How India’s climate leadership is building a better future for all

07.09.2023

india_waste_collecting_landfill_indija_sakupljanje_otpada_deponija — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Akshay Nanavati)

India is poised to be a global leader when it comes to economy, technology and trade. Now, it has an opportunity to seize the moment and help the world address climate change before time runs out.

As the fastest-growing majority economy in the world, with the third largest startup ecosystem and a rising trade-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio, it is, as Prime Minister (PM) Modi has said, an “India moment”.

India: President of G20 2023 and a global leader

This opportunity to showcase India’s leadership and know-how should not be missed, particularly when it comes to the environment because the climate crisis is the most critical threat to the world today. July was the hottest month on record, and deadly wildfires, flooding, and storms have ravaged communities around the world. All told, extreme weather has taken the lives of two million people and caused $4.3 trillion in economic losses over the past half-century. “It’s now or never to limit global warming” according to the United Nations (UN).

Although we know the only way to meet our climate obligations is to take steps together, the urgent need for collective action comes at a time when global collaboration has become fragile.

This is why both India’s commitment to climate action and its current role as a global convener in its capacity as the president of the G20 are so vital for moving climate action forward.

India has shown it is leading in the climate space through global collaborative initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance—a platform that is bringing together stakeholders to deploy solar energy technologies and secure $1,000 billion of investments in solar energy solutions by 2030. It has also launched movements to drive sustainable practices at the individual level, including Mission LiFE, which encourages environmentally conscious lifestyles.

India is also part of global initiatives such as the First Movers Coalition—a group launched by the World Economic Forum of 13 countries and 80 companies that is working to bring green technology to hard-to-abate sectors, like steel and cement. The acceleration of clean technologies and adoption of energy-efficient innovations will play a central role in reaching net-zero targets, and India’s participation in this coalition, as a major, innovative economy, will be critical for the coalition’s success.

How India is leading by example

All of these efforts, and the government’s pledge at the 2021 UN Climate Conference in Glasgow to reach net zero by 2070, show how India can lead the world by example, both when it comes to ambition and action.

Now it is time for India to work towards strengthening global climate collaboration. As India prepares for the G20 Heads of State and Government Summit in New Delhi, it has the chance to drive collective and collaborative action ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in the United Arab Emirates (COP28) in November. Indeed, India’s theme for this year’s G20, “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, speaks to the need to work for common purpose on issues like climate change that will shape our common future.

Among the steps India can take is to encourage the formation of international carbon markets, where smaller groups of countries within the G20 can come together to develop bilateral arrangements on carbon markets as part of Article 6.2 of the Paris Climate Agreement. It can also encourage countries to jointly put mandates on green hydrogen usage to enable more rapid corporate decarbonization and to align on incentives to promote large-scale afforestation measures.

Source: WEF

NEW INVESTMENTS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES ARE A SURE WAY TO THE ENERGY TRANSITION

06.09.2023

solar — Photo-illustration: Freepik (@Oleksandr Ryzhkov)

The energy transition is a serious, complex, and longterm process that must be fair. It happens on two tracks – electric power through the construction of new renewable energy sources capacities and reduction of the use of fossil fuels, as well as through the transition of awareness and creating an overall social consensus that the transition to the use of green energy is a useful and necessary process. We talked about this important topic, the relevant Law and plans regarding renewable energy sources in Serbia, with Danijela Isailović, General Manager of the RES Serbia Association.

The Renewable Energy Sources of Serbia Association was founded two years ago to improve the business environment in our country’s RES segment while helping transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources and promoting this significant segment in our country. How is our country’s transition to renewable energy sources going?

If we look at the numbers and percentages, Serbia is in an excellent position regarding the use of renewable energy sources. It is well-known that Serbia almost met the ambitious goal of 27 per cent of green energy in 2020, as Eurostat statistical data showed that we reached a 26.2 per cent share. On the other hand, we have had a standstill in recent years, and the fact is that, as of 2019, not one large RES power plant has been connected to the power grid. The reasons are known – the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources provoked great interest and numerous connection requests but did not bring what was prescribed as a priority – new green megawatts on the grid. After the changes to the Law that took place recently, I expect the first round of auctions to take place and the construction of several large wind farms and solar parks with a capacity of up to 10MW. We can conclude that the energy transition is happening on a campaign level. We had a great investment cycle from 2015 to 2019 when new wind farms of almost 400MW capacity were built and a large number of small solar and biogas plants. Then, a four-year hiatus happened. I expect a new tide of construction and investments in the coming years. If this does not happen, then the energy transition is questionable. Nevertheless, I am an optimist, both in terms of private investments and the state’s activities, primarily the Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS). The energy transition can only be successful if EPS is the driving force behind that story. Judging by the Kostolac hydropower plant that is finally being built, the announced investments in solar and the Green Road project, which foresees billions of investments in green energy, I think it will happen. As for the transition of awareness, I think there is no dilemma. Citizens are talking and asking about green energy. They understand its environmental, economic and energy importance, and their interest and support are great. We are continuing on our educational mission.

IN FOCUS:

In April 2021, the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources was adopted, as were amendments to it only recently. How do you evaluate the new legal framework?

The passing of the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources in 2021 was a significant step forward in the energy transition and the fight against climate change. The Law sent out an excellent message about Serbia’s direction. Unfortunately, it turned out that the Law was perfect only on paper but unenforceable, which did not produce significant results. More than two years after the adoption of the Law, we have not completed the regulatory framework and its implementation, which was stopped by the key stakeholders in the energy sector – EMS, EPS, and the Energy Agency – who demanded the Law to be changed so that the excessive number of applications for connection (to the power grid) would not collapse the grid itself. Namely, the attractiveness of the Law and the accompanying narrative appealed to numerous foreign investors in Serbia, both serious ones and others, as well as investors from Serbia. All this resulted in a general frenzy regarding the application for connection to the grid, and we found ourselves in a situation whereby EMS AD received approximately 19GW worth of requests for connection to the power grid. Probably only 10 to 20 per cent of those requests are realistic and achievable, but the operator did express their concern and subsequently asked for the regulation to be changed.

As an Association, we advocate stricter criteria when securing a place in the grid, both in terms of the documentation required when applying and in terms of providing financial guarantees, namely, a guarantee that a certain investor will build a plant that will produce the number of megawatts for which they are requesting a connection.

The new amendments bring fundamental changes in the renewable energy sources sector, as they are expected to implement new projects after the first auctions are held this year and probably the new cycle next year. Now we expect the adoption of by-laws, primarily the Balancing Decree and other legal acts that are currently missing.

The RES Serbia Association actively participated in a public debate and gave comments on the amendments to the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources. Which of your most important suggestions were accepted and which were not?

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Raphael Cruz)

At a public debate, the Association gave a series of comments on the draft Law following the instructions and comments of our members who submitted their proposals and suggestions. By accepting specific comments, the Ministry of Mining and Energy gave us a clear sign of support and expressed the desire for further development of power plants that use renewable energy sources for generating energy. The most significant objection that has been accepted is that if the Facility Connection Study (which has been drafted and adopted by the transmission system operator as per the Law on Energy) shows the need for additional electricity storage, such projects will have priority when it comes to the connection to the grid, concerning other projects. This objection has been accepted so that projects providing storage will not be delayed in terms of connection.

I must underline that the prices of raw materials, equipment, logistics and transportation for wind and solar farms have increased drastically, just like the costs of construction, financing, and insurance of projects. There are still major problems with the supply chain. This indicates that investors will only be willing to participate in auctions if the Serbian government offers a sufficiently attractive and competitive price. Unfortunately, we missed the period when the cost of investments in renewable energy sources was low, and during that period, we had no construction going on. Like investors in most European countries, we are facing difficulties and financial challenges.

Interviewed by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Top 10 things you didn’t know about wind power

05.09.2023

wind_turbine_birds_vetrenjače_ptice — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

10. Human civilizations have harnessed wind power for thousands of years. Early forms of windmills used wind to crush grain or pump water. Now, modern wind turbines use the wind to create electricity. Learn how a wind turbine works.

9. Today’s wind turbines are much more complicated machines than the traditional prairie windmill. A wind turbine has as many as 8,000 different components.

8. Wind turbines are big. Wind turbine blades average 210 feet long, and turbine towers average over 320 feet tall—taller than the Statue of Liberty. The average nameplate capacity of turbines is also increasing, meaning they have more powerful generators. The average capacity of utility-scale wind turbines installed in 2022 was 3.2 megawatts (MW), up 7 percent from the previous year.

7. Higher wind speeds mean more electricity, and wind turbines are getting taller to reach higher heights above ground level where it’s even windier. See the Energy Department’s wind resource maps to find average wind speeds in your state or hometown and learn more about opportunities for taller wind turbines in a report from the Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

6. Many of the components of wind turbines installed in the United States are manufactured here, with more than 500 wind-related manufacturing facilities across the country. The U.S. wind industry currently employs more than 125,000 people, including 23,543 in manufacturing and 45,088 in construction.

5. Offshore wind represents a major opportunity to provide power to highly populated coastal cities. There are small projects installed off the coasts of Rhode Island and Virginia, and dozens of larger projects in the works. See what the Energy Department is doing to develop offshore wind in the United States.

4. There is utility-scale wind power (from turbines over 100 kilowatts) installed in 42 states. Thirty-five states, plus Puerto Rico, had more than 100 MW of wind capacity at the end of 2022, with 23 of these above 1 gigawatt (GW, or 1,000 MW), 19 above 2 GW, and 17 above 3 GW. There is distributed wind installed in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

3. The United States has installed over 144,000 megawatts of wind capacity, making it the largest renewable energy source in the United States. In 2022, the U.S. wind industry added over 8,500 MW of new capacity, representing $12 billion in investment.

2. Wind energy is affordable. Wind prices for power contracts signed in the last few years are 1.5–4 cents per kilowatt-hour.

1. Wind energy provides more than 20 percent of total electricity generation in 12 states, with more than 50 percent in Iowa and South Dakota, and more than 30 percent in Kansas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, New Mexico, and Nebraska. Overall, wind energy supplied more than 10 percent of total U.S. electricity generation in 2022.

Source: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Renewables Competitiveness Accelerates, Despite Cost Inflation

05.09.2023

vetar_energija — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Karsten Würth)

The fossil fuel price crisis has accelerated the competitiveness of renewable power. Around 86 per cent (187 gigawatts) of all the newly commissioned renewable capacity in 2022 had lower costs than fossil fuel-fired electricity.

Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2022, published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) shows that the renewable power added in 2022 reduced the fuel bill of the electricity sector worldwide. New capacity added since 2000 reduced the electricity sector fuel bill in 2022 by at least USD 520 billion. In non-OECD countries, just the saving over the lifetime of new capacity additions in 2022 will reduce costs by up to USD 580 billion.

In addition to these direct cost savings, there would be substantial economic benefits from reducing CO2 emissions and local air pollutants. Without the deployment of renewables over the last two decades, the economic disruption from the fossil fuel price shock in 2022 would have been much worse and possibly beyond many governments ability to soften with public funding.

IRENA’s new report confirms the critical role that cost-competitive renewables play in addressing today’s energy and climate crises by accelerating the transition in line with the 1.5°C warming limit. Renewables represent vital planks in countries’ efforts to swiftly reduce, and eventually phase out, fossil fuels and limit the macroeconomic damage they cause in pursuit of net-zero emissions.

IRENA’s Director-General Francesco La Camera said: “IRENA sees 2022 as a veritable turning point in the deployment for renewables as its cost-competitiveness has never been greater despite the lingering commodity and equipment cost inflation around the world. The most affected regions by the historic price shock were remarkably resilient, in large part thanks to the massive increase of solar and wind in the last decade.”

“Today, the business case for renewables is compelling, but the world must add 1 000 GW of renewable power annually on average every year until 2030 to keep 1.5°C within reach, more than three times 2022 levels. There is no time for a new energy system to evolve gradually as was the case for fossil fuels. In preparation of the COP28 in Dubai later this year, today’s report shows once again that with renewables, countries have the best climate solution at hand to raise ambition and take actions in a cost-competitive way.”

Commodity and equipment cost inflation in 2022 resulted in countries experiencing markedly different trends in costs in 2022, IRENA’s new report finds. However, at a global level, the weighted-average cost of electricity fell for utility-scale solar PV by three per cent, for onshore wind by five per cent, for concentrating solar power by two per cent, for bioenergy by 13 per cent and for geothermal by 22 per cent.

Only the costs for offshore wind and hydropower increased by two per cent and 18 per cent respectively, due to the reduced share of China in offshore wind deployment in 2022 and cost overruns in a number of large hydropower projects.

For the last 13 to 15 years, renewable power generation costs from solar and wind power have been falling. Between 2010 and 2022, solar and wind power became cost-competitive with fossil fuels even without financial support. The global weighted average cost of electricity from solar PV fell by 89 per cent to USD 0.049/kWh, almost one-third less than the cheapest fossil fuel globally. For onshore wind the fall was 69 per cent to USD 0.033/kWh in 2022, slightly less than half that of the cheapest fossil fuel-fired option in 2022.

IRENA’s report concludes that expected high fossil fuel prices will cement the structural shift that has seen renewable power generation become the least-cost source of new generation, even undercutting existing fossil fuel generators. Renewables can protect consumers from fossil fuel price shocks, avoid physical supply shortages and enhance energy security.

Source: IRENA

BIOMASS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SOURCES OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

03.09.2023

nipun-jagtap-K92xtnahdwo-unsplash — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Nipun Jagtap)

Photo-illustration: Freepik (Oleksandr Ryzhkov)

Official data show that biomass is one of Serbia’s most significant renewable energy potentials, especially regarding agricultural biomass. Unfortunately, its potential is almost untapped.

Serbia ranks fifth in Europe in heat energy production (per megawatt hour), right behind Finland, Lithuania, Denmark and Austria. Gas supply is becoming increasingly challenging, which is why there is a growing interest in renewable energy sources, and, thus, in the use of biomass.

Using biomass for energy production brings various benefits and opportunities, from new jobs to boosting local and regional economies.

IN FOCUS:

If it is produced sustainably, the amount of carbon dioxide relevant to the climate is zero kilogrammes. Carbon dioxide released by burning biomass was previously absorbed from the atmosphere by plants through photosynthesis and is returned to the atmosphere either through natural decay or fuel production. It practically means that the biomass produced sustainably is carbon neutral, which reduces emissions of harmful gases, lowers energy’s environmental impact and brings us one step closer to achieving the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

This energy source can also be used in construction. Still, due to insufficiently developed industrial production, poorly developed policies for the promotion of the circular economy and the public that is inadequately informed about the necessity of the circular economy and sources of financing, the potential of eco-innovations, including those based on biomass, is far from being fully utilized.

Use of biomass

Biomass can be used to generate electricity, biofuel and biogas, as well as for heating, cooking and water heating.

The most widespread use of biomass for heating is the use of pellets, which is very popular due to its high energy efficiency. They are obtained from biomaterials, usually wood.

Biofuels are obtained by processing biomass in production. Thus, bioethanol, an alternative to petrol, is obtained from potatoes, sunflowers, maize and similar biomasses, while biodiesel is obtained from oilseeds and is safe for the environment. Of course, there is also biogas, which is produced by processing animal excrement, solid biomass and sewage waste. It can be used as fue for generating electricity and heating water and it is an excellent alternative to natural gas.

Prepared by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Three conditions that will help scale blended finance for nature-positive outcomes

01.09.2023

landscape-voda-priroda-reka — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

“There is no pathway to limiting global warming to 1.5C without action on protecting and restoring nature,” wrote four architects of the Paris Agreement ahead of the COP15 UN biodiversity conference last December. “Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is only possible if we act now to deliver a nature-positive society.”

Building a nature-positive world and scaling up climate finance flows by at least 590 percent to meet the 2030 global climate goals will require an immense mobilization of resources. Blended finance will be a particularly important source of finance for nature by using public or philanthropic funds to catalyze private investment. Blended finance is also key for bridging the 700 billion dollars per year biodiversity financing gap.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) takes significant steps to scale financing for nature as it seeks to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and put nature on a path to recovery. Conservation International’s Exponential Roadmap for Natural Climate Solutions outlines a path to reach net-zero emissions from the land sector by 2030 through natural climate solutions that protect existing ecosystems, sustainably manage working lands and restore degraded forests and wetlands but getting there will require seismic changes in global finance, even for “cost-effective” mitigations solutions costing less than 100 dollars per ton.

Therefore, it is important to put in place the enabling conditions for blended finance to scale up quickly.

Scaling finance through diverse coalitions

First, we must build ambitious coalitions to finance key biodiversity areas. Leveraging ambitious coalitions between the Global North and the Global South by partnering with different kinds of international entities will be critical to accelerate action and scale up financing toward the common goal of protecting nature. The G17 (the world’s 17 megadiverse countries) will likely be able to effect greater influence than any of the individual countries on their own.

The Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) is a coalition of UN Agencies, nations, philanthropies, private investors and organizations meant to address the threat of global temperature rise to the world’s remaining coral reef populations. This blended finance instrument is a 10-year, 625 dollars million vehicle meant to “supercharge” conservation efforts to protect vulnerable coral ecosystems – a powerful example of the impact that can be achieved in coalition.

Working in a coalition is also key to ensuring no one gets left behind. Indigenous peoples represent only six percent of the global population but protect 80 percent of global biodiversity. A recent Conservation International paper on drivers that reverse deforestation trends shows that indigenous-led management is key to slowing deforestation. Despite their role as custodians of nature, Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) receive very little global environmental finance.

Coalition building – with actors who prioritize IPLC involvement – will help redirect finance flows to community-led conservation efforts. According to the World Economic Forum report, embedding traditional ecological knowledge and empowering Indigenous peoples as co-investment leaders in nature-based solutions brings value to both corporate action on nature and the long-term health of nature.

Mainstreaming nature across multilateral development banks

Second, nature considerations must be mainstreamed across the operations and policies of multilateral development banks (MDBs) to scale up blended finance. Making MDBs fit for purpose to address the interconnected crises facing the Global South this century has been an international priority following the publication of the Bridgetown Initiative and the Summit for a Global Financing Pact, which took place last June.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Micheile Henderson)

Last year’s COP15 decision also calls upon MDBs and other international financial institutions to be engaged in the design and operationalization of the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) GBF Fund.

We’ve already seen the difference MDBs can make when leading in developing blended finance instruments. The World Bank’s Wildlife Conservation Bond (WCB) is a 150 million dollars outcome-based bond that leverages grant-based financing from the GEF with private investments to protect endangered black rhino populations, tying investors’ returns to rhino growth rates. The GFCR draws on various MDBs and the Green Climate Fund to help unlock coral reef adaptation financing.

Strong foundations

Third, insulating climate and biodiversity finance from the swing of the political and economic pendulum is key. Elections can bring changes in political will to fund nature in response to the twin biodiversity and climate crises. Economic downturns and shrinking corporate budgets often impact sustainability investment. Strong national policies with standardized tools and processes must be institutionalized to unlock funding for nature consistently.

Funding mechanisms can also be structured to be resilient. The GFCR draws funding from diverse stakeholders, including commitments from the governments of Germany, Canada, France and the UK. Collaborating with multiple member states, multilateral institutions and the private sector makes the GFCR less reliant on a single actor and more resilient to shifts in national politics.

These daunting challenges to bridge the climate finance and biodiversity funding gaps present a golden opportunity for blended finance and other innovative mechanisms to catalyze public, private and philanthropic investments. These three enabling conditions will help unlock blended finance’s potential to meet 2030 climate and biodiversity targets.

Source: World Economic Forum

MORE ELECTRICITY FROM RENEWABLE SOURCES IN MONTENEGRO

30.08.2023

Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) has embarked on a substantial investment cycle in the segment of renewable energy sources and investments in numerous new green energy projects. One of these is the Solari project, which began producing solar energy, once the Solari 3000+ and Solari 500+ projects were implemented. Applications for the new Solari 5000+ project have also been completed. This project has generated a multitude of positive effects, which are already visible from the financial aspect for housholds, businesses, individuals and EPCG, and from the aspect of the expectations of the international community regarding the reduction of the emission of harmful gases and the bigger use of renewable energy sources.

We spoke with the Director of EPCG, Nikola Rovčanin, about the advantages of investing in solar energy, improving infrastructure, building wind turbines and the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant operations.

What is the goal of the Solari project, and what are the benefits for the end customer?

– The beneficiaries of the Solari project are given the opportunity to install the appropriate photovoltaic system, paying it off in equal monthly amounts equal to their average monthly electricity bill. The maximum investment repayment period is 10 years. Users who own a billing metre with power mea surement (so-called maxigraph) and want to install a photovoltaic system, in addition to the monthly amount for the repayment of the photovoltaic system, retain the obligation to pay the Engagement of Network Capacity monthly fee, which in the final monthly instalment will be equal to the average monthly electricity bill.

By installing a photovoltaic system, the end user becomes a so-called prosumer, who meets their energy needs from their own source, and any excess/shortage of electricity at a certain moment is handed over/ received through the power grid, which is financially balanced out annually. Users pay off the system in equal monthly instalments through a credit arrangement provided by EPCG. In this way, the project’s beneficiaries become the owners of a small solar power plant, the capacity of which is designed to approximately (or completely) meet their electricity needs. The EPCG Solar Gradnja Company has trained teams that are at the service of consumers to efficiently reach the stage of producing electricity themselves and becoming prosumers.

IN FOCUS:

How much solar energy is used, and what is the motivation like?

– Our staff responding quickly to the rapid energy transition in the market poses a special challenge. EPCG recognized the labor shortage problem and then felt it on its skin. The launch of the Solari 3000+ and Solari 500+ projects actualized this threat, but we were ready for it because we had foreseen it. We arranged for timely training sessions and worked hard on properly training our employees, so today, EPCG Solar Gradnja has a significant number of very good and ready assembly teams to respond to serious challenges when it comes to the installation of photovoltaic systems, whether they are mounted on the roofs of buildings or the ground. New facilities create new jobs, and we see this as an opportunity in our company, not only as a company but also in terms of a broader picture regarding social responsibility. I believe that the state must get involved and, through school curriculum and programs for retraining and additional workforce training, enable people to learn, acquire new skills and improve.

Does the existing infrastructure need to be improved to contribute to the bigger use of renewable energy sources in Montenegro?

– It is necessary to improve the existing power infrastructure in Montenegro to prepare it to support numerous new green energy sources. There is some concern regarding possible problems in our current transmission system. Nevertheless, I think that we will overcome these problems and that, in parallel with the implementation of the planned projects, the transmission system will develop and be ready to infrastructurally support all newly connected production facilities.

EPCG has managed to overcome the energy crisis by not stopping its investment cycle, but by maintaining the stability of the energy system, without restrictions and by not increasing electricity prices. How far did you come with constructing the GVOZD wind farm in Krnovo?

What are the next plans?

– In terms of wind energy, we have a project that entails the construction of the Gvozd wind farm with an installed capacity of 54.6 MW. It will be financed from the credit agreement EPCG will sign with the EBRD. All tender procedures for Gvozd are conducted on the EBRD’s electronic procurement portal according to transparent procedures. During the pre-qualification segment of the tender for the procurement of wind generators, which includes the procurement, installation and commissioning of wind generators, received nine offers from renowned global companies, four of which entered the second round of the tender procedure. In the following period, and in addition to embarking on the second phase of the procurement, which stipulates the procurement, installation and commissioning of wind generators, another tender will be launched for construction works on the plateaus and internal medium voltage network, roads, followed by a tender for connecting the Gvozd wind farm to the power transmission grid. A public call for an implementation consultant will also be launched.

What is the fate of TE Pljevlja?

– TPP Pljevlja has started implementing an environmental reconstruction project. We are trying to realize this project with our partners and contractors as soon as possible, bearing in mind that Montenegro has to fulfil the environmental requirements necessary to continue with the EU accession process regarding powdery substances, sulfur and nitrogen oxides. All these systems that we are installing will contribute to that. In this way, Montenegro will position itself as a country with one of the latest thermal energy facilities in the region and beyond.

Prepared by: Mirjana Vujadinović Tomevski

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Renewables Competitiveness Accelerates, Despite Cost Inflation

29.08.2023

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (arteum-ro)

Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2022, published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) today shows that the renewable power added in 2022 reduced the fuel bill of the electricity sector worldwide. New capacity added since 2000 reduced the electricity sector fuel bill in 2022 by at least USD 520 billion. In non-OECD countries, just the saving over the lifetime of new capacity additions in 2022 will reduce costs by up to USD 580 billion.

Source: IRENA

Clear skies for a sustainable future: how innovation can accelerate aviation’s net-zero journey

29.08.2023

avion aerodrom — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Pascal Meier)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Blake Guidry)

In a world where the urgency of combating climate change has reached new heights, few industries face as much scrutiny as the aviation sector. The skies have traditionally symbolized limitless potential, yet they also carry the burden of an undeniable carbon footprint. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), aviation accounts for 2 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. With air travel projected to increase over this decade, these emissions are only poised to further escalate.

Today, there are limited low-carbon solutions and groundbreaking advancements in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and alternative propulsion technologies. The significance of these innovations has never been more pronounced. Notably, the IEA forecasts that 50 percent of the emission reductions necessary for net-zero targets must be driven by technologies that are either still in their conceptual stages or have not yet attained the necessary scalability.

At the core of aviation’s decarbonization efforts is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which is key to helping reshape the industry’s path for emissions reduction in the short to medium term. Current sustainable aviation fuel, mostly sourced from renewables, organics, or waste, is a compelling alternative to traditional jet fuel. Yet, scalability and feedstock limits hinder widespread adoption. Advanced fuel technologies, such as alcohol-to-jet and e-fuels (i.e. SAF85) are crucial for long-term decarbonization, but their nascent stages and lack of scalability pose challenges.

Aviation trailblazers

In the mission to transform aviation and expedite its journey to net-zero, the significance of trailblazers who align climate objectives with business goals cannot be overstated. These innovators have the potential to reshape the industry’s course with their ideas and solutions.

Some of the most exciting ideas and solutions we’ve seen include companies such as Twelve, a pioneer in carbon transformation technology, which is working towards fossil-free aviation fuels made from CO2, water and renewable energy. Then there is Synhelion, which has developed a unique technology to produce carbon-neutral solar fuels from solar energy, and Boom Supersonic, which is designing a new supersonic airliner and committing to using 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel to power its aircraft.

While sustainable aviation fuel is crucial, achieving net-zero aviation also requires alternative propulsion technologies. Hydrogen aircraft and high-density batteries show promise, but scalability is uncertain. Companies such as Universal Hydrogen aim to convert existing fleets and offer fuel services, targeting passenger service by 2025. Electrified aviation is also evolving, with startups such as Eviation developing all-electric propulsion for regional flights.

These innovators are at the cutting edge of science and technology, but they cannot transform the industry alone. They need the support of an ecosystem to achieve scalability and to make net-zero aviation possible.

The Sustainable Aviation Challenge

To this end, we’re excited to launch the Sustainable Aviation Challenge on UpLink to accelerate the development and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel and other propulsion solutions, with the broader vision of enhancing the viability of promising start-ups in this space. The challenge brings together the World Economic Forum, the First Movers Coalition, which is co-chaired by the U.S. Department of State, industry leaders and technology innovators to drive the aviation industry forward.

Top Innovators will be able to leverage the Forum’s network, foster collaborations with industry players and establish a start-up ecosystem that can catalyse value chains. By fostering innovation, collaboration and transformation, this challenge propels exciting market innovation, underscoring the imperative for joint efforts by startups, governments, investors and corporate buyers to achieve global climate objectives and ensure a future where the skies symbolise limitless possibilities while protecting our planet.

Innovation ignites the spark, but collaboration fuels progress. Innovators need robust support ecosystems to turn ideas into reality. Investment, testing facilities, mentorship and industry collaboration are crucial. Established aviation players can transition from competitors to vital collaborators, sharing expertise, resources and networks to accelerate groundbreaking technology development.

Source: World Economic Forum

Energetik energija – Meeting with the Producers – Sungrow and K2

28.08.2023

Energetski portal naslovna (1) — Photo: Energetik energija

Energetik energija d.o.o. announces the long-awaited educational meeting on September 21. This “Meet the Producers – Sungrove and K2” promises to be an enriching experience for all present.

During this informative session, we will have the privilege of hosting representatives from two leading companies in the renewable energy industry, Sungrow and K2. The meeting will focus on key topics that are at the forefront of the industry’s innovation.

Meeting topics:

SG Optimizers: Sungrow’s latest advancements in SG optimizers technology will be showcased, highlighting their impact on solar system efficiency, performance, and overall energy optimization.

Batteries: Explore the cutting-edge battery solutions offered by Sungrow, designed to revolutionize energy storage capabilities and create a seamless integration with solar systems.

Monitoring Systems / iSolarCloud: Gain insights into Sungrow’s state-of-the-art monitoring systems and the innovative iSolarCloud platform, empowering users to maximize their solar assets’ potential.

News from K2 Mounting Systems: Discover the latest updates and breakthroughs from K2 Mounting Systems, renowned for its exceptional engineering and support of solar mounting infrastructure.

This educational meeting is open to all individuals and organizations with an interest in renewable energy and the latest advancements in the solar industry. Whether you are a solar installer, system designer or renewable energy enthusiast, this event will prove to be invaluable for your knowledge and professional growth.

Attendance is free of charge but limited to a certain number of participants due to venue capacity.

To secure your spot, just reply to this email (or follow the link) and write your name; company name; and number of attendees.

Join us on the 21st of September as we engage in insightful discussions, exchange ideas, and forge stronger connections within the renewable energy community. This educational meeting with Sungrow and K2 promises to be an event that will provide you with the most valuable information, and we look forward to your active participation.

Should you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at academy@energetik.si.

Source: Energetik energija

HYDROGEN IS THE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY FUEL OF THE FUTURE

27.08.2023

Masina M1 — Photo: courtesy of Jasmina Grbović Novaković

Photo: courtesy of Jasmina Grbović Novaković

The establishment of the Centre for Excellence for Hydrogen and Renewable Energy, CONVINCE, results from systematic long-term research in materials for use in energy and environmental protection at the Vinča Nuclear Research Institute. The Centre has developed a hydrogen storage method. On a larger scale, the examination of the properties of materials with potential application in solid-state hydrogen storage occupies a special place in the Centre’s activities, primarily because of the importance that hydrogen, as an industrial raw material, has today, as well as because of the potential and future role of green hydrogen in energy and decarbonization of industry under the paradigm “hydrogen economy”. Existing applications of hydrogen range from the chemical industry, petrochemicals, methanol production, and hydrogenation of vegetable oils to the steel industry. We spoke with Jasmina Grbović Novaković, head of the CONVINCE of the Vinča Nuclear Research Institute, about the possible future application of hydrogen in the field of transport – large machines, long-range planes, ships, trains and truck transport, the development of hydrogen storage tanks and hydrogen’s advantages when used in industry and energy.

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“The application of hydrogen is also possible in the energy field (long-term energy storage, continuous sources and isolated stable power supplies, industrial heat sources, etc.). Forecasts contained within the latest analyses of the development of hydrogen energy and possible applications of hydrogen are mainly based on the limitations associated with gaseous storage. This problem can be overcome by storing hydrogen in a solid state, that is, by chemically binding hydrogen in the form of metal hydrides,” says Jasmina Grbović Novaković.

Researchers have developed a solid-state hydrogen storage tank, the so-called pilot plant. How does it work, and how can the fuel of the future be applied?

Storing hydrogen in a solid state is an alternative to conventional storage methods, primarily due to eliminating safety risks. Hydrogen is chemically bound in the material from which it cannot escape without raising the temperature in controlled conditions. The storage density can be very high – with some materials, the density of stored hydrogen corresponds to storage in a gaseous state under a pressure of 600 bar. The tank, which was designed and constructed at the CONVINCE Centre, works on the principle of bonding in a solid state, with active hydride powder in the form of pressed cylinders and controlled supply and removal of heat, depending on whether the tank is being filled or emptied. Such a tank is typically coupled with a fuel cell to produce and store electricity.

How would a car which runs on solid, i.e. hybrid, hydrogen work?

Unlike electric vehicles, where electric engines are powered directly by batteries, two scenarios are possible with hydrogen vehicles. The first is the use of hydrogen in modified internal combustion engines, and the second is based on the principle of hydrogen tank-fuel cell coupling. The released electrical energy is used to power the vehicle’s electric engine. Existing technological solutions involve using gaseous hydrogen stored in composite bottles under very high pressure. Using solid-state hydrogen tanks eliminates the possibility of explosion due to mechanical damage to the tanks at hundreds of times lower working pressures, while even mechanical damage and rupture of the tank will not cause significant hydrogen leakage, even if the vehicle catches fire.

Interviewed by: Mirjana Vujadinović Tomevski

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

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