Energy Community launches public consultation on policy guidelines on renewables self-consumers
The Energy Community Secretariat is seeking views on the draft policy guidelines on the integration of renewables self-consumers. The public consultation started on June 17, and it will last until July 17. Stakeholders are invited to submit their comments via an online questionnaire. The draft guidelines reflect the latest legal requirements stemming from the EU’s […]
SO2 emissions in Western Balkans coal plants six times above limit in 2019
There was no improvement last year on air pollution from lignite-fired industrial facilities reported to the European Environment Agency by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia and North Macedonia, Bankwatch said. A comparison with the national emissions reduction plans reveals coal plant sulphur dioxide emissions were increased and that they were six time higher than […]
40 artists back Blue Heart campaign to protect Balkan Rivers on occasion of World Music Day
Forty well-known artists from around the Balkan region are seeking to shake people up and help avert the looming destruction of nature in their home countries. On the occasion of World Music Day, which is celebrated annually on June 21, the artists take a stand in short video testimonies. Among them are Darko Rundek from […]
Rethinking financial sustainability for biodiversity
Biodiversity can be in the center of sustainable development, yet it requires systematic solutions and diverse mechanisms that enable retainment and reinvestment of funds into conservation. This new sourcebook deals with a range of additional financial instruments that may support planning and thinking about financing biodiversity, ecosystems and protected areas as investments in sustainable development. […]
Vienna powers second subway station with brake energy converter
When underground trains arrive at Altes Landgut in a southern district in Vienna, braking energy is recovered for illumination and the electric devices at the station. Friction creates heat and braking releases energy. After a successful pilot in 2018, the public transport operator in the Austrian capital introduced an inverter at another underground station. The […]
Western Balkan countries on the way to finalizing their National Energy and Climate Plans
Western Balkan countries, partners of the GIZ Open Regional Fund for South-East Europe – Energy Efficiency (ORF-EE), have made substantial progress in the preparation of their draft National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs), demonstrating a commitment to following the pace of the EU member states who are in the process of finishing their final versions. […]
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. […]
Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Slovenia plan to burn coal beyond 2030 – report on final NECPs
A new report published by Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe and ZERO looks into the final national energy and climate plans (NECPs) of 15 member states including countries in Southeastern Europe – Croatia, Greece, Romania, and Slovenia. In their initial drafts, a number of countries had already put forward much needed coal phaseout goals in […]