THERE WON’T BE ENOUGH LITHIUM FOR EVERYONE – ARE SODIUM-ION BATTERIES THE SOLUTION?

19.02.2024

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (karsten-wurth)

Abandoning fossil fuels is part of global efforts to produce electricity efficiently and with as little pollution as possible, which further implies the transition to renewable energy sources.

The European Union is actively working to encourage the production of green kilowatts and promote environmentally friendly vehicles. It devised a plan whereby the sale of petrol and diesel cars will be phased out of the EU market by 2035. However, solar panels, car batteries, wind turbines and similar technologies require metals such as cobalt, nickel, lithium and others, whose extraction is neither simple nor without consequences. Today, the largest deposits of these much-needed metals are mostly located in countries with economic or geopolitical problems, which makes it difficult to regulate permits, or mining takes place under difficult or illegal working conditions, such as in Africa, while at the same time, this process also leaves environmental consequences.

As the RES sector is becoming increasingly popular, the demand for the necessary components is also growing in parallel. This implies that bigger production will require more of the aforementioned materials (cobalt, lithium, nickel…) in many other locations of the world. As the demand increases, there is a fear of inadequate supply, because these resources are limited and large deposits may be exhausted as a result of future expansion. As scientists from the Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden explain, the current deposits cannot satisfy the mentioned future expansion, especially when it comes to electric cars and the growing number of car manufacturers moving to mass production.

We need to search for new technologies, because lithium sources may reach the point of exhaustion, while the market and the demand for raw materials continue to grow.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (markus-spiske)

Chalmers’ research team embarked on testing sodium-ion batteries, which, as the name says, mostly rely on sodium, which is much more common than lithium. When examining the density, life span, environmental aspect and other characteristics, they concluded that sodium-ion batteries are better in terms of supply due to their accessibility, but the environmental aspect and climate.

Overall, sodium-ion batteries use sodium, an element that is much more abundant than lithium because it can also be extracted from sea salt. This makes them potentially cheaper, more environmentally friendly and more available. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, have a higher density and therefore store larger amounts of energy in a smaller space compared to sodium-ion batteries. This makes them ideal for applications where space and weight are limited, such as electric vehicles. Sodium-ion batteries can operate over a wider range of temperatures and can therefore withstand more severe weather conditions, while lithium-ion batteries are known to have altered performance during cold days or extreme heat, which results in a much shorter drive as the car uses more energy when it’s very cold outside.

Technology is changing fast though. The development of sodium-ion batteries and their use for energy storage in the power grid are imminent. With further development, this battery could also be used in electric cars, given the scarcity of lithium deposits.

Milica Vučković

SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT WITH GREEN ENERGY

18.02.2024

nuno-marques-0GbrjL3vZF4-unsplash — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (nuno-marques)

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Michael_Pointner)

Achieving a sustainable future requires sweeping changes, making every sector greener. The generation of electricity from clean sources is one of the most significant changes required, starting with small energy consumers and moving to large ones. The public utility company Pirot Regional Landfill is an example of a large consumer, considering that the waste separation line requires significant amounts of electricity. Thanks to the decision to build a solar power plant on the roof of this facility, waste management in Pirot will become a more sustainable process. Designing was entrusted to the CEEFOR company, which has many years of experience in sustainable development, energy efficiency and design services in renewable energy sources. We talked about the project and the importance of its realization with Bojan Stević, a graduate mechanical engineer who leads the entire project.

The RD Pirot solar power plant with an installed capacity of 150 kW is planned to be built on the roof of the building of this public company, which covers an area of 1,200 m2. The idea is that the power plant uses the produced electricity to power its own daily needs until the moment of acquiring the status of a prosumer, after which the produced surplus will be handed over to the distribution system.

– The first information that we needed and that we received from the management of PUC Pirot Regional Landfill is the current consumption and some projected consumption of the plant, with which we can calculate what their needs are and concerning that, we design the solar power plant – said Stević.

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The original plan included the current panels of 410 Wp individual power at that time, with the installation of 440 solar panels, 348 on one facility and 90 on the other. One of the best solar modules on our market, Luxor Solar 545 Wp, was chosen for this solar power plant. Also, the solar power plant will contain eight inverters manufactured by Fronius. One of the best solutions from K2 Systems was chosen for the substructure. As this solar power plant requires the expansion of the electricity connection, it took a little more time to collect the necessary documentation and approvals.

Given that the PUC Pirot Regional Landfill facility is located on the international corridor, this public company plans to connect a charger for electric cars, which will come with a smart canopy.

The start of the construction of the solar power plant RD Pirot is planned in the winter period, that is, at the end of this year or the beginning of the next year, so that the work will be completed in the spring of 2024 and in this way the full potential of sunlight will be used by the end of that year.

The Center for Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development (CEEFOR) has been successfully operating in the field of sustainable project development and energy efficiency in the Balkan region for thirteen years. It offers its clients consulting and design services in renewable energy sources. The company’s professional team is ready to respond to all client requests and answer all questions. A long list of satisfied clients is the best indicator of the expertise and dedicated work of the company.

Prepared by: Katarina Vuinac

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

THE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL OF ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY HEMP PELLET

17.02.2024

hemp-kanabis-konoplja — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Suitable climatic conditions and quality land help our country’s potential for the cultivation of industrial hemp. These are not just assumptions but proven facts. The former Yugoslavia was its biggest exporter of hemp in Europe in the mid-20th century. We spoke with Hadži Zoran Jovanović, a hemp expert, about this plant’s importance and benefits for the environment and energy.

Fifteen years ago, together with his colleague Dr Maja Timotijević, Zoran instigated the return of industrial hemp to Serbian fields and its processing. The two of them received support from the Development Agency of Serbia and the Innovation Fund through the Smart Start grant. What followed was the formation of a startup called ReHemp d.o.o. Novi Sad, whose name is translated into Serbian, means — hemp again.

Speaking about hemp’s advantages, in the period from April to August, which is the period between planting to harvesting hemp and the care which does not require the use of chemicals during the noted period, up to 10 tons of stalk-biomass can be generated, which is a result unique only to hemp and no other plant species. Growing this plant reduces the need for deforestation because it has a significantly higher amount of cellulose than trees. At the same time, it also improves the health of the soil, which it can clean even from radiation. Considering waste pollution, hemp can replace plastic in all aspects and in terms of air pollution; during its growth, hemp absorbs up to seven times more CO2 than other plants.

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Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Stephane Juban)

There is a benefit for factories, too, with the help of environmental vouchers. Namely, every factory that emits CO2 during its production process pays taxes. However, if the factory proves that it financed the planting of industrial hemp in certain areas by calculating the quantity of carbon dioxide the planted hemp absorbs and if this amount is equivalent to the quantity of carbon dioxide the factory emits, the company is exempt from paying taxes. Hemp’s benefits are multiple; as Hadži Zoran Jovanović says, this is a miraculous plant that nourishes, clothes, heals and warms. Looking at problems in the energy sector, such as carbon dioxide emissions, unsafe sources of oil and gas and imported energy harmful to the environment, Mr Jovanović, an energy expert, started researching to make the most of this plant’s potential. As he explains, about 30 products can be made by processing hemp flower and seed, while 70,000 products can be produced by processing the stem. However, since no one has seriously dealt with hemp, the stems only represented a problem for industrial hemp breeders.

That is why Mr Jovanović started researching how to transform this part of the plant from a problem to a benefit, and he found that pellets can be produced from the stem. The Republic of Serbia’s Intellectual Property Office protects hemp pellets as a small patent. The importance of the pellet obtained in this way lies in its price cost as much as beech pellets but have 20 per cent higher caloric value. The production process is almost identical to that of other types of pellets. The only difference is that the hemp stem must undergo decortication, that is, the separation of the fiber from the pods. Burning the pellets obtained in this way produces less than two per cent of ash remains, which makes hemp pellets a fuel with the highest degree of utilization — 98 per cent.

Prepared by: Katarina Vuinac

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

GERMANY AND ALGERIA OPEN A NEW CHAPTER IN THE PRODUCTION OF GREEN HYDROGEN

16.02.2024

hidrogen — Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

Germany and Algeria will form a bilateral hydrogen working group, in a bid to cooperate on the production of green hydrogen, which is part of their energy partnership. On the occasion, Dr. Robert Habeck, German Federal Minister for Economy and Climate Protection and Mohamed Arkab, Algerian Minister of Energy and Mining, signed a declaration of intent in Algeria.

In terms of cooperation, Algeria will receive support in the establishment of hydrogen infrastructure and production, according to the website of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK). Furthermore, a hydrogen pilot plant will be built.

According to the German minister, Germany and Algeria have maintained a close energy partnership since 2015 and now both countries want to expand the partnership, while encouraging Algeria to produce more green hydrogen in the future, but also to invest more in solar and wind energy and that way create additional value.

Germany wants to support Algeria with know-how and technical expertise and Germany and the European Union are also available as potential buyers of green hydrogen. What needs to be done as soon as possible is to fulfil technical and economic prerequisites for hydrogen deliveries between the two countries.

While the Algerian-German hydrogen task force aims to promote the framework agreement on the production, storage and transport of green hydrogen and its derivatives, the bilateral cooperation aims to support private sector investments in both countries, in order to contribute to energy security in Europe, simultaneously with the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

According to the Ministry’s website, the signing of the declaration of intent followed a high-level meeting of government ministers, business people and experts, who had previously discussed the potential and challenges of expanding renewable energy sources, hydrogen, financing, transport and uptake at a round table discussion.

Representatives of the European Commission, Italy, Austria and Tunisia, who support the creation of the “H2 southern corridor”, were invited to attend the meeting. The corridor will transform and expand the existing pipeline for renewable hydrogen that stretches from Algeria through Tunisia, Italy and Austria to southern Germany.

In the coming period, Algeria will strive to become a significant producer of green hydrogen and supply 10 per cent of the EU’s needs by 2040. In this way, this country could improve its economy and create new jobs, while at the same time, gradually making the transition of the energy sector by reducing the use of gas.

Energy portal

DIGITALIZATION AS A WAY TO IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN BUILDINGS

16.02.2024

james-yarema-nz7z0rNdvyI-unsplash — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (james-yarema)

Digital technologies have become part of a large number of investments in infrastructure and energy projects in developing countries. Their extensive application in cities to increase efficiency, optimization, and improvement of health, comfort, and social circumstances leads to achieving a high level of sustainability. Recognizing the need to follow the current moment, the EBRD teams are increasingly incorporating digitalization into assessing their investment justifications. The project to which the following paragraphs are dedicated brings a paradigm shift in dealing with digitalization as it shows how to apply digital technologies in all types of buildings. The EBRD team that worked on this project included the bank’s experts in energy and district heating. At the same time, the external consulting team of E Co. from the United Kingdom and the German Dornier Group consisted of over 10 experts from the USA, Germany, Serbia, Croatia, Italy, and Argentina. From July 2022 to June 2023, this multidisciplinary team created a quality basis for a step forward in the digital transition of all 38 countries in which it operates.

Many sectors have made significant progress in digitalization in recent years. They are rapidly being joined by the building and construction sector, which is increasingly benefiting from improved energy efficiency and resilience and reduced costs. In addition, there are increasing global demands to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) and harmful gases, and the demands of building users for safer and healthier living and working conditions. In earlier years, digitalization was characterized by high initial investments, mitigated in recent years, leading to greater attractiveness and profitability of numerous digital solutions.

Digital services and solutions are characterized by adaptability to the specific needs and requirements of users. Through the intelligent analysis of data from different domains, users and building owners are enabled to have the right information in a real environment as a basis for making quality decisions.

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Buildings become smart by implementing smart digital solutions, i.e. by various devices and sensors that provide and process information and perform actions based on the received information. Smart buildings are equipped with intelligent systems that can be classified into management services and support services. The application of various smart environment applications has spread to complex buildings such as hospitals, office buildings, and educational and sports buildings, where sensors provide information to management, staff, and users.

The goal of applying digital solutions in buildings is the digital transformation of cities and the creation of smart cities that connect the environment, economy and mobility. This goal is achieved by combining and interacting the following aspects:

॰ Optimization of natural resources through environmental protection, energy efficiency and waste management,

॰ Mobility through public transport efficiency, traffic management and parking spaces management,

॰ Informing citizens, inclusive society, citizens making decisions, e-learning, and

॰ Quality of life of citizens, safety, and management of natural disasters.

Some leading international financial institutions recognize digitalization as one of the main directions of investment in the next medium-term strategies, considering the interaction of digitalization with all other investment areas to achieve social, ecological, and economic sustainability. The EBRD has particularly made progress in this regard, placing digitalization as one of the three main topics for the current period.

Source: E Co.

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

WOODEN WIND TURBINE AS A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE OF WIND ENERGY

15.02.2024

vetar — Photo-illustration: Freepik (wirestock)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Jason Blackeye)

Most people are aware that renewable energy plants are being developed to achieve decarbonisation goals, but their energy production does produce emissions. One company has come up with a way to make wind turbines an even greener technology. Believe it or not, instead of using steel and concrete, they are making wind turbines out of wood and claim they could become an important part of the next generation of wind energy.

The wooden construction is based on a tower made from laminated wood. In order to keep moisture out of the tower, the wood is coated with a thick waterproof paint. Currently, such wind turbines are produced for land use, but with additional improvements, they could be installed in the water in the future.

Several questions could be raised regarding these wooden structures including how safe are they from frequent wildfires? The solution to this problem lies in the very density of the logs because the tower is made from solid wood and it is very difficult to catch fire. Direct exposure to fire would cause charring and, as stated, at a very controlled rate. On the other hand, steel becomes soft when exposed to high temperatures, which is why a wooden structure could also have better structural strength.

Currently, the height of the towers ranges between 150 and 200 metres, but they have the potential to become even higher.

An even greener technology

How much greener these wind turbines are compared to the usual steel ones is shown by the data on carbon dioxide emissions during their lifetime. Namely, the emissions of a typical wind turbine with a height of 110 metres amount to about 1,250 tonnes. On the other hand, wooden ones emit up to 90 per cent less.

It is also important to note the sustainable harvesting of the trees used to make the towers. The trees for these purposes are sourced from sustainably managed forests that are certified for the reforestation programme.

Certain renewable energy sources have been criticized because nobody has figured out as yet how to sustainably manage them once they become waste. The circular economy has drawn a lot of attention in recent years, which is why more work is being done on resolving the mentioned problem. Thanks to the wooden construction, which allows the tower to be dismantled more easily, this material can be used subsequently in the construction industry as beams of high quality and strength.

Honestly, I was sceptical when I came across the information about wooden wind turbines, but with all the existing performances, which will be further improved in the future, this green solution could become an integral part of wind energy’s future.

Katarina Vuinac

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS LEAD TO THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

15.02.2024

Bringing-robots-into-the-circular-economy — Photo: ABB

Modern times have brought us new technologies and innovations that make our daily lives easier. The constant growth and progress of all spheres of life require the use of natural resources that are mercilessly consumed, mostly through the system of the linear economy. This model is based on the principle of take-make-use-throw and has contributed significantly to the accelerated development of industry in the 20th century. Applying this model has led to a harmful impact on the environment and global climate change, the solutions of which we are intensively searching for. Applying the circular economy model, a regenerative approach to production can help in this. It practically means that end-of-life products are either returned, through modular design, to production processes or have the possibility of being decomposed so that they do not harm the environment. Technological production processes applied in the circular economy are based on clean technologies. Namely, materials already in use (recycled) are used, and the product obtained after use is used again in the production process instead of going to waste.

The production process, according to the circular economy model, is rounded into a whole, the so-called waste-free production. Although all this seems easy to implement, only 7.2 per cent of products are currently used worldwide and are returned to production at the end of their life. The principles of the circular economy are applicable in almost all business segments and can significantly improve production processes.

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Robots for a longer working life

The segment in which this business model can be applied in the long term is certainly the extension of the service life of production equipment and machines. The company ABB extends the working life of equipment and devices with its innovative solutions in production processes. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, ABB was the first in the world to promote an industrial painting robot and a robot fully controlled by a microprocessor.

Today, their robots are playing their part in solving the world’s sustainability challenges and helping companies in the process of implementing the circular economy. Thanks to solutions that extend the working life of robots and detailed analysis by ABB experts, the causes of overloads are found, and maintenance strategies are recommended. In the industry, thanks to this service, a large car manufacturer identified the robots that were the most stressed and with preventive maintenance actions, as many as 280 robots will continue to work and be in operation until 2035, despite already accumulated 25,000 working hours. Over the last two decades, ABB’s expert teams have upgraded thousands of robots, significantly extending their working life and enabling a more sustainable way of working, which fits into the segments of the circular economy.

Prepared by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

JAPAN – WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHARGERS IS OUT OF SYNC WITH THE NUMBER OF E-VEHICLES?

14.02.2024

jezael-melgoza-alY6_OpdwRQ-unsplash — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Jezael Melgoza)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (CHUTTERSNAP)

As Japan aims to become climate-neutral by 2050, the country’s transport sector should undergo major changes to achieve the goal. A few years ago, Japan set an ambitious goal to eliminate the sales of diesel and petrol cars by 2035, the same as the European Union. It remains to be seen whether such a goal can change the climate situation in the country.

Japan’s economy relies heavily on the automotive industry and Japan is one of the leading countries in this field. However, it should be noted that the situation is much better when it comes to hybrid vehicles in comparison to electric vehicles.

Some time ago, electric cars in this country outnumbered the number of available charging stations. Due to subsidies, in the middle of the last decade, the number of chargers went up, but a few years ago, they also started to shut down. The service life of public chargers is between 5 and 10 years and as they developed too quickly following the production of e-vehicles, at one point they either became part of the outdated infrastructure or were shut down because they were unprofitable, depending on which part of the country we are talking about.

Back in the day, the local governments recognized the potential of electrifying traffic relatively early and encouraged the installation of charging stations, as they were quite optimistic with their predictions. However, it took drivers a longer time to start using e-vehicles.

It is interesting to note that today the situation is the opposite – there is a lack of chargers compared to the number of electric vehicles. Chargers are not readily available, their power is inadequate and there is an insufficient number of charging points. Appropriate infrastructure is an important factor when deciding to buy an electric vehicle.

To rectify this, Japan revised its original goal of 150,000 chargers, doubling it to 300,000 by the end of this decade. Japan has a population of over 125 million and the country has set a goal of having 400,000 chargers available by 2030.

However, even if all citizens were to switch to electric vehicles, there is still uncertainty whether that would solve the pollution issue given that Japan relies mostly on fossil fuels for functioning.

Milica Vučković

LUXOR SOLAR – A RELIABLE PARTNER FOR A SHINING FUTURE

14.02.2024

solarni paneli - solar panels — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Michael Fortsch)

The first solar panels were produced by the Luxor Solar company in 2007. Today, they are a certified manufacturer of solar modules recognized throughout the region. They are the leading company regarding the number of sold solar panels on our market, and they are installed in over 85 countries worldwide. Based on EuPD Resarch’s research among German consumers in the areas of brand awareness, product prevalence and recommendation, Luxor Solar ranks among the best brands in Germany. Due to its exceptional performance, the company received the EuPD Research SolarProsumerAward©, which places them in the group of top global brands that have the right to carry this label.

The most wanted models

Monocrystalline solar panels with half-cell architecture, most often with cells M10 N TYPE TopCon with a diagonal of 182 mm power 425/430Wp double glass bifacial in dimensions 1,722 × 1,134 × 30 mm is their standard and most requested model. The experts of this company are also happy to recommend the 570Wp BIF version with dimensions of 2279 × 1134 × 30 mm for larger projects on the roof and on the ground.

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They have recently enriched their portfolio with heterojunction cell technology and high-end solar modules. Heterojunction cell technology has several advantages compared to current technologies. Thanks to the application of this new technology, solar modules are more efficient and more durable and guarantee greater efficiency per surface area, as well as throughout the module’s lifetime.

Luxor Solar offers its clients the fastest and most flexible solution, a German warranty on each delivered module for up to 30 years on the product and up to 30 years on production. They are always available to clients, both at the head office in Stuttgart and in the region and Serbia.

Prepared by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

SERBIA HAS GOOD PREDISPOSITIONS FOR THE USE OF SOLAR ENERGY

13.02.2024

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (
Mariana Proença)

Serbia has good predispositions for the use of solar energy, said Jovana Joksimović, Assistant Minister of Mining and Energy in charge of International Cooperation and European Integration, adding that the country’s task is to use this natural resource to ensure a secure supply of electricity, greater energy independence and reduce harmful emissions gases.

According to her, renewable energy sources will become the main domestic source of electricity in the years ahead, and the way to achieve this is through the most economical exploitation of the available potential in the case of wind and solar energy.

“Solar energy is part of the response to the strategic challenges facing the energy sector of both Serbia and other Western Balkan countries, as it represents a clean and accessible source of energy that contributes to reducing import dependence and the emission of harmful gases,” said Ms Joksimović during the panel discussion titled “The role and importance of solar energy on the road to carbon neutrality” in Banja Luka.

She pointed out that the activities on boosting the capacity of solar energy are taking place in several directions.

“Auctions for market premiums, which were successfully implemented for the first time last year, included the quota for solar power plants, projects implemented by the Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS) and the projects implemented by the private sector. A good example of this is the construction of 1GW of self-balancing solar power plants, built by a consortium of companies headed by the South Korean company Hyundai Engineering, and which will be owned by EPS, i.e. the state, after completion,” she said, adding that a prosumer institute was also established that will help individuals to become active participants in the energy transition.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Raphael Cruz)

The Assistant Minister also pointed out that Serbia is in the process of adopting strategic documents that will determine the direction and dynamics of changes in the energy sector, which is undergoing energy transition.

As she pointed out, the Integrated National Plan for Energy and Climate until 2030, with projections until 2050, and the new Energy Development Strategy until 2040 with projections until 2050, which will be adopted in the following period, also contain clearly defined goals.

“The integrated plan is the first strategic document that looks at climate and energy issues uniquely. It took two and a half years to draft it, while major geopolitical changes that were most reflected in the energy sector were underway. By 2030, the main goals include increasing the share of RES in electricity production to 45 per cent, reducing the emission of harmful gases by 40.4 per cent compared to 1990, as well as achieving a significant increase in energy efficiency,” said Ms Joksimović.

Energy portal

THE WORLD’S FIRST PLATFORM FOR MONITORING OCEAN SAND EXPLOITATION

11.02.2024

pesak-pustinja — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Jan Kopriva)

The problem of mining sand from the ocean is not a new one. Large quantities of sand are mined and transported to be used in construction and other industries, however, not without consequences for the ocean.

After water, sand is the most used natural resource in the world. It is widely used in various industries, especially as a component of concrete and glass. Every year, around 50 billion tonnes of sand are used globally, according to certain data. This quantity of sand can cover the entire territories of some European countries, especially those in the central part of the continent.

With each new excavation, marine organisms and ecosystems are disturbed.

To combat this problem, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) launched the first public platform to monitor the dredging of sand and other sediments through a network of satellites and ground-based monitoring stations, called Marine Sand Watch. A significant proportion of dredging was found to be taking place in protected marine areas, a worrying trend that threatens biodiversity and fisheries. With the help of artificial intelligence and radio signals, the platform analyzes the movement of boats.

Marine Sand Watch not only monitors dredging at sea but can also identify ports specialized in sand trade, thereby managing to estimate the total amount of sand mined per country. According to the platform director, most of the sand is mined legally, through concessions granted by governments, the UNEP website says.

The upside of the platform is that it can help countries ensure that mining companies operate in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.

The countries that currently lead in the industrial production and export of sand include the USA, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Australia, China and Vietnam.

Energy portal

MLEKOMAP: FRESH MILK AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

11.02.2024

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Congerdesign)

In the heart of Serbia, a team of enthusiasts revived an idea that brings together small milk producers and consumers in quite a unique way. This project is called Mlekomap, designed as a non-profit platform to connect milk producers and customers, who can now purchase readily available, fresh, homemade milk. Aleksandar Džavrić, software engineer and visionary of this project, came up with this idea in early 2023 and, with the support of Miloš Jovanov and his company Green Friends, started implementing the project.

Mlekomap has many advantages for both parties. With the help of their map, a buyer is informed of the locations of registered farms that produce dairy products. By contacting nearby farms, customers can further communicate with the dairy farmer regarding their purchase.

The registration process for producers is simple – the farm registers itself by filling out the form available on the Mlekomap platform, followed by Mlekomap’s team checking the submitted information and finally adding the producer to the map.

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“As for the price and quality control, it is a matter of agreement between the buyer and the seller. If the buyer has a complaint against the seller, we immediately check it and react as required, although we haven’t had such cases so far. We have received only praise“, Aleksandar Džavrić says.

The map itself has no territorial restrictions if it complies with the relevant laws in the country in which the sale takes place. Dairy farmers in the region are facing the same difficulties as dairy farmers in Serbia. If this project can revitalize local family businesses, a farm and even a village, the idea of expanding it to the region, if the laws allow, sounds great.

In Serbia, in addition to hundreds of farms, there are several registered milk machines. The milk machines are automated devices designed to sell fresh milk directly to consumers without intermediaries. These devices are often located in central parts of cities and allow consumers easy access to fresh milk without the need for direct contact with the producer.

However, it is not that easy or cheap to get, which is why many farms still opt for direct sales. Milk machines are available 24/7, meaning consumers can buy milk whenever needed, regardless of business hours.

Prepared by: Milica Vučković

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND BANKING

10.02.2024

The circular economy puts an end to the concept of “exploit – produce – use – throw away”. As it usually happens, we became aware of climate change, the incredible amount of waste surrounding us and the terrible pollution only when the situation became alarming. The circular economy’s mission is to rethink what waste is and whether waste can be further used as raw material. But the circular economy does not stop there – it insists on the systematic application of the so-called 3R principles – recycle, reuse, and reduce the use of resources. The circular economy is the answer to the call to think, pay attention to our surroundings and realize that we must use resources more rationally.

Circular economy in the banking sector

“It is probably too early to assess the banking sector’s role in implementing the circular economy in Serbia. Progress toward sustainable business and the implementation of ESG standards certainly exists. However, the transition to the circular economy will be demanding and long-lasting. We at ProCredit Bank believe that we will motivate companies to invest in environmentally responsible and sustainable business through more attractive financing conditions for green projects and by personal example,” said Dragan Reščik, Head of the HR and Marketing Department at ProCredit Bank.

In cooperation with the GEFF, ProCredit Bank offers up to 20 per cent refund of funds spent on green projects. Still, at the same time, it is guided by a list of excluded activities, and by the estimated impact on the environment and sustainable development, it carefully selects the projects it finances. Furthermore, ProCredit advisors provide a full set of services for business clients. Through continuous training, they are fit to be advisors to companies in the truest sense of the word and offer solutions for boosting energy efficiency according to the client’s business model.

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“Green energy and responsible management of resources are, unfortunately, not the cheapest option in the short term. However, their long-term return and social importance compensate and greatly exceed the investment. With expertise, an individual approach and many years of experience, our advisors have managed to empower clients to think seriously about the latest waste management solutions, and we are proud that our portfolio includes companies that recycle plastic, metal, and other waste, as well as do composting,” Mr. Reščik added.

Adaptation implies that ProCredit Bank employees think twice about whether they should print something, whether they closed the window when turning on the air conditioner and how they treat the resources at their disposal.

“We have installed smart metres and sensors in all our facilities. We always know how much water and electricity we use; if an accident occurs, we can react immediately. Without these sensors, we would have to wait for the next electricity or water bill to see that something is wrong or that the damage is visible to the naked eye,” explains Stanislava Milošević from the Energy Efficiency and Environmental Protection Department, which has been with the Bank for ten years.

ProCredit Bank

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

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