IMPLEMENTATION OF RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS IN SERBIA AND THE WORLD

17.03.2024

Maranda Vandergriff-unsplash — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Maranda Vandergriff)

Questions and challenges related to sustainable and responsible business have been obvious for decades. Most of the ESG principles we hear about today have been devised thanks to various international initiatives, agreements, protocols and events over the past 35 years. However, the general public’s perception of what exactly is meant by that, which tools to apply and how to be sure that we are on the right path to sustainability, sometimes create serious dilemmas and doubts, both in business and in the entire expert community. This is why it is necessary to shed light on all these issues through the lens of previous sustainability instruments compared to the latest ones, which present new requirements and challenges to companies. We spoke with Dušan Stokić, MBA, head of the Environment, Technical Regulations, Quality and Social Responsibility Centre from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, about which countries are seriously implementing ESG principles and how Serbia compares to them, similarities and differences between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ESG principles and other important aspects of responsible and sustainable business.

Companies today, perhaps more than ever before, are faced with numerous challenges, impacts, disruptions and business risks. Safety of supply of raw materials and energy, new regulatory requirements, community concerns about environmental impact, demands related to human and employee rights, climate change mitigation, decarbonization and digitalization, verified sustainability reporting and the like, require radical changes in business approach, strategic planning and maximum engagement of all resources to adapt to changed circumstances.

“Sometimes it seems that even large international companies, as well as those in Serbia, wander a bit when it comes to aligning their business strategy and policy with the new market circumstances and demands, investors, consumers and the general public. Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that, first of all, small and medium-sized companies and small business owners have difficulty understanding terms such as ESG, CSR and SDG and especially how to apply them at the organizational level. At the same time, consumers and service users have increased their demands over time and significantly raised the bar of their expectations, which now increasingly exceed good service and a quality product,’’ explains Mr. Stokić.

IN FOCUS:

Implementation of ESG principles

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (krakenimages)

A study published in 2021 in the Journal of Business Perspective showed the kind of approach that countries around the world have towards the implementation of ESG principles. The study included developed and emerging countries and based on the results obtained, they were classified into four different categories. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, the United Kingdom, Belgium and France are classified as countries with a well-developed ESG framework and excellent ESG results. Countries who se ESG framework is rapidly improving and which achieve medium to high ESG scores are Germany, Italy, USA, Australia, Switzerland, Canada, Japan, Brazil and South Africa. On the other hand, Singapore, India, China, the Philippines, Malaysia and Argentina are categorized as countries with a developing ESG framework, while Russia, Indonesia, Thailand, Nigeria and Vietnam are classified as countries in an early stage ESG framework due to their relatively low ESG results.

In terms of Serbia, Mr. Stokić says that an increasing number of companies are becoming aware of the need for an integrated approach to business, which means that caring for environmental aspects, social issues and good management of the organization must be treated the same as the economic and financial parameters of business. Moreover, from a long-term perspective, proving to key stakeholders that the company monitors, measures and improves its processes and activities related to the environment, employee care, product safety, transparency and availability of business results plays a crucial role in maintaining their competitiveness and business sustainability.

Regarding sectors that are most often associated with the implementation of ESG principles, the vehicle manufacturers that commit to making their vehicles more sustainable in terms of the negative impact on the environment should lead the way. This also goes for major oil and gas companies needing to respond to the demand that the industry should expedite the adoption of modern tools and invest in new technology to achieve net zero emissions and climate change mitigation.

Practice shows that there are numerous similarities, but also differences, between the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the concept that includes the environment, society and corporate governance (ESG), while taking into account the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). In the last twenty years, a lot of work has been done to promote and implement CSR, a business model that is regulated by the organization itself, and whose main goal is to positively contribute to society and the environment. As Mr. Stokić explains, by its nature, this is a self-regulating concept based on qualitative information. The ISO 26000 international standard – Guidance on Social Responsibility – gives practical instructions to organizations on how to define social responsibility, how to recognize the key issues to be addressed and how to practically realize the CSR strategy.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Microsoft Edge)

According to this standard, the social responsibility of an organization implies consistent compliance with laws and regulations (which may differ from country to country) and compliance with international norms of behaviour, expectations of interested parties, as well as own/ internal requirements, rules and standards. Only when all these are met, we can talk about the development and implementation of social responsibility by the organization. If a company’s CSR is well thought out and implemented, it will boost its public image and reputation with key stakeholders. The most common form of communication regarding an organization’s CSR is the annual CSR report (or report on sustainable development), which can be based on an internationally recognized methodology (GRI, UN Global Compact, OECD Guidelines, etc.). Organizations must adopt CSR in an authentic way that is closely aligned with the company’s strategy, goals, culture and core values, says our interlocutor.

Although there are similarities between the CSR and ESG concepts, we also have to understand their differences, primarily in the nature of the concept itself, the measurability of goals, the assessment of materiality and the management of financially tangible risks. The key differences can be reduced to the two most visible. First, identifying and managing financially tangible ESG risks and opportunities is a key part of ESG strategy and this is significantly different from CSR. While a CSR strategy is more likely to align with and support a company’s values, the information a company discloses in ESG reporting is based on its materiality to the company’s operations and business model. Second, while corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives can certainly include measurable goals and reporting, with ESG this is significantly more pronounced. Companies that report on ESG metrics have to collect and publish a significant amount of quantitative data — although qualitative data also plays a key role in ESG reporting.

Prepared by: Katarina Vuinac

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

NEW PROJECTS THAT WILL RECEIVE WWF ADRIA GRANTS

16.03.2024

WWF launched its project “Serbia Actions in the Field of Environment, Nature and Climate – SAFE Nature and Climate“ to form a network of civil society organizations that will implement sustainable ideas related to environmental and climate protection.

After the two-stage evaluation procedure, the expert team decided to support five organizations following the second competition with grants of a maximum of EUR 18,000.

FORCA – Požega Civil Action Forum

It is estimated that around 1,200 tons of pesticide packaging waste are produced annually in Serbia, which is classified as hazardous waste and must be collected and disposed of because it pollutes the soil, water and air and negatively affects the health of people, plants and animals.

Without a systemic solution, this waste is incinerated in 70 per cent of cases, which generates greenhouse gases. For this reason, the improper management of this waste is one of the causes of global warming and climate change. The municipality of Požega has no legal regulation on this matter.

The goal of this project is to establish a system, connect all actors in the management chain of this waste and launch an initiative for the development of local policies and practices, which would clearly define the responsibilities and obligations of local governments, public utility companies, Agricultural Advisory Service and agricultural producers and operators.

IN FOCUS:

GRES – Group for the Development of Environmental Awareness

In Europe, the annual production of plastics is measured in tens of millions of metric tons (source: Plastics Europe, 2019). A rough estimate predicts that 80 per cent of plastic waste in marine ecosystems originates from land and is transported via rivers.

The primary sources of microplastics (MP) are factory particles, fibrils (fibres) or spherical microparticles used in cosmetic products, the textile industry, etc. The degradation of macroplastics under the influence of physical, biological and chemical processes creates MP, which is characterized as a secondary source. MP includes particles between 1 μm and 5 mm in size.

The GRES project aims to contribute to the resolution of this problem in our country. It is envisaged to review the presence of MP particles, monitoring methodology and legal regulations, as well as the formation of a national microplastics centre (microplastics.rs) under the auspices of the Siniša Stanković Institute for Biological Research/Institute of National Importance for the Republic of Serbia, at the University of Belgrade (IBISS).

Karlovci Vineyards Association

The town of Sremski Karlovci is located near the Danube, the Fruška Gora National Park and the zone of influence of the Special Nature Reserve Koviljsko-Petrovaradinski Rit. The association believes that the understanding of the importance of this landscape as an ecological corridor that connects three protected natural assets is still not sufficiently understood or covered both in municipal documents and practice.

The result of these inconsistencies is reflected in the spatial planning decisions of the municipality and documents related to strategic development, which stipulate the formation and development of the Prosjanica work zone, where companies would produce products that might negatively affect the environment.

The Karlovci Vineyards Association is playing the role of a public advocate in its interactions with the municipal authorities with the view of promoting and including sustainable agriculture and ecotourism in the development plan, which can establish a link between the local community and environmental protection in the best possible way.

The project focuses on the analysis of environmental protection problems in the municipality of Sremski Karlovci, including the lack of relevant data and omissions in spatial planning documentation, which represents a significant challenge and inconsistency in environmental protection at the local level.

Prepared by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

NEW INITIATIVE AIMS TO CURB THE TOXIC IMPACTS OF AGRICULTURE

15.03.2024

poljoprivreda , pesticidi — Photo-illustration: Pixabay (hpgruesen)

The governments of Ecuador, India, Kenya, Laos, Philippines, Uruguay, and Vietnam have come together to launch a 379 million dollars initiative to combat pollution from the use of pesticides and plastics in agriculture.

Chemicals play a crucial role in farming, with nearly 4 billion tons of pesticides and 12 billion kg of agricultural plastics used every year.

Despite their benefits for food yields, these chemicals pose significant risks to human health and the environment. As many as 11,000 people die from the toxic effects of pesticides annually, and chemical residues can degrade ecosystems, diminishing soil health and farmers’ resilience to climate change. The opening burning of agricultural plastics also contributes to an air pollution crisis that causes one in nine deaths worldwide.

Highly hazardous pesticides and mismanaged agricultural plastics release toxic persistent organic pollutants (POPs) – chemicals which don’t break down in the environment and contaminate air, water, and food. These inputs are generally cheaper than sustainable alternatives, giving farmers little incentive to adopt better practices.

The Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management Programme – or FARM – led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), seeks to change that, elaborating the business case for banks and policy-makers to reorient policy and financial resources towards farmers to help them adopt low- and non-chemical alternatives to toxic agrochemicals and facilitate a transition towards better practices.

The five-year programme is projected to prevent over 51,000 tons of hazardous pesticides and over 20,000 tons of plastic waste from being released, while avoiding 35,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions and protecting over 3 million hectares of land from degradation as farms and farmers convert to low-chemical and non-chemical alternatives.

“Our current agricultural system relies on harmful chemicals, this is not necessary. FARM offers a powerful alternative model, empowering farmers with the knowledge and resources to transition to sustainable practices that safeguard our health and environment and also boost yields and profits,” said Anil Sookdeo, Chemicals Coordinator at the GEF.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Jordan Opel)

To do this, the FARM programme will support government regulation to phase out POPs-containing agrochemicals and agri-plastics and adopt better management standards, while strengthening banking, insurance and investment criteria to improve the availability of effective pest control, production alternatives and trade in sustainable produce.

“Food productivity and safety is reliant on identifying better practices and safer alternatives to highly hazardous pesticides,” Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division, said. “Adoption is key to scaling these alternatives. There is no real option other than a strong, coordinated response to the pollution crisis.”

The FARM launch event convened representatives from all seven countries, with over 100 partners and stakeholders directly involved in the programme, including public and private banks, policy makers, farmer cooperatives, agrochemical and plastic manufacturers, international organisations, civil society, academia, and retailers.

It marks a step change in collaborative efforts between governments, financial institutions, farmers and manufacturers to combat agricultural pollution, paving the way for a more equitable and resilient food system.

Source: UNEP

WHAT EL NIÑO HAS IN STORE FOR US THIS YEAR?

14.03.2024

okean — Photo-illustration: Freepik (wirestock)

Photo-illustration: Freepik (mb-photoarts)

Last summer, I shared with you my impressions of the coast of Dalmatia. As I wrote then, the Adriatic Sea is mostly cold, but in 2023, the sea temperatures were unusually high. On some days, the sea was almost uncomfortably warm. At the same time, the weather in various parts of Croatia was very varied. While the days in Dalmatia were tropical, storms engulfed the north of Croatia, accompanied by strong winds and rain.

All of this could be attributed to the El Niño phenomenon, i.e. the warming of the Pacific. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently confirmed that in 2023, El Niño was one of the five strongest weather phenomena in history. Although the new data showed that it is gradually weakening at the moment, its impact on the global climate will continue in the coming months. All this will lead to higher temperatures in almost all continental parts of the world from March to May.

Monitoring shows that El Niño occurs on average every two to seven years and lasts about 12 months, but sometimes it can last for years. Although this phenomenon causes high sea/ocean temperatures, the WMO says that El Niño shouldn’t be blamed for everything. It is very worrying that the sea/ocean temperatures in January 2024 were the highest recorded for this period of the year. Moreover, this is not a small increase, but a rather significant one.

The WMO analysis showed that there is about a 60 per cent chance that El Niño will persist during the March-May period and an 80 per cent chance of neutral weather conditions in the April-June period, that is, that neither the El Niño nor La Niña phenomena will occur. But what is La Niña? It is a weather phenomenon that is not mentioned that often and has not gained such notoriety as El Niño.

It is interesting to note that in the Spanish language, these two phenomena in translation mean a little boy (El Niño) and a little girl (El Niño). Little Boy causes the Pacific to warm thus affecting weather conditions in the northern United States and Canada to become warmer and drier, while the southeastern Gulf of Mexico experiences wetter conditions and more frequent flooding. On the other hand, a „little girl“ has the complete opposite effect. Its cold waters in the Pacific lead to droughts in the southern US and more intense rains and floods in the Pacific Northwest and Canada.

There are numerous consequences caused by these two phenomena. Although they are two opposite climatic phenomena, both are disruptive. However, El Niño occurs more often.

It remains to be seen how accurate the WMO forecasts for the following months are. Other forecasts show that El Niño could lead to 2024 becoming the hottest year on record.

Katarina Vuinac

CAN METHANE EMISSIONS MATCH CLIMATE GOALS BY 2030

14.03.2024

emisije , zagađenje — Photo-illustration: Pixabay (catazul)

Photo-illustration: Freepik (frimufilms)

Last year was marked by record-high methane emissions from the energy sector. However, the end of the year brought the United Nations Conference on Climate Change 2023 (COP28) and the pledges that set an ambitious target for reducing these emissions.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published the Global Methane Tracker, the first comprehensive assessment of global methane emissions since the end of COP28. The research showed that the production and use of fossil fuels led to almost 120 million tonnes of emissions in 2023, which is more than the year before. Furthermore, another 10 million tonnes of methane emissions came from bioenergy.

10 countries alone were responsible for about 80 million tonnes of methane emissions from fossil fuels last year. The United States as the world’s largest producer of oil and gas, occupies first place, followed by Russia. In terms of coal, China takes the first place.

As stated, even if the existing pledges on reduced methane were to be fully implemented, the reduction, as per the Paris Agreement’s goal of 1.5°C, would not be achieved. The IEA estimates that in order to accomplish the aforementioned goal, it is necessary to reduce methane emissions from fossil fuels by 75 percent in this decade and with the current pledges, the reduction would be about 50 percent.

Although 2023 saw record-high emissions, efforts to reduce these emissions are expected to grow in 2024 and beyond. This comes after 200 governments agreed at COP28 to significantly reduce methane emissions by 2030, as well as pledges from other Conference participants.

The IEA states that satellites play an important role in methane reduction, as they monitor global methane emissions and thus help identify and reduce them. The satellite that has been drawing attention lately is MethaneSAT, which thanks to the cooperation of Google and the Environmental Defense Fund, locates and measures emissions from oil and gas operations around the planet, more precisely than any satellite so far.

Google will make the data collected by the satellite available on the Google Earth Engine platform for environmental monitoring at the planetary level. This platform provides a wealth of geospatial data and tools for its analysis. Thus, users will be able to combine the data collected by the satellite with other data sets and analyze them.

Katarina Vuinac

IS EUROPE IMPLEMENTING GOOD POLICIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE?

13.03.2024

eko — Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (
Fabian Quintero)

Continuous research shows that Europe is warming faster than any other continent. The European Environmental Agency (EEA) data indicate that policies and campaigns to adapt to changed climate conditions are not keeping up with the speed of climate change. Moreover, gradual adaptation will not be enough, as urgent actions are needed to eliminate even those risks that are still not assessed as critical.

Namely, the EEA indicates the main climate risks for Europe classified into five groups – ecosystems, food, health, infrastructure and economy&finance.

It has been estimated that almost all risks located in the ecosystem group require urgent or additional measures to the existing ones. Forests, wetlands and other ecosystems are endangered, but marine and coastal ecosystems stand out among them as particularly endangered. Coastal ecosystems are affected by erosion, flooding and sea level rise. The existing pollution in the water ecosystem additionally causes negative consequences due to the increase in water temperature. If we protect, preserve and improve ecosystems and the risks affecting them, the risks related to food, health, infrastructure and economy and finance would also be reduced.

In terms of the food group, southern Europe is particularly affected by heat and drought risks related to crop growth. Although this area is characterized as critical, countries in Central Europe are not out of danger either. Prolonged droughts are a major threat to the security of food and water supply, as the production of food of animal origin requires significant amounts of water. Therefore, one of the solutions is to partially transition from proteins of animal origin to plant-based.

High temperatures are the most serious driver of climate risks to human health, according to the EEA. A particularly risky group is people who work outdoors, the elderly and people living in urban areas where heat islands are created or where there is no adequate access to cooling.

In terms of infrastructure, the EEA took into account built areas, as well as energy, water and transport services. Risks from increasingly frequent and extreme floods are still relatively well controlled, however, rising sea levels and stronger storms can cause major damage. Global warming can be mitigated by boosting the energy efficiency of buildings.

All of the aforementioned affects the European economy and finances. For instance, in addition to the material damage that occurs due to floods, storms, droughts and other weather conditions, the threat caused by the mentioned risks has already led to an increase in the insurance premium.

2023 has officially been declared the hottest year on record. The data shows that the average global temperature in the 12 months between February 2023 and January 2024 exceeded pre-industrial levels by 1.5oC.

In order to stop such changes and reduce the risks in the mentioned areas, it is necessary to focus our greatest attention on the first segment, i.e. ecosystems. Their recovery will directly help mitigate other risks. Therefore, according to the EEA, the implementation of the EU Law on Nature Restoration is needed, as well as the restoration of the network of protected areas within and outside of Natura2000. No less important is improving maritime space planning and the implementation of the coastal management plant. Another important factor is reducing, pollution from agricultural and industrial activities.

Energy portal

EFFECTIVE APPLICATION OF THE GREEN CONSTRUCTION PRINCIPLES, EMPLOYEE EDUCATION AND PARTNERS

13.03.2024

BEO-Shopping-Center — Photo: Confluence Property Management

By implementing innovative solutions, using energy from alternative sources, and adequate waste management, a sustainable environment is created that positively impacts the surroundings. MPC Properties, a regional leader in real estate development, construction and management, clearly adheres to all of the above. Confluence Property Management is part of the MPC Properties system. It supports the business strategy in the segment of management and maintenance of the state-of-the-art class A retail and business facilities while following the highest world standards. We spoke with Sanja Rubeša, Operations Project Manager at Confluence Property Management, about implementing the ESG green strategy, waste management, the urban beekeeping project and promoting alternative transport modes.

Q. What does your company’s ESG strategy contain?

A. Topics that are incorporated into the ESG green strategy include environmental impact, the social component and the company’s management system. Regarding the environmental impact, we pay special attention to the green construction principles in six areas – sustainable development, water saving, energy efficiency, adequate use of resources and materials, quality of interior and implementing circular economy principles at the micro level. When it comes to the social component, we think long-term and comprehensively about all categories of the community, including our employees, whom we support through the implementation of internal and external programmes for professional and personal development. On the other hand, we assist tenants, building users, businesses and the general public by organizing educational ESG programmes throughout our network of shopping centres. We use all communication channels, with a strong focus on digital ones, to inform the community about our activities and thus raise environmental awareness. We present expertise by participating in panel discussions and supporting green initiatives in cooperation with international and non-governmental organizations, embassies, universities, institutes and companies.

IN FOCUS:

Q. How do you implement projects in the company’s management system?

A. The company’s management system is transparently presented in the GRI Sustainability Report, which is publicly available on the company’s website. All projects are implemented through a multi-stage tender process, where expertise, quality, transparency and anti-corruption are important segments when selecting project partners. We cooperate with the most competent experts, such as the companies Energo Energy Efficiency Engineering, MT-KOMEX, Sauter Building Control and Avalon Partners. We have established strategic partnerships with global and local institutions such as UNDP Serbia, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, the Faculty of Biology, CEUS and Mihajlo Pupin Institute. MPC is also an active member of the Green Building Council of Serbia.

Q. In which way do you implement the waste management process?

A. The VOLK SERB Company is a longterm partner and collaborator of the MPC system in the waste management process. Currently, the process is taking place following the legal regulations, implementing innovative, world-class solutions, and forming a long-term plan that will follow both EU regulations and the Green Agenda strategy in Serbia. Cooperation with tenants is crucial. Of course, implementing new processes requires additional effort from all participants, but education facilitates and ensures the success of new practices. One of the implemented innovative solutions for managing organic waste generated at the UŠĆE complex is using a compost machine, which we procured following a public call for submission of tenders launched by UNDP Serbia in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan.

Interviewed by: Mirjana Vujadinović Tomevski

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

SOLAR ENERGY FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA

12.03.2024

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Louis Reed)

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO), located in Clayton, about 20 kilometres from Melbourne, has taken a significant step in the energy transition, and has become an example of green transformation in the scientific community. As one of the leading national research institutes, ANSTO has recognized the need to reduce its operational costs as well as its impact on the environment, especially if one takes into account the large amounts of electricity required for such research.

ANSTO is home to the Australian Synchrotron, an advanced research facility using particle accelerator technology. By accelerating electrons close to the speed of light, the synchrotron produces intense light that allows scientists to study in detail the structure and properties of materials at the atomic and molecular levels. Medicine, biology, chemistry, engineering and physics are just some of the sciences where discoveries such as new materials or new drugs are made.

In order to produce and consume electricity more efficiently, economically and cleanly, ANSTO has installed more than 3,200 solar panels on the roofs of its facilities, including on the impressive circular roof of the main synchrotron building. The 6,600-square-metre roof covered with solar panels will allow ANSTO to produce more than two million kWh of electricity annually, while reducing CO2 emissions by more than 1,680 tonnes every year until 2029, according to the organization’s website.

By using solar energy, ANSTO significantly reduces operating costs, which allows for additional investments in research capacity and expansion of scientific capabilities, while preserving the planet for future generations.

Energy portal

ITALY COULD GET A FLOATING HYBRID POWER PLANT

11.03.2024

Two years ago, an offshore wind farm was commissioned in Italy, a significant development since this was the first such project in the Mediterranean basin.

Now, Italy plans to build a large floating hybrid power plant in the Gulf of Taranto, which will produce electricity from two renewable sources – wind and sun.

As for the capacity of this hybrid power plant, the solar segment will have an installed power of 120MW, while the 28 wind turbines will add another 420MW, which makes a total of 540MW, according to Italian media.

As reported, the floating hybrid power plant will be commissioned in 2028 and estimates are that it will produce more than 160GWh annually.

Following events that have affected almost the entire planet, such as the COVID-19-induced crisis and the events in Ukraine, Italy has drawn up a recovery and resilience plan, which was last updated on December 8, 2023. One of the measures is the simplification of the procedure for issuing permits for the construction of renewable energy sources, as a token of the country’s effort in increasing the use of clean energy.

Italy occupies third place on the list of the most successful solar markets in the European Union in 2023, with 4.9GW of installed power. Moreover, the country is one of the fastest-growing EU markets, which is also shown by the fact that it doubled its clean energy market growth compared to 2022.

In addition to solar and wind energy, geothermal and hydropower are the main sources of renewable energy in Italy.

Energy portal

GERMANY: WIND POWER EXCEEDS THE SHARE OF COAL IN ELECTRICITY GENERATION

11.03.2024

windfarm_vetroelektrana — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Nicholas Doherty)

In 2023, Germany achieved more good results when it came to electricity production. According to the data collated by the Federal Statistical Office – Destatis, last year this country produced 11.8 percent less electricity than in 2022.

However, it should be taken into account that the amount of imported electricity in 2023 increased by 40 percent, which is the first time since 2002 that Germany imported more electricity than it exported.

In total production, renewable energy sources had a share of as much as 56 percent, while in the previous year, this share stood at 46.3 percent and electricity production from conventional sources fell by 27.8 percent compared to 2022.

Looking at renewable sources individually, wind energy has increased by 13.8 percent in 2023. It should be noted that wind energy, with a 31-percent-share, was the most important source of energy in Germany last year.

The transmission of electricity from this source reached a new maximum of 139.3 billion kilowatt hours in 2023, surpassing the previous peak in 2020 of 128.7 billion kilowatt-hours, according to the Destatis website.

Moreover, last year, wind energy surpassed the share of coal in the production of electricity. More precisely, in 2022, coal was the most important energy source with 33.2 percent, while wind energy’s share was much lower, only 24 percent. Although wind occupied the first place, coal was the second most important energy source in 2023.

Regarding other energy sources, natural gas increased by 3.9 percent to a 13.6-percent-share in 2023.

Due to the shutdown of the last nuclear power plants in April 2023, the electricity delivered from nuclear plants dropped significantly compared to the previous year and accounted for only 1.5 percent of the delivered electricity. In 2022, it accounted for 6.4 percent.

Energy portal

SUPPORTING A BETTER LIFE FOR CITIZENS AND A MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE SOCIETY

10.03.2024

Anon-profit, regional organization that advocates for socio-economic development, environmental protection and improvement of civil society, the Foundation for the Development of Northern Montenegro (FORS Montenegro) was founded 17 years ago, based on the idea of helping municipalities, public institutions, and public companies implement strategies and action plans, under the auspice of projects funded by the European Union programme. FORS has different fields of activity – from ecology, health and emergency situations to sports, culture and other areas.

We spoke with Veselin Šturanović, Executive Director of FORS Montenegro, about the Foundation’s work, its contribution to improving the quality of life of citizens, projects to improve environmental protection, the interest shown by municipalities and public companies in cooperation with the Foundation, as well as the well-deserved recognition.

He says that initially, the Foundation mainly worked with municipalities from the northern part of Montenegro – Pljevlja, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Nikšić, Plav and Rožaje. Still, over time, their work spread to the entire country. The Foundation is exclusively project-oriented and has no other income, so the team size depends on the number of projects they implement.

“There are four people in our permanent team, and when the number of projects increases, we hire more associates. We consistently perform tasks and try to raise the figurative bar every day because it is beneficial for achieving a good working form,” says Mr. Šturanović and adds that their job is not easy because there are no working hours. They are always available to their partners. Because they are convinced that they are doing the right thing, the work at the Foundation is fulfilling, and because of that, it is much easier to do it.

IN FOCUS:

Q: In what way and through which projects do you contribute to boosting environmental protection and the development of the local community?

A: The environment is one of the directions the Foundation focuses on, and the current situation in that segment could be better because worldwide, countries need to pay attention to the warnings our planet has been sending us. As part of the projects, we cooperate with services responsible for environmental protection, which can adopt preventive and punitive policy measures. Those two things should work side by side, and we must not give up on insisting that everyone is sanctioned in line with the relevant regulations and in proportion to the violation they committed. Combining these two factors and the proper application of regulations should bring better results.

Our task is to help public services that deal with the environment in various ways, helping them acquire proper equipment, like a utility company getting a waste collection truck, acquire the equipment they need or help them replace the worn one. Our goal is to inform the state and local decision-makers with the data and analysis that will serve them in planning and adopting acts required for regulating disposal and waste management. We are also trying to help them do their job better to meet the needs of citizens in the best possible way, which is our general goal.

Via projects such as the Cross-Border Initiative for Environmental Protection and the Cross-Border Green Deal, we try to help as much as possible. The goal of the first project, which was implemented in Nikšić and Trebinje, was to boost the capacity of institutions dealing with environmental protection through training, procurement of valuable equipment and vehicles for rubbish removal and inspection activities, as well as informing the population about the importance of improving the solid waste management system and complying with standards.

The goal of the second project, which is underway, is to improve the quality of services in the environmental protection and waste management sectors and raise the population’s awareness about the importance of environmentally responsible behavior in preserving the environment and natural resources. The second project envisages the procurement of rubbish collection vehicles for the utility company in Berane and the procurement of all-terrain vehicles for environmental protection services. We will start implementing the NRGCOM project (Creating Adequate Operational Conditions for Energy-Sustainable Communities in the Danube Region). In addition to us from Montenegro, our project partners come from Serbia and ten other countries located in the Danube Basin. The project goal is to encourage the expansion of energy communities by creating an appropriate environment for their adequate functioning.

Q: How do you identify problems that need to be solved or improved? Why did you choose the slogan “Action, Not Words”?

A: Every person who shares a problem they face in business helps us draft a project. We don’t just sit in an office the entire day; we talk to people, analyze their needs, and put them in the context of a valid strategy in that area. Then, we compare it with what the donor requires and single out the best ideas. We chose the motto “Action, Not Words” because we don’t want to talk too much – anyone can do that. We want to show through action what we support. This, in our opinion, is the only correct way.

Q: Why do donors choose to cooperate with FORS? What is the basic criterion for supporting your projects?

A: FORS gets projects only at competitions launched in the EU, as the EU is our main donor. They search for organizations that can best fulfil their mission and goals. Our experience is that those organizations that best represent what they want to achieve will get funding for their project. It is also very important if a certain organization has experience in the respective field, has previously successfully implemented projects in similar fields, and has established capacities to administratively and financially implement what it proposed in the project. These factors are considered when projects are evaluated, and they will tell you whether you are above or below the line for approval. Those below the line will take a chance next time.

Interviewed by: Mirjana Vujadinović Tomevski

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

CHARGE&GO EXPANDS ITS NETWORK TO THE REGIONAL MARKET IN 2024

09.03.2024

The issue of electromobility in Serbia is becoming more and more topical, and there are more and more electric vehicles in traffic. Experts in this field expect around 4,000 electric cars to be registered in our country in the coming year, but this is still a small number to discuss the market for these vehicles.

On the other hand, the leaders of the company Charge&GO are working hard to develop electromobility in our country and expand their network of chargers. The plans for the next year are ready and written in detail. The beginning of January will mark the expansion to the Macedonian market, then to the territories of Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Many chargers are ready for the entire area of North Macedonia, and the company will announce the exact locations soon.

Along with the expansion of the network of chargers in the company Charge&GO, they are working hard on perfecting the application that is available for IOS and Android phones. All users of this application can easily see the entire list of chargers in their country, as well as in the countries of the region and the whole of Europe. The process of using the application is completely simplified. The plan is to add a favorite charger section, making charging easier for users. They will no longer have to search for chargers, but with one click, they will choose one of the chargers that suit them best and that they have saved in the application.

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Twenty-four-hour customer support is available from November 21 for users with any problems while charging or registering. If a customer needs immediate on-site support, whether it’s a question about using a charger or they need help registering or downloading an app, customer support is there for customers at any time of the day or night to solve a problem or provide advice. If a more detailed answer is needed, the case is forwarded to another department, and the client receives the answer the next day.

The Charge&GO application works according to the prepaid and postpaid system, depending on the client’s choice. Suppose the user of the network registers as a legal entity until the end of the current year. In that case, he has at his disposal a free charger visibility service abroad through the Charge&GO application, while charging is charged at the prices that are more common in the country where the charger is used.

To influence the increase of electromobility, the company plans to enable individuals to charge their vehicles abroad as well. From February 2024, anyone who plans to travel abroad with an electric car will have the opportunity to sign a postpaid service contract and will have the opportunity to use roaming charging services. This practically means that during the period spent abroad, he will be able to charge his car at any charger and pay the bill for these services at the end of the month. An application will not even be needed for abroad; it is possible to use an RFID card after crossing the border, with which vehicles can be charged at almost 400,000 chargers of the largest European e-roaming network.

Prepared by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

Belgrade Car Show and Motopassion from 21 to 27 March 2024

09.03.2024

There are no unknowns when it comes to holding the DDOR BG Car Show 08 and the 16th Motopassion International Motorcycle Fair. This unique fair manifestation and the most significant annual event in Southeast Europe’s automotive and motorcycle industry sector will be held at the Belgrade Fair in the traditional spring term from March 21 to 27, 2024.

For the eighth time in this fair format, exhibitors and visitors will be able to see for themselves the importance of sustainability and technological progress in the automotive and motorcycle industry, as well as to explore a wide range of vehicles and a variety of engines, including electric cars, hybrids and those with classic engines, and to get to know with the latest trends and learn more about the future of mobility.

According to the announcements of the participants and organizers, about thirty car brands and as many motorcycle brands will be presented in the fair halls. About 40 new models are expected in the auto sector and more than that number in the motorcycle sector. The Serbian Association of Vehicles and Parts Importers, which gathers all potential exhibitors at the fair, has also announced for this fair the presentation of all new models from all brands represented on our market, the latest achievements of the entire auto-moto industry and the most diverse possible range of performance, design, technical and technological innovative solutions in all sectors of this industry. It is about new technologies that are current in the auto industry today and those that will be in the near future.

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The fact that the global trade fair industry concerning the automotive sector is still recovering from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic also speaks of the potential and impact of an event such as the BG Car Show. In comparison, relatively few car fairs will be organized under the auspices of OICA this year – Washington and Geneva before Belgrade, then Bangkok, Birmingham, Milan-Monza, Hanover (commercial and transport vehicles), Paris and Sofia after. Although it is not under the OICA umbrella, being in such a company for the BG Car Show means prestige and praise for the organizers.

At this fair, the spotlight will be on electric vehicles, their performance, autonomy, the advantages of this technology, charging infrastructure, subsidies, and sustainability. The focus is also on hybrid vehicles, which combine traditional engines and electric drive, and technologies that reduce emissions and save fuel, providing an optimal balance between efficiency and performance. It also includes an exclusive selection of classic cars with improved features, from the latest models of sports cars to luxury sedans. These cars continue to offer top performance and innovative technologies tailored to traditional motor enthusiasts.

We should not forget the increasing interest of both visitors and exhibitors in the sector of the supporting automotive industry, garage-service equipment, spare parts, both standard and universal equipment, and compatible and supporting equipment for environmentally advanced vehicles. An updated, innovative selection of chargers for electric vehicles and solar modules for use in the auto industry and other appropriate infrastructure is also expected.

Exactly the same fair enthusiasm and development logic prevails on the occasion of the Motorcycle Fair – Motopassion, especially because the sale of motorcycles, quads and scooters grows from year to year at a rate of as much as thirty per cent.

The most visible fair participants list includes banks, leasing and insurance companies, professional organizations, clubs, associations and specialized media. Visitors will be offered a rich accompanying professional program, which is full of informative, educational and entertaining content, competitive activities, test drives and other benefits for both exhibitors and visitors.

The BG Car Show was organized as a biennial exhibition and sales event for the first time in 2006 as part of the rearrangement of fairs under the auspices of the OICA, and the traditional International Car Show switched to a biennial rhythm. The BG Car Show has more than successfully replaced the Salon in the years when it was dormant, both in terms of the wealth of content and the interest of exhibitors and visitors.

Source: Belgrade Fair

ABB secures $150 million traction contract to power Australia’s QTMP trains and announces new facility in regional Queensland

08.03.2024

ABB has been awarded a USD$150 million contract in February 2024 to supply complete traction packages, as well as engineering and service support for each of the 65 six-car passenger trains to be delivered by the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) in Australia. As part of the contract, which was awarded by Hyundai Rotem Company (Korea), ABB will also establish a Traction Center of Excellence to support with the production of the traction packages. Hyundai Rotem Company are a joint venture partner with Downer EDI Rail Pty Ltd, the country’s leading provider of through-life asset management for passenger rollingstock.

Downer EDI Rail Pty Ltd was awarded a contract by the Queensland Government to manufacture 65 new electric multiple units (EMUs), a type of train that has multiple carriages or cars, each with its own electric propulsion system. All 65 of these advanced passenger trains are expected to be fully operational by 2032, in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. They will be deployed across the Southeast Queensland rail network, including the Cross River Rail, a new rail line in Brisbane. The QTMP will also support Queensland’s population and economic growth with investment in new manufacturing facilities and supporting more than 1,300 jobs in construction, manufacturing and operation over the life of the program.

Edgar Keller, President of ABB’s Traction Division, said: “ABB is honored to play a pivotal role in the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, delivering cutting-edge technology that propels Australia’s rail infrastructure into a new era. This transformative project not only stands as a testament to our dedication to sustainable and efficient rail networks but also reflects our commitment to supporting local markets and employment opportunities in Australia and New Zealand, to create value through our domain and technology expertise.”

ABB’s traction converters use patented multilevel converter topology. This technology, in conjunction with semiconductor advancements, delivers the most efficient traction chain on the market. This offers reduced operating costs, a smaller environmental footprint, lower audible noise and reduced mechanical stress. To support the project, ABB is establishing a local Traction Center of Excellence, which will include a traction converter, traction motor and battery service center, in Maryborough, Queensland. With the transfer of production of traction converters and traction motors to Australia, ABB is not only creating new job opportunities, but is also helping to develop the local industry’s knowledge around traction systems which is one of the most complex sub-systems of trains. Furthermore, the establishment of the new facility will also ensure that customers of ABB in Australia and New Zealand are better served.

Source: ABB

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