the increase in energy consumption is its more efficient use. Schneider Electric offers numerous solutions and continues developing new ones independently and with numerous partners, such as the recently announced cooperation with NVIDIA.

Q: How can we provide the necessary electricity for Al?

A: Regulatory requirements are strict, but despite that, Internet giants are leading the way when it comes to sustainability and corporate social responsibility goals, pushing the entire industry forward. The world’s leading data center operators largely purchase energy from green sources, introduce a circular approach to energy use, hand over waste heat to heating plants in local communities, limit water use, and recycle.

Although artificial intelligence requires large amounts of energy, data analytics based on AI algorithms can help data centers move closer to net zero and address sustainability issues. So, AI is both a challenge and a solution.

Interestingly, 1,287 MWh of electricity was consumed to create GPT3, and 552 tons of CO2 were produced, equivalent to the emissions that 123 gasoline vehicles would produce in one year of driving.

Q: How can we meet the increasing demand for AI power while minimizing the impact on the planet?

A: Data centers are constantly evolving to adapt to the demands of AI. Improving power distribution systems and energy efficiency within the data center helps minimize losses and deliver power to servers most efficiently. Operators are focusing on more energy-efficient hardware and software and diversifying power sources. Advanced power distribution units, intelligent management, high-efficiency power systems, and renewable energy sources enable data centers to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. However, the extreme densities of AI servers lead to challenges related to cooling methods.

The transition from air to liquid cooling is imperative, primarily from a sustainability perspective. Liquid, Direct-to-Chip cooling, where coolant is circulated through servers to absorb heat, is rapidly gaining popularity. The advantages are numerous: from increasing the reliability and performance of the processor, saving space, increasing energy efficiency, improving the PUE coefficient, and reducing water use.

Data center operators can also use automation based on AI algorithms, analytics, and machine learning to find new opportunities to increase efficiency and decarbonize. By using data insights more effectively, we can drive new, more sustainable behaviors.

Here, I am primarily referring to DCIM, EPMS, BMS, and similar applications that reduce the risk of unexpected behavior and provide a digital replica of the System, which makes decisions easier.

One example is Equinix, which improved the energy efficiency of its data center by nine per cent using AI-based cooling. The company reduced energy consumption by regulating the cooling system more efficiently.

So, it is clear that AI applications are leading to a significant increase in electricity consumption in data centers at a time when they need to become more sustainable. However, AI simultaneously provides us with intelligence, with the help of which we will manage those same data centers more thoughtfully.

To conclude, by combining quality and efficient equipment with the contributions made by a monitoring system based on AI algorithms, data center owners, operators, and users can respond more efficiently to the demands of high-density AI clusters without risking energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.

Schneider Electric

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine NATURE CONSERVATION

Is it Possible to Combine the Chemical Industry and Circular Economy?

23.05.2024

hemija vodonik — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The chemical industry is an important segment of the global economy because it employs more than 15 million people worldwide and has global annual revenues of 5.7 trillion dollars, according to data from the Planet Tracker analytical centre.

We could hardly imagine life without a wide range of chemical products that we use daily, whose production requires fossil fuels, water, minerals, metals, and other resources.

However, this sector is experiencing increasing pressure to make its practices sustainable as the chemical industry is one of the biggest emitters of carbon dioxide and one of the biggest environmental polluters.

Consumers are increasingly demanding products that do not harm the environment or human health, while governments are introducing stricter regulations aimed at decarbonizing the chemical industry.

Many companies have turned to renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint. Still, the question remains: how can we introduce the use of sustainable raw materials to produce chemicals?

Scientists from Griffith University in Australia are one step closer to a solution that will transform the polluting chemical industry into a sustainable one, using catalysts and waste resources.

Professor Karen Wilson explains that catalysis has historically played a key role in transforming fossil resources into basic fuels and products, creating an opportunity for a revolution in the chemical industry.

Scientists are looking for catalytic processes that will allow them to harness sustainable resources like organic waste, hoping to move the chemical industry from a linear to a circular economy.

“Catalytic processes could minimize reliance on limited fossil fuels and significantly curb CO2 emissions by using agricultural, municipal and plastic waste as feedstock”, said Professor Adam Lee.

In 2022, the industry emitted 935 million tons of CO2 while producing primary chemicals, which led to significant water pollution and the release of toxic chemicals into the environment.

The transition to environmentally friendly raw materials mitigates environmental damage and solves problems that can arise in the supply chain of raw materials, which can lead to geopolitical and natural disturbances, say the authors of the study published in OneEarth magazine.

Milena Maglovski

Procredit Bank – the New Face of Digitization

22.05.2024

Most banks worldwide are digitizing banking services, and the challenges that their clients have to face are identical – changing their habits and accepting that digital banking brings multiple benefits. Thanks to online banking, bank clients have access to their accounts and transactions at any time of the day, from the comfort of their homes, without having to go to the bank in person.

Digitized banking processes are significantly faster than traditional ones, so time savings are enormous, while advanced technologies are built on high-security standards. The green context of online banking is particularly significant: the use of paper is significantly reduced, thus saving trees, the emission of carbon dioxide is reduced because clients do not have to come to the bank in person, and all banking processes are faster and more efficient, which reduces energy consumption.

We spoke with Nemanja Tomić, a member of the Executive Board of ProCredit Bank, the first 100% online bank in our country, about digitization in banking and what we can expect as the next development stage of banking services begins.

“ProCredit is the first bank to recognize the numerous benefits of digitizing banking processes for all client categories. Hence, it was one of the first banks in the country to digitize its operations and open 24/7 Zones where clients can do all types of transactions independently, 24 hours a day. This was a big change for our clients and a serious challenge for our business, but when you dare to go down the digitization path, you very quickly prove to yourself and your clients that both of us are at a huge advantage. People really like the fact that they can open an account, start saving, and get a loan online without having to go to the bank in person. We save time, energy, and other resources and reduce pollution as everything is done faster and safer. The development of banking processes with the help of digitization has to align with the bank’s business strategy, annual plans and client target groups. Until last year, ProCredit Bank was the No. 1 bank for small and medium-sized enterprises, and the urban part of the population was already used to digital devices and online processes. As of this year, ProCredit Bank is opening up even more to doing business with individual clients, as we can offer them truly competitive products and conditions. Such goals imply a double upgrade of digital processes“, Mr Tomić explains.

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In 2024, ProCredit Bank’s services will remain digital while the bank continues to invest in its performance to make it even more efficient and simple. Earlier this year, the bank launched a new m-banking application and continues to innovate.

As Mr Tomić points out, in 2024, ProCredit will be recognized for its improved quality of communication with clients.

“Through face-to-face communication in our branches, we will now draw even closer to our clients. As of this year, advisors will again be available in our branches to answer all your questions and doubts and provide any type of assistance. The banking processes remain exclusively digital, and the advisors, as a ‘humane upgrade’ of digitization, will boost the quality of all retail banking services. By talking to people face-to-face, which includes assisting clients on the spot, we are confident that we will transform into a completely tailor-made bank to all population segments“, he adds.

ProCredit Bank says that its business is already quite simple and fast. It doesn’t ask unnecessary questions, saves clients time and other resources, is competitive with its offers, and will build a more intimate contact with clients through advisors in the bank’s branches.

“If you ask me about the next step in digitizing financial services, it is exactly this – a human moment. I am confident that this concept provides a full set of modern banking, which our clients deserve“, concludes Mr Tomić.

ProCredit Bank

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE AND FINANCING OF GREEN CONSTRUCTION

Sharp Declines in Critical Mineral Prices Mask Risks of Future Supply Strains as Energy Transitions Advance

22.05.2024

minerali — Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Nicolas J Leclercq)

Pressure eased in 2023 on the market for minerals that go into electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels and other clean energy technologies, as supply outpaced surging demand. But a new report from the International Energy Agency finds that major additional investments are still needed to meet the world’s energy and climate objectives.

The Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2024, published today, updates the IEA’s inaugural review of the market last year while also offering new medium- and long-term outlooks for the supply and demand of important energy transition minerals, such as lithium, copper, nickel, cobalt, graphite and rare earth elements.

Following two years of dramatic increases, the prices of critical minerals fell sharply in 2023, returning to levels last seen before the pandemic. Materials used to make batteries saw particularly significant decreases, with the price of lithium dropping by 75 percent and the prices of cobalt, nickel and graphite falling by between 30 percent and 45 percent – helping drive battery prices 14 percent lower. With demand growth remaining robust, these declines were mostly driven by a strong increase in global supply – helping to offset the steep price rises in 2021 and 2022.

The report finds that while lower prices for critical minerals in the past year have been good news for consumers and affordability, they have also provided a headwind for new investment. In 2023, investment in critical minerals mining grew by 10 percent and exploration spending rose by 15 percent – still healthy, but slower than in 2022.

Today’s well-supplied market may not be a good guide for the future, with the Outlook noting that demand for critical minerals continues to grow strongly in all IEA scenarios, driven by the deployment of clean energy technologies. Today’s combined market size of key energy transition minerals is set to more than double to 770 billion dollars by 2040 in a pathway to net zero emissions by mid-century.

Detailed project-by-project analysis suggests that announced projects are sufficient to meet only 70 percent of copper and 50 percent of lithium requirements in 2035 in a scenario in which countries worldwide meet their national climate goals. Markets for other minerals look more balanced – if projects come through as scheduled. However, announced projects do not change the high geographical concentration of supply, and China is projected to retain a very strong position in the refining and processing sector.

“Secure and sustainable access to critical minerals is essential for smooth and affordable clean energy transitions. The world’s appetite for technologies such as solar panels, electric cars and batteries is growing fast – but we cannot satisfy it without reliable and expanding supplies of critical minerals,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. “The recent critical mineral investment boom has been encouraging, and the world is in a better position now than it was a few years ago, when we first flagged this issue in our landmark 2021 report on the subject. But this new IEA analysis highlights that there is still much to do to ensure resilient and diversified supply.”

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Shane McLendon)

The latest Outlook features a first-of-its-kind risk assessment for selected energy transition minerals, scrutinising four key dimensions: supply risks, geopolitical risks, barriers to responding to supply disruptions, and exposure to environmental, social and governance (ESG) and climate risks. Lithium and copper are the most vulnerable to supply and volume risks, while graphite, cobalt, rare earths and nickel face more substantial geopolitical risks. For graphite in particular, today’s project pipeline indicates that the available supply outside of the dominant player meets only 10 percent of the requirements in 2030, making announced diversification goals highly challenging to achieve. Most minerals are exposed to high environmental risks.

Stepping up efforts to recycle, innovate and encourage behavioural change is vital to ease potential strains on supply. Some 800 billion dollars of investment in mining is required between now and 2040 to get on track for a 1.5 °C scenario. Without the strong uptake of recycling and reuse, mining capital requirements would need to be one-third higher.

The report finds that the industry is making progress on worker safety, gender balance, community investment and using renewable energy for mineral production. However, the same cannot be said for reducing waste generation, greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption – suggesting ample scope for improvement.

The latest Outlook is accompanied by an updated version of the IEA’s Critical Minerals Data Explorer, an interactive online tool that allows users to explore the latest projections. Both form part of the Agency’s expanding work on critical minerals, as requested by governments. The IEA recently hosted a Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Summit at its headquarters in Paris and is also working on a new voluntary Critical Minerals Security Programme that was launched at the IEA Ministerial Meeting in February 2024.

Source: IEA

Two Years of REPowerEU: Strengthening Europe’s Energy Resilience

21.05.2024

solarni-paneli-radnik — Photo-illustration: Freepik (senivpetro)

In May 2022, the European Commission launched the REPowerEU Plan in response to war in Ukraine and its use of energy resources as an economic weapon. The Plan’s main objectives were to save energy, diversify energy supplies, and produce more clean energy for the EU.

Two years on, it is clear that REPowerEU has played a crucial role in safeguarding EU citizens and businesses from energy shortages, while also providing vital support to Ukraine. Through joint efforts, Europe has not only made a massive cut in Russian energy imports but has also accelerated its transition to clean energy and stabilised prices.

Key achievements:

Reducing natural gas consumption by 18 per cent between August 2022 and March 2024

Overcoming our dependency on Russian fossil fuels – the share of gas imports coming from Russia dropped from 45 per cent to 15 per cent between 2021 and 2023

Ensuring access to secure and affordable energy

Producing more electricity from wind and solar than from gas for the first time, since 2022

Rapidly increasing renewable energy installation – reaching a record of almost 96 GW of new solar energy capacity installed and increasing wind capacity by 33 GW since 2022

As we move forward, it is evident that Europe is now stronger and more united than ever before. The Commission has mobilised close to 300 billion euros to fund the REPowerEU Plan with the Recovery and Resilience Facility at the heart of this funding. The EU is now on track to completely eliminate its reliance on Russian fossil fuels while continuing to advance the green transition and supporting Ukraine.

Source: Energy Commission

First Regional E-waste Project in Latin America Comes to a Xlose

21.05.2024

recycling-recikliranje-ee-otpad — Foto ilustracija: Pixabay

Representatives from across Latin America will gather this week to share their experiences of participating in UNIDO’s first-ever regional project on e-waste management.

Since its launch in Quito in March 2018, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded project has assisted 13 countries with tackling e-waste challenges in the region. From strengthening national e-waste management initiatives, to upgrading e-waste dismantling and recycling facilities, the project has enhanced regional cooperation and generated important data for decision making in this area.

Tools developed under the project include a guide for the media on communicating on e-waste and the Regional E-Waste Monitor for Latin-America report. Produced by the Sustainable Cycles (SCYCLE) Programme, this report offers the UN’s first assessment of the region’s e-waste generation, its legislation and its recycling infrastructure.

In 2022, 62 million tons of e-waste was generated globally, with around 22 per cent documented as formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner, versus just tree per cent in the 13 project countries. Given the complexities around handling e-waste and the potential health and environmental risks posed by its improper disposal, this represents a serious risk for the region.

From 21-23 May, technical and political representatives from participating countries will meet with international experts in Panama City to showcase their achievements, innovations, and lessons learnt in managing harmful Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in electrical and electronic waste.

Strong policies and legal frameworks are essential for the success of interventions in this area. Under the project, existing regulations have been improved, and new regulations have been developed in nine of the participating countries.

Further, over 200 awareness-raising activities have been carried out, reaching around 15,000 people, with strong participation from the academic sector through the involvement of universities in Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama and Venezuela. Almost 5,000 people have received training and around 700,000 pieces of electronic and electrical equipment have been analysed, with over 230 metric tons of equipment sent for environmentally sound management.

Source: UNIDO

Can Heavy Industry Rely on Solar Energy?

20.05.2024

industrija — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Ant Rozetsky)

The decarbonization of heavy industry is one of the biggest challenges in fighting climate change because this sector consumes huge amounts of energy. For this reason, the use of fossil fuels is still the most cost-effective.

The industrial sector is responsible for a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new materials and processes that will be environmentally acceptable and, at the same time, economically competitive with coal, say experts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Swiss researchers discovered a new environmentally friendly source of thermal energy for heavy industry. Solar energy can generate over 1,000°C, which is necessary for steel melting, cement production, and other uses.

Emiliano Casati, head of research at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, says their concept uses synthetic quartz to capture solar energy, a process known as the thermal capture effect.

Researchers have built solar receivers that concentrate and generate heat using thousands of mirrors to track the sun. The thermal capture device consists of a synthetic quartz rod to which an opaque silicon disc is attached as an energy absorber. When they exposed the device to an energy flux equivalent to the light from 136 suns, the absorber plate reached the temperature of 1,050°C, while the temperature at the other end of the quartz rod remained at 600°C.

“Previous research only managed to show the thermal trap effect up to 170°C. Our research has demonstrated that solar thermal capture works not only at low temperatures but well above 1,000°C. This is crucial to demonstrate its potential for real-world industrial applications,” said Mr Casati.

He added that we needed to decarbonize energy in general to tackle climate change.

“People tend to only think of electricity as energy, but in fact, about half of the energy is used in the form of heat”, he added.

A study on this concept was published in the journal Device to demonstrate the potential of clean energy in fossil fuel-intensive industries.

Milena Maglovski

India is the Third Country in the World in Terms of Solar Energy Production

20.05.2024

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Mark Merner)

According to the latest global electricity survey of 80 countries published by the Ember think tank, India now occupies third place in the world regarding solar power generation, behind China in first place and the United States in second place.

In 2023, solar growth in India accounted for as much as 5.9 per cent of global solar growth.

The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) has published a report on new energy capacity in India for the first quarter of 2024. According to the POWERup report, India added a record 13,669 megawatts to its energy mix from January to March this year, and renewable energy sources accounted for as much as 71.5 per cent of all new capacity.

Solar projects dominated among renewable energy sources with 62.1 per cent of new energy capacities, i.e. 8495 MW.

Wind energy accounted for 8.4 per cent of added capacity in the first quarter of 2024, while the country also expanded its nuclear capacity by 700 MW.

Investments in renewable energy sources decreased by 58.9 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2023. Still, the Indian government has confirmed that the RES sector will attract investments worth about 16.5 billion dollars.

India intends to add 40.7 GW of new renewable or nuclear power to its energy mix each year to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030.

In 2023, India relied on fossil fuels to produce 78 per cent of its electricity, ranking as the world’s third-largest emitter in the energy sector. However, its per capita emissions were below the global average.

Although coal capacity also increased in the first quarter of 2024, the overall share of coal in India’s energy mix fell below 50 per cent for the first time. The Indian government intends to maintain this trend so that in 2030, electricity production from fossil fuels will not exceed 50 per cent.

Milena Maglovski

CEEFOR is Designing Another Power Plant

19.05.2024

At a time when countries worldwide are searching for sustainable solutions, reaching for renewable energy sources and striving for energy independence, every new project implemented along the way is a symbol of progress. The construction of a ground solar power plant on land is planned on the outskirts of eastern Serbia, in the Braničevo district, which should significantly contribute to the production of clean, renewable energy in our country.

The entire design and technical documentation of this solar power plant was entrusted to the Center for Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development (CEEFOR), more precisely to their engineers with abundant experience in developing renewable energy projects.

The company‘s team of professionals offer design and consulting services related to energy efficiency and renewable energy sources – from conducting energy audits (preliminary, short and detailed energy inspections), writing feasibility studies for energy technologies, designs required for obtaining various permits, contractor projects for construction and use renewable energy sources and other necessary services in this segment.

According to the drafted project, this solar power plant will require 5,400 photovoltaic panels with an individual power between 570 and 720Wp that will be connected to 30 inverters with a power of 100kW. CEEFOR’s engineers decided to use inverters manufactured by Fronius GmbH, the model TAURO ECO 100-3-P. These inverters guarantee efficient conversion of solar energy into electricity and are at the top of the market range. The final choice of construction and foundation method will depend on the results of geomechanical analyses and static calculations.

The solar panels will be arranged in 18 rows, in the west-east direction, with a vertical orientation and a tilt angle of 20 degrees. The power plant will be located within the boundaries of the 4.04-hectare plot, thus demonstrating efficient use of space, given that the length of these rows depends on the land plot’s shape. The height of the construction pillars at the lowest point will be 50 centimeters.

IN FOCUS:

At the location of the power plant, the average annual irradiation, or more precisely, the quantity of incoming sunlight, is 1300kWh/m2, which is why the plant’s annual production is expected to be 4,533,541kWh, with a specific production of 1,271.46kWh/kWp.

Regarding its positive effects, this solar power plant will save more than 3.6 million kilograms of carbon dioxide annually. To approximate this figure, we can draw a parallel with an average mature tree, which can absorb about 20 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year, depending on the species, age, health, and other characteristics. If we take an average value of 20 kilograms per year for a typical mature tree, the carbon dioxide savings of the mentioned power plant are equivalent to the annual absorption of approximately 180,000 trees.

The plant will not only contribute to the reduction of harmful gas emissions. Still, it will also generate significant quantities of clean energy for the local community’s needs once it is connected to the power grid.

With a total installed power of 3,564 MWp DC/3MW AC, this power plant is a significant step towards sustainable development, energy independence and the accomplishment of the set renewable energy goals.

The CEEFOR Company will once again have the opportunity to demonstrate its professionalism and expertise, derived from many years of experience in energy efficiency and renewable sources. The company’s work is based on detailed planning and precise implementation by engineers, making it one of the leaders in its field and in generating greener and cleaner energy in our region.

Prepared by: Milica Vučković

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE AND FINANCING OF GREEN CONSTRUCTION

Support for the Implementation of Innovative Solutions for a Smooth Green Transition

18.05.2024

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has a unique financing programme designed by the organization’s key development team. The financing programme is related to Public Calls in the form of challenges for innovation under the auspices of their Green Finance Platform in Serbia, which aim is to support those organizations/ individuals who have innovative solutions for climate change, environmental protection, and green transition of both the economy and society and who need technical and financial support to implement them. From 2017 to January 2024, they supported 103 green initiatives with a total of 6 million dollars in co-financing and attracted $55 million for the implementation of the said initiatives. Co-financing was provided by donors whose support ensured the implementation of green transformation projects, including the European Union, the governments of Sweden, Switzerland, and Japan, as well as the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

In an interview for our magazine, Žarko Petrović, leader of the vital development team of UNDP Serbia, says that the initiatives implemented thanks to the programme contribute to mitigating climate change, decarbonizing the economy and increasing energy production from renewable sources, thus accelerating the transition to a circular economy, reducing waste, improving air quality and biodiversity, establishing sustainable food systems, as well as increasing energy efficiency and ensuring the fairness of the energy transition process in Serbia.

“Initiatives are implemented throughout the country while ensuring that the green transition is taking place evenly. Many of these initiatives have great potential to be further expanded and applied in other places,” says Mr Petrović.

According to him, several co-financed projects have exceeded the originally planned frameworks thanks to the support of UNDP experts, opportunities for networking, and public promotion. One project managed was granted 9 million euros worth of bank loans to advance a new approach to producing electricity from biomass.

IN FOCUS:

Application process

All companies from the private and public sectors, research institutions, civil society organizations, local governments, agricultural holdings and cooperatives can participate in public calls for innovation.

“After evaluating the received applications, the creators of the selected solutions undergo training and receive mentoring support to turn ideas into tangible business plans and feasible green investments. Applicants who complete this process receive co-financing to implement their innovative ideas,” explains Mr Petrović.

Supported investments are expected to contribute to the economy’s green transformation and increase the quality of the environment and life in Serbia. At the same time, they must contribute to a just transition, reducing energy poverty and creating green jobs.

The Programme’s unique points

Our interlocutor adds that the analysis of such an approach to green financing, which was carried out by an independent consultant, showed that the Programme has several unique points that give it a comparative advantage over other similar green financing support programmes in Serbia. The Programme enables innovative projects to be launched at an early development stage, which gives them a chance to attract other investors. This is one of the very few programmes that simultaneously focus on green initiatives and innovation and is one of the few that specifically targets green projects. Last but not least, it is the only programme open to a wide range of participants, including startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large corporations, and companies from both the private and public sectors.

“The Programme ensures that its participants work with mentors in practice and provides concrete guidelines for acquiring the know-how and skills needed to carry out sustainable and financially profitable ventures. Mentors also help project teams interpret laws and obtain the required permits to implement their projects in accordance with the legal framework,” Mr Petrović adds.

Prepared by: Mirjana Vujadinović Tomevski

Read the whole story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE AND FINANCING OF GREEN CONSTRUCTION

Global Temperature Record Streak Continues

18.05.2024

vrućina_umivanje — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Tadeusz Lakota)

It was the warmest April on record – the eleventh month in a row of record global temperatures. Sea surface temperatures have been record high for the past 13 months. Extreme weather caused many casualties and socio-economic disruption.

The monthly reports from Copernicus Climate Change Service and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration highlight the extraordinary duration of record temperatures fuelled by the naturally occurring El Niño event and the additional energy trapped in the atmosphere and ocean by greenhouse gases from human activities. A similar streak happened previously during the strong El Niño event of 2015/2016.

April 2024 had an average surface air temperature of 15.03°C, 0.67°C above the 1991-2020 average for April and 0.14°C above the previous high set in April 2016, according to the ERA5 dataset from Copernicus Climate Change Service implemented by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts on behalf of the European Commission.

The month was 1.58°C warmer than an estimate of the April average for 1850-1900, the designated pre-industrial reference period, according to the ERA5 dataset. Monthly breaches of 1.5°C do not mean that the world has failed to achieve the Paris Agreement’s temperature goal, which refers to a long-term temperature increase over decades.

South America had its warmest April on record, whilst Europe had its second warmest, according to NOAA.

Northern Hemisphere snow cover extent in April was the smallest on record. Both Eurasia and North America were below average, whereas parts of eastern Russia and China were above average. Global sea ice extent was the tenth smallest on record, according to NOAA.

The record temperatures were accompanied by high-impact weather events – including intense heat in many parts of Asia. A new study from World Weather Attribution said that climate change made the deadly heatwaves that hit millions of highly vulnerable people more extreme.

Drought bit southern Africa and extreme rainfall hit the Arabian peninsula. Persistent heavy rainfall in East Africa and southern Brazil has worsened in the first week of May, leading to devastating and deadly floods. Afghanistan also suffered deadly flash flooding in mid-May, killing at least 300 people and causing widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure.

“The high number of extreme weather and climate events (including record daily and monthly temperatures and rainfall amounts) are more likely in a warmer world,” said WMO climate expert Alvaro Silva.

“The sea surface temperature in several ocean basins, including in the tropical belt, continues to be record high, releasing more heat and moisture to the atmosphere and thus exacerbating conditions,” he said.

The El Niño in the eastern equatorial Pacific continued to weaken towards neutral conditions, but marine air temperatures in general remained at an unusually high level.

The global sea surface temperature averaged for April 2024 over 60°S–60°N was 21.04°C, the highest value on record for the month, marginally below the 21.07°C recorded for March 2024, according to C3S.

WMO uses six internationally recognized datasets for its climate monitoring activities and State of the Global Climate reports.

Source: WMO

New Agrisolar Digital Map Presents over 200 Projects across Europe

17.05.2024

solar , panel — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Mark Merner)

SolarPower Europe has launched a new digital map highlighting more than 200 agrisolar projects across Europe that exceed a combined capacity of 2.8 GW, including both pilot and commercial projects.

Agrisolar, referring to the integration of solar photovoltaic projects within an agricultural activity, includes the deployment of PV on the roof of agricultural buildings, PV integrated into irrigation systems, and agrivoltaics.

The map highlights a diverse range of technologies, including ground-mounted PV, interrow PV, dynamic PV, overhead PV, farm rooftop PV, and solar PV greenhouses, tailored to accommodate various agricultural activities.

Eva Vandest, Group Head of Public Affairs, Global Agrisolar expert at Amarenco and Chair of SolarPower Europe’s Land Use and Permitting Workstream, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating:

“With this digital map providing an overview of Agri-PV installations across Europe, we aim to illustrate the current development of this market and enable tracking of its progress. It’s evident that various types of installations have been built in accordance with SolarPower Europe guidelines, fostering a wide array of solutions to address the diverse needs of the agricultural sector.”

Lina Dubina, Policy Advisor on Sustainability at SolarPower Europe said:

“This map unveils how agrisolar and farming can go hand in hand to support a multitude of crops such as vines, fruit plants, market gardening, wheat, barley, and more. Agrisolar can also integrate with livestock farming practices, including sheep grazing, cows, hens, and beekeeping. “

Dubina continued: “Many agrisolar projects featured on the map incorporate biodiversity initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing ecosystems. These initiatives include tracking wildflowers as well as various animal species, further underscoring the environmental benefits of agrisolar integration.”

The map provides a comprehensive overview of projects across Switzerland, France (including outer regions), Netherlands, Lithuania, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Austria, and the UK, serving as a valuable resource for stakeholders interested in the intersection of solar energy and agriculture. The project will be ongoing, with the aim of providing the most comprehensive overview of agrisolar projects in Europe to solar developers, farmers, researchers and policymakers.

Source: SolarPower Europe

Ethiopia is the First Country in the World to Ban the Import of Fossil Fuel Vehicles

17.05.2024

car-automobil — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Although many countries have announced a ban on the import and production of conventional vehicles as targets for 2030 or 2050, Ethiopia is the first country in the world to actually ban the import of fossil fuel-powered cars and switch entirely to electric vehicles.

As reported, in late January this year, the Ethiopian Ministry of Transport announced that a ban on the import of conventional vehicles would come into effect, while the Government of Ethiopia announced a plan to import close to half a million electric vehicles and install over 2,000 charging stations in the next 10 years.

Although the number of registered motor vehicles in Ethiopia is relatively small (about 1.2 million in a population of 126 million people, according to the 2020 data collated by the country’s Ministry of Transport), Ethiopia is determined to completely switch to environmentally friendly vehicles and thereby reduce traffic-generated pollution.

An additional reason for this transition lies in the fact that Ethiopia imports about 6 billion US dollars worth of fossil fuels annually, half of which goes to fuel vehicles. On the other hand, the country has extremely cheap electricity (the price of one kWh is about 1 US dollar for individual consumption and about 2 US dollars for industry), so switching to electric vehicles is also a money-saving measure.

Close to 100 per cent of electricity comes from renewable sources

Ethiopia is very active in implementing the energy transition and in recent years has added significant wind, solar, geothermal and hydropower capacities to its energy mix. About 90 per cent of electricity production in Ethiopia comes from hydropower plants, while wind and thermal sources have an eight and two per cent share, respectively, in the country’s power production, writes OilPrice.

Ethiopia’s current 5,200 MW of installed generation capacity supplies less than 60 per cent of the population, so the government intends to increase electricity generation capacity to 17,000 MW in the next 10 years.

One of the priorities is also the construction of the Great Renaissance Dam of Ethiopia, which thanks to an installed capacity of 5,150 MW, should serve as a driving force behind industrialization and economic development.

Milena Maglovski

Artificial Intelligence in the Fight Against Hunger

16.05.2024

robot_vetačka inteligencija — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Possessed Photography)

How do you imagine the world in 2050? Flying cars? Robots that help us with housework? With all that sophisticated technology, life will certainly be nice for a small part of the world’s population. Still, the chances are high that billions of people will fight something that has plagued humanity for centuries – hunger.

Experts estimate that in 2050, the planet will be inhabited by 9.1 billion people, so farmers will have to produce 70 per cent more food than today. This seems almost impossible with the current climatic conditions, as the intensity of floods, droughts, and other weather disasters increases yearly.

Climate change is the biggest threat to food production today, and the fight against this enemy of our own making is being waged on many fronts. Regarding agriculture, food production must reduce greenhouse gas emissions because food systems are responsible for 30 per cent of global emissions. On the other hand, farmers need to adapt to harsh and unpredictable weather conditions to minimize losses.

Fortunately, technology has advanced, and farmers today have artificial intelligence, robotics, and gene manipulation to help maintain and improve production.

Himanshu Gupta, one of the most prominent entrepreneurs in the field of climate change, has experienced firsthand what it’s like to run out of food. According to the World Economic Forum, Gupta’s grandmother often mixed milk with water to feed her family of 16 members.

This Indian-American entrepreneur is now determined to help farmers facing an increasingly severe climate crisis by using artificial intelligence.

His company, ClimateAI, provides people with insight into detailed and long-term forecasts thanks to machine learning, i.e. artificial intelligence. Forecasts are based on a large amount of data that includes, among other things, the history of weather conditions in a particular area, established weather patterns and climate change as an important factor. Such predictions are characterized by high accuracy, so farmers will know if they can expect droughts, floods, and other weather disasters up to six months in advance.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Markus Spiske)

Users of Gupta’s ClimateLens platform can opt-in at any time and receive key alerts and data that allow them to adjust their investments, act to protect their crops and choose genetically modified seeds resistant to upcoming weather conditions.

Farmers are increasingly using other technological aids in addition to artificial intelligence. Drones are one of the most common innovative agricultural solutions and are often used for monitoring and spraying plants. Robots, which will become increasingly common in agriculture, are also being used, and in some parts of the world, they are already pulling weeds and performing other complex tasks.

Modern agriculture, and especially future agriculture, seems to require advanced technology to ensure maximum yields and prevent famine. Large-scale food production requires advanced and smart solutions; fortunately, we have them at our disposal.

Milena Maglovski

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