JOINT EFFORTS FOR GREENER SERBIA

19.06.2023

tara-mountain-5520592_1920 — Photo-illustration: Pixabay (fotos1992)

By changing their habits, individuals can affect the preservation of the environment. However, to fight against major environmental problems such as polluted water and air, inadequate waste management and indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources, we need a good strategy and organizations with enough resources and knowledge to create the necessary change in these extremely important areas.

Unfortunately, very few organizations in Serbia are developed to the extent that they can influence the creation of policies that would improve the current environmental situation. Seeing the challenges faced by environmental associations and civil society organizations, the world environmental protection organization, WWF Adria Serbia, together with the Adria Association for Nature Protection and Biodiversity Conservation from Croatia, started the implementation of the project titled “Serbia Actions in the Field of Environment and Nature and Climate” (“SAFE Nature and Climate”). The European Commission supports the project through the Civil Society Support Programme. It is a direct response to the common challenges our country faces in global efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

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WWF says that they want to form a network of civil society organizations in Serbia that can implement and realize their ideas for sustainable environmental protection without hindrance. The goal is to boost the capacity and direct the actions of those organizations so that they become relevant participants in making political decisions related to ecology.

During the next three years, in three consecutive cycles, WWF Adria Serbia will award grants ranging from 18,000 to 40,000 euros to selected civil society organizations for projects and activities aimed at preserving, protecting and preventing environmental threats. As many as 95 organizations sent their applications to the first competition, which was launched last year. A total of 20 project proposals, focused on environmental protection in the broadest sense, were shortlisted, and 10 were finally selected.

Marina Papović, the programme associate at WWF Adria Serbia, said they were delighted with how many organizations applied for the First Strategic Grant under the auspices of the Safe Nature and Climate project. The reason for this is twofold.

“The first reason relates to the fact that civil society organizations throughout Serbia recognize environmental problems and climate change and strive to solve the problems systematically. Through their project ideas, the candidates tried to express a wide range of ideas from the mentioned segment – from waste management and the circular economy to biodiversity conservation and mitigating and adapting to climate change. Another reason is that by inviting them to submit their applications, we identified the internal needs of these organizations and defined which direction we need to take to boost their programme, financial and operational capacities in the future”, Marina explains.

The entire process of selecting projects that would receive funding lasted about three months. The whole WWF Adria Serbia team contributed to the selection process while also working on further planning related to this important project.

Prepared by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY

Two sides of Europe: coal or RES – polluted and unpolluted Europe

19.06.2023

coal_ugalj — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Foto-illustration: Unsplash (Dominik Vanyi)

The Balkan Peninsula is an area that has significant deposits of coal, especially lignite, known as brown coal. Serbia has the most extensive coal deposits in the Balkans and ranks high for lignite deposits globally – right after Germany, Australia, the United States, Russia, and some other countries. The majority of Serbian coal mines are located in the Kolubara and Kostolac basins. Kosovo is also very rich in lignite and it ranks highly in terms of its quantities, but also its use. The key coal mines in Bosnia and Herzegovina are located in Tuzla, Banovići, Breza, Kakanj, Zenica, Bugojno and Gacko. North Macedonia has lignite reserves concentrated mainly around the towns of Bitola and Oslome. Countries in our region are faced with striking a balance between their current dependence on coal and the need to transition to cleaner energy sources. We have been working on this every year, especially under the influence and with the help of the EU.

As for Europe, the continent experienced a few upheavals, especially between 2018 and 2020. In 2020, Europe consumed about 246 million tonnes of brown coal. This was 33 percent less than in 2018 and 64 percent less than in 1990. Overall, in the thirty years between 1990 and 2020, coal production fell by 80 percent, according to Eurostat data.

The Balkan countries are trying to follow, to a greater or lesser extent, the EU agenda when it comes to RES. They have also signed a relevant contract because the Balkans is invited to reduce their heavy dependence on coal, as a limited resource and the biggest polluter. The countries of the region have mostly decided to adhere to EU policies, which imply the implementation of all environmental protection regulations and measures to achieve the goal of reducing net carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to zero by 2050 at the latest. However, no matter how attractive RES are, this still poses a challenge to the Balkan countries particularly in terms of finances and steady operation of power plants.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Chris-Munch)

With coal-fired thermal power plants, it will not be possible to reach carbon neutrality for half a century. Countries often failed to meet the agreement stipulations all these years and emitted many more harmful gases than the allowed limits, such as sulfur dioxide which was several times higher than allowed. Gacko, Ugljevik, Kakanj and Tuzla mines were some of the biggest polluters in the past few years. Meanwhile, more money has been invested in various advanced equipment to bring the Western Balkan energy route closer to the EU.

The below data from the last 12 months show how active coal was in the production of electricity in regional countries.

In Serbia, 39.85 percent of electricity was obtained from coal in the last 12 months, considering that our thermal power plants mainly use lignite, but also a significant share of 39.27 percent comes from hydro-energy in the same period.

Croatia, just like Serbia, generates large quantities of electricity from hydro-energy – 45.06 percent – which is not surprising. After that, wind energy ranks high at 13.64 percent and gas at 12.55 percent, which also produces the largest share of emissions, while coal was close to zero.

In Bosnia, hydro-energy and coal have the highest share in electricity production with 44.8 percent and 42.32 percent respectively. North Macedonia also predominantly uses coal (38.22 percent). Slovenia, for example, uses 29 percent of nuclear energy, as much as hydro energy, while 5 percent is coal. In a number of other European countries, coal is not used at all, or very little, like in Croatia. In countries which do use it, there is a plan to shut down coal-fired plants or switch them to use other forms of energy by 2030. Poland is one of the countries most dependent on coal, despite being an EU member.

Earlier reports from European agencies warned that the Balkans is a problem spot in terms of air and water quality, which strongly affects the surrounding countries. Pollution from coal-fired power plants in the Western Balkans also has a cross-border impact, despite the air being cleaner in Western Europe. According to WHO data from last year, Bosnia and Herzegovina had the fifth-highest death rate as a result of air pollution, due to excessive use of poor-quality coal.

Eastern Europe, especially the Balkan countries, is struggling with an air pollution crisis that is in stark contrast to the air quality in Western Europe. Looking back at the said information, the pollution data paints a poor picture but coincides with the coal data. Reliance on coal mining and the proliferation of lignite-fired power plants has resulted in alarming levels of air pollution. A striking indicator is that of the 50 most polluted cities in Europe, in 2022, nineteen are located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 12 in Serbia. Herceg Novi in Montenegro and Tuzla in Bosnia and Herzegovina are among the most polluted towns.

While Western Europe generally meets the World Health Organization’s pollution guidelines, the entire population of Eastern Europe lives in conditions that are unfavourable to their health. Eastern Europeans lose an average of 10.7 months of life to pollution, compared to just 3.8 months in the West, according to research by the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute.

This region is peculiar because it resembles a labyrinth from which it is difficult to get out – there is a lot of lignite, the mines are brimming with it, and it is a cheap and easily usable source of energy, but it also promotes serious pollution and is dangerous for the population’s health.

Western Europe, in contrast, has seen notable improvements in air quality over the past two decades. Portugal, for instance, implemented all WHO clean air guidelines. This division within Europe not only underscores the urgent need for Eastern Europe to end its excessive use of coal but also the necessity of collective, strategic action.

Milica Vučković

KIND TO BODY, KIND TO NATURE

18.06.2023

When we pick up a plastic bottle on the street, carry a shopping bag or ride a bicycle to work instead of a car, we make a small contribution to the preservation of the environment and set an example for others about desirable behavior. Sometimes we are not even aware of how much changes in our daily life can have a positive impact on our environment. By using natural preparations, in addition to doing our body a favor, we also help our environment. Marija Simeon, the founder of the brand “GREENmara cosmetics”, makes natural cosmetics that help us truly live in harmony with nature.

“We take the best from nature, and our gratitude is reflected in responsible production that does not endanger the living environment. It is important to us that everything that is included in our products satisfies both ecological and ethical norms. A careful combination of essential oils, minerals, plant extracts, natural oils, and butter creates products that clean, balance, regenerate, tone, hydrate and heal,” explains Marija.

She made the first products out of the need to provide herself with the best possible care, preserve her health and do it all the right way. Years of experience in the corporate world helped her realize her dreams as an entrepreneur.

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“I chose to have the word green in the name because all my soaps and other products are green, ecological, healthy and natural”, says Marija, adding that designing, formulating, and combining scents and colors in making soap is actually a fun process.

“The challenge was to give my soaps an adequate use value. The goal was to create soap formulations that clean the skin just as needed, nourish it, hydrate it, care for it, and allow it to carry out its natural functions unhindered. Then came a long period of learning, perfecting and creating perfect product lines,” she explains, emphasizing that it’s a great feeling to make a good and healthy product that brings benefit to everyone who uses it.

Natural resources of Serbia

For the soaps, she uses only raw materials that have no harmful effects, and she tries to procure them from the surroundings of Užice and Ivanjica.

“Serbia is incredibly rich. Here we grow an abundance of autochthonous plant species that are incredibly healthy and valued in the world of cosmetics. However, this branch of industry is still in the process of growth, development and introduction into processes that meet the desired standards,” says Marija.

She says she got a lot of help from family and friends, and so far, she’s only had good feedback that has given her a boost.

“Each stage of brand development brings its own challenges. There is no harder or easier period. The path from an idea to successfully placing finished products on the market requires a lot of attention, work and persistence. The users themselves play a big role in development, and an increasing number of people are choosing products that really help them take care of themselves in a right and healthy way,” confirms our interlocutor.

Prepared by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY

WITH RATIONAL CONSUMPTION OF ENERGY TO A SAFE SUPPLY

17.06.2023

struja — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay (AJS1)

The prevailing opinion that energy is used irrationally in our country is only partly true. This opinion is based on two energy indicators that are most often presented in public, which do not reflect in the true sense the attitude of our citizens towards energy.

The first is energy intensity, which is easy to calculate and, therefore, very popular. This describes how much primary energy a country consumes to generate its gross national income. For Serbia, in 2019, energy intensity was 5.04 Mwh/EUR, while for Germany, it was 2.76, Austria 3.29, and Croatia 3.07 MWh/EUR. The main cause of this indicator being so high in Serbia’s case is not the inefficient use of energy, but the structure of our economy, in which energy-intensive industries prevail. For instance, the energy intensity of Iceland is as much as 12.3 MWh/EUR, yet this country is a role model when it comes to having a rational attitude towards energy.

Another indicator is the average monthly consumption of electricity in households. In 2019, this consumption amounted to 303 kWh in the EU and in our country 462 kWh. However, we should bear in mind that the types of energy used in households differ from country to country and that in EU countries, electricity is rarely used directly for heating. Also, in quite a few EU countries, there are widespread city district heating systems. Therefore, EU residents use expensive electricity mainly for operating household appliances and cooling their homes. In Serbia, only 11.7 per cent of the households have access to the gas grid, and in larger cities, there is generally no possibility of individual use of it. At the same time, the price of electricity is low and, compared to some European countries, many times lower. Therefore, we need to behave rationally and choose the most affordable solutions, as many as 14.6 per cent of households in Serbia use electricity as the only energy source for heating, and almost all of them use it as a supplementary energy source.

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Inefficient heating devices with electric resistance heaters are used for heating almost entirely while using three to five times more energy-efficient heat pumps is negligible. The reason for this is again financial because the prices of heat pumps are relatively high, so with the low price of electricity, the return on investment in these devices is very long.

Regarding the use of electricity for household appliances, people in Serbia have a somewhat more relaxed attitude than their EU counterparts. The reason for this is, to a lesser extent, poor education, and to a greater extent, the low price of electricity, or financially-wise, small savings that can be generated, even if very serious consideration is given to the way these devices are used. The second reason for the increased consumption of electricity lies in the fact that most of the electrical devices in our households are significantly older and inefficient, unlike those used in EU countries.

European industry, although not as energy intensive as ours, consumes 10 per cent more electricity, while in contrast, households in Serbia consume 22 per cent more of this energy. Therefore, people should stop using electricity primarily for direct heating, start using heat pumps and, where possible, switch to using natural gas, district heating or wood biomass. The household sector has the greatest potential for saving energy.

The private sector leads the way in saving electricity and other energy sources. Market-oriented and motivated, and because they include energy costs in the price of each product or service, this sector is forced to take care of energy consumption to remain competitive. On the other hand, the public sector, and above all, public companies, which have a privileged, monopoly-like position, are not motivated to do this and, in most cases, do not treat energy rationally.

It is indisputable that last autumn, people consumed significantly less electricity and even less heat generated by the city’s heating plants. According to the public enterprise Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS), about 45 per cent of households in Serbia reduced their consumption by more than 5 per cent in October. However, the average air temperature in October last year was 15.4 degrees Celsius, while in the same month the year before last, it was 11.6 degrees. Also, Belgrade had as many as 22 days in October when the highest daily temperature was over 20 degrees Celsius. A similar situation was repeated in the following two months.

Regardless, it has been estimated that the recommendations, the strong media campaign about the need to save energy, and the very stimulating EPS measures to reduce energy bills in case households reduce their energy consumption, contributed to the savings. However, as it happened, the EPS’ measures proved to be immeasurable because households that normally use electricity for heating had the biggest bill discounts, not because they saved energy, but because there was no need for heating. Instead of these measures, a new tariff system should have been implemented, stipulating prices that would permanently disincentivize large consumers even more and reward those who spend little energy. The focus of measures for rational energy consumption should be directed at the households, industry, and transport sector.

Miloš Banjac

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY

IEA: Growth in global oil demand is set to slow significantly by 2028

16.06.2023

oil_platform_nafta — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Grant Durr)

Growth in the world’s demand for oil is set to slow almost to a halt in the coming years, with the high prices and security of supply concerns highlighted by the global energy crisis hastening the shift towards cleaner energy technologies, according to a new IEA report released today.

The Oil 2023 medium-term market report forecasts that based on current government policies and market trends, global oil demand will rise by six percent between 2022 and 2028 to reach 105.7 million barrels per day (mb/d) – supported by robust demand from the petrochemical and aviation sectors. Despite this cumulative increase, annual demand growth is expected to shrivel from 2.4 mb/d this year to just 0.4 mb/d in 2028, putting a peak in demand in sight.

In particular, the use of oil for transport fuels is set to go into decline after 2026 as the expansion of electric vehicles, the growth of biofuels and improving fuel economy reduce consumption.

“The shift to a clean energy economy is picking up pace, with a peak in global oil demand in sight before the end of this decade as electric vehicles, energy efficiency and other technologies advance,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. “Oil producers need to pay careful attention to the gathering pace of change and calibrate their investment decisions to ensure an orderly transition.”

Global oil markets are still slowly recalibrating after three turbulent years in which they were upended first by the Covid-19 pandemic and then by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The global energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine has resulted in an unprecedented reshuffling of global trade flows. Global oil markets could tighten significantly in the coming months, as production cuts by the OPEC+ alliance temper an upswing in global oil supplies. However, the multifaceted strains on markets look set to ease in the following years, according to the new report.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (John Cameron)

China was the last major economy to lift its stringent Covid-19 restrictions at the end of 2022, leading to a post-pandemic oil demand rebound in the first half of 2023. But demand growth in China is forecast to slow markedly from 2024 onwards. Nevertheless, burgeoning petrochemical demand and strong consumption growth in emerging and developing economies will more than offset a contraction in advanced economies.

Global upstream investments in oil and gas exploration, extraction and production are on course to reach their highest levels since 2015, growing 11 percent year-on-year to USD 528 billion in 2023. While the impact of higher spending will be partly offset by cost inflation, this level of investment, if sustained, would be adequate to meet forecast demand in the period covered by the report. However, it exceeds the amount that would be needed in a world that gets on track for net zero emissions.

The report’s projections assume major oil producers maintain their plans to build up capacity even as demand growth slows. This is expected to result in a spare capacity cushion of at least 3.8 mb/d, concentrated in the Middle East. The report nonetheless notes a number of factors that could affect market balances over the medium term – including uncertain global economic trends, the direction of OPEC+ decisions and China’s refining industry policy.

Oil producing countries outside the OPEC+ alliance dominate plans for increasing global supply capacity in the medium term, with an expected rise of 5.1 mb/d by 2028 led by the United States, Brazil and Guyana. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq lead the plans for capacity building within OPEC+, while African and Asian members are set to struggle with continuing declines, and Russian production falls due to sanctions. This makes for a net capacity gain of 0.8 mb/d from the 23 members in OPEC+ overall over the report’s forecast period.

In the refining sector, the overhang in global capacity has been reduced by waves of closures, conversions to biofuel plants and project delays since the pandemic. This, combined with a sharp drop in Chinese oil product exports and an upheaval of Russian trade flows, resulted in record profits for the industry last year. While the amount of net refinery capacity additions by 2028 is expected to outpace demand growth for refined products, diverging trends among products means that a repeat of the 2022 tightness in middle distillates cannot be ruled out.

Source: IEA

AQUAPONICS – A QUIET ECOLOGICAL REVOLUTION IN AGRICULTURE

15.06.2023

Not far from Sombor, the idyllic town of Vojvodina is the village of Stapar, where, on a plot of only six acres, Srđan and Vesna created a wonderful family of six with their love but also the hope that sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship can take root in Serbia. We spoke with Srđan Radin about their story, which was made official in 2015 with establishment of the “Vesna Radin” agricultural farm.

Wishing to produce healthy and tasty fruits and vegetables with long-lasting freshness and researching how to achieve this, they concluded that it is necessary to turn to more modern ecological production. It led them to aquaponics in 2014.

If the meaning of the term itself is not familiar to you, Srđan Radin readily gives a striking definition.

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Aquaponics is a quiet ecological revolution in producing healthy and fresh food. “Cultivating agricultural land emits large amounts of carbon dioxide, while the aquaponic system allows plants to be grown without using the land. Aquaponics does not require a large area for cultivation or land and offers the possibility of growing plants in urban areas, on the roofs of buildings, and even in restaurants within small, strictly controlled spaces. In this way, the need for longer transport routes is reduced, which also reduces harmful emissions from this source,” explains Srđan.

In this system, plants grow six times faster in small cultivation areas, and water consumption is 90 per cent less than in traditional agriculture. It is possible thanks to the system in which plants and fish are grown simultaneously.

“Water is pumped from the fish tank to the plant growing tank. In a circular cycle, water trickles over gravel, perlite, or hydroton balls, then passes past plant roots and drains back into the fish tank. The joint cooperation of fish and plants makes this system unique. Faster plant growth is possible due to the naturally established fertilizer in the water. Fish have the role of the fastest plant protein converter, which allows plants to extract nutrients from the water and at the same time to purify the water for the fish,” Srđan explains the whole process and adds that this fertilizer is made from cold-blooded fish that does not carry Escherichia coli or salmonella, unlike fertilizers originated from warm-blooded animals. In addition, thanks to the circulation of water that does not require changing, this resource is significantly saved.

With this method of agriculture, 50 kilograms of fish and hundreds of kilograms of vegetables can be produced in six months in a space whose dimensions are only eight by four meters.

Prepared by: Katarina Vuinac

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY

CO2 emissions from EU territorial energy use: -2.8 percent

14.06.2023

emissions_gases_emisije_gasovi — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

According to Eurostat estimates, in 2022, the EU carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel combustion (oil and oil products, natural gas, coal and peat) for energy use in the EU territory reached almost 2.4 Gigatons (Gt), indicating a decrease of 2.8 percent, compared with the previous year. CO2 emissions from energy use are a major contributor to global warming and account for around 75 percent of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. The fuel mix, housing standards, economic growth, size of the population, and transport and industrial activities are some factors that influence CO2 emissions from energy use.

CO2 emissions are emitted when fossil fuels are combusted. For example, using imported natural gas for electricity generation leads to an increase in emissions in the country that imported the gas. In contrast, electricity imports do not affect the country’s emissions, as these are reported in the country where the electricity was produced. A more in-depth analysis needs to take into account all imports and exports of different primary and derived energy products, commodities with embedded emissions (such as iron and steel), as well as, in the case of transport, fuel tourism (i.e., fuelling a vehicle in one country but consuming that fuel in another country).

In 2022, CO2 emissions from territorial energy use decreased in 17 EU countries. The largest decrease was registered in the Netherlands (-12.8 percent), followed by Luxembourg (-12 percent), Belgium (-9.7 percent) and Hungary (-8.6 percent).

On the other end, Bulgaria registered the biggest increase in CO2 emissions (+12 percent), followed by Portugal (+9.9 percent) and Malta (+4.1 percent).

Data show that Germany alone accounts for one-quarter of the EU’s total CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion for energy use. Italy and Poland (each 12.4 percent), and France (10.7 percent) came next on the EU’s list of the biggest CO2 emitters in 2022.

In 2022, aggregated data shows that CO2 emissions from solid fossil fuels (coal and oil shale, excluding peat) slightly increased at the EU level (+ three percentage points; pp.), whereas emissions from oil and petroleum products remained at approximately the same level as in 2021 (+ one pp). On the other hand, CO2 emissions from natural gas decreased significantly (-13 pp), reflecting, among other things, the efforts invested by EU countries to achieve the voluntary gas demand reduction target introduced in August 2022.

Source: Eurostat

QUICK AND EASY WAY TO THE NEAREST CHARGER IN THE CHARGE&GO NETWORK

14.06.2023

The expansion of electromobility depends on the speed of development of the infrastructure for charging electric vehicles. Despite a large number of available chargers, electric car drivers often have to make a detailed driving plan because they simply do not have enough information about where to recharge their vehicles’ batteries.

Thanks to the first digital platform and the Charge&- GO application, drivers of electric cars in Serbia, including those in transit through our country, can easily and quickly find the nearest electric charger.

By installing chargers throughout Serbia and informing citizens about the advantages of electric vehicles, Charge&GO has been making a great contribution to the development of electromobility for years. So far, they have installed chargers with power from 22 to 180 kW on the roads and highways of our country.

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Fast chargers in retail chains

The technical team of the Charge&GO company is already completing the installation of fast chargers at the locations of the Stop Shop retail chain throughout Serbia. During the last year, drivers of electric cars could charge their four-wheelers at Stop Shops in Sremska Mitrovica, Lazarevac, Požarevac and Vršac. Now they also have power chargers available in the range of 50 to 120 kW at the locations of this retail chain in Borča, Niš, Leskovac, Zaječar, Sombor and Subotica. Chargers manufactured by Siemens are mostly installed in front of Stop Shop’s facilities, while the Tritium charger is installed in the parking lot of Stop Shop in Borča. The charger in Valjevo is expected to be put into operation soon, and intensive work is being done to ensure that the facilities in Čačak and Šabac get their first charger in the Charge&GO network very soon.

After the commissioning of five chargers at OMV petrol stations, it was the turn of the sixth charger. A 130 kW charger manufactured by Kostad Siemens is available to all drivers of electric vehicles at the OMV station in Kruševac. This charger is manufactured in Austria and works at temperatures ranging from -30 to +50 °C. It supports the CCS standard for DC charging, and the output power, if both CCS connections are in use at the same time, is 2×65 kW.

Owners of electric vehicles have the opportunity to use other ultra-fast chargers located at OMV petrol stations: in Doljevac, on the Niš-Vranje highway, where a 150 kW ultra-fast charger has been installed (the second most powerful electric charger available at OMV stations), at Gradina, the border crossing near Dimitrovgrad (90 kW), as well as in Bačka Topola where there is another Unity 180 kW, as well as in Lapovo and Martinci where 120 kW chargers are installed.

On the map of the Charge&GO network, there are fast and ultra-fast chargers at GAZPROM petrol stations, and at four toll points on the highway near Vrčin, Horgoš and Trupala-Niš. Schneider Electric AC chargers are available in Novi Sad and Kragujevac, in the Promenada and Big Fashion shopping centers. Chargers in front of British Motors, AK Kompresor and Hit Auto offices in Serbia are integrated into the network.

What does Charge&GO enable?

The digital platform and application allow drivers of electric vehicles to easily locate the nearest chargers and top them up quickly and easily. The platform provides drivers with an efficient service for charging and paying for the use of charging points, as well as the ability for companies to manage their charging network remotely. It includes a number of services, such as charging control, charger monitoring, pricing, usage restrictions and charging session overview.

The easiest way to check the locations and availability of chargers in this network is through the application. Although all chargers can be accessed in multiple ways (via QR code or charger number), if you download the app, you automatically get a lower price, GPS navigation directions and access to an incredibly extensive network of 170,000 chargers in 30 countries across Europe.

Prepared by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY

Oman’s Quest for Net Zero: A Renewable Hydrogen Strategy

13.06.2023

industry-brod-ulje — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

In a groundbreaking move, Oman is gearing up to become a global leader in the renewable hydrogen industry. This information is outlined in a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) which states that Oman’s considerable renewable energy resources and abundant land make it an optimal candidate to produce large quantities of low-emissions hydrogen.

Titled “Renewable Hydrogen from Oman: A Producer Economy in Transition”, the report was presented to Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, Salim Al Aufi, by IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol in Paris. This first-of-its-kind report analyzes the potential of renewable hydrogen production in a fossil fuel producer country, setting a new precedent in the global energy landscape.

Oman has set an ambitious target to produce 1 million tons of renewable hydrogen annually by 2030, rising to 3.75 million tonnes by 2040 and potentially 8.5 million tonnes by 2050. To put this into perspective, the 2050 target would surpass the total hydrogen demand in Europe today.

Oman, primarily known for its oil and gas production, is taking a unique approach to its energy future. As Minister Al Aufi states, “Oman is blessed with globally competitive solar and wind energy resources” that provide an economically rational basis for the country’s transition to more sustainable energy sources, including the production of renewable hydrogen.

The country’s hydrogen projects plan to use electrolysers powered by renewable electricity to extract hydrogen from desalinated seawater. Oman’s strategic location between Europe and Asia, combined with existing fossil fuel infrastructure that can be repurposed for low-emission fuels, positions it favourably in the global hydrogen market.

An important step towards achieving its ambitious targets was the establishment of Hydrogen Oman (HYDROM) in 2022, an independent entity tasked with leading and managing the country’s hydrogen strategy. The government has already allocated 1,500 square kilometres of land for development by 2030, with potential for significantly more in the future.

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Martin Adams)

Investment to the tune of around USD 33 billion would be required to scale up Oman’s production of renewable hydrogen to 1 million tonnes by 2030. An additional USD 4 billion would be needed to increase renewables’ share of the national electricity mix to 20 percent, a target that Oman aims to achieve by 2030, according to the IEA report. Achieving these targets will significantly contribute to Oman’s clean energy transition, reducing domestic use of natural gas by 3 billion cubic metres a year and avoiding 7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

This comprehensive and ambitious plan positions Oman as an emergent force in the global renewable energy sector. As other fossil fuel-dependent nations follow suit, Oman’s efforts could prove to be a blueprint for transitioning to a clean energy economy.

Source: IEA

Report on the quality of EU bathing waters

12.06.2023

meditarraean_sea_sredozemno_more — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The European Environment Agency (EEA) in collaboration with the Commission reports that the majority of European bathing sites meet the European Union’s highest ‘excellent’ water quality standards in 2022, maintaining the quality seen in recent years.

The report, which was released today, was based on the monitoring of 21,973 bathing sites across Europe. It provides information on where swimmers can find the cleanest bathing sites in Europe this summer.

Coastal sites, accounting for two-thirds of all bathing spots, generally outperformed inland river and lake sites in terms of water quality. In 2022, 88.9 percent of EU’s coastal bathing sites were classified as ‘excellent,’ compared to 79.3 percent of inland sites.

The countries of Cyprus, Austria, Greece, and Croatia stood out with 95 percent of their bathing waters meeting the ‘excellent’ quality standard in 2022. Furthermore, all assessed bathing waters in Malta, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, and Luxembourg met at least the minimum ‘sufficient’ quality standard.

According to the report, since the Bathing Water Directive was enacted in 2006, the proportion of ‘excellent’ sites has increased, stabilizing in recent years at between 85–89 percent for coastal and 77–81 percent for inland bathing waters. In 2022, it represented 85.7 percent of all EU bathing waters. The minimum water quality standards were met by 95.9 percent of all EU bathing waters.

The percentage of bathing waters with poor water quality has been declining over the last decade and has been stable since 2015, at a mere 1.5 percent in 2022. This represents a gradual reduction in the health risks associated with swimming in Europe’s bathing waters.

Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries expressed confidence in the quality of Europe’s bathing sites. He affirmed the importance of maintaining high standards for citizens’ health and wellbeing, and noted the EU’s role in reducing pollutants in oceans and rivers.

Urban bathing waters, primarily in Greece, France, Italy, and Spain, make up 8 percent of the total, and contribute significantly to the quality of life in these cities and ecosystem benefits.

Inland bathing waters, mainly in Central Europe, are more vulnerable to short-term pollution due to heavy summer rains or droughts. This is because they are often located in relatively small lakes, ponds, and rivers with low flow.

As part of the European Green Deal and Zero Pollution Action Plan, the Commission is evaluating whether the Bathing Water Directive is still appropriate for protecting public health and improving water quality, and if any enhancements are required.

Energy Portal

Why is the desulfurization system at TENT important for Serbia?

12.06.2023

ugalj — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Joey Harris)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Eduardo Jaeger)

While environmental problems like pollution and climate change have caused countries around the world to embark on an energy transition, Serbia still largely relies on one energy source – coal. If go deeper into the problem, the coal used in our country is mostly of poor quality, which is why it is more correct to call it lignite. The extent to which this energy source is present in our country is shown by the fact that, in proportion to its size, Serbia ranks high on the list of the largest producers of lignite in the world.

Especially during the winter period, Serbia also ranks high when it comes to air pollution, to which coal contributes significantly, both by thermal power plants using it to generate energy and by households who use traditional furnaces. For example, according to data on the IQAir website, on February 13 of this year, Belgrade ranked fifth in the world in terms of air pollution in major cities, yet at the same time, five cities in Serbia were even more polluted than Belgrade.

GLOBAL COAL DEMAND IS SET TO RETURN TO ITS ALL-TIME HIGH IN 2022

Although we cannot currently follow the successes achieved by some more developed countries, when it comes to switching to cleaner energy sources, some steps are being taken after all. Especially in the past year, there a lot of effort was invested into replacing old coal-fired boiler plants with new ones that run on some other energy source throughout our country. Some examples of this are the new gas boiler plant in Guča and the pellet boiler plant in Osečina. In addition to the implemented projects, we should also mention those that are planned. This year, the Republic of Serbia’s government had a meeting at which they adopted a decree regarding the shutdown of boiler plants with a capacity of fewer than 50 megawatts, which, among other things, rely on coal and can be connected to a district heating system or a gas pipeline. Niš was one of the Serbian cities that was classified as the most polluted on February 13 and the good news is that the plan is to shut down its biggest polluter – the boiler room in the University building.

No matter how good these examples are, they are only ‘examples’, showing how dependent Serbia is on coal and how much work lies ahead when it comes to switching to cleaner energy sources. Thermal power plants remain the most significant source of pollution in our country. The Nikola Tesla thermal power plant (TENT) burns between 28 and 30 million tonnes of coal annually. The TENT has five organizational units, among which are the largest TENT A in Obrenovac, which consists of six blocks with a total power of 1,765.6 megawatts, and TENT B in Ušće, which has two blocks of 650 megawatts each, and they produce more than 50 percent of electricity in Serbia.

The most significant and largest project implemented in the Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS) was launched in 2019, during which a desulfurization system will be built at TENT A. The project, which should reduce sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions 10 times, is expected to end this year. Just one year later, the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the desulphurization system at TENT B took place and the construction of this system should be completed in 2024. Thanks to this plant, all SO2 emissions should be reduced by 20 times, more precisely from the current 80,000 to 4,500 tonnes.

In Serbia, the SO2 emission level is several times higher than the permitted level, however, as reported by the EPS, with the commissioning of the flue gas desulphurization plant, the quantity of SO2 in the flue gases will be within the limits of European standards.

Katarina Vuinac

ENERGY EFFICIENCY IS THE BEST WAY TO SAVE ENERGY

11.06.2023

You surely remember how, a few years ago, we massively started replacing the classic incandescent light bulb with LED ones, with the former illuminating almost all homes and business premises in our country with their characteristic yellowish light for decades. At the time, it may have seemed to us that the savings would be significant or sufficient and that we had done the right thing. If someone had asked us about the meaning of the term energy efficiency, we would have proudly mentioned the savings made by our new LED bulbs.

However, global changes ensued, and the need for additional resources is increasing while the resources are becoming scarcer. Meanwhile, energy has become expensive, becoming a new strategic “commodity”. When technology companies started looking for all possible ways to save energy, we realized that energy efficiency encompasses far more than we could have imagined. One such company has been developing incredibly innovative solutions for years – the renowned ABB Company. It seems that this time around, they have gone a step further. Milan Jevremović, General Manager of Electric Motor Drives and Local Business Manager at ABB Serbia, told us more about it.

EP: ABB has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the need for rational energy consumption. What were the reasons behind it?

Milan Jevremović: We launched the Energy Efficiency Movement campaign two years ago to bring together companies, scientific and state institutions, and individuals who recognized the need to implement energy efficiency. We wanted to promote this idea and highlight the global need for energy and its efficient use. As the world population grows, the energy demand also increases, but disproportionately compared to the existing production capacities. Humanity faces a severe lack of energy and must undertake all required activities to use existing resources as efficiently as possible.

Furthermore, with the progress of automation, digitization and the new Industry 4.0, the need for energy increases, and thus the consumption of existing resources. All of this has greatly impacted the environment and increased CO2 emissions. When our company, ABB, launched a campaign intending to inform and educate people about the necessity of protecting the environment and reducing CO2 emissions, which is in line with all the values that the ABB Company promotes typically.

IN FOCUS:

EP: State institutions, the media, and the non-governmental sector launch similar campaigns. How did ABB handle this role?

Milan Jevremović: It is pretty logical that technology companies like ABB and our partners participate in the campaign because they are the most knowledgeable about how to make the best use of new technologies. It was also essential to involve scientific institutions so that they could contribute to better and more efficient use of energy with the help of science-based facts. The presence of state institutions was necessary, too, because that’s where the decision-makers are, and they have to react faster, in terms of faster decision-making and passing regulations that would contribute to better utilization and improvement of energy efficiency. Big cities and certain countries already have defined strategies for saving energy and impacting the environment.

ABB launched this campaign before the outbreak of the global energy crisis, which only demonstrated how necessary such an initiative was. The crisis has additionally raised people’s awareness of the need for faster investment in energy efficiency and better utilization of energy from existing resources, and thus contributed to our campaign in search of answers to the challenges of the increased need for energy. The campaign is envisaged to last for four years.

Otherwise, energy efficiency is the cheapest and most available energy resource. More and more segments can apply energy-saving measures, and we see the potential in almost all areas, including homes, industry, and sustainable transport.

EP: Which companies supported your campaign and in what way?

Milan Jevremović: ABB has practically always taken care of energy efficiency, which is not a novel topic for us. For many years, we have had a sustainability strategy and a green agenda on which all systems and services in the company are based. However, the Energy Efficiency Movement campaign was designed as a movement without a direct connection with ABB products.

Over 300 companies worldwide have supported this movement, including Microsoft, Sulzer, Alfa Laval, Wartsila, Iveco, Tata Steel, GEA, and many other renowned firms. The number of partners is growing every day. For instance, the Danfoss Company has recently joined the movement, which I am pleased about because it shows that, although we are competitors in some areas of business, together we feel that we can make a bigger difference by helping the world move towards a greener and more ecologically clean future. The energy efficiency movement is fully committed to raising awareness and expediting the actions needed to increase global energy efficiency, and we encourage all companies and organizations to join in and make a difference.

We plan to locally organize a broader energy efficiency symposium for large manufacturing companies, to which we will invite relevant scientific institutions too. We aim to jointly contribute to implementing the strategy and consider further plans. One such symposium at the European level was recently held in Switzerland for the top management of interested companies. The symposium drew very useful conclusions and gave birth to new and interesting ideas.

EP: Which ABB’s technological novelties would you like to mention as potential solutions for saving energy or increasing energy efficiency?

Milan Jevremović: ABB offers a wide range of products and services that directly or indirectly contribute to the increased energy efficiency of our clients. They don’t always have to be completely new solutions. These are often products that have been on the market for a long time. Still, ABB has invested decades of experience and improved them to better contribute to increasing energy efficiency for our clients. As one of the good examples, I would like to mention certain technological advances in the manufacture of electric motors.

In 2021, the European Union adopted a new law that prevents the sale and use of energy-inefficient electric motors. This year, that regulation will introduce even stricter rules regarding the energy efficiency of devices in the EU. No one will impose that regulation on Serbia because we are not an EU member. Still, with current electricity prices, a large number of companies operating in Serbia recognize the potential for savings and will decide to invest in more energy-efficient plants.

ABB is working on developing electric motors with the highest energy efficiency level, far higher than what is currently required by EU legislation. Technologies that were not in widespread commercial use until recently, such as synchronous reluctance motors or motors with permanent magnets, are also used.

I would also like to mention the energy assessment service that we offer to our clients. This type of energy efficiency analysis of their facilities can be done on several levels. The latest option is the so-called digital energy assessment that, in addition to the service itself, also uses certain sensors that provide precise information about each drive. The conclusions indicate opportunities to boost energy efficiency. Thanks to this, we can analyze the electric motor drive even better and propose the best solutions to our clients for certain factory segments or complete factories.

The energy efficiency concept has evolved and has become more comprehensive, so today, we talk about energy-efficient industrial plants, heating, cooling, lighting, etc. ABB can offer state-of-the-art solutions for each of these processes.

For a long time, there has been a lot of talk about switching to electric vehicles in road traffic, and we have a lot of technological solutions to offer in that department too. In the last two years, we have been mainly working on modern technologies in sustainable transport and energy-efficient vehicles for industry, primarily in improving construction machines and tow trucks, but also in railway traffic. That’s the latest step we’ve taken.

EP: You have been doing business in Serbia for many years. Which major energy efficiency projects would you single out in particular?

Milan Jevremović: ABB has been working on the development of modern technology for years, and some of our achievements have been implemented in Serbia. I would like to point out the revitalization of the Bajina Bašta reversible hydroelectric power plant, in which ABB played a significant role and helped the entire power plant work even more efficiently, increasing its operational readiness and better use of the existing hydro potential.

By installing ABB’s static frequency converter, which was commissioned last year, the Bajina Bašta power plant will generate significant

savings, primarily based on the increased operational readiness of the hydroelectric power unit. In situations where the hydrological situation is favorable, the Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS) will be able to use the water in the reservoir much more efficiently and produce additional megawatts of green energy. I would also like to mention the project titled ‘Monitoring and Management of Coal Quality’, which we implemented at the Nikola Tesla thermal power plant. It is a well-known fact that using coal that has constant quality results in better combustion in the boiler, higher efficiency and lower emission of harmful gases. We are proud to say that ABB, together with EP S’ engineering team, has done one such, I would say, referential project because there are very few such projects implemented worldwide.

I especially want to highlight our excellent cooperation with EPS on this and similar projects.

Interviewed by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY

PILLARS OF SUPPORT FOR COMPANIES IN TIMES OF ENERGY CRISIS

10.06.2023

electricity-struja — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The implementation of energy measures at all levels marked the year behind us. The business sector is a significant factor of the entire society, which is why companies’ adaptation to the existing energy crisis was on the list of priority issues. The Association for Energy and Mining, an organizational unit within the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (PKS), was one of the bodies that provided support in that process. We spoke about this with Ljubinko Savić, the Association’s Secretary.

When there is an energy crisis and disrupted energy flows, companies are forced to turn, as our interlocutor states, first of all, to energy-saving opportunities at the company level and then to energy sources that are easily available, affordable and stable.

PKS reacted very quickly to the new circumstances and helped its members to report problems through having a specialized information centre where companies could obtain information about key issues related to doing business with companies from the Russian Federation and Ukraine, find new supply or export markets and connect to potential new partners. At the same time, PKS worked on connecting companies on the domestic market, promoting, and educating about alternative energy sources, competencies of the Serbian economy, green technologies, circular economy principles, decarbonization process and fair transition. Significant cooperation was also with the Government of the Republic of Serbia and relevant ministries.

IN FOCUS:

In 2022, the Association held a series of workshops that provided companies with all the necessary information and brought them closer to the buyer-producer instrument.

“We held some of the workshops independently, with the chamber system’s resources, and some in cooperation with the USAID Better Energy programme. Another important activity we carried out was familiarizing energy and industrial companies with the announced protective mechanism of cross-border CO2 taxation, the so-called CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) and the related ETS CO2 trading system. It is a novelty for our industrial enterprises. Energy companies are familiar with this, but not in-depth, so we will engage more in this activity in the future too. The CBAM mechanism is essential for our companies that are export-oriented and connected to the supply chain of European chains of producers, so they must receive the correct and timely information and be ready when the time for the full implementation of this mechanism in Europe comes”, says Mr Savić.

Speaking about the success of implementing energy efficiency measures within various economic activities, Mr Savić presented the very diverse results of research conducted in November last year. On the one hand, some companies are highly aware of the importance of a new, sustainable economic model based on green economy principles. These companies are aware of the energy transition. From the very beginning, they use energy-efficient materials, base production on BAT technologies, integrate RES, and treat waste as a potential for added value and not as a surplus to be thrown away. Such companies have formed teams to implement energy efficiency measures, appointed a person in charge, conducted employee training, and some have an energy manager.

However, a large number of companies do not have organized management of energy and energy consumption but can partly replace the current electricity consumption with some other type of energy. The companies point out that this is a long-term investment that requires significant funds and depends on the type of existing devices and equipment and the features of the buildings in which their production systems are located.

The energy crisis prompted the necessity of introducing the Strategic Energy Management System (SEM) in energy-intensive enterprises and facilities with high consumption of final energy. The Law on Energy Efficiency and Rational Use of Energy stipulates the activities, procedures and resources needed to achieve the energy efficiency goals in the company’s policy.

The Association for Energy and Mining acts in the context of the Chamber’s overall work, and its activities are often related and directed towards fulfilling expressed needs and protecting the interests of the entire economy. The working model set up in this way has resulted in the Association providing members for several working groups that have been drafting important strategic energy documents and preparing draft laws and other regulations important for energy subjects and energy as an economic branch.

Furthermore, the Association held training sessions for businesses that want to integrate RES into their business models and several thematic meetings dedicated to connecting new electricity production facilities to the power grid. The Association also researched the application of energy efficiency measures in industry and participated in developing a study of the oil derivatives market in the Republic of Serbia.

In 2023, new strategic documents should be adopted, and certain energy regulations will be amended, with planned public hearings about them. According to our interlocutor, they hope to work with the Government and the Ministry of Mining and Energy on this. Holding seminars for businesses on electricity production from RES for needs will continue in the remaining 10 regional chambers. The implementation of a new training programme on energy efficiency in industrial processes is also being prepared, which will be adapted to individual industrial branches.

Prepared by: Katarina Vuinac

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY

ABB helps ensure sustainable power at 75th Formula E race as title sponsor

09.06.2023

Snimak ekrana 2023-06-07 205645 — Photo: ABB

This weekend, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns to Jakarta for a double header in the Indonesian capital, with the first of the two races being ABB’s 75^th as title sponsor.

The 2.37 km, purpose-built circuit is set against the backdrop of Jakarta Bay in the northern region of the city. Featuring 18 turns and a long, fast start/finish straight, the track is sure to lead to some thrilling racing in the Indonesian heat.

As it did for the first staging of the Jakarta E-Prix last year, ABB is working with Indonesian state-owned electricity company, PLN, to provide the highest level of security, efficiency, and convenience for the event’s power supply. ABB’s medium-voltage UniSec switchgear will be used to switch loads from a primary to a back-up power source if the primary power source fails, keeping the steady delivery of critical power supply for the entire race infrastructure. The company’s Relion REC615 grid automation relay offers the advanced protection functionality needed, as well as remote operation and control for increased safety. According to PLN, the power supplied to the circuit will be sourced from geothermal and environmentally friendly hydropower.

Karin Lepasoon, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, ABB, said: “It is important to have this milestone sustainability showcase of our 75^th race as title sponsor in the most populous city in Southeast Asia (approximately 10.5 million people), where we are working to provide technology and solutions which help combat climate change-related issues. Key focus areas are electrification end energy efficiency – two topics which fit perfectly with an electric motor-racing series, where managing energy effectively is key to success.”

ABB provides solutions that contribute to the ongoing energy transition and deliver major reductions in emissions and environmental impacts in Jakarta and across Indonesia. An example of this is the company’s Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) PowerWave33 which was used by PLN for the G20 summit in Bali last year to guarantee continuous power availability with a small footprint, while also using less energy than comparable products to deliver significant savings.

At the Nestlé factory in Indonesia, ABB supplies smart sensors which, alongside ABB Ability^TM Condition Monitoring, enable monitoring of motors and rotating equipment to improve maintenance capabilities and improve energy efficiency.

As well as energy efficiency, the series is also a platform for the latest e-mobility technologies, with ABB taking on the role of Official Charging Partner this season. A market leader in EV charging technology, ABB has installed around 400 chargers in Indonesia to date and facilitated a number of firsts in the country such as the installation of the Terra AC wallboxin a premium apartment building in South Jakarta, making it the first apartment building in Indonesia with an EV charging facility. The company also implemented its digitally enabled Terra DC wallbox charging solution at one of Indonesia’s first fast charging stations.

ABB is continuing to work to improve the charging options available for businesses and consumers in the country. For example, ABB, ABB E-mobility and PLN Icon Plus have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate collaboration to grow the EV charging infrastructure in Indonesia. The companies will form a synergy in EV charging services which shall include but not be limited to technology assessment, market research, developing a Charging Station Management System (CSMS) platform, undertaking marketing activities, and the deployment of EV chargers.

Following the double-header in Jakarta, the series will head to Portland, USA, for the first time on June 24^th. The season 9 calendar comprises 16 races in 11 global locations.

ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on more than 130 years of excellence, ABB’s ~105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation.

About Formula E and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship:

As the world’s first all-electric FIA World Championship and the only sport certified net zero carbon since inception, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship brings dramatic racing to the heart of some of the world’s most iconic cities providing an elite motorsport platform for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers to accelerate electric vehicle innovation.

The Formula E network of teams, manufacturers, partners, broadcasters, and host cities are united by a passion for the sport and belief in its potential to accelerate sustainable human progress and create a better future for people and planet.

Source: ABB

GREEN INVESTMENTS FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE

09.06.2023

london-g599719611_1920 — Photo-illustration Pixabay (Frank Nürnberger)

The advantages of energy-efficient, sustainable solutions in business have long been recognized, and citizens, who pay the most for the current energy crisis, are slowly realizing all the benefits of their application. Although the data show that more and more people are ready to adapt their businesses and households to the new standards, in Serbia, that percentage is still significantly lower compared to Western Europe. Initial investments are the main brake that prevents entrepreneurs and citizens in our country from turning to new, more modern and efficient technologies. To questions about how this problem can be overcome and whether banks can change citizens’ perception when investing in sustainable solutions, we sought answers from Mirjana Sučević, Head of the department for working with the population and for very small businesses from ProCredit Bank.

EP: ProCredit Bank has been introducing innovations in its operations for years, following world trends. How do you do it?

Mirjana Sučević: Even today, as twenty-two years ago, when we started doing business in the Serbian market, the goals were always clear – client satisfaction and as simple and comfortable as possible, yet completely secure banking. Thus, following the trends, especially in Germany, where our parent company is located, but also the contemporary needs of society, we decided almost a decade ago that it was time to change the way we do business, that is, to become the first 100 per cent online bank in Serbia. We live fast, time is running out, and in such a world, people appreciate when they don’t have to go to the bank. Let’s be realistic, banks are not our favorite, but we need them, so the relationship must be favorable for the client.

IN FOCUS:

EP: How important is the green segment in your business, and how do you convey it to clients?

Mirjana Sučević: We are happy to point out that energy efficiency and a green approach in everything we do are an integral part of our corporate DNA. That is indeed so. We know that as an institution, we have a responsibility towards the environment in which we operate. As we have always believed that we should start from ourselves, the changes came first at the internal level, and that is how we have developed our approach to environmental protection over the years. It consists of three pillars, where the first refers to the internal environmental management system, the second refers to the management of environmental and social risks in lending, and the third deals with green financing. It is very important for us to communicate energy-efficient solutions through the products we offer, such as the GEFF loan in cooperation with the EBRD, with a return of up to 20 per cent, which can be used to finance new joinery, a heat pump, insulation, solar panels and more. Also, through educational posts on social networks, blogs and various other activities such as public appearances and participation in events, we try to raise awareness about environmental pollution and show ways to change it. The green segment is important at the level of the entire ProCredit Group, which recently became a Net Zero banking alliance member, and joined the community that acts on plastic pollution (Finance Leadership Group on Plastics UNEP FI).

EP: How do you help clients follow all procedures when using a banking service?

Mirjana Sučević: Procedures exist and are always there to protect the client himself, but also us as a bank. We have simplified the procedures as much as possible to expose clients to as little stress as possible when making important life decisions, such as taking out a home loan. We are constantly available to clients in the Online Center, there are 24/7 Infophones in all our Zones, and we are in constant contact with clients through social networks. We are not a classic bank because our business does not involve the promotion of consumer loans, but we always look at the client’s creditworthiness. The conditions are, therefore, different compared to other banks, and we must promote investments first of all because if you already have to repay the loan, then let it be for some higher goal.

EP: At a time of great energy crisis and appeals for energy saving, we are considering improving energy efficiency in our homes, which represents a serious financial challenge. How can your client overcome it?

Mirjana Sučević: The geopolitical crisis brought inflation and energy deficit, but above all, it forced us to change our perception. Electricity obtained from solar panels or heating and cooling with heat pumps are no longer unthinkable. It has been the standard in the Western European market for years. Initial investments are not small, but the savings and benefits will be noticeable very quickly. One of the ways to find the necessary funds are loans, and we offer our clients GEFF, which are realized in cooperation with the EBRD, which are loans with a return of up to 20 per cent. Clients understand the benefits of energy-efficient solutions, especially since we advise them in every step, from choosing a supplier to checking the invoice and the amount of return they can achieve. The great thing is that with this loan, you can finance everything from external and internal wall insulation to new joinery, a heat pump, and solar panels. Also, it is a relief that for amounts up to RSD 600,000, clients do not have to come to the bank but do everything completely online, and for larger amounts, it is necessary to go to the bank to sign the contract on the day of the loan disbursement.

Interviewed by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY

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