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Baltic Sea shipping should avoid copper in antifouling paints and open-loop scrubbers to mitigate pollution

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (dendoktoor)
Photo-illustration: Pixabay

In the most recent Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) assessment (2011-2016), all the Baltic Sea basins failed to reach good environmental status as defined by the EU Maritime Strategy Framework Directive. HELCOM offers data on various heavy metals reaching the Baltic, from sources such as wastewater treatment plants and industry, plus modelled data of atmospheric deposition of metals such as cadmium and lead. However, it only considers emissions of a few substances from shipping (e.g. nitrogen dioxide) and concentrates on domestic shipping – metal pollution from maritime shipping and leisure boating are not explicitly included in HELCOM assessments.

To address this knowledge gap, researchers used available data to estimate the amounts of nine metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, vanadium and zinc) and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that enter the Baltic Sea from shipping and leisure boating each year. These estimates included discharges of bilge water, scrubber wash water, greywater and sewage, as well as antifouling paint. For leisure boats, only emissions of copper and zinc from antifouling paint were considered. Atmospheric deposition estimates were based on data from six land-based monitoring stations, which may not fully account for PAHs from ship exhaust.

Antifouling paint protects hulls from biota such as barnacles and seaweed. Its active ingredient is usually cuprous oxide, often combined with zinc oxide. Scrubbers wash exhaust gas systems, removing sulphur dioxides. The process produces large volumes of acidic water, containing metals and PAHs. Most scrubbers used in the Baltic are ‘closed loop’ or hybrid systems, which means that they can operate in closed loop mode and hence generate a lower volume of contaminated water than ‘open loop’ systems. Scrubbers operating in closed loop mode generate smaller volumes of wash water than open loop systems, but they can still be a substantial source of primarily metals and PAHs.

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The researchers compared shipping emissions with inputs to the Baltic from other sources such as rivers, atmospheric deposition and coastal industry, based on the most recent data available, including the 2018 HELCOM assessment1 and the EBAS database2. From the sources included in this assessment, the most significant pollutant by mass was zinc, 3 932 tonnes (t) of which enters the Baltic Sea annually, followed by an estimated 1 560t of copper and 675t of nickel. After riverine input (at 54 percent), shipping and leisure boating were the second largest source of copper inputs (37 percent), the vast majority from antifouling paints – 509t from shipping and 57t from leisure boats. The researchers highlight that the latter amount is concentrated in the summer months, in sensitive coastal areas, so it is still significant. Scrubber discharge water contributes 7t of copper annually – about a third of the amount of copper that comes from all point sources (19t).

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (PublicDomainPictures)

Contributing 3 132t, rivers made up the largest source (80 percent) of zinc inputs to the Baltic Sea. Shipping and leisure boats contributed 166t (3.6 percent) – again, mostly from antifouling paints. Shipping emitted also other metals in smaller amounts (e.g. 35t vanadium and 10t nickel). As a share of all sources, shipping was found to contribute nearly nine percent of the PAHs Phenanthrene and Anthracene (0.3t and 0.015t, respectively). It was also the source of about two percent (0.075t) of Pyrene and one percent (0.03t) of Fluoranthene. These four PAHs may form during combustion, and some are also used in products such as plastics, pesticides and dyes. All are toxic, and on the European Chemical Agency’s (ECHA) Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern. Ships probably also contribute from their exhaust to PAHs deposited on the surface of the Baltic Sea, but there is no chemical transport model available to account for this, the researchers note. The study shows that shipping is a significant source of certain metals and PAHs in the Baltic Sea. It is particularly important to address copper emissions, since target levels have been exceeded in most areas of the Baltic [HELCOM 2021].

Baltic ships’ copper emissions could be reduced by a third, suggest the researchers, if alternative, copper-free paints or strategies were used. For instance, silicone-based anti-fouling paint is substantially less toxic for marine organisms, and could even be more effective in preventing fouling than copper-based coatings. However, it is worth noting that the monomers used to produce silicon polymers (D4, D5 and D6) are also on the ECHA’s Candidate List, so the paints would only be good substitutes if they contained very low concentrations of these monomers. On vessels that enter ice, inert coatings (that won’t be damaged by ice) together with hull cleaning are more suitable. As long as copper-based coatings are on the market, however, it is difficult to promote alternatives. The researchers also note that the release rate of copper in antifouling paints varies from 2–66 micrograms (μg) per square centimetre per day. Fouling pressure in the Baltic Sea is low, therefore lower release rates (<5 μg) are sufficient to prevent marine organisms from attaching and growing on the hull.

Another strategy to mitigate pollution would be to restrict scrubbers to closed-loop mode. Possible for most scrubber-fitted vessels in the Baltic, this could massively reduce their metal and PAH emissions. Growing use of scrubbers may have a perverse outcome, however. Since they reduce air pollution from exhaust, ship operators may continuously use high sulphur fuels – which are associated with higher emissions of metals and PAHs to water, compared to alternative fuels. To mitigate pollution, the best practice would be to avoid these fuels. Meanwhile, environmental impacts from the increasing use of scrubbers are uncertain, warn the researchers, and their chemical-laden discharge has been shown to be toxic to marine life. The researchers note that 178 of the 8 900 ships operating in the Baltic in 2018 had a scrubber (more than a ten-fold increase the last time data on their discharges was modelled, in 2012), but that figure may now be close to 500. Finally, since shipping and boating are the largest anthropogenic source of copper to the Baltic Sea, they should be included in HELCOM pollution load compilations, say the researchers.

Source: European Commission

NEW SOLAR MEGAWATT IN POŽAREVAC

Photo-illustration: Pixabay
Photo-illustration: Pixabay (LCEC)

Renewable energy sources are no longer only a factor in environmental protection but also in maintaining energy security. The crisis that marked the year behind us confirmed the necessity of switching to renewable sources. The sun’s energy is affordable, and solar power plants play a significant role in Serbia’s energy stability, reducing the pressure on Elektroprivreda. The number of built solar power plants is increasing every week, not only the large ones of several megawatts but also those for their own needs, which smaller companies and households are increasingly installing.

Following positive trends, the company MT-KOMEX has recently started the construction of a solar power plant on the roof of one of the popular shopping centers in Serbia. It is important to point out that the value of such projects is recognized, and the construction of solar power plants is planned for each of the 14 buildings in different cities this retail chain has. The projects for all 14 power plants have already been completed.

For the construction of the first photovoltaic power plant, a building in Požarevac was chosen, which has a large number of small stores under its roof. The specificity of this project is the fact that the produced electricity will be distributed percentageally among the stores in proportion to their consumption. At the same time, the excess energy will be handed over to the grid. Two substations power this facility, and the power plant itself will be divided accordingly. The total power of the power plant will be 1 MWp.

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Photovoltaic panels with a power of 410 Wp are used to construct the power plant. Exactly 2,414 Luxor Solar LX410M/182-108+(410W) monocrystalline solar panels will be installed, followed by AC distribution cabinets, a Fronius monitoring system and smart meters, which are essential additional equipment to make the solar power plant as efficient as possible. Also, 46 inverters will be installed with different power but from the same manufacturer, Fronius. These inverters are among the best in the world. Given that it is a complex facility, the inverters will be placed outdoors, and a special structure will be made to protect them from the direct influence of external weather conditions.

The roof surface on which the panels are placed is made of a synthetic membrane, which requires using a D-Dome construction manufactured by K2 Systems. It is planned that the panels will be oriented northeast-southwest at an angle of 10 degrees to make the most efficient use of solar radiation. If, for example, the roof surface was in the form of a trapezoidal sheet, the project would have foreseen a different type of construction that follows the roof pitch.

The construction of the solar power plant at the facility in Požarevac began at the beginning of December, and the planned completion date is at the end of January, after which it will be connected to the grid.

The expected production of the power plant on an annual level is 1140 MWh/year, the return on the investment of 925 thousand euros is expected in 6 and a half years, and we would especially emphasize the saving of CO2, which amounts to 535,600 kg on an annual level.

The previously realized projects of the company MT-KOMEX, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in January 2023, confirm the reliability of the company’s business and the certainty that each project will be done in the best possible way. Among the power plants built by the company MT-KOMEX, so far, there are more than 60 MW of solar power plants in the portfolio, and the largest bifacial solar power plant on earth will soon be built.

Prepared by: Katarina Vuinac

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS.

Manufacturing plans for key clean energy technologies are expanding rapidly as investment momentum builds

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (mrganso)
Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Pexels)

Announcements of new manufacturing projects for several essential technologies for the clean energy transition – including solar PV, batteries and electrolysers – have accelerated in recent months, highlighting the growing global momentum behind the new energy economy, according to IEA analysis published today.

Since late 2022, the estimated output by 2030 from existing and announced manufacturing capacity for solar PV has increased by 60 percent, for batteries by 25 percent, and for electrolysers by 20 percent, propelled by policy support and growing interest from investors, says the new special briefing from the IEA’s Energy Technology Perspectives series.

The report, The State of Clean Technology Manufacturing, examines announced manufacturing projects for solar PV, wind power, batteries, heat pumps and electrolysers to gauge how these plans could shape the clean energy landscape by the end of the decade. The new analysis is intended to inform deliberations at the G7 Leaders Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, this weekend.

If all the projects announced to date were built, the anticipated output of manufacturing capacity for the five clean technologies would reach USD 790 billion a year by 2030. In that situation, global manufacturing capacity for solar PV would comfortably exceed the level needed in the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario for that technology. Battery manufacturing capacity would also meet the level the scenario envisaged for 2030.

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However, announcements for wind, heat pumps and electrolysers remain some way off the levels implied by the Net Zero Scenario. And it is important to note that for all five technologies, announced projects may not all go ahead, with most of them yet to receive final investment decisions. But relatively short lead-times for new manufacturing projects – from announcement to construction – mean that there is still scope for the project pipelines for 2030 to evolve significantly in the coming years.

To date, manufacturing capacity in clean energy technologies is highly geographically concentrated. The top three markets account for between 80 percent to 90 percent of global manufacturing capacity, depending on the technology. If all announced projects worldwide are completed, the share of manufacturing clustered in these markets would shift to between 70 percent and 95 percent by 2030 for different technologies. 

Photo-Ilustration: Pixabay (Coernl)

“If we look at the projects that are currently under construction or planned worldwide, China is set to strengthen its leading position in key clean energy technologies,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. “There is a need for effective international cooperation and further diversification to ensure secure and resilient technology supply chains, meet the world’s climate goals and enable all countries to enjoy the economic benefits of the new global energy economy.”

The increased efforts to diversify manufacturing thus far have been supported by major policy announcements in many countries over the last year that are beginning to expand supply chains in different regions. For example, following the adoption of the US Inflation Reduction Act last year, battery manufacturing announcements in late 2022 and early 2023 alone account for nearly half of the sector’s total project pipeline in the United States.

Other recent examples of flagship policies to boost domestic industrial production include the Net Zero Industry Act in the European Union and key milestones in Japan’s Green Transformation programme. Together with China’s current Five-Year-Plan (2021-2025) and India’s Production Linked Incentive scheme, these policies are transforming industrial policy geared toward clean energy technology.

G7 governments have already recognised the importance of building resilient, secure and sustainable supply chains to accelerate the clean energy transition and reduce vulnerabilities associated with undue dependencies. There is much countries can do domestically to proactively address the risks posed to supply chains – including developing industrial strategies that leverage their competitive advantages. But international co-operation will be crucial to ease, hasten and extend any progress that is to be made. With this in mind, the new IEA report concludes with six recommendations for G7 leaders that are also applicable for other interested governments.

The recommendations are focused on actions that require international cooperation, such as coordinating efforts across supply chains, and identifying and building strategic partnerships both within the G7 and beyond, including through facilitating investment in emerging market and developing economies. Development of a platform to inform the process of identifying strategic partnerships for manufacturing is recommended, as well as sharing best practice and promoting technologies and strategies to enhance resource efficiency, thereby increasing the resilience of the supply chain.

In addition to clean technology manufacturing, the issue of critical mineral security is of strategic importance to many countries and an area where the need for international cooperation is acute. These minerals are an essential component in the clean energy transition and diversification is necessary to mitigate disruptions or bottlenecks in supply chains. To address these issues, the IEA will host the first ever IEA Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Summit on 28 September to focus on measures to promote the secure, sustainable and responsible supply of raw materials that have a central role in clean energy transitions around the world. The Summit will convene ministers from countries in the IEA family and beyond – including both large mineral producers and consumers – as well as business leaders, investors, heads of international organisations and civil society representatives.

 

Source: IEA

THE CHARGE&GO NETWORK IS EXPANDING!

Photo: Charge&GO
Photo: Charge&GO

If it seems to you that the development of electromobility in our country looks like a comical situation in which you either have a can or an opener, you are not far from the truth. Owners of electric cars, no matter how many there are in Serbia, and word has it that there are as many as 900 registered, both new and used, are constantly searching for information about newly installed chargers. At the same time, charger owners are eagerly waiting for a larger number of electric vehicles to get closer to the planned profitability margin of their business.

It will be enough to make a small overview to determine how electromobility is developing in our country. Not until seven or eight years ago, there were almost no public chargers, and several companies decided on a visionary approach. Hence, they installed chargers in their parking lots to enable the planned replacement of their fleet with electric vehicles. Of course, there were only a few dozen electric cars back then.

Today, things look a bit better. If you look at the map on plugshare.com today, you will see dozens of charging locations in our country. However, changes in the transport sector and the way of using means of transport are yet to come. Undoubtedly, the focus will be on developing a Photographs: charge&GO network of electric vehicle chargers to enable the transition to sustainable transport.

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The company Charge&GO, as a leader in the development of electromobility in Serbia, is currently working on expanding its network of chargers. Installation of chargers is currently underway at all locations of the Stop Shop retail chain. From the beginning of August, drivers of electric vehicles can stop by the Stop Shop in Sremska Mitrovica, Lazarevac, and Požarevac and recharge their batteries. A 120 kW charger is available in the Stop Shop parking lot in Vršac, while a 60 kW charger is available to visitors of this retail chain in Zaječar.

It is expected that chargers ranging from 24 to 120 kW will soon be put into operation in Čačak, Subotica and Smederevo, and by the end of the year at other Stop Shop locations throughout Serbia.

Fast and ultra-fast chargers can be found on the map of the Charge&GO network at GAZPROM gas stations, as well as at four toll points on the highway near Vrčin, Horgoš and Trupala-Niš.

The easiest way to access chargers is the Charge&GO app, which allows electric car drivers to charge their vehicle, make a payment, and view charging sessions. The user must register first; after that, he can enjoy all the benefits, such as lower prices. In addition to the network of chargers in our country, thousands of chargers throughout Europe that are part of the partner network are also available to the application users.

Prepared by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS.

ENVIRONMENTAL BOOK

Photo-Illustration: Environmental book
Photo: Courtesy of Katarina Majić

In 2019, she first turned her love for writing, nature, and children into the fairy tale “Sounds of the forest”, and this autumn, her second book, “Environmental book”, was published. The book was written with the desire that children should not perceive it as a textbook but be encouraged to search and explore further. The content is divided into chapters on water, air, forests, earth, energy, ozone layer, sound, and animals, both those in nature and those in distress, whether abandoned or in zoos and circuses. The text is accompanied by interesting facts from all over the world, and to get the little ones more interested, Katarina gave the chapters interesting names such as Air – it’s not good when we see it, Sound – noise is not in vogue or Ozone layer – let’s patch it together. 

“Environmental book” is a natural sequence of what I have been doing for a long time, what I am fighting for and what I believe in. I try to inform children, not to educate them but to give them new ideas with the hope that they will teach their parents and the elderly in general so that together we can heal what can still be healed on our planet,” Katarina said. 

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Photo-Illustration: Environmental book

The book is intended for elementary school students, but even the younger generations have started reading it. As the author states, it is important for parents to read the book with their children, to bring the material closer to the peculiarities of each child, their age, knowledge, interest, and creativity. The reader is accompanied by illustrations, which can help younger children understand the text and think through visualization. Although children at that age cannot understand every piece of information written in the book, Katarina says that it is important that they connect with ecology in different ways every day because this will develop empathy towards nature in their subconscious. 

Children were particularly interested in the tasks at the end of each chapter, which tell them what they can do to contribute to the preservation of the planet. This interactive moment of the book contributes to the fact that children at that age are aware that each individual has their own role and that we must not hand over the fight for nature to someone else. 

“When I write for children, I wake up my inner child, which rarely sleeps for that matter, and it seems to me that when I put myself in children’s shoes when I create, it is not difficult to make reading interesting for them”, said Katarina, explaining how she adapts a very serious topic to children. In addition to love, due to the responsibility of writing such a book, professional knowledge is also needed, which is why her friends with knowledge in biology, ecology, pedagogy, veterinary science, and children’s literature participated in its creation. 

To round up the environmental story, the book’s special edition was printed on recycled paper, and not just any kind. We are talking about paper produced manually, according to an ancient Japanese technique from empty cigarette packs in a social enterprise, “Naša kuća”. This organization was founded at the initiative of parents of children with developmental disabilities. 

Photo-Illustration: Environmental book

Katarina is a post-graduate student to confirm a Master’s degree at the Faculty of Political Sciences, majoring in Environmental Policy. She is a member of the environmental associations for the protection of the Rzav River and the Zvezdara Forest, the “Society for the Protection and Study of Birds of Serbia”, as well as the informal associations “Šljunkara” and “Women’s Green Power”. She initiated various actions and participated in numerous activities that led to the defence of the Zvezdara Forest and other green areas, as well as one aged chestnut tree. She is also proud of all the struggles she led with her like-minded fellows, in which they failed, because, as she says, those struggles are even more important. 

“Ecology and the fight for nature have been my everyday life for many years. In addition to writing for children about ecology, I teach children about birds and nature in general. It seems to me that there is not a day in which I am not dedicated to a greater or lesser extent to some struggle for a green area, a tree, a river,” Katarina said and added that she feels best in the forest, next to the river and with her hands deep in the ground. 

In the end, the author of “Environmental book” called on the youngest to always trust their hearts, and to lead their parents and all of us, adults, to a better tomorrow in which our planet will be protected and peaceful thanks to them.

Prepared by: Katarina Vuinac

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS.

NEW LIFE FOR OLD THERMAL POWER PLANTS WITH CEEFOR

Photo-ilustration: Unsplash (Albert Hyseni)
Photo: CEEFOR

Although the Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS) still relies on coal, for the most part, the idea to shut down certain thermal power plants (TPP) and build solar ones instead is approaching realization.

The winner of the last year’s tender for the drafting of a study based on which solar power plants will be built at the coal-ash ponds of TPP Morava in Svilajnac, and TPP Kolubara A in Veliki Crljeni was the renowned domestic company CEEFOR, which has been designing solar power plants for more than 10 years.

Isidora Mladenović, one of the 11 engineers working for the company CEEFOR who were engaged in drafting the study, guided us through this process immediately after the study was submitted to EPS.

According to her, the project lasted precisely one year and was implemented in four phases. EPS’ initial plan was to shut down the two power plants mentioned above and build solar power plants on their sites.

After analyzing the locations and potential of the available surfaces, solar radiation, and temperature in the study’s first phase, the CEEFOR team estimated that the full surface capacity of TPP Morava was 45MW and 71MW of TPP Kolubara A.

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Similar solar power plants in the world were considered when drafting the study, including the solar power plant built in 2015 on the ash pond in Visonta, Hungary. The 16MW facility was the largest solar power plant in Hungary at the time and the largest energy concept in Central Europe that relies on renewable energy sources.

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Dominik Vanyi)

A 4MW solar farm was built on the surface of a former coal mine in Saarland, Germany. The German company BayWa r.e. developed the project in 2012 to utilize an exhausted coal mine for energy production. This process brings numerous benefits to the owners of power plants and mines, bearing in mind that it has been estimated that the costs of converting such sites into solar plants are much lower than using them for other purposes, such as the development of agriculture or tourism.

Similar projects have been implemented in Belgium, Poland, England, the USA, France, China, and other countries, which proves that the domestic power-generating industry is not lagging behind the rest of the world.

EPS plans to initially build two solar power plants, each with 10MW power, so the second and third phases of the study focused on this pilot project.

The best solutions come from CEEFOR

The other two study phases covered a complete technical, construction and electrical solution for two potential solar power plants. An economic and financial analysis of the profitability of the mentioned 10MW capacity was also included.

As Isidora Mladenović explained to us, in the case of the solar power plant at the Morava thermal power plant site, the expected annual production will be 13,850,589 kWh. At the same time, the return on investment is estimated at 8 years and 11 months.

The reduction of carbon dioxide emissions will amount to 270,094 tonnes annually, and the money saved from reduced emissions will amount to close to 22.6 million euros.

In terms of TPP Kolubara A, Mladenović presents similar figures – the expected annual production of the power plant will amount to 13,627,597kWh. At the same time, the return-on-investment period is estimated at close to 9 years and savings at 3 million euros.

The CEEFOR team proposed EPS, a fixed photovoltaic system, considering that such a system proved to be the optimal solution from the production aspect and that it corresponds to the solar potential in the local climate. Also, this system is easy to use and maintain and generates a decent income from power plant production.

Given that EPS agreed to the photovoltaic panels being fixed, the shadows cast by the rows of panels mutually affect each other. To reduce the impact of shadows and thereby avoid losses in the power plant’s production, the distance between all rows of panels was set at 4 metres, which facilitates the minimum permissible impact of shading.

It is proposed to use modern photovoltaic panels with a maximum power of 640-665W, whereby twenty panels will form one chain (string). Nine chains, or 180 panels, will be connected to one 100kW inverter. The total number of inverters will be 100, while the total number of panels will be 18,000, says Mladenović.

“The entire study is an innovative project, the first of its kind in Serbia, whereby the available and unutilized areas of the ash pond would be used to construct solar power plants and produce green energy. Examples of similar regional projects were of great importance to us,” said our interlocutor.

She adds that with this study, CEEFOR’s portfolio is now enhanced with another unique experience which creates the opportunity to build a solar power plant on a hitherto unknown type of land.

“We also owe special thanks to our peers from EPS, with whom we had excellent cooperation throughout the entire process of drafting the study, as well as to their colleagues from other services who contributed to the successful completion of the study and all accompanying procedures,” Isidora Mladenović says for Energetski Portal.

Prepared by: Milena Maglovski

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS.

Europe Needs to Step up Circular Economy Efforts, Including on Waste Prevention

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay
Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Nathan Anderson)

The EEA briefing ‘How far is Europe from reaching its ambition to double the circular use of materials?’ shows that, in 2021, about 11.7 percent of all materials used in the EU came from recycled waste, up from 8.3 percent in 2004.

Enhanced recycling will speed up this progress but it needs to be complemented with reducing the overall material inputs to meet the target of doubling the share of recycled waste in the use of materials by 2030. Getting closer to the target could, for example, be achieved by increasing the recycling rate of all treated waste from current 40 percent to 70 percent, decreasing overall material inputs by 15 percent, and reducing the amount of fossil fuels used by 34 percent. 

Moreover, a special focus should be paid on non-metallic minerals, such as construction materials, as these account for about half of all materials used in the EU. From an environmental perspective, it would also be beneficial to focus efforts on materials with the highest negative impacts in their production, especially fossil fuels and biomass. 

Monitoring waste prevention

Waste prevention is one of the key strategies to achieving a circular economy because it can reduce resource use, maximise the useful life of products and materials, and promote demand for more sustainable products. However, it remains difficult to establish a link between waste prevention polis and waste generation in the EU. 

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The EEA analysis ‘Tracking waste prevention progress’ proposes a new set of indicators dedicated to monitoring long-term trends in waste prevention. The indicators focus on the drivers of waste generation, waste prevention policies enablers, and resulting outcomes in reduced waste and emissions. Putting this monitoring framework in full use, however, requires more specific data and information collected across the EU in a systematic and harmonised way. 

Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Currently, almost all EU Member States have some quantitative targets and indicators on waste prevention but these targets and indicators vary widely, the EEA report notes. Setting EU-level waste prevention targets, such as the food waste reduction target that is currently being developed, can also help to set the direction and an objective for measurement and to strengthen obligations on waste prevention. 

Tracking waste prevention progress

Supporting the two assessments, the EEA has also published updated ‘Waste prevention country fact sheets’, which show country-specific data and analysis on waste prevention efforts in EEA member and cooperation countries across Europe. 

Revised monitoring framework

The European Commission published a revised Circular Economy monitoring framework earlier this week. The revised framework helps to better track progress in the transition to a circular economy in the EU and considers how it can contribute to climate neutrality, resilience and global sustainability.

Source: EEA

Porto Montenegro Will Host High-Level Energy Week Western Balkans 2023

Photo: Promo
Photo: Promo

On 18-19th October, the high-level renewables investment conference Energy Week Western Balkans 2023 will take place at the new location, Porto Montenegro.

Launched in 2022 by a UK-based Invest In Network, Energy Week quickly became the region’s premier event bringing together state authorities, regulators, utilities and TSOs from Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Albania, and Kosovo as well as IFIs/DFIs and a large pool of global developers targeting this lucrative market.

Energy Week Western Balkans is well-positioned to encourage regional cooperation as well as to support the transition to secure, clean and affordable energy. Utilising vast renewable energy potential, increasing interconnection and facilitating system flexibility and market liberalisation are of paramount importance. And while investing in renewable energy in the region is getting momentum, cooperation and interconnectivity become key to reaching targets set by the countries. 

Among the topics to be discussed in 2023:

  •       The regulatory framework needed to ensure just transition;
  •       Auctions and private PPAs;
  •       Renewable energy revenue streams;
  •       The most important developments and new construction projects in the wind and solar industry;
  •       Encouraging small hydropower installations vs. repowering of existing large hydropower;
  •       Innovative opportunities explored in the regions, such as floating solar and agrivoltaism;
  •       Energy storage solutions and many more.

Energy Week is internationally recognised as a high-impact event with targeted audience and exceptional networking opportunities and is attended by financial institutions, global renewable energy producers and the world’s most innovative technological companies, such as EBRD, EIB, The World Bank, IFC, DEG (Germany), Proparco (France), Green For Growth Fund (Luxenbourg), MUFG Bank (Japan), Raiffeisen Bank International (Austria), Erste Bank (Austria), Akuo Energy (France), Emergy (Norway), Scatec (Norway), CWP Global (Australia), Notus Energy (Germany), Statkraft (Norway), EDF (France), European Energy (Denmark), Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (Spain), Acciona Generación Renovable (Spain), Voltalia (France), ITOCHU Corporation (Japan), Hitachi Energy (Japan), General Electric (USA), and many others.

Official website: www.wbenergyweek.com

Source: Energy Week Western Balkans 2023

Experts from Sweden and the region underline importance of air filtration for health, processes and the environment

Photo: EuroCons Group
Photo: EuroCons Group

The Science and Technology Park Belgrade is hosting the “HYBRID SOLUTIONS DAY” event organized by the Swedish company Camfil, a world leader in the field of air filtration solutions, in partnership with the local company EuroCons Group.

During the two-day seminar, air filtration experts will showcase the best practices regarding the design, maintenance and monitoring of clean rooms aimed at protecting people, work processes and the environment. The event is organized in a hybrid format, live and online, so that as many experts as possible can participate. During the first day, the event was attended by over 100 participants in the Science and Technology Park.

“Controlled and cleanroom environments are vital for producing goods like medicines and food to protecting the health of people in hospitals. One key requirement tasked to design engineers is to ensure the environments are optimised in terms of air quality, energy consumption and sustainability. Our task is to understand better the design and specification of these controlled environments and how they can support the protection of people, processes and the environment”, said Alan Sweeney from Camfil.

Photo: EuroCons Group

Goran Đurić, EuroCons Group Managing Director, highlighted that the event was an excellent platform for cooperation of world-renowned air filtration experts from Sweden, Serbia and the region, which was recognized as such also by the Swedish Embassy in Belgrade and the Nordic Business Alliance.

“Sweden and Serbia have a strong cooperation on environment and the Green Agenda. During events such as the one today and tomorrow, the Swedish businesses have the opportunity to demonstrate core values as part of their business culture such as sustainability, innovation, competitiveness and green transition.
We believe that the green experience from Sweden is relevant for Serbia and the region on their path towards a greener future”, said Swedish Ambassador Annika Ben David.

Photo: EuroCons Group

In addition to theoretical presentations, the event provides for discussion with lecturers, as well as for practical demonstration of the proposed solutions. Experts will explain, among other things, how the location and function of a building heavily affects the way an air filtration system should be designed. The right filter will protect people, products and processes while helping to keep energy costs low. In order to choose the right filter, experts underline, it is necessary to know the types and concentrations of gases and dust, as well as how they affect various filters, which determines the lifespan and maintenance of the filter.

During the second day of “HYBRID SOLUTIONS DAY”, there will be a discussion on dust removal systems. One of the topics will be the production of batteries for electric cars, where the production conditions are very rigorous, and the quality of the final product depends a lot on the quality of the air.

EuroCons Group

Countries Must Forge ‘Global Blue Deal’ to Protect the Ocean: UNCTAD

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Francesco Ungaro)
Photo-illustration: Pixabay

The ocean can provide vast opportunities for developing countries to build more innovative and resilient economies, but climate change, pollution and overfishing threaten the livelihoods of some three billion people who rely on it for food and income.

That’s according to the UN Trade and Development body UNCTAD’s Trade and Environment Review 2023, which analyses the world’s USD 3-6 billion ocean economy, and assesses how human activity and multiple global crises have significantly impacted sectors like fishing, seafood, shipping and coastal tourism.

The report, presented at the 3rd UN Trade Forum in Geneva, calls for a global trade and investment “Blue Deal” to sustainably use the ocean – home to 80 per cent of all life.

“The ocean economy offers many opportunities. We must strike the right balance between benefitting from the ocean and protecting its resources,” UNCTAD Deputy Secretary-General Pedro Manuel Moreno said.

Opportunity knocks

The report highlights two particularly promising sectors for sustainable development – seaweed farming and plastics substitutes.

The global market for seaweed has more than tripled in two decades, increasing from USD 4.5 billion in 2000, to USD 16.5 billion by 2020.

Seaweed doesn’t need fresh water or fertilizer to grow, UNCTAD points out. It can be farmed in many developing countries for food, cosmetics and biofuels, and provides an alternative to plastic. Around 11 million tonnes of plastics flow into the ocean each year.

There are many other sustainable materials that could be used to make eco-friendly versions of the straws, food wrapping and other plastic products we consume daily, said UNCTAD. Abundant materials include bamboo, coconut husks, banana plants and agricultural waste.

The world traded about USD 388 billion in plastics substitutes in 2020 – just one-third the amount traded in plastics made from fossil fuels.

The report calls for governments and businesses to boost funding for the research and development of emerging sustainable sectors in the ocean economy.

It urges companies to invest in developing countries to bolster their technology, skills and productive capacities, so both can capitalize on sustainable marine development.

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Diversify exports

Investing in emerging ocean sectors could help developing countries to diversify their ocean exports. The global export value of ocean-based goods, such as seafood and port equipment, and services including shipping and coastal tourism was estimated at USD 1.3 trillion in 2020.

The COVID-19 crisis revealed the potential and resilience of some sectors and the extreme vulnerability of others.

Governments, the report says, should include the goal of promoting a diverse and sustainable ocean economy in crisis recovery strategies and climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Protect stocks, biodiversity

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Francesco Ungaro)

An estimated USD 35 billion of government subsidies go to fishing activities around the world. A significant share – about USD 20 billion a year – could contribute to overfishing by enhancing the fishing industry’s capacity through, for example, fuel subsidies or financial incentives to buy bigger boats.

With 34 per cent of global fish stocks below levels that are biologically sustainable, the report urges countries to urgently ratify the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted on 17 June last year.

The agreement, which is a big step in addressing harmful subsidies, prohibits support for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, bans support for fishing overfished stocks, and ends subsidies for fishing on the unregulated high seas. It will enter into force when two-thirds of the WTO’s 164 members deposit their “instruments of acceptance”.

Similarly, the report calls for governments to adopt and ratify the Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction agreement of 4 March this year.

Better known as the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty, the agreement will create tools for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources and establish internationally protected areas in our ocean.

Four sustainable solutions

It’s estimated that an investment of USD 2.8 trillion today in four sustainable ocean solutions – conservation and restoration of mangroves, decarbonization of international shipping, sustainable ocean-based food production and offshore wind production – would yield net benefits of USD 15.5 trillion by 2050.

Without a global Blue Deal, such benefits and the targets of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, on life below water, will be much harder to reach.

“Now is the time to set a new course by investing more in building a sustainable ocean economy,” Mr Moreno said.

Source: World economic forum

IFAD, GAFSP and WFP announce partnership to support Bhutan’s transition to commercially oriented agroecological farming

Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay
Photo-illustration: Pixabay

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) have signed a loan and grant agreement amounting to USD 30.94 million to improve food and nutrition security in Bhutan. The project – Building Resilient Commercial Smallholder Agriculture (BRECSA) – builds on the ongoing IFAD-funded Commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihoods Enhancement Programme (CARLEP). CARLEP is being implemented in six eastern dzongkhags (districts), while BRECSA will extend into four central and south-central dzongkhags. Together with CARLEP, BRECSA seeks to build a cutting-edge, resilient and competitive agri-food system in Bhutan, leading to sustainable incomes for farmers, jobs for youth, and improved national food and nutrition security. The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MOAL), with strategic guidance from the Policy and Planning Division (PPD).

Traditional and subsistence farming is an integral part of the Bhutanese economy, with 69 per cent of the total population living in rural areas and dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. But a limited asset base, weak capacity, climate vulnerability and limited water availability hamper the ability of farmers to make a living. Inadequate dietary diversity, gender inequality and lack of interest in agriculture among youth are other factors that affect the sector. The commercialization of agriculture is limited by poor farm productivity, high post-harvest losses, insufficient storage and processing facilities, and inefficient market linkages. This is exacerbated by limited engagement of the private sector and inadequate entrepreneurial investments.

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Bhutan has made impressive progress in reducing poverty over the last 20 years. However, some of those gains have been reversed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia conflict. These crises have contributed to fuel and other import commodity price increases and have led to greater food insecurity. BRECSA aligns with the government’s priority for rapid yet sustainable economic recovery through diversification and jobs creation. The approach aims to make growth more inclusive, especially for unemployed youth and women.

Photo-illustration: Pixabay

“Bhutan’s inadequate rural infrastructure leaves communities isolated, holds back food value chain development, contributes to post-harvest food losses, and is associated with poverty and poor nutrition,” said Roshan Cooke, IFAD Country Director for Bhutan. “Our goal is to promote agroecological approaches and technologies to reduce food and nutritional insecurity and vulnerability of rural communities to the impacts of climate change and other crises. By investing in productive climate-resilient infrastructure and strengthened market access, IFAD is working with Bhutan to achieve inclusive food system transformation.”

BRECSA will focus on poverty alleviation and improved food and nutritional security. The goal is to stimulate a 30 per cent increase in resilient commercial agricultural production of priority commodities, such as dairy, poultry, vegetables, mushrooms, ginger and turmeric, in the four central and south-central dzongkhags of Sarpang, Trongsa, Tsirang and Zhemgang by 2030. With a strong focus on social inclusion, the project will address the intersectional priorities of women’s empowerment, youth engagement, improved nutrition and climate resilience.

BRESCA has a total project value of USD 30.94 million, of which USD 8.935 million is a highly concessionary loan from IFAD. In addition, the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) has provided a grant of USD 13 million. The RGoB contribution amounts to USD 1.087 million and the participants will contribute USD 6.315 million. Other financing institutions will contribute USD 0.7 million. IFAD is the supervising entity for investment and the lead implementing partner agency, and is working in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), which is the supervising entity for technical assistance and implementation support. WFP will manage USD 2.6 million of GAFSP funds.

Bhutan and IFAD have had a partnership for over 40 years, with investments in 9 projects for a total cost of USD 144.55 million, including over USD 80 million of IFAD financing. These projects have benefitted more than 121,000 households. IFAD has worked with smallholder farming communities in the remotest areas of the country and has supported them with addressing key challenges and constraints associated with agriculture for improving their incomes and quality of life.

Source: IFAD

Private Sector and Diplomatic Support Grows for Global Greenhouse Gas Watch

Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Carolina Pimenta)
Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Carlos Grury Santos)

Support for a proposed new global greenhouse gas monitoring infrastructure is spreading beyond WMO Members and partners to the private sector and wider diplomatic world.

The WMO Global Greenhouse Gas Watch (G3W) will combine ground-based stations, satellite measurements with modeling and data assimilation to improve understanding of what is happening with greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to support climate change mitigation and the Paris Agreement.

In particular, the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch seeks to reduce uncertainty about carbon sources and sinks, WMO Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas told the opening of Science Diplomacy Week. The event at WMO headquarters brought together more than 100 diplomats, parliamentarians, researchers and corporate representatives.

Geneva Science and Diplomacy Accelerator Chair Peter Brabeck-Letmathe said the week-long event “is a sign of the growing interest and the need for science diplomacy,” in an era of rapid scientific and technological progress, the  explosion of Artificial Intelligence tools, and global challenges facing society.

Inter-Parliamentary Union Secretary-General Martin Chungong said he hoped to “nurture debate among policymakers, lawmakers and scientists.”

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Greenhouse gas monitoring

The Global Greenhouse Gas Watch is one of the top strategic priorities to be discussed at the World Meteorological Congress, WMO’s top decision-making body.

It aims to establish internationally coordinated  monitoring of greenhouse gas fluxes to support the provision of timely, actionable information to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Parties and other stakeholders.

  • Atmospheric concentration of CO2 and other key greenhouse gases continue to rise; the implementation of the Paris Agreement is not currently on track for the world to stay below 1.5°C to 2.0 °C maximum warming.
  • Carbon offsetting remains poorly regulated and inadequately monitored; its effectiveness as a tool for climate change mitigation is now questioned.
  • Not enough is known about the reaction of natural greenhouse gas fluxes to anthropogenic emissions and induced climate change.
  • Implementation of the Paris Agreement relies extensively on a“bottom-up” activities-based emission estimates – however, such estimates cannot be linked directly to atmospheric concentrations.
Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Daniel Moqvist)

The Greenhouse Gas Watch envisages to implement an approach in which atmospheric observations and other input information will be combined with atmospheric modelling systems which can identify when and where greenhouse gases enter and exit the atmosphere; this information is critically needed to support climate mitigation.

The approach closely parallels the infrastructure developed over the past 60 years under the WMO World Weather Watch which underpins all currently available weather and climate information irrespective of the delivery agent. It also embraces the research and monitoring network of WMO’s acclaimed Global Atmosphere Watch.

“The building blocks already exist for this, but we do not yet have an integrated global system that operates the way weather prediction and climate analysis is done,” said Lars Peter Riishojgaard, Director of Greenhouse Gas Monitoring.

WMO is looking to engage public-private partnerships to substantially accelerate progress. “There is much more interest from the private sector than I ever would have anticipated,” commented Riishojgaard, who has met with representatives of the philanthropic sector, venture capitalists, banks, carbon markets etc.

“Rising carbon dioxide concentrations are moving us into a territory that will give us weather patterns we have never seen. We humans are conducting a climate experiment that has not been seen in the past 5 million years,” he said.

Source: WMO

Ground-breaking data platform plays key role in tackling acute food insecurity in food crises

Photo-illustration: Pixabay
Photo-illustration: Pixabay (PublicDomainPictures)

Detailed, comprehensive and timely data is essential to address the impact of shocks such as, earthquakes or conflict on agricultural production and livelihoods in parts of the world affected by food crises.

Since its launch, during the first wave of the COVID-19 global pandemic three years ago, the Data in Emergencies (DIEM) Information System of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has made it easier for decision-makers to assess the acute food insecurity of agricultural households and analyse its drivers when such shocks occur.

Driven by regularly collected primary data, combined with geospatial data, DIEM is a ground-breaking tool in terms of its size, sophistication, quality and speed. This is the first time that data focussing on agricultural livelihoods in food crisis contexts is being collected on this scale and frequency.

DIEM is currently active in more than 25 food-crisis countries and the DIEM-Monitoring system surveys approximately 150 000 households per year, representing more than 650 million people.

“The DIEM system fills an important gap in our understanding of the impact of shocks on agricultural livelihoods,” said Rein Paulson, Director of the FAO Office of Emergencies and Resilience. “This has great value not only for FAO but for all our partners, allowing us to collectively make improved decisions, including enabling meaningful anticipatory actions as well as response actions.”

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In Afghanistan, for instance, more than 20 project proposals were drafted using DIEM data, raising more than 400 million USD in 2022 alone, and FAO no longer drafts any proposal for Afghanistan without citing DIEM data. In addition, countries such as Bangladesh, Mali, Mozambique and Sierra Leone now cite DIEM data in their project proposals, thus helping them secure funds for projects on the ground.

Another recent example of its use for FAO partners was in relation to the February earthquake that devastated large areas of Türkiye and Syria. Within days of the event, the DIEM team produced a  preliminary analysis of cropland exposed to differing levels of earthquake intensity and displayed this as an interactive map with detail at both district and subdistrict level. This kind of product is fundamental for the targeting of on-the-ground assessments and emergency assistance.

Carpe DIEM

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (John Foust)

DIEM was developed by FAO and is funded by the Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with contributions from the European Union and FAO’s Special Fund for Emergency and Rehabilitation Activities (SFERA).

The platform aims to support FAO Members, United Nations’ agencies, the donor community and other stakeholders in informing decisions designed to trigger the appropriate anticipatory and response actions in support of agricultural livelihoods.

Data is collected multiple times per year in the world’s most food-insecure countries – at household level through computer-assisted telephone interviews and face-to-face surveys – and is published on the Hub rapidly thereafter. Data processing and analysis is completed in just three days, while the entire lifecycle – from data collection to validation and publication – takes just 30 days.

Transparency and open data are key aspects of the project. Anyone can create a DIEM account to explore surveys, navigate dashboards, export maps and download data. This ensures that DIEM activities serve as public goods and that the humanitarian community, academics, media and all stakeholders can benefit from the large amount of data that is available to everyone.

The shocks analysed by DIEM comprise both natural and human-induced hazards. They include climate-related hazards, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, invasive pests, conflict and violence, as well as economic shocks.

Foto ilustracija: Unsplash (Easton Mok)

In addition to regular food crisis monitoring, the DIEM platform also provides an integrated picture of the impact of large-scale hazards (severe shocks) on livelihoods and an estimate of the dollar value of damage and losses to the agriculture sector. This is achieved by combining remote sensing, secondary data review, household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and crowdsourcing surveys.

One interesting example is Pakistan, where DIEM expertise facilitated a Post Disaster Damage and Loss exercise for the whole agricultural sector following the devastating floods in June – September 2022. The results were then displayed on an interactive map on the DIEM hub, which breaks down overall damage and loss into subsectors (crops, livestock, fisheries) per province affected.

DIEM data is also designed to feed into the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) process and other humanitarian response programming efforts, for example, as a source of Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES)-based measures of recent food insecurity. Over time, this will prove key to improve the coverage and reliability of IPC acute food insecurity assessments in DIEM countries.

Source: FAO

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AS PART OF BUSINESS STRATEGY

Photo: Eurobank Direktna
Photo: Eurobank Direktna

Since its inception, Eurobank Direktna has been providing continuous support to local communities where it successfully operates. It has been investing in projects and initiative in segments such as health, ecology, education, culture, and social inclusion. From 2003 to date, Eurobank Direktna has invested more than 4.8 million euros in these segments through carefully devised programs and various projects to support the community. As part of its business strategy in Serbia, the Bank focuses on projects aimed at relevant stakeholders, clients, employees, and partners. For almost 20 years, the Bank has been the pillar of trust and stability for its clients and the community where it operates.

Since 2018, with the support of the Republic of Serbia’s Ministry of Education, the Bank has been implementing an independent project called “School Designed for You” to improve working and learning conditions in high schools for economics in Serbia. From every purchase that clients make with the Veliko Srce Mastercard credit card issued by Eurobank Direktna, the Bank sets aside funds from its income and directs them to equip and modernize high schools for economics throughout Serbia. In almost five years since this project of Eurobank Direktna was launched, 12 computer cabinets in ten towns in Serbia have been equipped, and more than 10 million dinars have been allocated for these purposes. 

IN FOCUS:

Another fact that proves that the project “School Designed for You” not only focuses on equipping classrooms and school cabinets and donated required equipment is that, through this project, the students at these schools are also given the opportunity to acquire knowledge and lead a much richer cultural life. The Bank brings cultural events to schools in partnership with the Laguna publishing company and the House of Jevrem Grujić Museum. Through interactive lectures given by the museum curator, they learn about local culture and literature and can go on a virtual museum tour. Also, writers Vanja Bulić and Branko Rosić have had guest appearances at these schools to enhance the project further.  In addition to this important project that ensures high-quality education for high school students in Serbia, Eurobank Direktna is also involved in several other activities implemented by organizations and institutions throughout Serbia.

The Green Serbia project, which the Color Media Communications Company has been realizing for the second consecutive year, is only one in a series of projects that the Bank supports. The Bank’s employees participated in the planting of trees in the Ušće Park, including linden trees, Japanese cherry, and catalpa bignonioides. The project aims to facilitate environmental protection and raise awareness of the importance of planting greens and afforestation in Serbia. “Earth Hour” is a global campaign that gathers millions of people worldwide who, every year, turn off all their lights for an hour to raise awareness of the importance of preserving nature and saving energy. Eurobank Direktna has been participating in this initiative for years. From its inception, the Bank has advocated environmental protection and resource conservation and strived to reduce the negative impact on the environment. Also, the Bank’s headquarters in Belgrade is in the so-called smart building, which was built in line with the latest ecological standards.

Prepared by: Nevena Đukić

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS.

RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE COMMUNITY

Photo: NIS
Photo: NIS

There has been an increasing number of public appeals to stop or slow climate change. The United Nations adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which are a kind of call to action to create a more prosperous world where all residents will have a dignified life, economic progress, access to natural resources and peace. A significant number of these goals relate to fostering a responsible attitude towards natural resources, the availability of energy sources and industrial innovations that help protect the environment.

Accordingly, companies from the energy sector are increasingly finding themselves in the spotlight as representatives of an industry that should provide a significant contribution to decarbonization and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as decisively contribute to environmental protection and economic progress, while supporting the development of the community in which they operate.

For the NIS Company, one of the leading energy corporations in Southeast Europe, this dilemma does not exist because sustainable development principles are the basis of all the company’s business processes. By embarking on an energy transition, NIS has been contributing to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for years. Furthermore, the company is a pioneer in our country regarding reporting on sustainable development. The first verified Report, compiled following the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, the world’s leading organization in the segment of sustainable business, was published by NIS in 2011. Since then, every year, the company has informed the general public about its business activities and socially responsible programmes transparently.

IN FOCUS:

In its sustainable development reports, NIS recognizes 12 of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which the company fulfils in its operations. These are good health, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, accessible and renewable energy, dignified work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life on Earth and peace, justice and strong institutions.

To contribute to the decarbonization process, the NIS Company has been dedicatedly implementing its green agenda for years. For NIS, sustainable development implies economic progress with sustainable use of natural resources and activities that, in addition to positive business effects, also provide significant results in terms of environmental protection. Thus, since 2009, NIS has invested around 900 million euros in environmental projects and projects that significantly improve nature’s protection. One of the examples is a deep processing unit at the Pančevo Oil Refinery worth more than 300 million euros. This complex ensures the production of larger quantities of the most valuable fuel in the market. It has significantly reduced the emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen compounds and powdery substances. Thanks to this and a series of other environmental investments, the Pančevo Refinery became the first energy plant in Serbia to receive an integrated IPPC permit, which validates that all production processes comply with the highest domestic and European environmental standards.

Prepared by: Nevena Đukić

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS.

GOOD POLICIES AND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR A GREEN TRANSITION

Photo-illustration: Pixabay
Photo: Nenad Kostić

Meet the smallest country in Scandinavia. In it, almost every resident, and there are 5.8 million of them, not only owns a bicycle but also rides it every day, and 11,000 km of bicycle paths are at their disposal. In its capital, during the summer, you can see bathers cooling off in the crystal-clear sea water in the nearby harbor. As if the multitude of islands that this country is proud of were not enough, they decided to create new, very special, energy islands. To that, they added climatic and ecological parks. We present to you the green achievements of the Kingdom of Denmark through a conversation with Susanne Shine, the ambassador of this country in Serbia. 

EP: The Kingdom of Denmark ranks first in the EPI list (Environmental Performance Index). Does the progress in preserving the environment and nature affect the strengthening of the feeling of happiness since the Kingdom of Denmark has been considered one of the happiest countries in the world for years?

Susanne Shine: We are honored to be at the top of the Environmental Performance Index. Most Danes prioritize environmental protection, and “green living“ has become an integrated part of everyday life in Denmark. As a Danish ambassador, I am proud to see Denmark lead the way. 

Getting to this leadership position has not been an easy accomplishment, but it is something that has been built over generations. Besides having a highly developed educational and research ecosystem in Denmark, one of the keys to reaching this position lies in the cooperation between crucial private and public stakeholders in sustainable development. Through close cooperation, we dare to set ambitious climate change and environmental protection goals. It means that good ideas are quickly reflected in policies and regulations, that private and government investments support them and that they enjoy essential public support. 

Regarding our happiness, I do think it is a big speculation to draw a straight line from the green transition to a country’s overall happiness. However, in the past decades, we have focused on the restoration of wild nature and on including more nature in our cities. Maybe it does have an effect? Perhaps having more trees and green areas to look at in the cities can actually make people happier.

Photo: Kallerna is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

EP: On the other hand, according to Footprintnetwork, during one year, you use up four to five annual resources of the planet Earth. In what way are you trying to change this? 

Susanne Shine: Despite our high rankings in the various indexes, we recognize that there is still a long way to go, and we still have many environmental challenges to overcome. Consumption is increasingly becoming an important political issue, and the government, civil society, and the public are taking more determined steps to combat it. One success within this area is our recycling system for bottles and cans, which has worked flawlessly for years. Another positive step is a new collection system that will more effectively separate household waste and increase recycling. Relatedly, a tax on the use of plastic bags in all shops was implemented a couple of years ago. It has already reduced plastic bag use and helped make consumers more conscious of their environmental footprint. Our new Danish government has announced more ambitious climate change targets, proposing to reach net zero by 2045. To help meet those goals, the government, among other things, plans to roll out an emission tax on the agriculture sector and a tax on air travel. Even though Denmark only accounts for around 0.1 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, we are determined to lead by example. We want to show the world that developing replicable and scalable ways to protect the planet while maintaining a prosperous, socially cohesive, and just society is possible. An important aspect of this is our government-to-government energy partnerships with 19  nations representing more than 60 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, including China, the U.S. and India. 

EP How would you rate the importance of projects such as the Amager Bakke Recycling Center and the waste-water treatment plant on the island of Zealand? 

Susanne Shine: These are two really fantastic projects. Amager Resource Centre (ARC) produces district heating and electricity for citizens in the Copenhagen region. Every year, it turns almost half a million tonnes of waste into electricity and district heating for some 140,000 households. It provides the opportunity to establish a circular economic perspective, where waste becomes a useful resource instead of a burden. Also, ARC is located in Copenhagen’s port and industrial area, which has undergone many changes over the past years. Surrounding ARC, the port area has become an extreme sport destination for thrill seekers with different sports activities in the deserted industrial facilities. So in designing ARC, the machinery was built to generate a slope that now serves as a skiing terrain. The project replaces an old waste incineration plant and is part of a municipal initiative to achieve carbon neutrality in Copenhagen by 2025. ARC is set out as a next-generation waste-to-energy plant that is economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable, and where industrial needs are combined with urban leisure to let citizens become part of the process.

Solrødgård Climate&Environmental Park is another interesting project. This park aims to create a closed circular system where preserving nature becomes an integral part of our life.The 50-hectare park includes a new headquarter for Hillerød Utility Company, a waste-water treatment plant and a recycling centre. The park transformed 50 hectares of farmland into a hilly and publicly available landscape with winding streams and wetlands thacatch rainwater and provide habitats for animals, fish and birds. Visitors can learn close-up about the different supply and resource circuits that are part of our ecosystem – and at the same time, experience bats, lapwings and birds of prey in their natural habitat. The climate and environmental park is a place where technology and recreation can be experienced in close and unusual cohabitation. The park offers a unique possibility to play and learn in a landscape where the supply circuits of water, energy and materials are prominently displayed as attractions.

IN FOCUS:

EP: You have a clear plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. What does it include? 

Susanne Shine: This ambition of ours is one of Denmark’s most important political goals, and we are working across all levels to achieve it. For example, Denmark has introduced a corporate carbon tax, which means that by 2025, companies will pay around EUR 150 per ton of emitted CO2. The aim of the tax is to reduce the total carbon emissions by around 4.3 million tonnes of CO2 by 2030. 

Also, within the agricultural and food sector, we have a strong track record for resource efficiency. While production output has increased by almost a third since 1990, greenhouse gas emissions have declined by around 16 per cent in the same period.

There are many other examples, but these few examples show that not only are we in Denmark able to develop world-class technologies, but we are also able to sustain the green transition by ensuring the right policies and regulatory framework. 

Photo: Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark

EP: You are leaders in constructing offshore and onshore wind farms. However, is wind the only way to obtain electricity exclusively from renewable sources by 2030?

Susanne Shine: Both Denmark and the EU have established strong climate targets. Striving to become climate neutral by 2045, Denmark aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 70 per cent by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels) and to meet its entire electricity needs with renewables by the same date. 

Our expansive plans for offshore wind combined with aggressive climate targets signal that offshore wind energy will become the backbone of our energy system. Denmark, which has always been a pioneer in the use of offshore wind energy, having constructed the world’s first offshore wind energy farm in 1991, is currently in the process of constructing three new offshore wind farms that will be operational by 2030. 

Today, more than 40 per cent of Denmark’s energy requirements come from renewables, and we aim to reach 50 per cent by 2030. Last year was a record year for green energy production in Denmark. And though wind remains an integral part of our electricity production, it is not the only source. In 2022, 48 per cent of our electricity came from wind power, 16 per cent from biomass and 6 per cent from solar. On certain windy days, wind turbines can actually produce more than 100 per cent of our electricity needs. Over the past 15 years, the use of coal has dropped by 83 per cent and natural gas by 50 per cent. An important but often overlooked aspect is the importance of the infrastructure surrounding wind turbines and solar panels. In Denmark, we have one of the world’s most flexible and stable electricity grids, ensuring that we have 99.99 per cent security of electricity supply.

EP: The Kingdom of Denmark was among the first to propose the introduction of a complete ban on the sale of cars with IC engines. How is your transition to electromobility progressing? 

Susanne Shine: Things are moving forward. The European Parliament just recently – in February 2023 – voted for a landmark regulation intended to push the EU closer to delivering on its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55 per cent in 2030. Still pending formal approval by the Council, the regulation would ensure that by 2035 no new cars emit CO2. In Denmark, our ambition is to have one million electric and hybrid cars on the roads by 2030. In 2022 the total number of electric cars in the country shot up by 70 per cent to over 112,000 compared to the previous year. Electric and plugin hybrid cars accounted for 38 per cent of new cars sold in 2022. Currently, electric cars make up 7.7 per cent of the 2.8 million cars in Denmark. However, it is not enough to only sell more electric cars – you also need infrastructure supporting the transition. Denmark has, over the past decade, invested in the establishment of proper infrastructure to handle a growing number of electric cars, which includes charging stations all around the country – to ensure that you can travel long distances without having to worry about running out of power. In bigger cities, for example, new parking rules favour electric vehicles with reserved spots and lower fees.

Photo-illustration: Pixabay (fanoutlookdk)

EP: In 2021, the Kingdom of Denmark approved a plan to build the world’s first energy island. Can you tell me more about this project?

Susanne Shine: The concept of the energy island was first introduced by the Danish government in 2020 as part of its Climate Plan. The plan’s most notable and ground-breaking feature was the announcement to establish the world’s first two energy islands by 2030. While offshore wind farms up until now have functioned as individual entities that supply electricity to one specific region or country, energy islands will serve as a hub for electricity generation from multiple offshore wind farms. Basically, the energy islands will be able to produce hydrogen, which can be used in the transportation sector and energy sector. When talking about renewable energy, one of the main issues with wind and solar is how we store the surplus energy produced on windy or sunny days. On a technical level, the energy islands will include cutting-edge Power-to-X technology (or PtX). PtX uses surplus energy from wind turbines to transform water into hydrogen through electrolysis. This hydrogen can then be stored and used to produce fuel for the shipping industry or to support the grid when wind turbines do not produce enough power.

That will enable Denmark to diversify its energy sources, so our electricity supply is less dependent on how the wind blows. One of the islands, which will be located in the North Sea, is to take the form of either an artificial island or a platform that will need to be constructed. Serving as a hub for offshore wind farms, the island will encompass a total capacity of 3 GW and potentially up to 10 GW in the future. Once completed, the island is intended to supply Denmark and the Netherlands with green electricity. Currently, feasibility studies are underway to select the optimal location of the island in the North Sea. Furthermore, the energy islands will allow for more efficient utilization of far offshore wind resources and thus create room for significantly more offshore wind in the Danish and European energy system. In addition, it can contribute to reducing investments in transmission cables and grid reinforcements on land. The energy islands will be the largest infrastructure project in Danish history. From a European perspective, the energy islands signal a new epoch in the use of offshore wind energy, where offshore wind farms are no longer national projects but instead examples of transnational cooperation.

EP: Serbia is on its way to becoming a member of the European Union. What advice would you give us to cross that road as quickly and easily as possible? 

Susanne Shine: Denmark has been a member of the European Union for 50 years now. As a Danish citizen, I see how much membership has meant for Denmark and the development of Danish society. Apart from our fundamental values included in the Copenhagen Criteria, such as democracy and the rule of law, another important aspect of the EU is our focus on the green transition. Implementing necessary reforms enabling the green transition in Serbia would bring Serbia closer to EU membership and increase the quality of life for all Serbians. Implementing great changes is neither quick nor easy. It requires political will, but it also requires that the broader society gets involved. This is why cooperation is needed, not just across countries but also within. As an example of this type of cooperation in Denmark, I would like to highlight the Danish non-profit ‘State of Green’ – a public-private partnership owned by the Danish state and three leading Danish business associations.

State of Green brings together more than 600 Danish businesses, agencies, academic institutions, experts, and researchers working to drive the global transition to a sustainable, low-carbon, resource-efficient society. I am confident that Serbia has the necessary skills and knowledge to solve these issues. The next step is to engage different stakeholders in cooperation – in order to understand how to bring good ideas into operation. With the purpose of engaging with Serbia on its green path, the Nordic countries recently finalized our ‘Nordic Green – Solutions for Serbia’- project, through which each of the Nordic countries shared their own experience and expertise in different sectors, such as sustainable agriculture and industrial processes, renewable energy, and waste recycling. This project – combined with the many Danish energy companies that are increasingly looking to Serbia to invest – shows the vast potential for Serbia to progress on this path. 

Intervieved by: Milica Radičević

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