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International Day of Forests: Global Challenges and the State of Forests in Serbia

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Jon Flobrant)

Significant efforts to raise awareness about the importance of forest ecosystems began in 2012, when the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 as the International Day of Forests. On this day, countries around the world conduct activities focused on forests and trees at the local, national, and international levels. One of the largest celebrations of this International Day is held today at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

This year, the theme of the International Day of Forests is Forests and Food. Forests are an important source of food for billions of people. In addition to directly providing us with fruits, coffee, cocoa, and other produce, forests are home to wildlife that also serves as a food source. They offer a variety of other resources as well, from bamboo to timber used for furniture, paper, and similar products. Forests are also a source of energy for many households that rely on firewood for heating. One of the most vital natural resources made possible by forests is freshwater, thanks to their forested watersheds.

However, due to unsustainable practices, the planet loses 10 million hectares of forest each year through deforestation and around 70 million hectares due to fires, according to United Nations data. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reports that the global rate of deforestation amounts to about 1.3 million square kilometers per decade, although it has declined in some regions in the early 21st century thanks to improved forest management practices and the establishment of nature reserves. The most extensive deforestation occurs in tropical areas, which include diverse forest types—from rainforests to dry forest regions.

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According to Srbijašume (Serbia Forests), just one hectare of forest produces approximately 800 tons of oxygen annually. In addition, forests ionize the air and cleanse it of dust. A single hectare of coniferous forest filters up to 35 tons of dust per year, while deciduous forests filter up to 76 tons.

In February of this year, an agreement was signed to implement the project FOREST Invest aimed at improving the resilience of forests in Serbia. The 84 million dollars project is jointly funded by Serbia, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and FAO.

Serbia is considered moderately forested, and according to the Second National Forest Inventory conducted between 2018 and 2023, the total area of forests and forest land in Serbia amounts to 3,025,471 hectares, representing 39 percent of the country’s total land area.

Deciduous trees are the most prevalent, accounting for 80 percent of forest cover, while coniferous trees make up 20 percent. Among individual tree species, beech makes up more than half of the total.

Katarina Vuinac

Biomass Power Plant at BAT Factory and Geothermal Energy Research in Croatia

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (longdan91)

One of the latest steps in Croatia’s energy transition is the opening of a biomass power plant in Kanfanar. This plant is part of the British American Tobacco (BAT) factory, one of the world’s leading tobacco manufacturers, and represents a key segment in the modernization of the production facility in Istria.

The Kanfanar factory, one of the most advanced industrial sites in the region, is part of BAT Group’s investment cycle worth over €80 million.

In addition to industrial investments, the government is also investing in strengthening energy infrastructure through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which includes €640 million for the modernization of the power grid, including €80 million for the development of battery storage systems.

The opening of the biomass power plant in Kanfanar contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions, increasing the share of renewable energy sources, and promoting sustainable development in local communities.

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Development of Nuclear and Geothermal Energy

The issue of energy stability and electricity affordability was also a key topic at a recent meeting of EU energy ministers in Brussels, where discussions focused on energy pricing and security of supply.

Croatia supported the measures proposed in the EU Action Plan for Affordable Energy, particularly those that encourage the modernization of the power grid. While Croatia already has a well-developed internal network connection, additional investments are crucial for the transition to renewable energy sources.

Special emphasis was placed on nuclear and geothermal energy as key factors in reducing emissions and stabilizing electricity prices. Croatia advocates for supporting existing and new nuclear power plants, as well as greater investment in geothermal capacity, which holds significant untapped potential.

In this context, the construction of an exploratory geothermal well has begun in Velika Gorica, a city with over 60,000 residents. This €11 million project, part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, aims to explore the potential of geothermal energy for the district heating system. The well is expected to reach a depth of three kilometers, providing valuable data on temperature and water flow, which could facilitate commercial use for city heating.

These projects reaffirm Croatia’s commitment to energy transition and renewable energy, ensuring long-term supply stability and economic sustainability.

Energy portal

The World’s Longest Underwater Tunnel – An Engineering Marvel with an Ecological Imprint

Photo-illustration: Freepik (bedneyimages)

The future of infrastructure projects demands sustainability as a top priority at every stage, from concept to completion. One of the most ambitious European projects, the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, exemplifies this new paradigm. As the longest underwater tunnel in the world, this project will not only connect Denmark and Germany but also bridge the past with a future that must be entirely focused on environmental preservation. When completed in 2029, the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel will stand as both an engineering marvel and a symbol of sustainable infrastructure development.

Time Savings and Emission Reductions

Travel between Denmark and Germany currently relies on multiple transport options. The ferry journey between the two countries takes around 45 minutes, but once the tunnel is operational, the trip will be reduced to just 10 minutes by car and seven minutes by train. Additionally, train passengers traveling between Hamburg and Copenhagen will see their journey time cut from nearly 5.5 hours to just 2.5 hours. By reducing travel time, the project will significantly decrease transport emissions. The inclusion of railway infrastructure within the tunnel is expected to encourage train usage as a more environmentally friendly mode of transport. Furthermore, the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel will feature a fully electrified railway system, contributing to the development of a green transport network. International trains and trucks will no longer need to take a 160-kilometer detour through Denmark, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

The construction phase of the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel is also being designed with sustainability in mind. Sund & Bælt, the company responsible for the tunnel’s construction and operation, is committed to minimizing carbon emissions during the building process. The emissions generated will remain below the limits defined in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report. The use of eco-friendly materials, green technologies, and alternative methods will further reduce the project’s environmental impact.

Restoring Natural Habitats

While the project aims to minimize carbon emissions, it would be unrealistic to expect their complete elimination. To compensate for any remaining emissions, Sund & Bælt plans to implement large-scale reforestation projects.

Additionally, natural areas affected by the tunnel’s construction will be restored and expanded to create new ecosystems, such as wetlands, coastal meadows, peatlands, and dry grasslands. Any impacted natural areas on Lolland will be replaced with new ones, at least twice the size of the affected regions. For example, the old Strandholm Lake, which was affected by the project, will be replaced by a new eight-hectare wetland, surrounded by an additional 60 hectares of newly designated natural areas.

Rocky reefs will also be reconstructed. A 42-hectare area of seabed south of Fehmarn Island will be restored as a vibrant reef ecosystem, rich in plant and animal life. Additionally, protective rock structures will be placed at both ends of the submerged tunnel. Over time, these rocks will function as natural reefs, providing habitat for a wide range of marine species.

This approach demonstrates how the construction of the world’s longest underwater tunnel can be both socially beneficial and environmentally sustainable, setting new standards for future infrastructure projects.

Katarina Vuinac

RIMINI, KEY 2025: +20 PERCENT TOTAL ATTENDANCE, + 40 PERCENT FOREIGN ATTENDANCE, RECORD SIZE AND PARTICIPATION

Photo: KEY-The Energy Transition Expo

The energy transition is gathering speed and the big, record-breaking numbers at KEY – The Energy Transition Expo, the IEG (Italian Exhibition Group) event of reference in Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean basin, which closed today at Rimini Expo Centre, are the proof.

With a +20 percent increase in total attendance (of which +40 percent from abroad) compared to 2024, over 1,000 exhibitors, of which more than 30 percent from abroad, 90,000 m2 of floor space in 20 halls and new focuses, one on ports and the other on hydrogen, in collaboration with Hannover Fairs International GmbH (HFI), the Italian branch of Deutsche Messe AG, and no less than 400 accredited journalists from Italy and the world, the edition of KEY that just ended was the largest ever. And it was also the most international, with 350 hosted buyers and delegations from more than 50 countries attending the show thanks to the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and collaboration with leading industry associations.

Photo: KEY-The Energy Transition Expo

For three days, KEY transformed the Expo Centre into the beating heart of energy transition and efficiency: the place where, amid innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies, the sector’s global community began to create the future of energy.

More than 160 events, conferences and workshops with the participation of experts, academics, researchers and representatives from the world of associations and companies, offered an opportunity for discussion and in-depth analysis of the energy market’s every aspect, innovation and development.

Inaugurated on Wednesday 5th March by Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, KEY25 provided a unique opportunity for sector companies and professionals to learn about present and future solutions to guarantee energy security, control energy costs, and maintain the industrial fabric’s competitiveness. Moreover, it favoured meetings and dialogue with the institutions to promote efficiency as the best way forward to meet the global challenge of decarbonisation. Also in attendance, Michele De Pascale, President of the Emilia-Romagna Region.

With the Innovation District and the second edition of the “Lorenzo Cagnoni” Award, KEY25 consolidated its support for innovation and, with the Green Jobs & Skills initiative, even extended it to the new green and sustainable skills that are still very much lacking in companies, but which need to be increasingly invested in to achieve the energy transition.

KEY CHOICE – Unlock the future of PPAs

The second edition of KEY CHOICE – Unlock the future of PPAs, KEY – The Energy Transition Expo’s B2B event, addressed the topic of energy costs and PPAs as an innovative financial solution for cost control and included a focus on the new Data Centres, indispensable for technological development. Organised by IEG in cooperation with Elemens and with the support of SolarPlaza, the event took place on Tuesday 4th March at Rimini’s Palacongressi Conference Centre to foster meetings between energy suppliers and energy-intensive companies with the aim of facilitating the drawing up of PPA contracts.

KEY will be back at Rimini Expo Centre from 4th to 6th March 2026.

Source: KEY-The Energy Transition Expo

Electric Cars to Save the EU 20 Million Tons of CO2 – Air and Maritime Transport Remain a Challenge

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (CHUTTERSNAP)

As part of global efforts to reduce emissions, the development of electric vehicles is being strongly promoted. The organization Transport & Environment (T&E) has compiled a report on the state of European transport, highlighting that the increasing number of electric cars on the roads will help Europe save 20 million tons of carbon dioxide this year. However, despite the growing number of electric vehicles, the concurrent rise in air traffic remains a pressing issue.

In 2024, the European transport sector emitted 1.05 billion tons of CO2, marking a five percent decrease compared to 2019. This decline is largely attributed to the adoption of electric vehicles.

Nevertheless, emissions from air transport continue to rise. European airlines emitted 143 million tons of carbon dioxide last year, reflecting a nearly 10 percent increase compared to 2023. Similarly, emissions from maritime transport remain high, amounting to 195 million tons of CO2 equivalent.

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Both sectors are now included in the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), meaning that companies in these industries must purchase allowances for their CO2 emissions. Revenue from the sale of these allowances is estimated at five billion euros and could rise to 30 billion euros annually by the end of the decade. According to T&E, these funds could be used to bridge the price gap between green fuels and traditional fossil fuels.

While Europe has made significant progress in reducing emissions through the expansion of electric vehicles, challenges such as the rising emissions from air and maritime transport persist. Therefore, it is crucial for the EU to remain committed to green policies and continue investing in sustainable technologies to secure a cleaner and more energy-independent future.

Energy portal

The International Significance of Greenland’s Elections – A Matter of Energy and Strategic Interests

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Filip Gielda)

In recent times, Greenland has increasingly found itself at the center of global attention, a stark contrast to its previous status. Due to statements from political circles, particularly in the United States, this self-governing autonomous territory, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, has once again become a focal point in international relations following early elections held in Greenland.

Greenland is situated in a highly strategic location—on the shortest route between North America and Europe. Beyond its connection to Europe, it also serves as a gateway to the Arctic, further amplifying its geopolitical significance. Although three-quarters of its landmass is covered in ice, Greenland harbors vast untapped natural resources. Climate change-induced glacial melting is increasingly granting access to potentially large reserves of oil, gas, and rare minerals. Beyond their evident energy significance, these resources could yield substantial economic benefits for any nation that intensifies its involvement in their exploration. Additionally, the melting of Arctic ice is shortening maritime trade routes between major global markets, offering new economic advantages.

As the international community has become more involved in the internal affairs of this territory, the prime minister called for elections earlier than originally planned. A statement by the U.S. president regarding potential control over Greenland drew international media attention, transforming what would typically be a local election into an event of global interest.

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Unexpected Election Results

In a surprising outcome, the center-right opposition party, Demokraatit, secured victory in Greenland’s parliamentary elections, winning 29.9 percent of the vote, according to results published in March.

Alongside Demokraatit, the nationalist party Naleraq, the most vocal advocate for Greenlandic independence, achieved significant success, garnering 24.5 percent of the vote—more than doubling its support compared to the previous elections. The two left-wing parties that had formed the previous ruling coalition finished in third and fourth place, according to reports from international media.

Greenland covers an area of approximately 2.16 million square kilometers, making it the largest island in the world and a potentially vast hub of energy resources. Mentions of Greenland in political statements are often closely linked to Arctic territorial rights and claims. With Greenland as a strategic foothold, Denmark retains rights to a portion of the Arctic, a factor of significant importance to other nations as well. The territory of Greenland and the Arctic represents not only an immense reserve of natural resources but also a strategic location that grants control over them.

Energy portal

A New Method for Long-Term Drought Prediction – Improved Water Resource Planning

Photo-illustration: Freepik (vecstock)

Accurate drought forecasting could play a crucial role in managing water resources at both national and international levels, in line with the EU Water Framework Directive. As temperatures rise, precipitation patterns have become increasingly extreme—either occurring in short, intense bursts that lead to flooding or remaining absent for weeks. Long-term drought forecasting, much like weather forecasting, could significantly improve decision-making and resource management.

Existing prediction methods, which rely on short-term weather forecasts, are generally effective only for a single season and do not provide sufficient data for long-term planning. Therefore, new approaches are essential to enable timely and efficient responses to water shortages. One promising alternative method leverages knowledge of recurring patterns in large-scale weather systems.

A New Methodology for Drought Analysis

To test this approach, researchers analyzed data from two sources. The first dataset comprises records from the National Groundwater Level Archive (NGLA) of the British Geological Survey, spanning the period from 1960 to 2023. These records were used to assess the duration and intensity of droughts based on groundwater levels. The second dataset includes the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) Index, which measures differences in atmospheric pressure at sea level between the subtropical and polar regions of the North Atlantic.

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In the long run, such climate systems can influence weather patterns thousands of kilometers away and are a key factor in precipitation trends across Europe. Researchers compared drought trends recorded in the NGLA with the eight-year cycles identified in the NAO index to examine the significance of these correlations. By combining these datasets, they developed a model to explore how NAO affects the occurrence and duration of groundwater droughts, as explained on the European Commission’s website.

More Accurate Forecasts Up to Four Years in Advance

Research findings indicate that NAO patterns can serve as predictors of drought duration and intensity at both national and regional levels. Using this method, droughts can be predicted up to four years in advance, significantly improving upon existing models that rely on monthly data or average winter precipitation levels.

The model’s accuracy varied depending on the duration of droughts, demonstrating the highest reliability when forecasting prolonged drought events. Additionally, its effectiveness was influenced by hydrogeological regions, with the best results observed in areas where water systems respond slowly to changes in precipitation levels.

Energy Portal

Bulgaria Faces Highest Energy Poverty in the EU: Will It Receive Funding from the Social Climate Fund?

Photo-illustration: Freepik (pvproductions )

Bulgaria’s Agency for Sustainable Energy Development highlights that the country has the highest level of energy poverty in the European Union, affecting as much as 30 percent of the population. This makes the development of a Social Climate Plan crucial, as it will serve as the basis for Bulgaria’s approval of significant financial support from the Social Climate Fund.

Under the plan, Bulgaria is expected to receive nearly 2.5 billion euros from the Fund for the period between 2026 and 2032, with the funds directed toward the most vulnerable households and micro-enterprises. However, if Bulgaria fails to submit its Social Climate Plan on time, it risks losing the allocated funds.

Twelve organizations engaged in environmental protection and the social sector, including the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), have joined forces to provide their recommendations to the relevant institutions and accelerate the adoption of the Social Climate Plan, which must be submitted to the European Commission by the end of June 2025.

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The coordinating body responsible for preparing the plan experienced delays in commencing its work and was abolished just a week ago. Another major issue is the absence of a designated institution to oversee the process, as well as a lack of clear regulations, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.

Experts emphasize the need to strengthen the capacity of local authorities, social and economic partners, and non-governmental organizations so that they can actively participate in the preparation and implementation of the plan.

As stated on the WWF website, it is essential to simplify the application process for funding and reduce administrative barriers.

Energy Portal

Fire Strikes Panama’s Thermal Power Plant – Nationwide Power Outage Ensues

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (luis-aleman)

During the night between Saturday and Sunday, a malfunction at a private thermal power plant in Panama caused widespread disruptions in the country’s electricity supply. The incident occurred when a fire broke out at one of the plants, triggering the power grid’s protective mechanisms and leading to a complete collapse of the national electricity network.

The blackout severely impacted essential services, including the distribution of drinking water, as water pumps ceased operation. This, in turn, led to water supply interruptions across large parts of the country, according to global media reports.

Power company workers managed to stabilize the system, and electricity supply was fully restored by Sunday morning. However, the incident once again highlighted the vulnerability of Panama’s energy system and the need for stricter oversight of private energy facilities connected to the national grid.

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Additionally, the recent prolonged power outage in Chile in late February demonstrated the far-reaching consequences of such incidents. Unlike Panama’s nighttime blackout, Chile’s outage occurred in the afternoon, halting metro services, trains, elevators, and various commercial activities.

Panama, which has previously experienced short-term power interruptions, now faces the challenge of ensuring the stability and reliability of its energy system. Authorities have announced regulatory reviews and potential reforms in the sector to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In this case, the failure at the private thermal power plant was not merely an internal issue—it triggered a chain reaction across the national grid, underscoring the importance of monitoring and regulating the private sector’s role in energy production.

Energy portal

Social Media as a Tool for Monitoring Species in the Era of Climate Change

Climate change affects the range of habitats of numerous species, and these changes are usually documented through databases such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). However, in recent times, rapid shifts in species distribution cannot always be tracked through traditional methods, making alternative data sources like social media increasingly valuable.

The range inhabited by many species is changing, and it is typically monitored through formal tracking and research systems. However, these methods can struggle to detect rapid changes and sometimes overlook urban areas.

The usefulness of social media in tracking species was demonstrated in a study led by the University of Exeter, which analyzed posts about Jersey tiger moths on Instagram and Flickr. Instagram posts revealed that these moths are unexpectedly common in cities. The study also considered incorporating data from Twitter and Facebook, but researchers were unable to find enough geolocated and verified images of the Jersey tiger moth (JTM) during the study period.

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„Wildlife research is usually conducted in rural areas, so its data does not always reflect the vital role of cities and urban environments. Our study shows that many people in cities and towns are interested in wildlife, which has the potential to strengthen their connection with nature”, said Niall Stevenson, who led the study.

He added that people are passionate about wildlife and photography and frequently share images of a wide range of species they encounter, providing valuable data for scientists.

JTM data was collected using GBIF and social media based on user-posted photos and descriptions from 2000 to 2018. These years were selected as they allowed for the collection of comparable environmental data and provided a sufficient number of JTM occurrences (at least 50 per year).

The study covered regions including the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Denmark, and Italy.

However, scientists emphasize that social media cannot serve as a replacement for traditional monitoring methods.

Jasna Dragojević

Plug-in Solar Systems Conquering the European Market

Photo-illustration: Freepik (AI - vecstock)

Solar panels in households are becoming a key element of the energy transition. In this context, plug-in solar power plants could significantly accelerate the expansion of solar technologies due to their affordability and ease of installation.

These are small solar panels, with one or two modules, that can be easily connected to a standard household socket and installed on a terrace, roof, garden, or even a facade. Users can utilize the generated energy to power essential household devices such as refrigerators, internet routers, or televisions, while any surplus energy can be fed back into the grid.

Plug-in systems are particularly suitable for people living in apartment buildings who do not have the option to install solar panels on the roof. These systems do not have high DC voltage, making them safer to use.

SolarPower Europe recently published a report analyzing the growth, opportunities, challenges, and regulatory framework for the rapidly expanding plug-in solar system market in Europe. These systems are gaining popularity across the continent, as they allow households to reduce their energy costs and contribute to a sustainable energy transition. In some European markets, plug-in solar systems can cover up to 25 percent of annual electricity needs.

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Germany is leading in this segment, with more than 780,000 registered plug-in solar systems by the end of 2024. Since many systems are still unregistered, estimates suggest that there may be as many as four million in Germany.

The European Union and national governments are increasingly recognizing the potential of these solar systems. For example, Belgium is expected to legalize plug-in systems in April 2025. Germany has taken a step further by simplifying the registration process for plug-in solar systems connected to the grid.

However, there is still a challenge in developing clear regulatory frameworks and standards for these products. To ensure safety, grid compatibility, and consumer confidence, it is essential to establish clear guidelines for the installation and use of plug-in solar systems. The German regulator VDE is already working on developing the first specific standards for plug-in systems, which are expected by the end of 2025.

Energy portal

Plogging – Exercise for Health and a Cleaner Environment

Photo: Stefano Jeantet

Caring for health plays an essential role in daily life, from the food we consume to the quality of our sleep and the time we dedicate to physical activity. Walking, jogging, or running strengthens the body and mind and offers opportunities to connect with nature. However, for these activities to be genuinely beneficial, the environment we spend our time in must be healthy and clean.

Our country is rich in natural treasures and beauty, inviting exploration and active enjoyment. Yet, how much we truly value what we have is reflected in the growing consequences of human neglect—polluted air and piles of waste that disrupt nature’s pristine beauty.

Respect for nature is most deeply rooted when instilled in childhood. Those fortunate enough to have parents who nurtured their love for nature and outdoor activities carry these values into adulthood. Such was the childhood of Miloš Stanojević. As he grew older, it became increasingly difficult for him to pass through the stunning landscapes of our country without noticing the waste that marred their beauty. This desire to confront the problem inspired Miloš to become a champion of plogging. This practice combines jogging or walking with collecting litter to clean the environment while staying physically active.

In early 2021, Miloš created the Instagram profile @trail_cleaner to share his activities, raise awareness about the surrounding problem, and emphasize the importance of proper waste disposal. His mission also promotes the idea that picking up litter left by others is not something to be ashamed of but rather a responsibility we should all embrace.

“It’s a combination of upbringing, rebellion against the traces of human negligence and ignorance, and the need to raise awareness that it’s UP TO YOU, up to all of us. That’s where the slogan #oćuštamiteško (‘I want to, is it so hard?’) comes from,” Miloš explains.

IN FOCUS:

Plogging Srbija

In our country, plogging is emerging as a pioneering movement, gaining popularity in recent years thanks to the activities organized by Plogging Serbia, a sports association. As part of its efforts, this organization conducts cleanup initiatives at various locations, including natural and urban areas. Through educational and promotional campaigns, it also organizes events during sports festivals, races, and school programs. A significant contribution is its participation in races organized by the Association for Recreation and Fitness of Serbia, which annually holds eight races across Serbia.

Miloš engages citizens in an interesting way by highlighting the importance of plogging through his original show, Eko manija(k). Viewers can see the locations of cleanup initiatives, how these efforts are carried out, and how collecting waste can even be enjoyable during activities like kayaking, cycling, rock climbing, diving, and similar pursuits.

Photo: Stefano Jeantet

Plogging Serbia attracts an increasing number of enthusiasts and volunteers, including professional athletes and environmental activists, who regularly participate in various cleanup and educational programs. Notable locations for these initiatives, as highlighted by Miloš, include Vršački breg, regarded as one of the cleanest spots they have visited and cleaned multiple times in conjunction with the Challenge Race League organized by the Association for Recreation and Fitness of Serbia. Other cleanup sites include Rtanj, Fruška Gora (Tour de Fruška), Golija, Avala, the Uvac canyon, and rivers like the Sava and the Danube, where hundreds of kilograms of waste have been removed.

“I would particularly highlight Silver Lake, where the local government supported the initiative, and students from nearby schools joined. This type of volunteerism and support yields the best results and is a key aspect of our efforts because it’s the youth who will join us in fighting for a better future,” Miloš explains.

The collected waste is sorted by categories, such as plastic, glass, metal, paper, and bio-waste, which facilitates recycling. After sorting, the waste is handed over to authorized companies or local municipal enterprises, with whom arrangements are typically made for the disposal procedure.

When discussing waste management in Serbia generally, Miloš emphasizes that some larger municipalities are better organized, but smaller communities still face challenges in waste collection, recycling, and disposal. While initiatives are underway to improve the waste management system, citizens need to remain active and contribute to proper sorting and disposal themselves.

Prepared by Katarina Vuinac

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

Wind and Solar Surpass Coal in U.S. Electricity Generation

Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

For the first time last year, the United States reached a milestone where solar and wind energy together generated more electricity than coal, according to the organization EMBER. Wind and solar accounted for 17 percent of total electricity production, while coal’s share dropped to an all-time low of just 15 percent.

Although the share of natural gas increased due to higher electricity demand, solar energy covered a significant portion of this rising demand.

Solar remained the fastest-growing source of electricity, with a 27 percent increase in generation in 2024, surpassing hydropower for the first time. Wind energy also grew by seven percent. Just six years ago, coal’s share was three times higher than the combined share of wind and solar energy.

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The rapid expansion of solar energy has been enabled by battery development. For instance, last year, California had over 30 percent of its energy mix coming from solar for the first time. This was made possible by installing 20 percent more battery capacity than solar capacity, allowing a substantial portion of the energy produced during the day to be stored for evening hours.

Despite a slight increase in fossil fuel generation and a 0.7 percent rise in CO2 emissions, the growth in energy demand was significantly higher than the increase in emissions. This resulted in the cleanest electricity per unit ever recorded.

However, the growth of solar energy has not been uniform across all states. As many as 28 states generated less than five percent of their electricity from solar sources last year, highlighting that the potential of this renewable energy source remains largely underutilized.

Energy portal

Today We Celebrate International Day of Rivers – Our Rivers, Our Future

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Ezra Jeffrey-Comeau)

The International Day of Rivers, observed annually on March 14, carries the theme this year: „Our Rivers, Our Future”

Rivers are vital natural resources – they provide water for drinking, agriculture, industry, and energy production while also serving as habitats for numerous plant and animal species, significantly contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance.

However, climate change, pollution, and unsustainable practices increasingly threaten their health, requiring urgent action at both global and local levels.

In Serbia, rivers face specific challenges. Pollution, primarily due to insufficient wastewater treatment infrastructure, poses a serious threat. The small number of treatment facilities results in large amounts of industrial and municipal wastewater being discharged into rivers, further degrading their natural ecosystems and endangering many plant and animal species.

For instance, according to data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia for 2022, as much as 81.5 percent of the total wastewater volume in the country remains untreated, significantly contributing to the degradation of aquatic ecosystems.

The International Day of Rivers reminds us of the importance of actively preserving rivers and calls for better management of these invaluable resources to ensure their sustainability and health for future generations.

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On this occasion, the Public Water Management Company „Srbijavode” issued a statement emphasizing its active participation in the protection and improvement of Serbia’s water resources.

„As a long-standing member of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River and the International Sava River Basin Commission, JVP ‘Srbijavode’ actively works to improve international cooperation in water resource protection, flood prevention, and water quality. Through preventive flood protection measures, including the construction and maintenance of embankments, canals, and other water management infrastructure, we contribute to joint efforts to preserve and sustainably use water resources”, the statement from JVP „Srbijavode” reads.

In addition to the International Day of Rivers, World Rivers Day is celebrated every fourth Sunday in September as a tribute to the world’s waterways. This global event was initiated by internationally recognized river advocate Mark Angelo, building on the success of British Columbia’s Rivers Day, which he first launched in 1980.

Energy portal

Pokrovac: Battery Storage Can Reduce Electricity Prices by 25 Percent by 2030

Photo: OIEH

Croatia is a country firmly committed to the energy transition, and investments in the flexibility of the power system and the development of battery storage systems are key to its success. These were the conclusions of the Solar Flex Croatia 2025 conference, organized on March 12 in Zagreb by the Renewable Energy Sources of Croatia (OIEH) in cooperation with SolarPower Europe and the European Commission.

According to Maja Pokrovac, director of OIEH, the lack of energy storage capacity further increases dependence on electricity imports, which accounted for as much as a quarter of domestic consumption last summer. She added that increasing battery storage capacity could reduce electricity prices by 25 percent by 2030, provided that the regulatory framework is accelerated to enable faster development and integration of new capacities.

Photo: OIEH

“Sixty-one percent of the grid capacity is outdated, modernization takes a long time, and last summer, Croatia imported 25 percent of its electricity because it lacks quality storage capacity. Moreover, amendments to the Renewable Energy Sources and High-Efficiency Cogeneration Act, which are currently under public consultation, show a lack of understanding of renewable energy storage. However, increasing battery storage capacity could reduce electricity prices by 25 percent by 2030, and by 33 percent by 2040,” Pokrovac emphasized.

Valburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, stated that solar energy is currently the most affordable energy source in Europe, but further growth requires the development of flexible infrastructure and a significant increase in storage capacity. She stressed that investment in flexibility is crucial for maintaining Europe’s energy competitiveness and price stability, especially given the increasing electrification of industries and society.

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“In 2024, Europe installed a record 66 GW of new solar capacity, bringing the total to 330 GW. Solar power has been continuously growing in recent years, but we now face the challenges of infrastructure development and energy price stability. We need flexibility and a large number of battery storage systems for Europe to remain competitive,” Hemetsberger stated.

Zrinka Ujević, Head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia, highlighted European policies that encourage the rapid development of battery storage systems and emphasized that investments in this technology are crucial for achieving Europe’s climate neutrality by 2050.

“The European Commission has introduced numerous policies and measures to accelerate the development of battery storage systems. The Renewable Energy Directive, for example, provides an incentive framework for the development and competitive market of all types of technologies. Furthermore, the European Green Deal, which commits Europe to becoming a climate-neutral continent by 2050, and the Clean Industry Plan are also significant steps. A lot is being done to achieve our climate goals, but the challenge remains adapting infrastructure to efficiently integrate renewable energy sources. These solutions are essential for economic growth, new jobs, and the well-being of citizens. Additionally, it is important that the public and private sectors collaborate as much as possible, as this is key to financing and knowledge exchange. Smart households provide an opportunity to participate in energy production, and batteries are essential for balancing the grid,” Ujević said.

Conference participants agreed that Croatia has the potential to become a regional leader in integrating renewable energy sources and battery storage, but this requires rapid modernization of the transmission and distribution network, as well as adaptations in legislation.

Energy portal

Should We Bring Back Public Bathhouses for Sustainability?

Foto: OpenAI

For most of us, a day without bathing is simply unimaginable – especially in summer when we refresh ourselves several times a day. Now, imagine suddenly losing that luxury in our own homes and having to maintain hygiene in some kind of public bathhouses instead.

I must admit that the very thought sends shivers down my spine. I think I would constantly feel uncomfortable due to the lack of privacy, concerns about hygiene conditions, or doubts about whether I would feel clean enough after bathing alongside fellow citizens. It sounds like something from the past, not a part of modern life, doesn’t it?

However, maybe we should give this idea another chance – not as a necessary solution but as an interesting option for sustainable cities of the future. The inspiration for this blog came from an article published in Low-tech Magazine, where author Kris De Decker presents a series of intriguing arguments in favor of bringing public baths back.

The article highlights that heating water for bathing is one of the largest energy expenditures in households. Adding to that the heating of living spaces, wastewater treatment, and the construction resources required for bathroom renovations, we end up with a true energy “monster” in every home. Modern bathing is essentially characterized as an unsustainable luxury that consumes large amounts of electricity, mostly derived from fossil fuels.

Sustainability advocates usually propose two solutions: technological innovations and behavioral changes. The first involves low-flow showers, solar water heaters, water recycling, and other advanced systems, while the second is a bit more radical, suggesting shorter showers, using cold water, or washing in a sink.

Photo illustration: Unsplash (Cloris Ying)

While these solutions may be suitable for some households, they are definitely not intended for the general population. Technological innovations are expensive and difficult to implement in older buildings, while promoting discomfort as a sacrifice for the planet is something few people will accept. So, what options do we have left?

Public bathing may sound like a relic of the past, but in terms of resource efficiency, nothing compares! Instead of 1,000 individual bathrooms consuming vast amounts of energy and materials, we could have one that is more economical, efficient, and sustainable.

Moreover, public bathhouses make the implementation of sustainable technologies significantly easier: solar collectors can cover a larger surface area, wastewater treatment systems become more cost-effective, and heat loss is reduced.

Interestingly, ancient Roman baths were more energy-efficient than our modern ones. Their hypocaust system, which distributed warm air through floors and walls using underground furnaces, maintained temperature with minimal fuel consumption. Studies show that a single public bathhouse burned around 60 trees per year – a negligible amount compared to today’s household energy consumption.

In addition to being energy-efficient, Roman bathhouses had another advantage – they were social hubs. People spent hours in them, socializing, relaxing, and enjoying luxury, and perhaps that’s exactly what we need in an era of increasing social disconnection.

Modern public bathhouses can be fully energy self-sufficient. A mountainous village in China already has a communal bathhouse for 5,000 people that uses solar energy, draws water from wells, and filters wastewater using plants. Europe could follow this example, utilizing surplus energy from solar and wind power to heat water and indoor spaces.

Perhaps it’s time to rethink our habits and return to old but better solutions. Shared bathing doesn’t have to mean a loss of privacy – we can design it in a modern and comfortable way. And when we consider the benefits – energy savings, cost reduction, and social connectedness – maybe reintroducing public bathhouses into our cities isn’t such a bad idea after all.

Milena Maglovski

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