Pipistrel gets first ever type certificate for electric airplane from EASA
The Pipistrel Velis Electro is the world’s first fully electric airplane to receive Type Certification. It is a two-seater, intended primarily for pilot training. Pipistrel said it type certified its battery-powered aircraft Velis Electro at the European Union Aviation Safety Agency – EASA. The Slovenian startup stressed the airplane was designed to be simple to […]
Greece presents mobile recycling kiosk powered by solar panels
Envipco and Texan, which started the production of public devices for returning plastic, glass and metal packaging in Greece, launched their portable automated machine that runs exclusively on a photovoltaic system. The government in Athens is promoting public–private partnerships and it is about to detail an EU-funded program for local authorities worth EUR 2.5 billion. […]
Hungary, Serbia set to double power interconnection capacity
Hungary and Serbia plan to double their cross-border power interconnection capacity and exchange, according to Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó. Increasing the interconnection capacity will enable electricity balancing between the two countries, Serbian Mining and Energy Minister Aleksandar Antić said following a meeting with Szijjártó in Budapest. Hungary has a strong […]
TENDERING: Geothermal water exploration areas in Croatia
The Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency issued a public call for bids for four exploration areas. It said the goal is to utilize geothermal waters in Slavonia, Podravina and Međimurje in the north of Croatia for the production of energy. A significant geothermal potential has been proven in the geographical zone of the Drava river valley, the […]
Albania’s hydropower plant Skavica to cost up to EUR 510 million
The government expects works on the 210 MW facility to begin next year, after a tendering procedure. Skavica would preserve water upstream on the Black Drin, prevent flooding and boost average output in the rest of the hydropower plant cascade. The feasibility study for the construction of hydropower plant Skavica, planned since the 1960s, has […]
High-profile arrests in Croatia highlight claims of corruption in renewables in region
At least two government officials are suspected of abuse of power in the case of the biggest wind farm in Croatia, which receives a substantial stimulus. The scandal follows massive complaints by the local population throughout Southeastern Europe and numerous accusations by activists of irregularities and corruption in projects for renewables, mostly small hydropower plants. […]
EPCG may opt to take on a partner for HPP Komarnica project
Montenegrin state-owned electricity producer Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) has the right to decide whether to build the planned 170 MW hydropower plant (HPP) Komarnica on its own or in cooperation with a partner, according to Economy Minister Dragica Sekulić. It is only natural that the Komarnica project be carried out by EPCG, but it is […]
IRENA: Renewables increasingly cheaper than coal competitors on cost
IRENA found 56% of renewable capacity added last year achieved lower electricity costs than new coal power plants. Furthermore, by the end of 2021 it would be cheaper to build new photovoltaic facilities than to keep running active coal power plants of as much as 1.2 TW, more than half of the world total. New […]