Public Fast-Charging Infrastructure Like Tripping Point for the E-Mobility Revolution

02.05.2022

What came first, the chicken or the egg? We do not have the right answer to this question! What is the condition for the development of e-Mobility: a publicly available network of fast chargers or an affordable price for electric cars and an increase in the number of their users (customers)?

The answer to this second question is obvious: the development of the network or infrastructure of fast chargers is one of the main conditions (in addition to lowering the still high prices of electric cars) for the faster development of e-Mobility and the mass transition to this type of transport. The fear of an empty electric car battery while driving, and far from any charging options, is largely present (I witnessed the same during a test drive of an electric car when, due to works, the highway lane on the side where the gas station is, was closed with the only charger on the route I drove). At the same time, your gaze is focused on the battery status indicator and the number of kilometers to the next charging point.

Clearly, home and workplace charging are not only the primary charging options for today but also in the near future. However, suppose we want to increase the acceptance of e-Mobility and make e-cars more of a mainstream means of transportation. In that case, we will need to set up comprehensive public fast charging networks. And as a recent study, commissioned by the German BMVI (Bundesministerium für Verkehr und digitale Infrastruktur), predicts, public charging will be one of the three most important pillars for a successful e-Mobility environment in 2030.

In focus:

According to the study, around 41 per cent of the total amount of energy needed for charging in Germany would be used at private charging points, but approximately 32 per cent of publicly accessible charging points will nearly cover the same amount of energy. The remaining 27 per cent will be used for charging points at workplaces and in company parking lots.

However, a couple of items should be singled out here. Firstly, there are users of electric cars who do not have the option of charging the battery at home or work. Secondly, there are users who travel many kilometers per day and thirdly, battery technology is progressing, which allows a charging power of up to 300 kW and a voltage of up to 1000 V. Even if the charging capacities of most electric cars are still limited today, they will be able to accept higher charging power in the future. In this context, public networks – fast-charging infrastructure are becoming increasingly important.

And what that infrastructure will look like? In addition to individual quick charging options, e.g. in city car parks or supermarkets, there is a trend of public charging stations “hubs” for fast charging – a kind of electric version of the gas station. Ideally, these charging stations are located in city centers, infrastructural intersections, or along highways where, e.g. ten or more e-cars can charge quickly at the same time, along with options for drivers to be busy with something while waiting for about 15 minutes to recharge their pet’s battery, such as cafes or shops. To meet these market demands, last year Siemens launched its new fast charger called SICHARGE D with a maximum power of 300kW.

Modernly designed and robust, it is suitable for highways and city fast-charging stations, city parking lots, as well as shopping malls, airports or railway stations and provides high charging efficiency, scalable charging power and dynamic energy sharing when charging multiple electric cars simultaneously. With a constant charging efficiency of over 95.5 per cent and a peak efficiency of 96 per cent, the new SICHARGE D charger ensures that almost all of the electricity generated is delivered to the car being charged.

For customers, this means reduced operating costs. Additionally, the charger is designed to meet the future technological development of electric vehicles and their batteries. The charging capacities of most of today’s electric cars are limited. Still, the new charger will be able to accept higher charging power in the future as well as higher charging voltage ranges. SICHARGE D has a scalable charging power of up to 300 kW. Since the base power of the charger is 140 kW, it can be upgraded through “plug-and-play” modules up to a maximum capacity of 300 kW (PowerUp option).

The charger supports voltages between 150 and 1000 V and currents up to 1000 A on all DC sockets. It allows full loads for future 800 V battery charging electric cars and most of today’s electric vehicles with lower charging voltage values. The number of electric cars is growing slowly, so today’s investments in infrastructure are challenging. With the option to expand SICHARGE D chargers with two external dispensers (additional charging ports the same charger – ConnectPlus option), investors can determine the time of investment in extensions according to market requirements.

The standard configuration has two DC sockets (AC socket is optional), while the maximum number of DC sockets is 4 pcs. achieved by an additional installation of the mentioned dispensers. This allows 5 electric cars to be charged simultaneously on this charger (4 on DC sockets and 1 on AC sockets). The new charger combines these features with dynamic parallel charging (FullDPA option – Dynamic Power Allocation). It means that the charger considers the individual power demand of each connected electric car and automatically adjusts the charging process to the technology of each battery and charging status. This ensures that all connected electric cars get the maximum power available from the charger without any additional manual intervention.

Prepared by: Dejan Milovanović

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ELECTROMOBILITY.

Let’s Listen To What The Wind Tells Us

30.04.2022

The language of the wind is simple. However, although every whistle tells us “healthy environment”, “unlimited green kilowatts”, and “energy stability”, investments in dirty technologies and fossil fuels are still going on.

The activities of the WindEurope Association are becoming more and more important; they are the activities of those who listened to what the wind was saying and are now committed to harmonizing national policies with the needs of the wind industry. We spoke with WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson about longterm plans for wind energy in Europe and the obstacles that may be found on the way to the goal, the link between green energy and electromobility, as well as the potential of wind in our country.

EP: Europe gets about 16 per cent of its electricity from wind, while ambitious plans for 2050 say that 50 per cent of its electricity will come from wind. Is this feasible, and how?

Giles Dickson: The European Commission’s decarbonization scenarios estimate that half of all electricity by 2050 will come from wind. To fully understand the size of this challenge, one also has to see that today electricity is only 25 per cent of all energy used in Europe. This will change. Today our cars run on gasoline, and our boilers are heated with fossil fuels. In the future, these processes will be electric. Direct electrification will account for 57 per cent of all energy used in Europe by 2050. Another 18 per cent will come from indirect electrification with renewable hydrogen and its derivates. The European wind industry is getting ready to accelerate the expansion of both onshore and offshore wind massively. By 2050 we will need 1,000 GW of onshore wind and 300 GW of offshore wind. This is up from less than 200 GW today. The main challenge will be getting permits.

In focus:

EP: In November, the Electric City conference was held in Copenhagen. In addition to wind energy, electromobility was also discussed, and this is also the topic of this issue of the Energy Portal magazine. Where is the connection between wind energy and electromobility?

Giles Dickson: The connection between wind energy and electromobility is clear. The whole idea of switching from today’s internal combustion engines, running on petrol and diesel, to electric vehicles is to reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector. Charging an electric vehicle with electricity from dirty lignite plants is complete nonsense. The expansion of renewables in general, and wind energy, in particular, is essential to the success and acceptance of electric vehicles. Let me be clear: renewable electricity is the way forward for individual transport. Renewable hydrogen will remain scarce for years to come. We must always remember that direct electrification is the most energy-efficient way to decarbonize. We should only use these valuable e-fuels in those sectors that cannot be electrified directly. First, we must replace the current applications of fossil hydrogen. Then we should focus on the “hard to abate” sectors like aviation, shipping, and industry.

EP: Do you have data on electromobility in Europe? How many electric vehicles are used, and how many chargers are available?

Giles Dickson: The share of battery-electric vehicles in new car sales has grown continuously over the past few years. For the first time in 2020, electric vehicles (including plug-in hybrids) made up a 10 per cent share of new sales. Just one year later, in 2021, this share has risen to 25 per cent, meaning that one out of four cars sold in Europe was electric. Diesel and petrol car sales are declining. And this will only continue over time. The European Commission has proposed an effective ban on fossil-fuel vehicles from 2035. Charging infrastructure is also expanding. Germany, for example, almost doubled the number of charging points to more than 50,000 in just two years. It is important to mention that electrification is not only a solution for cars. Companies like Volvo and MAN invest heavily in electric trucks, Rolls-Royce, DHL, and Wisk are experimenting with electric planes, and Norway has launched the world’s biggest electric ferry.

Interviewed by: Milica Marković

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ELECTROMOBILITY.

Climate Impact of Flying Could Be Two Thirds Higher Than Thought

29.04.2022

aircraft-avion — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Pascal Meier)

The EU’s proposed green aviation law overlooks the true climate cost of flying, with the non-CO2 effects of air travel producing two to four times the impact of carbon emissions, a Green MEP has said.

Ciarán Cuffe, a Green MEP who is shadow rapporteur for the ReFuelEU Aviation file in the European Parliament’s transport committee, has called for the EU’s clean aviation fuels law to be amended to include so-called non-CO2 effects.

This includes the release of soot and harmful gases, including sulphur and nitrogen oxide, as well as water vapour, from jet engines.

At high altitudes, these emissions can cause the formation of contrails, which have a net warming effect much larger than CO2, according to a 2020 EU study.

The emissions can also damage human health, which is of particular concern to those living in the vicinity of airports.

“We know that the non CO2 effects of aviation represent two thirds of the sector’s overall climate impact, but it remains unregulated,” said Cuffe.

“It’s not credible to delay by another decade and rely solely on voluntary industry efforts. This hasn’t worked up until now, and it won’t work in the future,” he added.

The Irish MEP has tabled an amendment mandating a progressive reduction of the aromatic and sulphur content of aviation fuels, two elements responsible for much of the non-CO2 pollution released by planes.

Under Cuffe’s amendment, aromatics would be capped at 8 per cent of kerosene by 1 June 2023, down from the standard of roughly 20 per cent at present.

Source: EURACTIV.com

Greenpeace: We need #CleanAirNow

28.04.2022

industrija zagađenje — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Patrick Hendry)

Air pollution is the root cause of many serious health problems. During the week of World Health Day, from April 7 – April 10, citizens around the world took to the streets to highlight the impact of air pollution on their health and on the planet.

Though they were unified in their call for #CleanAirNOW, citizens demanded localized solutions to the air pollution crisis, such as creating dedicated public bus lanes, upgrading national PM2.5 standards, and strengthening transboundary haze regulation.

Last year the World Health Organization (WHO) strengthened its air quality guidelines for the first time in 15 years.

Unfortunately, the reality is that 97 per cent of global cities failed to meet the guidelines last year, according to IQAir’s 2021 World Air Quality report. Moreover, many cities around the world suffer from a lack of available air quality data.

Science tells us that there is no safe level of air pollution exposure. Air pollution is responsible for many chronic diseases, including asthma, heart disease and stroke.

Our health cannot wait. It is time for governments around the world to take action. Clean energy and equitable mobility solutions, including public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure, are necessary to tackle both air pollution and the climate crisis.

Sign the petition: We must phase out climate-wrecking fossil fuels . Together, let’s demand innovative, sustainable solutions. Join the clean air movement, for our health, our future and for our planet.

Source: Greenpeace

Belgrade’s Motorshow Belgrade 12 – 15 May

27.04.2022

sajam automobile — Foto: Beogradski sajam

The Belgrade Car Show is an event that everyone is looking forward to. The Covid pandemic has led to the cancellation of this event in 2020 and 2021 to the great disappointment of both exhibitors and visitors. New technologies, electric cars and hybrids will be the focus of this year’s fair.

According to the organizers of this year’s car show, there is a great interest of participants, media, experts, and the public, both in the country and region.

“Practically, after a three-year break, the upcoming event means the continuation of the sequel of car and motorcycle shows at the Belgrade Fair. The last Car and Motorcycle Show was held in 2019, and in 2020, ten days before the start, a fully prepared event was canceled due to a pandemic” says the Belgrade Fair.

This year’s car show in one segment will significantly differ from the previous ones. The automotive industry is at a major technological milestone but at the same time in great trouble. In general, the demand for new vehicles currently exceeds the existing supply. Due to problems with the supply of some key components (semiconductors – chips, but also aluminum parts), there was a big delay in the finalization of production and the lack of new vehicles on the global market. Delivery deadlines are uncertain, they are getting longer and longer, and are often broken.

“Due to the current situation, importers and distributors of vehicles at this year’s Car Show, unlike previous editions, do not prioritize the affirmation of the sale of new cars. They give priority to presenting environmentally advanced vehicles, electric models, hybrids, light hybrids and new vehicle models with conventional propulsion (petrol and diesel), which are supposed to have been improved in terms of reducing the emission of harmful exhaust materials”, the organizers state.

In focus:

Car and motorcycle shows are primarily business events but also media attractions. Thus, the visitors of this event will have the opportunity to enjoy the attractive accompanying contents. Some of them have become traditional over time, such as the test drive of electric motorcycles and bicycles on specially arranged training grounds, the skills test for safe driving and prize games, as well as the selection for the Car Show Miss.

Keeping in mind the changed concept and format of the event, the Belgrade Fair expects great interest from the professional public in organizing accompanying professional events on more than current issues of environmentally advanced technologies and their application in the automotive industry in the function of environmental protection. The Car and Motorcycle Show organizers are preparing the event with the conviction that the epidemiological situation will not be a reason for cancellation.

During the Car show, all necessary protective measures will be taken that, according to the recommendations of the competent institutions, are appropriate for manifestations of a mass character.

The price of an individual ticket for the Car Show will be 400 RSD, for organized group visits 20 and more visitors 300 RSD per person, and students and pupils will pay 200 RSD per person during the organized visit. The parking price is 150 RSD per hour, the maximum daily price of the parking is 750 RSD.

Prepared by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ELECTROMOBILITY.

ABB to Power World’s First Hybrid-Electric Biomass Fuel Carriers

26.04.2022

Conceptual-graphic-image-of-ROBOSHIP--image-credit--ROBOSHIP — Foto: ABB

The Japanese Shipowners’ Association has announced that the Japanese shipping industry will take on the challenge of 2050 net zero GHG. One of its most significant initiatives is e5 Lab Inc., a consortium comprising Asahi Tanker Co., Ltd., Exeno Yamamizu Corporation, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. and Mitsubishi Corporation, with the purpose of developing renewably powered commercial ships.

Addressing the decarbonization challenges facing Japan’s ocean shipping and maritime industries, e5 Lab has recently unveiled ROBOSHIP – a design for a biomass fuel carrier, powered by a fully standardized, electric propulsion system to attain zero emission operations at harbour. Built by Honda Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., the 70-meter length, 499-gross ton carrier will be equipped with ABB’s complete modularized electrical propulsion package, enabling it to utilize multiple energy sources for optimized operational efficiency and emissions-free operations. Additional benefits of the system include reduced noise and vibration, lower maintenance costs, and improved steering capabilities that make pier docking and undocking operations easier.

“The collaboration with ABB has been beyond our expectations in delivering world-leading technology and efficiency, the ultimate in safety and reliability, specific size and weight reductions, that is unique to coastal vessels.” said Mr. Yasumasa Suetsugu, Chief Technology Officer, e5 Lab. “Furthermore, the high digital compatibility will help reduce both operations and maintenance costs. Our goal is to make a significant contribution to resolving the environmental challenges and reducing crew workload which face coastal shipping in Japan.”

Mr. Masao Akamatsu, President, IHI Power Systems, commented: “Our marine power systems team chose to work with ABB based on their excellent global reputation as an integrator of marine electrical systems and reliable, high quality products and services.”

“We are honored to have been selected for this groundbreaking project that will play a significant part in the efforts to decarbonize Japanese shipping,” said Juha Koskela, Division President, ABB Marine & Ports. “Electric-powered ships are key to the shipping industry’s sustainable future – and we take pride in providing our customers with highly efficient electric propulsion solutions that are compliant with today’s regulations and allow integrating with emissions-free energy sources in the future.”

ABB’s award-winning Onboard DC Grid™ power distribution system is modular and can be built to suit various vessel types – from largest ocean-going ships to smaller lower-power vessels operating over shorter distances and on inland waterways. The solution future-proofs ships to draw on clean energy sources for zero-emissions operations – without compromising speed or sailing range. Onboard DC Grid™ also reduces the footprint of the electrical equipment by eliminating the need for bulky transformers and main switchboards. This creates more space for cargo, provides greater flexibility in the positioning of system components on board the vessel and increases payload capacity.

ABB’s full scope of supply includes a standard system package comprising the hardware for electric propulsion, including propulsion motors, DC switchboards, energy storage batteries and generators, and ABB Ability™ Marine Remote Diagnostic System for continuous monitoring and remote support.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

ABB’s Process Automation business is a leader in automation, electrification and digitalization for the process and hybrid industries. We serve our customers with a broad portfolio of products, systems, and end-to-end solutions, including our # 1 distributed control system, software, and lifecycle services, industry-specific products as well as measurement and analytics, marine and turbocharging offerings. As the global #2 in the market, we build on our deep domain expertise, diverse team and global footprint, and are dedicated to helping our customers increase competitiveness, improve their return on investment and run safe, smart, and sustainable operations. go.abb/processautomation

Source: ABB

The Future of Solar Energy in Europe

25.04.2022

solar_power_plant_solarna_elektrana — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Photo: Courtesy of Walburga Hemetsberger

SolarPower Europe is the leading European association for solar energy, founded in 1985. This association represent over 250 companies and organizations across the entire solar value chain; from solar manufacturers, to installers and national associations. To become a member of SolarPower Europe, you must complete our online application, and the final approval is given by the SolarPower Europe Board. We discussed the benefits of the membership in the Association with Walburga Hemetsberger, the CEO of SolarPower Europe

EP: SolarPower Europe aims to achieve that more energy is generated by solar than any other energy source by 2030. How can policy makers, society and companies get involved in accomplishing this goal? Which strategies and tools does SolarPower Europe use to promote clean energy?

Walburga Hemetsberger: Our mission is to ensure more energy is generated solar than any other energy sources by 2030 – and we need all hands-on deck to achieve this goal! Policymakers can help towards this goal by enacting the best possible frameworks for solar to thrive (pro-solar legislation). One example is the capital of Vienna, where the city government has announced that solar must be installed on all new buildings, which will increase rates of solar deployment. Companies can get involved by opting for solar and renewable energy to power their operations. IKEA for example has installed solar on 370 of their store and warehouse locations worldwide. The wider society can contribute to this goal by installing solar on their homes and businesses. Solar is today the lowest-cost energy technology and will save on electricity bills and is good for the planet. At SolarPower Europe, we promote solar energy through our advocacy, campaigns and initiatives to provide information and raise awareness on a variety of topics that are critical to the growth of our technology.

EP: You have so many campaigns that you run. Which one would you highlight as the most important one and why? How do you measure the success of your campaigns?

Walburga Hemetsberger: SolarPower Europe leads campaigns on the most important issues for the European solar sector. In 2017, SolarPower Europe launched the ‘Small is Beautiful’ campaign, a campaign to support small-scale renewable installations in Europe which were at risk in the then EU Clean Energy Package negotiations. Our aim was to safeguard regulatory incentives such as priority dispatch for small-scale installations on homes, schools 49 and hospitals – key drivers of the European energy transition. SolarPower Europe lead a group of 17 partners, including renewable energy associations, mayors of cities, cooperatives, property owners and construction associations and we were ultimately able to safeguard priority dispatch for small-scale renewables installations in Europe – a huge victory for renewables!

In focus:

EP: How can solar energy help delivering the European Green Deal?

Walburga Hemetsberger: Solar can really be the engine that drives the European Green Deal. To be climate-neutral by 2050, Europe needs a massive renewable transition. With incredible benefits, solar shines through as the key part of this transition.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Andreas Gucklhorn)

Solar is the most flexible energy source, and can be installed on your home, school, business – the possibilities are endless. 25 percent of EU energy demand could be met by solar on buildings alone. As the most low-cost energy solution, solar can so can also tackle energy poverty and protect households and businesses from fossil-fuel driven energy price hikes.

The solar market is growing exponentially – 2021 was the best year of European solar ever with 25.9 GW capacity connected to the grid. Even cautious scenarios predict that the capacity of EU solar installations will double within four years, reaching 327.6 GW by 2025. This massive growth potential will support the huge renewable transition needed.

EP: Using solar energy in agriculture is gaining popularity all over the globe. SolarPower Europe released the Agrisolar Best Practise Guidelines in order to shed light on the main business models and benefits of Agrisolar. Can you tell us more about Guidelines and what are your predections when it comes to development of agrisolar projects by 2050?

Walburga Hemetsberger: Our Agrisolar Best Practice Guidelines seek to demonstrate how agriculture and solar can complement each other, while delivering a much-needed boost to rural development. Agriculture is particularly vulnerable to climate change, but also contributes to carbon emissions – the sector is the second highest emitter in the EU after energy.

Solar power tackles the wider issue of climate change, and at farm level can be used to protect crops and animals from extreme temperatures and improve biodiversity. There are a number of success stories within our Best Practice Guidelines, such as sophisticated, temperature-sensitive, agri-PV installations that rotate to shelter grapevines from strong sun, while generating power for hundreds of local homes. We can only expect the agri-PV segment to grow as farmers and solar companies realise the enormous potential for collaboration.

Interviewed by: Nevena Đukić

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ELECTROMOBILITY.

When the Plain Grows Green

23.04.2022

ravnica-njiva — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Chris Spalton)

Numerous accomplished renewable energy projects (RES), as well as those that are still in their infancy, are proof of Vojvodina’s potential in this sector. We discussed with Ognjen Bjelić, the provincial secretary for energy, construction and transport, whether there is possibility for development of every type of RES on the plain, what investors can expect and what projects are currently in progress.

EP: The territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina has proven to be an extremely suitable area for the development of RES projects. Out of 398 MW, 397.5 MW is in the territory under your jurisdiction, and many more gigawatts are in the process of instalment. Do you know how many permits and require- mentsthe PS has issued?

Ognjen Bjelić: The stated data of 397.5 MW refers to the installed power of wind farms built in the territory of the AP of Vojvodina. Along with it, we must not forget other sources, especially the developing biogas plants. The Provincial Secretariat issues construction permits for power plants above 10 MW and for facilities above 50 m. More than 200 different requests of RES investors have been resolved in the previous period, and it is interesting that there are many investors who are just getting ready to begin with the construction, which shows that electricity production in Vojvodina will be significantly increased.

EP: During the last few months, we have witnessed that a suspicion has been raised of the need to invest in RES, what is your position on the matter?

Ognjen Bjelić: I’d say that there is no doubt that we are in need for the investment, rather there are different views on the role of public companies and state institutions in this process. Having different opinions is a positive thing and will certainly lead to more potential solutions from which it will be possible to choose the best one for our country. There are problems and the solution certainly lies in adjusting the electric power system to the increase of the share of renewable energy sources. I believe that public companies and institutions will find a model through which the burden of that adjustment will not endanger the electricity stability of the system, which will give investors clear guidelines regarding the direction of the planned development in electricity production.

In focus:

EP: What energy potentials does Vojvodina have?

Ognjen Bjelić: The Provincial Secretariat prepared the Geothermal Atlas of Vojvodina, as well as the Study on Geothermal Potentials of Vojvodina, whilst through cooperation on the GOSPEL project, the potential places for the development of deep geothermal energy were identified. Three zones in Vojvodina offer great opportunities for heat production by exploiting geothermal fluid at a minimum temperature of 55-60 °C. When the temperature levels are sufficient, this heat may be converted into electricity. These areas include the towns of Subotica, Sremska Mitrovica and Kikinda. The first two were chosen because of the possibility of thermal energy valorisation, and the last one for the possibility of producing electricity from a geothermal source.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Karsten Würth)

In the field of solar energy, a Study on the Assessment of the Total Solar Potential with a Solar Atlas has been prepared. The number of sun hours in Vojvodina ranges from slightly less than 2,000 hours (western part) to 2,100 hours (eastern part) per annum. During the following period, the Secretariat will be committed to the improvement of data at the level of micro-locations, i.e. to the development of local cadastres (or registrars) in which locations will be processed, from the aspect of solar energy, documentation planning and connection possibilities. This way, investors will be given a clear picture of the potential and profitability of the investments.

Locks on the river Tisa, as well as the sluices on the DTD Hydro system, have potential for hydropower plants’ deve- lopment, not to mention the use of crop residues and corn as biofuel, since their potential is obvious.

EP: Apart from RES projects, there is also thermal power plant Pančevo in Vojvodina. What is the significance of that infrastructure facility?

Ognjen Bjelić: Thermal power plant Pančevo is a steam-gas thermal power plant with a capacity of 200 MW that is natural gas-fired power plant. This investment is significant due to its capacity and the increase in the share of gas power plants in the power system. Gas power plants are one of the transnational solution options and currently they also serve as a support for the conventional coal – fired thermal power plants. The Provincial Government has good cooperation with the EBRD in terms of energy efficiency. Recently, a document was signed suggesting energy efficiency improvement in eighty buildings.

The Provincial Secretariat, in cooperation with the Faculty of Technical Sciences in Novi Sad, has prepared detailed energy audits for 94 facilities, concurrently with the process of drafting detailed energy audits. At the end of last year, the Assembly of Vojvodina adopted the text of Pre Financing Agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which defined conditions for contracting loans and implementation of energy rehabilitation projects, thus defining the framework for contracting loans and withdrawing donations. In the next month, in cooperation with the EBRD, we will start developing conceptual solutions for 80 public buildings, and upon the completion of the conceptual solutions, the procedure of selecting the contractor who will prepare the preliminary design, obtain a decision on approval for works and carry out energy rehabilitation of the facility, will commence. The manner of conducting the procedure will be proposed by the consultants, according to the procedures of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Interviewed by: Danijela Isailović

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ELECTROMOBILITY.

The Solution For the Future of Sustainable Transport

22.04.2022

The world’s metropolises are taking sure steps to improve and accelerate the complete transition to electric vehicles with innovative solutions. Intensive work on the promotion of electric vehicles, affects the growth of the number of these cars that we find more and more on the streets. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), about three million electric cars were sold in 2020. There was also a turnaround, as for the first time Europe overtook China, which has been the world’s largest market for these vehicles so far.

There is optimism in the competent institutions in our country. Subsidies for the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles are expected to continue to contribute to the further development of electromobility.

In order for drivers of electric cars to participate in traffic without hindrance, it is necessary to develop the accompanying charging infrastructure. As the number of electric vehicles grows, so does the need for more electric chargers. This was recognized by the company charge&GO, which in partnership with Enel X, a member of the global business line of the Enel Group, is working on the development of this network.

Enel Group is one of the leaders in energy transformation, both in Europe and in the world. They are recognizable by the fact that they create simple, easily acceptable and efficient solutions from complex technologies that enable sustainable growth and development. Such solutions include Enel X electric chargers.

Unique solutions under the ENEL X brand, based on the principles of the circular economy, provide customers in many countries with an alternative model that respects the principles of environmental protection. Chargers get the necessary energy from renewable energy sources, while the parts can be reused. Thus, many Enel X chargers in Italy, which are owned by this company, are powered exclusively by green energy sources. The expert team of this company is working on innovative solutions for the reuse of lithium-ion batteries to reduce pollution caused by their disposal.

In focus:

Enel X – Smart charging solutions for electric vehicles

The 22 kW JuiceBox charger is a safe and compact charging solution. An additional benefit is that this charger is made of recycled plastic. LEDs allow the user to always clearly see the charging status of their electric car.

Among Enel X’s latest innovations is the state-of-the-art JuicePole charger, which allows two electric vehicles to 71 charge their batteries up to 40 percent in just 30 minutes. Charging session data is available on the clear LED screen at all times, and RFID identification technology allows users to authorize on the charger using an RFID smart card.

In our country, charge&GO is working on equipping the FCA Serbia dealer network with the chargers of our partner Enel X. The new Juice Box model PRO Enel X chargers are installed at their dealers, AutoGarant in Preljina and Auto Mig in Nis.

AutoGarant has two Juice Box PRO models of 22 kW and Juice Box PRO cellular – 7.4 kW. While in Auto Mig there is Juice Box PRO cellular – 22 kW, as well as two models Juice Box model PRO – 22 kW.

Among the car dealers who have installed chargers of this company are AK Kompresor, Auto kuća-Kole, AK Stojanov Novi Sad, Nikom auto Kragujevac and others.

We remind you that the company FCA Serbia in Kragu- jevac also installed the Enel X electric charger in the area of its factory.

While the network of these innovative chargers for electric vehicles of a well-known Italian brand is expanding in our country, we expect a big step forward this year when it comes to the number of electric vehicles on our roads. Judging by the interest of our citizens in subsidies for the purchase of electric vehicles, it seems that we will witness that turn towards the electric future on domestic roads.

Prepared by: Tamara Zjačić

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ELECTROMOBILITY.

A Key Lever For Acceleratinf EV Adoption

21.04.2022

The introduction of smart EV charging infrastructure is becoming a global goal of essential importance for the whole world, thus accelerating this trend, and using its benefits for both consumers and the environment.

Building the smart and decentralized energy system implies the introduction of a reliable EV charging infrastructure, bearing in mind that it is planned to install 300 to 500 million EV connectors by 2040. To achieve this goal, most global policies focus on the deployment of public charging infrastructure. It is essential to assess the potential added value of applying smart EV charging technology in private buildings for EV drivers, system operators, and other stakeholders are given that around 90 per cent of EV chargers installed by 2040 will be in private environments.

In focus:

The multiple benefits of smart EV charging in buildings

To assess the benefits of smart chargers, the Schneider Electric TM Sustainability Research Institute has conducted a cost-benefit analysis of installing local smart EV charging technology in households, multifamily, and commercial buildings. Our research finds that, for consumers and system operators, the benefits of such an approach are striking. The results highlight that:

Smart EV charging stations for electric vehicles are more often installed in buildings, as they are on average more accessible to consumers than in public places
If we compare to public EV charging costs, smart EV charging can generate savings of up to 70 per cent for consumers especially if paired with time-of-use tariffs, demand charges, and the implementation of distributed power generation infrastructure (such as onsite solar). Using a load management system allows for additional savings which can be further increased.
The benefits of EV charging are magnified by the provision of grid and system services, highlighting the value of having a fully smart and bidirectional charging strategy.
Implementing smart charging technology in buildings increases the resilience of local and global grids, while also helping avoid the need for large, expensive associated infrastructure investments.
In the end, smart EV charging in buildings is a source of reducing CO2 emissions by more than public charging or uncontrolled charging.

A thoughtful policy approach is required

Significant benefits are immeasurable, however, well-designed strategies are needed to achieve them:

1. The promotion of EV charging at buildings removing all existing barriers.

2. Reducing the cost of smart EV charging for consumers by introducing two-tariff calculation of the time of use of electricity and increasing the self-consumption of electricity produced via distributed generation.

3. Better access to grid and system services for EVs to support the transformation of energy systems.

Decarbonisation of transport, buildings and global energy systems are the fields most associated with the implementation of smart EV charging. When coupled with flexible sources and loads within buildings, it also has the potential to provide important additional benefits for consumers and system operators.

This combination provides a more efficient and economically attractive proposition than centralized paradigms – and is an important first step towards the convergence of Mobility, Energy and the Urban transformation. To answer the needs of smart EV charging Schneider Electric has developed EcoStruxure ™ EV Charging Expert as EV charging infrastructure load management system, access management and supervision solution.

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ELECTROMOBILITY.

These young, global leaders are building a sustainable and inclusive future

21.04.2022

rad_mladi_projekat_sastanak — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (You X Ventures)

Each year, the Forum of Young Global Leaders goes through a rigorous selection process to identify, select and celebrate remarkable leaders under-40 from different communities and industries worldwide.

These young leaders exemplify what we need most today: hope, empathy, authenticity and driving solutions that change the world for the better.

This kind of effective leadership has never been needed more: The latest UN report on climate change warned that it is “now or never” to reverse human-induced global warming from carbon emissions. And, after two years of a global pandemic, growing geopolitical tensions and deepening social fractures demand scalable and coordinated action.

These challenging times are an opportunity for leaders to demonstrate their role in responsibly improving the state of the world.

Young Global Leaders (YGLs) class of 2022 is gender-equal and has representatives from 42 countries. We asked 10 of them to share their thoughts on how leaders can use their influence to build a more inclusive and sustainable future.

You can read their answers HERE.

Source: World Economic Forum

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Rural Agribusinesses Cluster Together to Flourish

20.04.2022

poljoprivreda-farmer-agro-kupus-povrće-sadnja-zemljoradnik-bašta — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (PHÚC LONG)

Vibrant rural economies emerge when farms and small businesses work closely together, pooling resources and advocating as a group about the issues that matter to them. Yet in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), small family farms too often operate in isolation. By themselves, they often lack the resources, knowledge or skills they need to thrive.

IFAD is bringing small-scale farmers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and other agriculture stakeholders in BiH into clusters to work together for their common interests. We caught up with Violeta Lemic, a technical specialist for IFAD, to learn how clusters work and why they matter.

What is a cluster anyway?

A cluster is a way for businesses to come together to share resources, implement initiatives and advocate for the interests they share. Other platforms bring together stakeholders who operate in a specific part of the value chain, such as producer organizations. But in clusters, the members come from across the value chain.

Clusters group stakeholders by geography. A typical cluster might contain farmers, cooperatives and producer organizations, suppliers of inputs, buyers, financial and technical agents, agricultural authorities, universities and local municipalities, who are all located in a specific region. They have different strengths and resources, but they’re all invested in shared prosperity.

When the RCDP project team discussed this idea with small-scale farmers and other stakeholders in BiH, they soon saw its value. The farmers themselves established and registered clusters. It’s been a bottom-up initiative.

Clusters can also help organize farmers into cooperatives. This is especially important in BiH, where small-scale farmers often work in isolation. In fact, clusters have already led to the establishment of five farming cooperatives, and consolidated 12 more. Together, these have organized a network of 700 farmers.

What do these clusters actually do?

Clusters vary in size and scope, but I’ll give you an example to illustrate how they operate.

The Gradiška Laktaši Srbac (or GLS) cluster, in northern BiH, has 12 members: five SMEs, three producer organizations representing multiple farmers, one farming cooperative (again, with several members), and three farm businesses. The cluster meets regularly to collectively plan and implement initiatives designed to increase the competitiveness of its members.

One such initiative relates to blueberries, which are grown by a dozen farmers in the area. The cluster members pooled their resources and arranged for specialized advisory services for the farmers. They also arranged for subsidized inputs, and they collectively launched a promotional campaign with the slogan: “I opt for blueberries – locally produced and fresh.” Demand shot up and the blueberries were sold at very good prices.

Several local brands have even emerged through these clusters. Consumers across BiH now know to look for Slatina tomatoes, Srbac blueberries or Nevesinje potatoes.

What benefits do clusters bring to members?

Through clusters, small-scale farmers and SMEs can do things they couldn’t manage alone, such as negotiating discounts on inputs, marketing their products, or lobbying policymakers.

For example, clustered agribusinesses can share workers amongst themselves. If these businesses were on their own, they might not have been able to offer full-time jobs individually. At the same time, these jobs provide a solution to rural unemployment and migration, which municipalities struggle to deal with. And local universities and extension services benefit from a growing agriculture sector that employs their students and drives policy dialogue on research and innovation.

Clusters are also platforms for advocacy. For example, to qualify for BiH’s agricultural subsidies, plots for growing gherkins had to be at least 0.5 hectares in size – the same as other vegetables. One cluster pointed out that, in reality, no family farm cultivates gherkins on more than 0.2 hectares. The minimum plot size was amended, unlocking subsidies for small-scale gherkin farming. Outside a cluster, gherkin farmers wouldn’t necessarily have had the clout or organization to effectively make this policy argument.

What have you learned from implementing clusters in BiH? And what’s next?

Clusters need government incentives to get started, but they’re most sustainable with a bottom-up approach. At the beginning, we conducted participatory workshops to convince stakeholders to form clusters using democratic decision-making processes.

Maintaining them over time is a challenge, but clusters with paid, full-time managers tend to do better than those that are managed by volunteers. So, we suggest that clusters should tap into income streams like membership fees, donations, public support funds and project proposals.

Right now there are seven clusters across BiH. The smallest has 8 members and the largest, 28 – keeping in mind that a “member” can be something like an SME or cooperative that brings multiple farmers into the network. We’re now positioning clusters as regional development agencies, which allows us to connect stakeholders from different value chains.

Clustering is a great way to formally organize a complex sector like agriculture, promote development and accelerate change. To quote the old proverb: if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.

Source: IFAD

Ocean Renewables: Powering the Blue Economy

19.04.2022

sunset-vetroelektrane — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Fredrik Öhlander)

Offshore renewables can play a key role in harnessing the benefits of the blue economy for sustainable development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera, at the Our Oceans conference held in the western Pacific nation of Palau.

Aimed at highlighting the plight of nations on the frontline of climate change as they grapple with rising sea levels, the two-day conference with over 500 delegates from more than 80 nations taking part, including co-host John Kerry, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.

Speaking at a high-level panel discussion themed Creating Sustainable Blue Economies, Mr. La Camera said for SIDS and other vulnerable island nations, the development of the ocean economy holds considerable promise. “Offshore renewables can benefit all sectors of the economy, including tourism, shipping, aquaculture, agriculture, and water desalination,” he added.

Upscaling offshore renewables, including wind, wave, and tidal energy, may also bring major benefits for small island nations in terms of climate change mitigation as well as reduce dependency on fossil fuels imports, Mr. La Camera pointed out.

“Offshore energy systems are well suited to be located near aquaculture farms, as these often consist of a floating structure that is commonly tethered to the seafloor, which could be directly integrated into the aquaculture system,” he added, citing successful case studies from France and Scotland. Presenting the key highlights from IRENA’s recently launched World Energy Transitions Outlook 2022, Mr. La Camera stressed the urgency for strong climate action and the need to accelerate the deployment of renewables.

“The 1.5℃ goal is going to vanish soon if we do not dramatically change the way we do business. We need to urgently work toward replacing coal with renewables and increase the deployment of renewables by three times every year. We see renewable energy providing 65 per cent of the total electricity supply by 2030, respectively from over 25% in 2018,” he said.

Many small island nations have demonstrated an increasing interest in harnessing the opportunities of ocean energy technologies in the recent past. “We see more and more islands across the Caribbean and the Pacific developing strategies and conducting feasibility studies to integrate offshore renewables in their national energy plans. There has never been a better time for renewable energy deployment and development to drive the ocean economy of SIDS, in an achievable and sustainable manner,” he added.

Source: IRENA

The UN Biodiversity Conference: The Road to a Bold New Agreement for Nature

18.04.2022

Healthy, biodiverse ecosystems sustain life on Earth by providing air, water and other essential elements. From forests to farmlands to oceans, the planet’s ecosystems are the basis of resources, services and industries.

Despite the value nature provides, it is being degraded at catastrophic rates. According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), 75 percent of the Earth’s land and 66 percent of its oceans have been altered by human activity and many essential ecosystem services are eroding. The rate of global change in nature over the past 50 years is unprecedented in human history.

Nature loss has far-reaching consequences. Damaged ecosystems exacerbate climate change by releasing carbon instead of storing it. Rampant development is putting animals and humans in closer contact increasing the risk of diseases like COVID-19 to spread. A recent United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report found that about 60 percent of human infections are estimated to have an animal origin.

To address these issues, government leaders from around the world will convene in Kunming, China later this year for the UN Biodiversity Conference (also known as the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, or COP-15). They are set to agree upon new goals for nature through the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

“This year’s UN Biodiversity Conference is an opportunity to strike a landmark agreement to guide global actions through 2030 to achieve a nature-positive world, one where society halts and reverses the loss of biodiversity. The world needs to take concrete steps to shift our unsustainable consumption and production patterns to ones that allow both people and the planet to thrive,” said Doreen Robinson, UNEP’s Head of Biodiversity and Land.

In the lead up to the event, negotiators met in Geneva, Switzerland for two weeks in March. While a final agreement will not be adopted until world leaders reconvene later this year in Kunming, the Geneva meetings were critical for negotiations on establishing goals and targets that will end up in the final agreement and for supporting the enabling conditions to implement the framework, including financial resources, capacity building, monitoring and accountability systems and other areas.

We spoke to Robinson, who attended the Geneva meetings on behalf of UNEP, about the key elements needed to ensure a robust Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

Adopting an ambitious agreement for nature action

First and foremost, the conference later this year needs to culminate in countries finalizing negotiations and adopting an inclusive post-2020 framework. The current draft framework includes 21 action targets to be completed by 2030.

Effective protection of lands and oceans

A successful agreement would include effective conservation and management of more of our land, inland waters and oceans. The draft framework currently includes a target to conserve and protect significant areas of land and sea globally. Such targets are only meaningful when they are backed by capacity and resources to implement.

Sustainable use and equitable benefit sharing

Biodiversity sustains all life on earth. Humanity needs to integrate sustainability with economic development and ensure the sustainable use of nature, as well as improvements in equitable sharing of benefits, which can provide strong incentives for conservation while continuing to provide for the well-being of people.

Protecting and restoring ecosystems

Humanity is using the equivalent of 1.6 Earths to maintain our way of life and ecosystems cannot keep up. Preventing large-scale ecosystem collapse and nature loss will require restoration as well as conservation efforts. Target 2 of the draft agreement aims to ensure a significant portion of degraded ecosystems are under restoration.

Engaging all actors

The wellbeing of the planet depends on everyone coming together for nature, including the private sector, civil society, indigenous peoples, local communities and individuals. The participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in decision-making processes related to nature is especially important, as well as the engagement of women, girls and youth.

Closing the finance gap and aligning financial flows

According to UNEP’s State of Finance for Nature Report, the world needs to close a USD 4.1 trillion financing gap in nature by 2050. The current G20 investments in nature amount only to USD 133 billion. The world must close the financing gap, align trillions of dollars in financial flows with nature, and ensure that nature enters into economic and financial decision making.

Delivering the post-2020 framework

Urgent action will be needed to implement the framework at the scale required. An ambitious agreement should include an equally robust implementation plan. Commitments will need to be backed by policy and legislation. Financing, capacity building and technical support for nature will need to be ramped up significantly.

Source: UNEP

GGF And MF Banka Boost Green Finance in Bosnia and Herzegovina

18.04.2022

bosnia_and_herzegovina_nature_priroda_zelenilo_pogled_view — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The Green for Growth Fund (GGF) has formed a new partnership with MF Banka in Bosnia and Herzegovina to expand access to green finance for small, and medium enterprises (SMEs). A senior loan of 5 million euros will be on-lent by the bank to businesses that want to implement energy efficiency and resource efficiency measures, as well as small scale renewable energy projects.

MF Banka is part of Mikrofin Group, which has been a GGF partner since 2018. MF Banka plays an important role in serving the lower SME market segment, and with its extensive network and vast experience in financing energy and resource efficiency measures, the bank is well positioned to offer diverse green products to its large client base. This investment will be used predominantly to finance energy efficiency measures in manufacturing, specifically wood processing and food processing, construction, as well as transport.

“We are proud of this new partnership with MF Banka as we believe it will strengthen our outreach amongst SMEs and corporate clients in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while simultaneously advancing our mission to boost energy efficiency and renewable energy across the region”, said GGF Chairman Olaf Zymelka.

“We are aware of the impact of energy efficiency on the environment, but we know that the intensity of its implementation directly depends on financial precondition. Thanks to the GGF, which recognized MF Bank as a reliable partner, we will have the opportunity to provide more favorable and affordable ‘green’ loans for most of our SME clients,” said Bojan Luburic, President of Management Board MF Bank.

About the GGF

The Green for Growth Fund invests in measures designed to cut energy use and CO2 emissions, and improve resource efficiency in 19 markets across Southeast Europe, the Caucasus, Ukraine, Moldova, the Middle East and North Africa. The fund provides such financing directly to renewable energy projects, corporates and municipalities or indirectly via selected financial institutions. The GGF’s Technical Assistance Facility maximizes the fund’s investment impact through support for capacity building at local financial institutions and partners.

The GGF was initiated as a public-private partnership in December 2009 by Germany’s KfW Development Bank and the European Investment Bank, with financial support from the European Commission, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the Austrian Development Bank (OeEB).

The fund’s growing investor base comprises donor agencies, international financial institutions and institutional private investors, including the International Finance Corporation, the Dutch development bank FMO, and the German ethical bank GLS. The GGF is advised by Finance in Motion GmbH. MACS Energy & Water GmbH, Frankfurt am Main acts as the technical advisor.

Source: Green For Growth Fund

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