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An Expedition for a New Life of Plastic Waste

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (sergeitokmakov)

Plastic Odyssey is a global initiative dedicated to addressing the issue of plastic pollution in the world’s most affected regions, with a particular focus on combating marine and ocean plastic contamination. The organization’s mission is carried out using a ship that functions as a mobile recycling unit, traveling to countries facing challenges in plastic waste management and utilizing recycling technology to convert plastic waste into useful materials.

Over eight years, this nonprofit organization has built a global network of recycling solutions, helping prevent plastic waste from reaching the oceans.

Now, the organization has set a new goal: restoring biodiversity in protected areas impacted by plastic pollution, beginning with 50 priority sites identified by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). To support this, they have launched a unique fund aimed at raising substantial financial resources over the next few years.

“These areas act as natural traps for plastic, accumulating waste at concentrations up to 400 times greater than the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Their extreme remoteness has long made cleanup nearly impossible—until now,” the organization announced.

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Hamsterfreund(

In February of this year, Plastic Odyssey announced the creation of the Plastic Odyssey Fund, a nonprofit public corporation headquartered in San Francisco. One of their key messages reads: “Every minute, 19 tons of plastic waste enter the ocean… We, the citizens of the world, have the means to stop this disaster.”

They also plan to foster international expansion by mobilizing resources and accelerating their impact through engagement with philanthropic organizations, foundations, corporate donors, and governmental actors.

Throughout 2025, Plastic Odyssey will host a series of events across the Americas to deepen engagement within the ocean-focused community and raise awareness about its mission.

This global initiative combines mechanical plastic removal, mobile recycling units, and scientific research to make large-scale cleanup feasible. According to the organization, plastic removal costs have been reduced to just 10 dollars per kilogram.

The organization uses sail-powered cleanup vessels in its missions, designed to operate in fragile ecosystems and prevent further breakdown of microplastics. To support efforts aimed at restoring marine biodiversity, they are launching a six-year campaign to raise 30 dollars million.

Their website, plasticodyssey. org, has published an interactive map, accessible through the “Follow the Expedition” feature. The map displays travel routes, land-based plastic waste, and the regions most affected by plastic pollution.

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Microfactories and Education

After two years of partnership in supporting the expedition, the team from another similar organization, Delfingen, is joining the on-the-ground projects developed by Plastic Odyssey Factories. In the Philippine cities of Cebu and Manila, they launched two microfactories to transform island waste into new value. Each site includes two containers equipped with machines necessary for converting plastic waste into new materials or objects.

During their visit at the end of last year, training sessions for local entrepreneurs were held in the onboard Laboratory. The first training lasted three days and involved ten entrepreneurs from various sectors, while the second session gathered four participants. These shipboard Laboratories proved highly successful, especially among participants who already had a solid background in recycling and were able to expand their knowledge further.

The World’s Most Polluted Beach

Last year, Plastic Odyssey teams cleaned the world’s most polluted beach, located on one of the largest islands—Pitcairn. A 2015 analysis, published two years later, revealed that eight tons of plastic had washed up on its shores—the highest plastic density ever recorded globally. The 38 km² island hosts more than 38 million pieces of plastic along its coastlines, with an estimated daily influx of 3,500 to 13,500 new plastic items.

To address waste removal without damaging the coral reef, they used a raft to transport large bags from the shore to the ship, and parachutes lifted the plastic above the water when waves were too strong. Over seven days, with 25 people, the team removed 6,000 kilograms of plastic waste dating back to 2019, along with another 3,000 kilograms accumulated afterward. All nine tons were subsequently recycled onboard the floating Plastic Odyssey laboratory.

Prepared by Jasna Dragojević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

Corn Husks as a Source of Inspiration and Practicality

Photo: Courtesy of Dušica Medved

Natural materials have long inspired people, and with growing environmental awareness, we increasingly strive to utilize them in diverse and purposeful ways. Corn husks are one such material, most commonly used as livestock feed or compost for eco-friendly fertilizer. Yet, their usefulness does not end there. This story reveals how corn husks can be used innovatively and unexpectedly.

Winter is the season most often dedicated to weaving baskets, providing the ideal time for this process. During the colder months, women have more time to focus on weaving, preparing the husks, and dyeing them, creating beautiful and durable handcrafted bags. These corn-husk bags, originally from Međimurje, Croatia, have even made their way to Dubai.

Several women from the Women’s Association of Nedelišće are on a mission to bring tradition into the modern age. Dušanka Medved, president of the Association, shared with Energetski Portal Magazine the details of how these bags are made, how long they last, and much more.

Photo: Courtesy of Dušica Medved

Preparation begins in the autumn during the corn harvest, when supplies of husks are replenished. In Međimurje, the husks are also referred to as luščije, and they are usually prepared two years in advance, since the next harvest is never guaranteed and the basket-weaving season must always be ready.

“After collection, the corn husks are dried for two to three days before being prepared. We need a wooden mold, small nails, and pliers for weaving. First, we weave the base structure made of strips, followed by the basket body. Then the edges are trimmed, and finally, the handles are woven. The completed bag is left to dry in a warm place for two days before it’s removed from the mold. The finished baskets are then placed in sulfur,” says our interviewee.

She notes that it’s essential to soak and drain the husks properly before weaving, as otherwise they could break during the process. Sulfur is used to eliminate harmful organisms and prolong the basket’s durability while acting as a natural bleaching agent. Fabric dyes are used for dyeing: the water is brought to a boil, the dye is added along with the damp husks, and the process continues for about two hours to allow the color to penetrate deeply into the fibers. Afterward, the husks are thoroughly rinsed to avoid staining hands or clothing.

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A Fusion of Tradition and Ecology

These fashion items are made entirely from natural materials—no glue is involved. Each basket requires about five kilograms of corn husks. Flowers, made either from the husks themselves or from fabric, can be added during the weaving process.

Our interviewee also shares that finding quality corn husks is increasingly complex because traditional corn varieties are rarely grown. Hybrid corn has shorter ears and leaves, which break easily and are not as soft or as suitable as the older varieties. Additionally, it must be harvested by hand, which is now less common.

The women of the Nedelišće Association craft baskets in various sizes and shapes—from the smallest to the largest, square to round. A basket can last up to 15 years if kept dry and protected from moisture. If it gets wet, it should be air-dried.

There is interest in this craft, though some try and give up. They’ve trained children in primary and secondary schools and even held a workshop at a museum. They were surprised to find that boys showed more interest than girls.

Their goal is not just to sell baskets, but also to demonstrate the making process, so they always bring their tools along.

Last year, they held a basket festival and sold every last piece. The skill of crafting utilitarian items from corn husks in the Međimurje region has become the eighteenth element of intangible cultural heritage in this area, officially listed in the Register of Cultural Goods of the Republic of Croatia with permanent protection status.

Prepared by Jasna Dragojević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

Bioplastics and Algae – A New Foundation for Habitats Beyond Earth

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (nicolas-lobos)

I wouldn’t trade my planet for any extraterrestrial habitat. Still, for some powerful individuals, it seems that even the most beautiful places on Earth are no longer exciting enough – so their gaze (and budget) increasingly turns toward Mars. Why humanity is so determined to colonize the red planet remains an open question. What is certain, however, is that it won’t happen any time soon – the technology we currently possess is still not up to the task of surviving in such extreme conditions.

One of the key questions when thinking about long-term human presence beyond Earth is how we will ensure sustainable living conditions. For instance, transporting construction materials from Earth is logistically complex and economically unsustainable – and the same goes for resources needed to grow plants, microorganisms, and other life forms that make up the basis of any ecosystem.

How do we create a closed system that not only protects humans from extreme conditions but also allows for the cultivation of organisms we depend on – from food to oxygen? This question is increasingly shifting the focus from traditional engineering solutions to approaches inspired by biology.

That’s why a recent study by scientists at Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences caught my attention – not only for its innovative use of bioplastics and algae in extreme conditions, but also for the shift in perspective it represents: instead of bringing everything we need with us, can we grow some of the necessary resources on-site, in conditions similar to those on Mars?

The experiment, led by Professor Robin Wordsworth’s team, successfully grew algae under Mars-like conditions using bioplastic as the foundation for a closed habitat. Specifically, they used Dunaliella tertiolecta, known for its resilience and ability to perform photosynthesis under harsh conditions. The algae grew inside a chamber made of polylactic acid, a bioplastic that allows light to pass through while blocking harmful UV radiation.

Photo-illustration: Pixabay

The significance of this experiment is multifaceted. First, it demonstrates that it’s possible to create a controlled environment suitable for photosynthetic organisms even at a pressure of only 600 pascals – equivalent to the atmosphere on Mars. Second, the chamber successfully stabilized liquid water, a major challenge in low-pressure conditions. Third, and most importantly, the idea that bioplastics can be produced locally using algae opens up the possibility of a closed-loop system – where the habitat and the organisms within it support each other’s survival.

In this context, bioplastics are not just substitutes for industrial materials but a potential foundation for sustainable infrastructure beyond Earth. The concept departs from the traditional engineering approach based on transporting and storing materials: here, we’re talking about a system that grows and regenerates locally through biological processes.

Interestingly, researchers didn’t stop with Mars. The next step is to test these systems in a vacuum, which would make them applicable on the Moon and in deep space. In parallel, they are developing a functional closed-loop system that could integrate production, growth, protection, and adaptation into a single efficient whole.

It’s important to note that such technologies are not being developed solely for future space colonization. Many of the principles behind them – circular systems, local production, reduced dependence on external resources – are directly applicable to sustainability efforts on Earth.

These studies don’t offer final solutions, but they do represent tangible steps toward self-sustaining systems. In that sense, bioplastic habitats with algae may not be the first homes on Mars – but they could form a vital foundation for rethinking how we build and sustain life anywhere in the Solar System.

Milena Maglovski

International Plastic Bag Free Day: Small Packages, Big Problem

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Naja Bertolt Jensen)

Every year, on July 3rd, International Plastic Bag Free Day is marked across the world. It was launched in 2009 by environmental organizations and later supported by the global movement Break Free from Plastic, founded in 2016. The aim of this day is to raise awareness of the harm caused by single-use plastics to nature and human health, and to encourage societies to move toward sustainable solutions.

Although plastic bags and sachets are used for only a few minutes, they remain in the environment for decades—or even centuries—breaking down into microplastics that pollute soil, water, and air, threaten plant and animal life, and end up in the food chain.

Regulations

The first major steps in the fight against plastic bags in Europe were recorded in the early 2010s. Italy became the first EU member state to ban lightweight plastic bags in 2011. France followed in 2016 by banning free single-use plastic bags, while many other countries, including Serbia (since 2020), introduced charges. In Ireland, the introduction of a 15-cent tax back in 2002 reduced plastic bag use by more than 90 percent.

According to the 2015 EU directive, all member states were required to reduce the consumption of lightweight bags to below 90 per person annually by 2019, and below 40 by 2025. The introduction of bans, taxes, and education campaigns led to a measurable decline in use—with more and more consumers switching to cloth totes and reusable bags, which have also become a stylish expression of sustainable living.

The Sachet Economy

While public attention is often focused on grocery bags, small plastic sachets as a form of packaging have become a quiet but destructive part of the problem. In many lower-income countries, they are a daily reality. They are used to package daily doses of shampoo, coffee, detergent, and snacks, and target consumers who cannot afford larger quantities. However, behind this “affordability” lies a deep injustice, as highlighted in more detail by Break Free from Plastic.

For example, in the Philippines, sachets make up as much as 52 percent of residual plastic waste, while local waste management systems cannot cope with such amounts of non-recyclable plastic. Traditional habits such as buying small quantities in reusable glass bottles—known as “tingi”—have been displaced by marketing from multinational corporations.

Globally, more than 855 billion sachets are discarded annually, and they are most often used in poorer communities—not by choice, but because alternatives are not accessible. Sachets are made of multilayered materials and are virtually impossible to recycle. Local solutions—landfilling, incineration, or using them as fuel in cement factories—release dioxins and toxic substances that cause health problems.

Informal waste pickers, who recycle up to 60 percent of plastic waste, work in hazardous conditions without protection, while local governments—especially in poorer countries—spend up to 20 percent of their budgets on waste management, according to World Bank data.

Both bags and sachets symbolize a culture of consumption. Sustainable solutions do not lie in “bioplastics” or “plastic neutrality,” but in reuse, refilling, and eliminating unnecessary packaging.

On International Plastic Bag Free Day—and every day—it is important to recognize:
the point is not to make sachets better, but to make them unnecessary.

Energy portal

Access to Electricity in 2025 Shows Progress, But Universal Access by 2030 Still Unlikely

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Global access to electricity improved in 2025 compared to 2022, but the progress remains insufficient to achieve universal access by 2030. The report Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2025 reveals that nearly 92 percent of the world’s population has basic access to electricity. However, more than 650 million people still lack this access.

In terms of clean cooking technologies, there has been progress, though at a slower pace than during the 2010s. This slowdown is attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, energy price shocks, and the debt crisis, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

This report was published by the agencies responsible for monitoring Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7): the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the World Bank, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Decentralized Solutions for Rural Communities

Decentralized renewable energy sources, such as mini-grids and off-grid solar systems, offer cost-effective, rapid, and efficient solutions for delivering electricity to rural communities. This is particularly significant, as the majority of people without grid connection live in remote, unstable, and impoverished regions.

These solutions also support improved access to clean cooking. IRENA reports that about 1.5 billion people in rural areas still lack access to clean cooking technologies. Off-grid solutions, such as household biogas systems and mini-grids enabling electric cooking, can significantly reduce the negative health impacts of indoor air pollution. Over two billion people continue to use firewood and charcoal as primary cooking fuels. If the current trend continues, only 78 percent of the global population will have access to clean cooking by 2030.

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Regional Disparities in Electricity Access

Regional disparities remain pronounced, particularly in developing countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, the average installed capacity of renewable energy per capita is only 40 watts, compared to over 1,100 watts per person in developed nations. This region is home to 85 percent of the global population without electricity access, and four out of five families lack access to clean cooking technologies.

The lack of affordable financing continues to hinder progress and deepen regional inequalities, the report emphasizes. Stronger international cooperation between the public and private sectors is needed, especially to support sub-Saharan Africa. Necessary measures include financing reforms, increased availability of public capital, concessional funding, grants, risk mitigation tools, and improved national planning and regulatory frameworks.

This report will be presented to policymakers on July 16, 2025, during the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York, which monitors progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

Energy portal

When Food Waste Becomes a Resource

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Waldemar Brandt)

Food waste presents a serious global challenge that goes beyond economic and environmental dimensions, pointing to a deep imbalance in the world. While millions of people go hungry, enormous quantities of food end up as waste. The United Nations has recognized this crisis and set the goal of Zero Hunger by 2030 as the Second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

According to UN data, today, two billion people worldwide do not have regular access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food. If current trends continue, projections show that more than 600 million people will be chronically hungry by 2030. Although food waste is not the primary cause of these statistics, changing how food is managed, from production to consumption, could significantly contribute to reducing global hunger.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) points to the fact that in Europe, 50 million tons of fruits and vegetables are wasted every year solely because they are not the proper shape, representing an economic loss of 140 billion euros. On a global level, about 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted annually from farm to table. In our region, Serbia leads in the amount of food waste, with as much as 700,000 tons annually, while Croatia wastes 400,000 tons, and Slovenia 140,000 tons.

It is often mistakenly believed that organic waste has no significant environmental impact. However, if food is not appropriately managed, it does not become valuable organic fertilizer but ends up in landfills, emitting methane during decomposition – a greenhouse gas far more harmful than carbon dioxide.

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Although a significant portion of organic waste comes from households, food waste occurs throughout the entire supply chain, including production and retail. Retail chains frequently order excessive amounts of food, and high prices lead to many products remaining unsold by their expiration date. This issue garnered particular attention in Serbia a few years ago when campaigns were launched to raise awareness about food waste. A central focus was the Value Added Tax (VAT) law, under which a 20 percent VAT must be paid on donated food. This discourages retail chains from redirecting unsold but usable food to those who need it most. Consequently, it is often more cost-effective for companies to discard food rather than donate it.

Although the priority is to direct edible food to those who need it most, what can no longer be used for human or animal consumption can gain new value through the production of biofuels, thereby reducing both waste and greenhouse gas emissions simultaneously.

While many retail chains do not pay enough attention to the issue of hunger, the British retailer Sainsbury’s, in cooperation with its supplier RenECO, has found a way to reduce food waste and contribute to environmental goals simultaneously. This marks a complete change in their logistics fuel supply, specifically for heavy goods vehicles. Starting in March this year, 30 trucks in this retail chain will switch from diesel to biofuel derived from food waste. The biogas produced through this process will be used to create liquid biofuel suitable for heavy trucks. It is important to note that this process utilizes food that can no longer be donated or used for animal feed.

Estimates show that this will reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by more than 3,000 tons, which the company highlights as equivalent to the yearly electricity consumption of over 1,900 households. Currently, these 30 trucks represent half of their fleet, but the company has set an ambitious goal: achieving net-zero emissions in its operations by 2035.

Prepared by Katarina Vuinac

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

Hydropower from Norway Crucial for All of Europe

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (American Public Power Association)

Norway generates as much as 90 percent of its electricity from hydropower, placing it among the most sustainable and energy-independent countries in Europe. Thanks to this model, the country plays a key role in Europe’s fight against climate change.

The importance of Norway for the rest of the continent was the focus of the HydroConnect research project, conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology (IEE).

Norway is connected to the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom via subsea cables, enabling it to leverage its flexible hydropower system.

Philipp Hertel, senior scientist at Fraunhofer IEE, explains that reliance on renewable energy sources increases the need for flexibility and energy storage within the power system — an area where Norway excels.

“Norwegian hydropower can respond rapidly to fluctuations in demand by exporting large amounts of electricity when wind and solar output in Europe is low, and importing electricity when there is surplus generation and prices are low. This ability to balance supply and demand makes Norway a key player in building a climate-neutral, interconnected European energy market,” said Hertel.

The analysis covered greenhouse gas emissions across Europe, electricity prices in Norway and other countries, and the environmental impacts of Norwegian reservoirs and river systems. Several scenarios were considered, including a sudden increase in electricity demand in Norway, the development of more offshore wind farms, the establishment of offshore energy hubs, and changes in the prices of energy carriers such as hydrogen.

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Extensive Database

Fraunhofer IEE utilizes a comprehensive database that includes hydropower plants and reservoirs across Europe. It contains data on more than 850 hydropower systems, over 2,800 individual plants, and around 3,600 reservoirs.

“In addition to technical system details, the database includes complex information on hydraulic interconnections and participation in cross-border markets, which is crucial for realistic simulation of hydropower behavior in our models — especially in terms of storage capacity and operational flexibility,” Hertel noted.

Benefits for the European Energy System

The analysis showed that adding 11 gigawatts of hydropower capacity in Norway, along with expanding interconnectors, could significantly reduce the need for additional investments across Europe. It could replace the need for about 70 gigawatts of additional capacity in solar power plants, electrolyzers, and batteries.

Furthermore, expanding hydropower in Norway would reduce overall system costs and help equalize electricity prices between Norway, continental Europe, and the UK.

Flexible hydropower is especially effective in mitigating price spikes during periods of low wind and solar generation.

Energy portal

After Technical Incidents and Sanctions, a New Opportunity for Paks II

Photo: Pixabay

The Paks II nuclear power plant construction project, which has faced numerous obstacles and technical delays for years, now has a significant opportunity to move forward following the decision by the Trump administration to lift some sanctions that had previously hindered its realization.

One of the earlier restrictions, part of a broader package of sanctions against Russia, involved a ban on cooperation with Russian state-owned nuclear companies, including the contractor for the Paks II project. On the technical side, the planned pouring of the first concrete has been postponed from 2025 to 2026, after an incident in which part of the reinforced concrete wall of the working pit collapsed. The Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (HAEA) halted construction works on the southern section of Unit 5 on February 6 and compiled a detailed inspection checklist.

However, after thorough inspections, HAEA last week granted permission for the continuation of construction, under the condition that additional safety measures are implemented and constant monitoring of geotechnical conditions is ensured.

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Sanctions Eased for Civil Nuclear Energy

On June 27, the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued General License 115B, which allows certain transactions related to civil nuclear energy, including projects initiated before November 21, 2024. Although Paks II is not specifically mentioned, Hungary believes the project falls under the license’s scope, as it is an infrastructure initiative launched back in 2014. The license covers activities such as procurement and transportation of nuclear fuel, construction, and maintenance of facilities, but excludes cooperation with specific Russian financial institutions for projects launched after the specified date, as reported by World Nuclear News.

The U.S. decision to ease sanctions for civil nuclear projects opens a pathway for Paks II to proceed, giving Hungary political room to continue its cooperation with Russia and France in the energy sector. This could lead to the construction of two additional modern VVER-1200 reactors, which, according to the country’s plans, may be connected to the grid in the 2030s.

Energy portal

Slovenia Issues Ten-Year Sustainability-Linked Bond, Raises One Billion Euros

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Slovenia has recently issued a ten-year sustainability-linked bond (SLB) on international capital markets in the amount of one billion euros, with a coupon rate of 3.125 percent and maturity on July 2, 2035. This is the first issuance of such bonds in Slovenia and in this part of the world, issued under the Republic of Slovenia’s Sustainability-Linked Bond Framework (the Framework). The bond thus carries a fixed coupon interest rate with a possible mechanism for increasing or decreasing the final coupon, depending on the achievement of the targets set out in the Framework. The key indicator is the total annual greenhouse gas emissions, according to the website of the Slovenian Ministry of Finance.

Sustainability Target 1.1: a reduction of total greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030 compared to the baseline level from 2005.

Sustainability Target 1.2: a reduction of total greenhouse gas emissions by 45 percent by 2030 compared to the baseline level from 2005.

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Therefore, if Sustainability Target 1.1 is not achieved and Slovenia does not reduce its total annual greenhouse gas emissions by at least 35 percent compared to the 2005 level, the interest rate will increase by 50 basis points nine years after the settlement date, which will be July 2, 2025. Conversely, if Sustainability Target 1.2 is achieved, and emissions fall by more than 45 percent, the interest rate will decrease by 50 basis points.

Overall, the new bond applies an increase/decrease mechanism, whereby the final coupon payment is linked to Slovenia’s climate goal. According to the bond terms, the interest rate increases by 50 basis points if Slovenia does not achieve the lower reduction threshold of 35 percent, while it decreases by 50 basis points if the upper reduction threshold of 45 percent is achieved.

As for the geographical distribution of investors: 23 percent of the bond was purchased by investors from the United Kingdom and Ireland, 20 percent from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, 15 percent from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This is followed by Southern Europe with 12 percent, Slovenia with 11 percent, Nordic countries with 9 percent, France with 5 percent, while 2 percent of the allocation was purchased by investors from Central and Eastern Europe.

Although recent weakness in the SLB market was noted, demand for the bond was evident, with the offer exceeding demand by more than six times.

Energy portal

CIRES Study: Wildfires Pollute Rivers for Up to Eight Years After They Burn

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (sippakorn yamkasikorn)

The time of year has arrived when red weather alerts become a daily feature in forecasts. High temperatures and dry air pose a danger related to a phenomenon once considered seasonal and mostly local—but which has now become global. Wildfires, which over the past few decades—and especially the last 15 years—have caused devastating consequences, are no longer just a threat to forests and air quality. New findings show that their impact on water quality is far more prolonged than previously assumed.

The most affected region facing recurring wildfires is the western United States, where fires typically occur between June and October, peaking in August and September. However, even the beginning of 2025 was marked by terrifying scenes from Los Angeles. Canada is also among the countries most affected by wildfires, having lost several million hectares of forest to flames in 2023. Similar trends are seen in the southern hemisphere, with Australia facing fires most often from December to March.

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Study Conducted in the U.S.

A new study conducted by CIRES (Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences) at the University of Colorado Boulder revealed that river contamination can persist for up to eight years after a wildfire.

This research represents the first large-scale analysis of post-fire water quality across the entire western United States. Scientists examined over 100,000 water samples from 500 river basins—half from areas affected by wildfires, and the other half from unaffected regions.

The most significant increases in pollution levels occur within the first five years after a fire, although elements such as nitrogen and sediments remain elevated for up to eight years. Areas with dense forest vegetation are especially vulnerable, while extreme weather events like heavy rains often worsen the situation by triggering waves of toxic runoff into river systems.

Although earlier research had already pointed out that ash and soil erosion degrade water quality, those findings were typically based on local studies. The new CIRES analysis offers a continental perspective, with the study’s authors emphasizing that watersheds react differently—some show massive increases in sediment levels, while others remain nearly unaffected. This variability makes planning more difficult and highlights the need for resilience strategies tailored to local conditions.

The CIRES study clearly illustrates the serious consequences of climate change and wildfires, underscoring the urgent need for proactive, preventive measures—not merely reactive ones once the damage is already done.

Energy portal

Smart Energy Innovation From the Turbine Tech Team

Photo:Courtesy of Muhameda Hamamdžića

Technological innovation can significantly enhance the efficiency and accessibility of renewable energy sources, making them more competitive with traditional energy systems. Developing new solutions enables greater integration of renewables into existing energy grids, contributing to global efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and combat climate change.

Photo:Courtesy of Muhameda Hamamdžića

Demonstrating that youth can be drivers of change in renewable energy and the fight against climate change is the Turbine Tech team from Sarajevo, led by eighteen-year-old Muhamed Hamamdžić. This team won the Best Technical and Engineering Project award at the “Made in BiH 2024” ceremony held in January.

“Turbine Tech is a project I started a year ago to develop advanced technologies in the field of renewable energy, particularly vertical wind turbines and IoT devices for monitoring and managing energy systems. I was inspired by Emerik Blum, who laid the foundations for the idea that Sarajevo—and the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina—must invest more in energy and renewables. His vision showed that we have immense potential in this sector, which motivated me to contribute to developing new technologies that can shape the future of our energy infrastructure,” explains Hamamdžić.

He further elaborates that the Savonius turbine is a type of vertical-axis wind turbine that uses aerodynamic drag, not lift, to generate energy. Its advantages over conventional horizontal turbines are numerous—from efficient operation at low wind speeds, quieter performance, all-directional functionality, to lower maintenance costs.

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“Savonius turbines are ideal for both urban and rural environments with weaker winds, where traditional turbines are ineffective. These turbines operate much more quietly, making them suitable for installation near residential areas. They do not require additional mechanisms to orient towards the wind. Due to their simple mechanical design, they demand less maintenance,” says Hamamdžić.

Savonius turbines are especially useful for decentralized energy systems and can power homes, farms, campsites, and even industrial facilities.

The Potential of BiH

Bosnia and Herzegovina has significant potential for developing vertical-axis wind turbines, particularly in regions with lower wind speeds where conventional turbines prove inefficient.

“Our country also has many rural areas without stable energy infrastructure, where Savonius turbines could play a key role,” the young innovator explains.

The Turbine Tech project has been presented at several technical fairs and competitions, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback.

“Engineers in renewable energy and potential investors have shown great interest, which is a huge motivation for me to keep going. The production cost of a single 5-kilowatt Savonius turbine is around €1,500, which is significantly cheaper than conventional horizontal turbines of the same capacity,” says Hamamdžić.

Although the team currently has no official investors, Hamamdžić notes that the cost of building a small wind farm using Savonius turbines ranges between €10,000 and €80,000, depending on the number of installed units. The advantage, he adds, is that such a system is far more accessible than large wind farms.

Prepared by Jasna Dragojević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

A Vision that Transforms the Recycling Industry

Photo: Connect Clean Roma Group

Every individual has the potential to contribute to the efficient functioning and progress of society, yet societies are often not designed to enable individuals to realize their full potential. To create a better society, we need people with vision who recognize the value of others and can break the chains that have held us back.

This is precisely the mission of the ecological cooperative Connect Clean Roma Group (CCRG) – to empower informal waste collectors, the invisible heroes of our daily lives who still remain on the margins of society, and to integrate them into the formal recycling industry.

Photo: Connect Clean Roma Group

Kilino Stojkov, General Manager of CCRG, explained that the cooperative helps informal collectors become recognized members of the industry by enabling them to sell their raw materials through the cooperative, obtain legal status, and secure a sustainable source of income.

“First and foremost, we strive to encourage analytical thinking about the importance of their role in the recycling industry, the green agenda, and sustainable development. We try to explain to them that they are a key factor without which the entire industry could not function,” says our interviewee.

However, the legislative framework in Serbia still hinders their full integration, leaving part of the work in the grey economy. The law clearly states that the trade in secondary raw materials must occur exclusively between authorized entities; however, certain financial regulations allow the purchase of secondary raw materials from individuals with a 10.6 percent tax payment. This is why CCRG acts as an intermediary – between collectors, the state, and the private sector – building a bridge that connects different interests towards a common goal.

Stojkov adds that the concept of the circular economy is still not sufficiently rooted in Serbia. It seems that people and institutions have yet to understand that we live in a time of limited resources, and that recycling, along with the rational use of materials, is key to survival. CCRG views recycling not just as an economic activity, but as a fusion of economy, sociology, and ecology – a model that benefits everyone.

The main obstacles are a lack of cooperation between the private and public sectors, slow innovation development, and insufficient education on the topic. However, this is not a reason to give up, but rather a call for an even stronger fight to raise awareness and improve the system.

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Ecological Cable Recycling

The illegal burning of cables is one of the most significant environmental issues in Serbia. CCRG has set a clear mission: to eliminate this practice and increase the recycling rate by stopping the purchase of burnt copper.

“To solve this complex problem, we must appeal to the biggest buyers in Europe, China, and the United States. Although it is clear that collectors are damaging the environment, the root of the problem lies in the high demand for this raw material,” explains Stojkov.

The cooperative’s factory uses state-of-the-art European machines for cable recycling – from shredding and magnetic separation to granulation, where copper is separated from plastic. Aware of the challenges, they have managed to optimize processes and extract an additional two percent of copper from the insulating plastic, thus maximizing resource utilization. Innovation does not stop here – they are in the final phase of developing a system that will enable the complete use of cables, promising to revolutionize the recycling industry.

Prepared by Milena Maglovski

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

New Study Reveals: Increasing Renewable Energy Capacity Reduces Electricity Market Prices

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Andreas Gücklhorn)

A study on electricity demand in Germany through 2030 has shown that the expansion of renewable energy sources could significantly influence electricity prices.

An analysis by the research institute Agora Energiewende highlights that continuing with the planned development of renewables pays off. Increasing wind and solar capacity over the next five years could lower the wholesale electricity price by up to 23 percent.

The study analyzes electricity price trends under two scenarios. The first scenario anticipates rapid growth in demand due to increased use of electric vehicles, heat pumps, and climate-neutral industrial production, leading to a total electricity consumption of around 708 TWh.

In this case, if the planned expansion of renewables continues, the average wholesale electricity price would drop from €101 to €81 per MWh, resulting in annual savings of around €14 billion for consumers. Supporting this level of renewable energy expansion would require annual subsidies between €7.5 and €7.7 billion. For every euro of subsidy, the electricity price would decrease by approximately €1.90 per MWh.

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The second scenario assumes slower demand growth due to a delayed rollout of electric vehicles and heat pumps, with total consumption estimated at around 609 TWh. If, in this case, the development of renewable energy were reduced by about 45 percent compared to the original plans, the average wholesale electricity price would be around €85 per MWh. However, if renewable development continues as planned, the price could fall to approximately €65 per MWh, generating savings of around €12 billion per year for consumers.

Additional subsidy costs in this scenario would range from €7 to €7.8 billion annually, with each euro invested in supporting renewables reducing the electricity price by about €1.60 per MWh.

“Studies that currently assume lower electricity demand by 2030 and, based on that, call for reduced renewable targets—are ignoring reality. Not only has there been strong demand for heat pumps in the first quarter of 2025, but we are also expecting a boom in electric vehicles. Furthermore, the federal government aims to make Germany a global leader in the development of data centers and the application of artificial intelligence, as well as to decarbonize industry with green energy,” said Simone Peter from the German Renewable Energy Federation.

Energy portal

EEB: Subsidies Are Not a Solution for Weak Regulation in the Green Industry

Foto: Money exchange photo created by freepik - www.freepik.com

The European Commission has adopted the State Aid Framework under the Clean Industry Initiative (CISAF). Although this is an effort by the European Union to direct public support toward Europe’s green and industrial transition, there are shortcomings that have raised public concern, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) has warned.

Several important elements have been highlighted as positive. First, support for renewable hydrogen is prioritized, particularly for technologies that produce hydrogen using wind and solar power, as opposed to those relying on fossil fuels. Second, there is a strong application of the “Do No Significant Harm” (DNSH) principle, which mandates that investments in renewable energy and low-carbon fuels must not harm other aspects of the environment.

Additionally, aid recipients are now required to allocate at least 50 percent of the funds to projects that contribute to the green transition and to reducing energy system costs—for example, by replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources.

Priority is also given to projects that improve material efficiency, thus encouraging more rational resource use and waste reduction.

Moreover, higher environmental standards have been set for producers of clean technologies, who must now apply the best available low-emission production methods.

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Negative Side of the New Rules

Despite positive developments, the new framework has serious shortcomings that could jeopardize the goals of the green transition, the EEB warns.

First and foremost, the true cost of pollution is not recognized—public funds may end up in the hands of industries that negatively impact human health and the environment, without being held accountable.

Second, while subsidies are significant, they cannot compensate for weak regulation—public aid must not replace strong legislation.

Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the funds will serve the public interest. The funds should align with the EU’s environmental protection goals, but too much room is left for different interpretations and potential misuse.

It is particularly concerning that, although some limitations exist, investments in fossil gas are still permitted. Ultimately, the framework only encourages member states to include environmental and social conditions but does not impose binding requirements.

Energy portal

When Sports and Science Meet – A Story About a Cave Insect and Ivana Španović

Photo-illustration: Freepik (wirestock)

Although sports and science rarely share the same headlines, these days they are connected by something truly special. At the center of attention are Ivana Španović, our most successful track and field athlete and one of the world’s best long jumpers – and, believe it or not, a newly discovered species of cave insect.

The Faculty of Biology at the University of Belgrade announced that the new species was found in a cave at the spring of the Đerekarska River, in the village of Đerekare near Tutin, on the Pešter Plateau close to the border with Montenegro.

Just as athletes push boundaries, break records, and bring victories, scientists expand the frontiers of knowledge with each new discovery. This time, we’re talking about a previously unknown species found deep in a cave, symbolically named after the champion herself – Remyella spanovicae.

 

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Објава коју дели Nikola Vesović (@insects.veson)

It’s not the first time a new species in Serbia has been named in honor of prominent individuals who inspired researchers. A few years ago, a cave insect species discovered on Mount Povlen was named after Novak Djokovic, with the authors drawing inspiration from his traits – speed and perseverance.

Similarly, this newly discovered species was named after Ivana Španović – as a tribute to her athletic career, dedication, and contribution to promoting Serbia on the global stage. What connects them are strength, endurance, and persistence. As highlighted on the website of the Faculty of Biology, the new insect species easily moves along the ceilings and vertical cave walls thanks to its strong limbs – while Ivana, with similar ease, flies over the seven-meter mark. You could say both, in their own ways, defy gravity.

The Latin name spanovicae literally means “(the species) dedicated to Španović,” thereby permanently recording her name in the world of science.

So, who is this unusual namesake of our champion? It is a rare and endemic species of cave beetle from the family Leiodidae, which lives exclusively in complete darkness. It is completely blind, only four to five millimeters long, but adapted to the challenges of the underground world. It has an elongated body, very long legs, and antennae that, in males, are even longer than the body itself. Although almost invisible to the human eye, its discovery and name now represent an important mark in science.

This blend of science and sport reminds us that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places – even from the darkness of a cave.

Katarina Vuinac

Potential and Challenges of Nuclear Propulsion for Commercial Ships

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (dendoktoor)

For centuries, ships have played a key role in connecting different parts of the world through trade, the economy, energy, and tourism. Although they remain indispensable in many aspects of global life, there is one crucial challenge that must be addressed to ensure a sustainable future: as major polluters of seas, oceans, and the atmosphere, ships must transition to cleaner technologies.

The urgency of this transition is underscored by the fact that some organizations are already recognizing these challenges and working to solve them. The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) is conducting studies on alternative fuels and energy solutions for shipping to support the sector in transitioning toward sustainable solutions. Previous reports have covered biofuels, ammonia, hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and other options. The latest report, titled “Potential Use of Nuclear Power for Shipping”, published at the end of 2024, focuses on nuclear energy as a potential solution for decarbonizing the maritime sector.

Until now, nuclear energy has primarily been used for military purposes and powering icebreakers in the Arctic. However, as noted in the report, it is now recognized as a sustainable energy source that can contribute to achieving the European Union’s zero-emission goals.

To enable the broader use of nuclear reactors on commercial ships, efforts must be directed toward developing appropriate technology. Key challenges requiring attention include the availability and cost of fissile material used as fuel in nuclear reactors. Fissile materials, such as uranium and plutonium, can undergo fission reactions and release large amounts of energy, making them essential for powering nuclear reactors. The report explains that reactors should be designed to accommodate different types of these materials to ensure a flexible fuel supply and reduce potential supply chain disruptions.

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From a sustainability perspective, nuclear propulsion produces virtually no harmful gas emissions, as the process of generating energy through nuclear fission does not require burning fossil fuels. Although emissions are generated during the extraction, processing, and transportation of uranium fuel, they are relatively low. They could be even lower in the future if renewable energy sources are integrated into these processes.

While the initial investment in nuclear-powered ships may be higher, long-term costs could be reduced due to longer intervals between refueling and the expected rise in oil prices.

With technological advancements, initial capital costs are likely to decrease. Nevertheless, for nuclear propulsion to be widely adopted in commercial shipping, a comprehensive regulatory reform is needed to ensure the safe and responsible use of nuclear energy in maritime transport.

The report also highlights critical challenges such as radiation leaks, sinking, capsizing, collisions, and fires, as well as the licensing of technology and shipyards. Additionally, external risks have been identified, including hijacking and terrorist attacks. For these reasons, careful risk assessments and continuous improvement of safety measures are of vital importance.

South Korea Leads the Way

To move from theory to practice, we turn to South Korea. In February of this year, the South Korean company HD KSOE unveiled a nuclear-powered ship model in the United States. This impressive cargo vessel can carry 15,000 twenty-foot containers. The ship has already received preliminary approval from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and utilizes advanced Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology.

Thanks to this technology, space previously occupied by heavy engine equipment has been freed up. Additionally, the ship’s design includes an advanced radiation protection system.

Although there are still many challenges ahead for the development of nuclear propulsion in commercial shipping, this technology already demonstrates significant potential, as confirmed by the example from South Korea.

Prepared by Katarina Vuinac

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

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