EU launches first call for proposals under Innovation Fund for clean technologies
The European Commission has launched the first call for proposals under the EUR 10 billion Innovation Fund, which will finance breakthrough technologies for renewable energy, energy-intensive industries, energy storage, and carbon capture, use and storage. The fund is expected to help boost the EU economy’s green recovery following the COVID-19 crisis. The first call will […]
Top 3 most read articles in June
Here are the top 3 most read articles on Balkan Green Energy News in June. They deal with the topic of sustainable financing for biodiversity, status of preparation of national energy and climate plans (NECPs) in the Western Balkans and the announcement of Serbia to revive Kolubara B thermal power plant. A list 0f the […]
EBRD webinar: Green and resilient go hand in hand in district energy
In most countries where EBRD is active, the pandemic struck when the winter was ending, so the consequences could have been much worse. Experts say green and resilient in district energy are not conflicting options and that focusing on efficiency alone instead of lifting the share of renewables brings the risk of running out of […]
EU launches Just Transition Platform for coal regions
The European Commission has launched the Just Transition Platform to help member states draw up their territorial just transition plans and access funding from the Just Transition Mechanism, worth more than EUR 150 billion. According to the European Union’s executive body, the online tool will provide technical and advisory support for public and private stakeholders […]
Most EU states not on track to reduce air pollution by 2030 – Commission’s report
Most member states are at risk of not complying with their 2020 or 2030 emission reduction commitments, according to the European Commission’s first report on the implementation of the National Emission Reduction Commitments Directive (NEC Directive). Alongside the implementation report, the European Union’s executive arm has also released its consultants’ analysis of each member state’s […]
O2 Challenge 2 in North Macedonia delays deadline to July 3
A government program is supporting micro, small and medium-sized North Macedonian firms in projects for climate change mitigation and the reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases. The timeframe for applications in O2 Challenge 2 has been pushed back to July 3 and organizers scheduled an info session to be held on June 29. The Fund […]
Coal power plants in EU shuttering amid jump in expenses from end-June
Exemptions in air pollution limits in the EU are about to be abolished, so owners of older coal-fired power plants will have fewer operational hours allowed. Another option, aside from closing the facilities, is to invest in efficiency and environmental protection, but with little to no guarantee it would be cost effective. While ČEZ is […]
COVID-19: Challenges and opportunities in the district energy sector
Author: Greg Gebrail, Energy Specialist and Bojan Bogdanović, Fund Manager – Renewable District Energy in the Western Balkans Fund (ReDEWeB), Sustainable Infrastructure Group in European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) District energy systems are commonplace in urban centers and district heating is the most common form of heating for urban homes and businesses in […]