EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy – Bringing nature back into our lives
Author: Boris Erg, Director of the IUCN Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia The European Commission has adopted a new EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy this May, framing it as a “comprehensive, ambitious, long-term plan for protecting nature and reversing the degradation of ecosystems.” Undoubtedly, it comes very timely. The landmark Global Assessment on Biodiversity and […]
Most read in May: Corporate power purchase agreements, Vienna the greenest city, tallest wooden wind power tower in Europe
Our readers’ favorites last month were stories on the future of the energy markets, resident-centered urban planning and a solution that could change the wind power sector. The piece on corporate power purchase agreements, authored by top lawyers from CMS, was the most read this time. 1 – One alternative to state subsidy schemes is […]
Cogeneration plant BE-TO Karlovac starts trial production
Cogeneration plant BE-TO Karlovac in Croatia has launched a trial production of electricity and heat, according to Karlovac Mayor Damir Mandić. The cogeneration plant, which cost EUR 20 million to build, has a capacity of 5 MW for electricity generation and 10 MW for heat, according to local media. Electricity will be fed into HEP’s […]
Sarajevo Canton to take out loan for energy efficiency in 40 public buildings
The Sarajevo Canton government has approved taking out an EUR 8 million loan and accepting a EUR 2 million grant for an energy efficiency project in public buildings. The funds will go towards a project called “Energy efficiency in public buildings of the Sarajevo Canton,” whose aim is to improve energy efficiency in about 40 […]
Green bridges across roads and highways saving bears, lynxes, wolves
Infrastructure must be planned and adapted in a way to enable connectivity between areas inhabited by migrating animals. Roads and railways narrow their territories and cut their corridors, putting their population in danger. Green bridges or ecoducts for large mammals are the most effective solution to repair the damage. Such structures have been obligatory and […]
ENERGY TRANSITION – Expensive, but a belated one could cost even more (part three)
Author: Prof. Nikola Rajaković, School of Electrical Engineering (ETF), University of Belgrade In the process of the energy transition, the integration of renewable energy sources is one of the central issues for experts. Without the electricity system’s synergies with other sectors (natural gas, transportation, heating, and industry) the integration of renewables is almost unfeasible. Energy […]
The applicable regulatory framework for the commercial operation of charging points in Austria
Authors: Johannes Trenkwalder, partner, David Kohl, associate, and Marco Selenic, associate with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Introduction In a recent decision the Austrian Higher Administrative Court ruled that the commercial operation of charging points for electric vehicles does not fall under the Austrian Energy Act. This judgement puts an end to the long-lasting debate and ambiguity […]
Towards greener agenda for Western Balkans
“Western Balkans hosts rich biodiversity, including many threatened, rare and endemic species, and relatively large unspoiled ecosystems. From nature we get food and water, energy and medicine, climate regulation support and disaster risk mitigation, among other benefits. Today, as we celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity, there is a need to recognize the value […]