Panel 2050 Regional Training in Hungary: Partnership for New Energy Leadership project "Sustainable energy management in theory and practice"
On the 2 February 2018 a training in Hungarian European House was jointly organized by WWF World nature Fund of Hungary Foundation and Zempléni Local Enterprise Development Foundation. The training focused on theoretical and practical aspects of sustainable energy management.
For more informations , trainings report and study materials please look into the right side of document manue
Panel 2050 Regional Training in Lithuania: Project preparation and implementation
On the 12 January 2018 Ignalina hosted the training organized by Public Enterprise Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant Regional Development Agency. The topic of the training was "Project preparation and implementation" and it was led by a lawyer and project development expert Žilvaras Gelumbauskas. 40 participants from seven municipalities of Lithuania attended the event.
For more informations , trainings report and study materials please look into the right side of document manue
Lithuanian Government to Consider a New Model for Development of Renewable Energy
On 10th of August, the Ministry of Energy of Lithuania submitted a draft Law on Energy from Renewable Sources (RES) to the Government whereby a new support model is suggested for encouraging power plants to generate energy from RES. This will enable further development of renewable energy which is one of the key goals of the national strategy on energy.
“This will be a new start for further development of the green energy to ensure an ambitious and at the same time responsible attitude towards the renewable energy. On the basis of the good practice of other countries, we propose a model for the promotion of use of renewable energy which could ensure fair and healthy competition, would correspond to the market conditions and could offer the lowest price,” Žygimantas Vaičiūnas, Minister for Energy, said.
The Ministry offers to continue allocating the support through auctions since this approach can ensure the lowest possible price to consumers. Power plants, which use different RES technology for generation of energy, could take part in the auctions.
When developing a new support model, the Ministry of Energy referred to the recommendations of the European Commission which set out the guidelines for ensuring the most productive and cost-efficient way of support for the producers that use RES.
One of its main principles is to encourage electricity producers to operate under the market conditions and bear electricity balancing costs. The new support scheme is now being coordinated with the European Commission Directorate–General for Competition in accordance with the procedure for state aid notification and will be put into practice after the approval by the Commission.
The most important criterion which will determine the winners of the new auctions is the lowest surcharge on electricity market price on the Nordic electricity exchange Nordpool. While competing in the new auctions the producers will also have to indicate the amount of electricity to be produced and will be able to get additional funds via the surcharge on the market price.
It is expected that the new procedure for RES auctions will be approved during the autumn session of the Seimas and will come into force on 1 May 2019. It is estimated that after the approval of this model, the National Commission for Energy Control and Prices (NCECP) will announce the first auction during which the quota of 0.3 TWh would be allocated.
Pursuant to the former support model, producers were paid a fixed tariff the amount of which was determined during the auction – the producer having offered the lowest tariff was recognised to be the winner of the auction.
The Ministry also suggests that electricity generated by the producers having won the auction be given priority for being transmitted, and the producers the installed capacity of power plants of which is less than 500 kilowatts be released from the balancing obligation.
Before, producers that won the RES auctions were not responsible for electricity balancing. They also used to divide electricity grid costs with the network operator. The new procedure stipulates that they will also have to cover all connection-related costs.
The distribution of quotas established in the former RES support model was discontinued from 2016. Today all constructed power plants generate energy.
The National Energy Independence Strategy approved in June stipulates that in 2025 no less than 5TWh of electricity will be generated from RES. To compare, presently all power plants which generate energy from RES in Lithuania annually produce about 2.5 TWh of electricity.
One more reason which prompted the Ministry to prepare a new procedure for electricity auctions is that the former support scheme was not adapted for operation under the market conditions and integration of producers into the market as recommended by the EC and did not reflect the advancement of the intensifying technology.
Application of these promotion measures are expected to considerably increase the capacity of local electricity generation, which, accordingly, will reduce the country’s dependence on electricity import and will enhance energy security. Auctions will be also open for electricity producers from other EU Member States which have a direct link with Lithuania and have signed bilateral agreements.
The new RES development model was drawn up after the assessment of international practice of the currently best operating models. It has been introduced and was discussed exhaustively and thoroughly with the market participants, namely, the RES developers and the NCECP.
Lithuanian Ministry of Energy information
SAVE THE DATE! GreenEST Summit 2018: Future for Buildings, October 30
Tallinn Science Park Tehnopol together with international greentech community partners are inviting you to take part of the fresh and vibrant greentech event in Estonia – GreenEST Summit 2018: Future for Buildings! Event will be held on October 30, at Tallinn Creative Hub Kultuurikatel.
GreenEST Summit is an international greentech event covering essential topics and latest developments on the field. As of the EU has set a target for all new buildings to be nearly zero-energy by 2020, but currently, about 35% of the buildings are over 50 years old and almost 75% of the building stock is energy inefficient, this years conference is focused on the future of buildings! The event brings together public and private sector real estate experts, municipalities, greentech companies and investors from all over Europe - Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, etc. On top of inspiring speakers, we’ll have engaging panel discussions and Europe’s top greentech companies presenting their energy efficient smart buildings solutions. We’ll cover the topics of building envelope (walls, floors, roof, doors, fenestrations), ventilation, heating and cooling, water, lighting, electricity, building management systems/ICT solutions and more. Don’t miss out and be part of the world changing greentech community! Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more information!
See also Facebook event HERE.
Looking forward to meeting you at GreenEST Summit 2018!
Tallinn Science Park Tehnopol greentech team
Tallinn Science Park Tehnopol is the largest science park in the Baltics combining local and international competence in energy and environmental technologies, providing support for business and technology development, finding partners and entering foreign markets. In addition, Tehnopol together with PAKRI Science and Industrial Park offers a physical environment as a testbed for different greentech and smart city solutions.
Project "Effective Financing Tools for implementing Energy Efficiency in Buildings" (EFFECT4buildings) is implemented with the support from the EU funding Programme Interreg Baltic Sea Region (European Regional Development Fund) and Norwegian national funding. The aim of the project is to improve the capacity of public building managers in the Baltic Sea Region by providing them a comprehensive decision-making support toolbox with a set of financial instruments to unlock the investments and lower the risks of implementing energy efficiency measures in buildings owned by public stakeholders.
Belarus Must Ensure Nuclear Safety not on Paper, but by Implementing all of the Recommendations in Practice
On the 4th of July the European Commission (EC) published the Astravets Nuclear Power Plant (hereinafter – Astravets NPP) stress test report. According to Lithuanian Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas, Belarus must rectify all deviations from international and universally recognised nuclear safety requirements according to the recommendations of the expert group. This would make it possible to at least speak about partial Astravets NPP security, since the stress tests carried out by Belarus are just one of the elements in ensuring nuclear safety.
“This report is just the first step. The key principle, that Lithuania adheres to consistently, is that Belarus must implement the expert recommendations before being issued a license for the Astravets NPP. It should not be left as recommendations on paper, which are convenient to use for propagandistic interpretations. It is in the interest of both Lithuania and the EU, as well as the very people of Belarus, to strive to ensure that the shortcomings that have been established – which are essential in terms of safety – be remedied. We cannot imagine that the Astravets NPP could get a license to operate without implementing these recommendations and answering other important questions about safety,” says the Minister of Energy.
According to the Lithuanian Minister of Energy, it is crucial, that the EC also takes the position that the expert conclusions must be properly implemented. In the statement that was distributed, the EC calls on the Belarusian authorities to develop a National Action Plan that provides for timely implementation of all of the recommendations specified in the report. The EC also expressed that it is ready to stay involved in this process and participate in monitoring, whether Belarus is adequately implementing the measures to increase the safety of the Astravets NPP. The report notes that the EC regards nuclear safety as a central topic in further EU relations with Belarus.
According to the EC, the Action Plan should be subject to a future independent review. This was done by all EU and non-EU countries that voluntarily participated in the stress test process after the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan.
It should be noted that the stress tests carried out by Belarus are just one of the elements of ensuring nuclear safety. During stress tests, the resistance of the nuclear power plant to risks caused by external factors (for example, extreme natural events, human-induced events) is assessed. However, the stress tests do not evaluate a key factor: suitability of the site chosen for construction of the Astravets NPP. They also do not include cross-border environmental impact assessment, aircraft crash impact assessment, work and safety culture, and other issues.
Lithuania Ministry of Energy information
EBRD launches energy efficiency programme in former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
EBRD launches energy efficiency programme in former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Today, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) launched a Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF) in former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia that will provide loans to households for energy efficiency improvements in the residential sector. The facility was established with the support of the Energy Community Secretariat.
Taking part in the launch event in Skopje, Ms Violeta Kogalniceanu, Head of Energy Efficiency Unit at the Secretariat said: “Energy efficiency is about economic development and Macedonia should support local enterprises to produce efficient equipment and building insulation materials.”
Partnering up with local banks, the investments will help households to become more energy efficient, decrease their greenhouse gas emissions and improve their living standards. The GEFF programme for former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is part of the €85 million framework for the Western Balkans.
Macedonian residents will be able to take out loans from these partner financial institutions for green technology solutions, such as new double-glazed windows, high-efficiency boilers or thermal insulation for their homes. Vendors and producers of energy efficient solutions for the residential sector can also access financing under the GEFF programme. In addition, the programme will provide technical assistance, including energy audits for the renovation of apartment buildings.
GEFF in former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is implemented under the Regional Energy Efficiency Programme for the Western Balkans (REEP Plus), funded by the EU and implemented in partnership with the Energy Community Secretariat. The programme also supports the development of the country’s Energy Efficiency Law in compliance with the Energy Community acquis on energy efficiency and performance in buildings.
A global example: the successful system of operating reverse vending machines in Lithuania
The enormous progress of plastic packaging "drowns" the world. It is an ecological catastrophe, and the vast majority of the Earth's population contributes to it. Lithuania is among those countries which show real efforts to reduce the scale of this problem.
In all municipalities of Lithuania the system of waste sorting has been operating for many years now, which enables residents to deliver different types of waste to the designated collection points: batteries, small electronic equipment, glass, metal and plastic packages are collected in supermarkets; glass, plastic, paper waste is left outside in special containers placed at high frequency; large items like furniture, equipment and construction waste are left in the areas arranged by municipalities.
Since the inhabitants of Lithuania are not legally construed or additionally motivated to waste sorting, the success of waste reduction and sorting depends to a large extent on the awareness of the population. One of the most successful examples to solve the problem of waste sorting that we can share with other countries is the emergence of reverse vending machines (RVM) or a deposit system. Under this system, metal, glass and plastic beverage packages marked with a label of the deposit system are collected if at the time of return they are empty, retaining the original form, and with intact labels and a clearly visible barcode. When we buy products marked in this order, we pay a deposit of 10 euro cents. And when returning it to RVM in special “kiosks” near or at supermarkets, or simply bringing it to cashiers in small rural stores, we receive a receipt, the amount of which can be cleared at the shop cash register. The success of this project is illustrated by the numbers: in 2016, i.e. the first year of RVM establishment, 75% of the deposit-marked packages put on the market were collected; 92% of packages were collected in 2017; and in 2018 it is expected to collect 93%. For now no state were able to reach such percentage of collected packages.
And while this is only 6 percent of all packaged products in circulation, the successful implementation of this system makes it possible to predict, that by expanding the range of packaging that can be added to the RVM, and in the near future there is a prospect to manage the situation and to significantly contribute to the reduction of pollution. At present, a draft of a law is presented for discussion at the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, proposing to extend the deposit system: to include bottles of strong alcoholic drinks and Tetra Pak packages.
A non-profit public institution “Užstato Sistemos Administratorius” is responsible for managing and servicing the RVM system and annually collects about half a billion packages that are sorted, counted and handed over for recycling. When assessing the types of packages involved in the deposit system, most of them are made of plastic (60%) and aluminium (34%), the remaining 6 percent fall on glass and steel packaging. At the moment there are 19 hired employees in this company, which serves all the Lithuanian reverse vending machines (over 2,700 units), with an annual turnover of EUR 20-30 million. Information about the system can be found at http://grazintiverta.lt in both LT and EN languages.
Climate Journalism opportunity for Visegrad countries
The Climate Tracker organization is looking for passionate journalists and communicators in V4 countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, or Poland). The movement just launched and call for articles on climate change in order to raise awareness on climate change. The 10 best writers will win a fully-funded fellowship a journalism workshop in Poland organized by Climate Tracker, and the even have the chance to win a fellowship to join the Climate Tracker team at the UN climate summit in Katowice, Poland, this December.
More information here.
South East Europe could make or break the Paris Agreement
Southeast Europe is known for its gas dependency on Russia and on lignite power, but its enormous potential for renewables could help Europe meet its climate targets and strengthen regional economies. Julian Popov takes a look.
South East Europe (SEE) might have different geographic definitions but when it comes to energy, it makes sense to take the wider one. This is the approach of the Central and South-Eastern European Connectivity (CESEC) group. It covers 17 countries, includes Italy, Austria, Hungary, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece and everything in between.
The CESEC energy ministers group was set up in Sofia in February 2015, shortly after Vladimir Putin announced the end of the gas pipeline South Stream. Initially, the idea was for the group to find a solution to the perceived gas infrastructure crisis.
However, it quickly realized that regional energy infrastructure and market integration, combined with clean local energy sources and improved energy efficiency, is a better economic and security solution than building large gas import pipelines. Today CESEC works also on electricity, energy efficiency and renewables and increasingly focuses on the market integration that will enable better deployment of a wide diversity of energy sources.
The CESEC process has also highlighted some unexpected energy dimensions of the region. It is well known that South East Europe is packed with dirty old lignite plants, gas pipelines that are dependent on Russian supplies and stubborn political defenders of the old energy industry. What was not that well known was that the SEE has vast, diverse and cost-competitive renewable energy potential.
That combination makes the SEE a key maker or breaker of Europe’s Paris Agreement goals. If lignite stubbornness prevails, we can forget about Europe leading the global climate drive. But if cost-competitive renewables are properly deployed, then Europe could aim very high.
According to an IRENA study that covers only part of the CESEC countries, the region currently holds 127GW of cost-competitive renewable energy potential. This is 15 times higher than its 2020 renewables target. By 2030, a much more relevant date for calculating the cost of energy infrastructure, only wind and solar cost-competitive potential could grow to 650GW. In other words, South East Europe could start immediately developing and adding huge renewables capacity to the European energy mix.
The IRENA assessment is supported by other research papers and plenty of anecdotal evidence, as well as by the actual developments in the region. Bulgaria and Romania have already reached their 2020 renewables targets. Both countries and Greece went through periods of intensive expansion. Most SEE countries have also significant hydro, including hydro storage, which helps balance out the variability of renewables.
The IRENA assessment might be even conservative. It does not include the vast energy-saving and offshore wind potential, and it doesn’t cover all the CESEC countries. Considering all of this, the SEE could see the most dramatic transformation in Europe from high to low (or even negative) carbon intensity.
The low or negative carbon intensity path also offers many economic benefits for the countries in the region. An ambitious decarbonization path could bolster economic growth, strengthen energy security, contribute to cleaner air and bring higher quality better-paid jobs, attractive for young people many of whom are now moving to the west.
The obvious question then is: why is this potential not used?
Well, part of it is. But what has been done is only a first step. There are at least three reasons why the CESEC region hasn’t pushed renewables further. First, the dramatic drop in the cost of renewables came after the economic crisis that reduced the appetite of investors to invest in countries with higher political risks. Second, many CESEC countries are policy followers, not first movers. Third, in energy terms, the region is politically ignored and misinterpreted. It has been defined primarily as a gas corridor, a view that is strategically very limiting.
There are also many small administrative, legal, tax and other piecemeal barriers, which taken all together make development and investing in clean energy like running in the sand.
All this could change, but that change must be seen as a common European task. If Europe wants to both reach its Paris climate targets, and at the same time strengthen its industrial competitiveness in a world that is rapidly shifting towards low carbon innovation, research and development, it should focus on South East Europe as one of its most promising clean energy pillars.
Julian Popov is a Fellow of the European Climate Foundation, Chairman of the Building Performance Institute Europe and former Minister of Environment of Bulgaria.
ECA assists Macedonia to draft new Energy Efficiency Law
ECA assists FYR Macedonia to draft new Energy Efficiency Law
In the context of the ongoing ‘REEP Plus’ programme the EBRD has appointed ECA, with its partner Karanovic and Nicolic, to assist the Ministry of Economy of The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in drafting a new Energy Efficiency Law, which would properly incorporate all aspects of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD). To that effect, ECA will also develop the necessary analyses, in terms of financial, administrative, procedural, legal and institutional implications, to draft and implement Article 7 of the EED, and other policy related provisions of the Directives.
17 students successfully complete the 14th Regional summer school on low emission development planning in Fojnica
The 14th Regional Summer School on Low Emission Development Planning, held in Fojnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina ended on July 6 with an award ceremony. The program was successfully completed by 17 participants of various educational and professional backgrounds, coming from South-East European countries and beyond. All participants were fully funded by the organizers.
Participants included students of master studies in technical and natural sciences, and young experts active in the field of low carbon development.
GIZ Open Regional Fund for SEE-Energy Efficiency (ORF-EE) in cooperation with GIZ energy efficiency and renewable energy sources projects, active in Bosnia and Herzegovina, supported the Regional Education and Information Centre for Sustainable Development in SEE (REIC) in organizing the summer school, which has become a sector summer program staple, attracting students from the region and the world.
The summer school is primarily dedicated to the exchange of successful practices and solutions, as well as innovative ideas in the field of sustainable energy.
„Its goal, which is also in line with ORF-EE’s objective, is to provide participants with an exchange platform and examples of best sector practices on which they can build on, deepening their knowledge and inspiring innovative action,“ Dubravka Bošnjak, ORF-EE Project Manager stated.
A special focus of the school is on the multidisciplinary approach that provides innovative methods for overcoming barriers especially referring to the use of renewable energy in SEE.
Ina Kurteshi, from Albania, who successfully completed the summer program reflected on her experience in Fojnica.
She explained, “the Summer School exceeded my expectations. It was an immensely valuable experience for me. The program provided very concrete and easy-to-follow tools for evaluating energy sector concepts and working towards viable and effective sector solutions, also applicable in the region.”
„The Summer School was an amazing multinational experience with immense impact on my personal life and professional career. I would recommend this summer program to other young people around the world,“ Minja Marijanski another program graduate from Serbia, stated.
The motto of the school was “think globally, act locally”. The program set-up enabled participants to understand key global concepts associated with low-emission development, also in the context of putting these to use in the local setting.
The school encompassed key elements of development in four different sectors, i.e. energy production, sustainable urban mobility, use of energy in housing and use of energy in public buildings, taking into account environmental and social aspects of renewable energy use.
Lecturers were leading experts in the area of renewable energy and climate change from universities, international organizations and national authorities, including the non-governmental sector.
Last year the 13th Regional Summer School hosted 24 students and young professionals from nine South-East European and EU countries.
CEE Energy Update
For most of the analysed regions the households present the largest energy consuming sector with 30-50 % of the regions final energy consumption. The transport sector makes a close second place with 15-40 %.
The energy consumption of the service and industry sector highly depends on the characteristics of the region. E.g. energy consumption of the industry sector ranges from more than 40 % in Hungarian regions Borsad-Abaúj-Zemplén & Heves to only a view percentage point in the Macedonia Northeast Planning Region, see next page. In direct comparison with EU-28 and CEE average, the industry and service sectors are the sectors with largest variation in the surveyed regions. It was observed (see following page) that when these two sectors are rather insignificant for the region, final energy consumption of the residential sector carries more weight, as can be observed for Ignalina Nuclear PP region (LT) and Northeast Planning Region (MK).
The full report on Energy Efficiency Situation of Central and Eastern European Regions can be downloaded here: https://ceesen.org/?dlm_download=energy-efficiency-situation-of-central-and-eastern-european-regions
Last week: Public consultation by the European Commission on EU's long term climate strategy
Last week the European Commission has launched the written public consultation on the EU’s long term climate strategy.
It is in the form of a questionnaire, mainly with multiple choices and it covers the full range of emissions-related sectors and activities, including lifestyle choices. There are for example a large number of questions targeted at individual citizens, for example on willingness to eat less red meat or use different appliances.
The closing date for responses is 9 October.
As unformal advice to all CEESEN members are good to know that each submitted response the more likely it is to be considered in detail.
Given the multiple choice nature of much of the questionnaire, this consultation seems to be less about gathering detailed technical input and more about testing the popularity of various different approaches to cutting emissions.
EC published updated draft of H2020 for the period of 2018 - 2020
European Commission just published updated working draft of new Horizon 2020 programme for the period of 2018 – 2020.
Get involved here.
Macedonia is promoting renewables and energy efficiency by subsidies
The Government of Macedonia (FYRM) has allocated over EUR 800.000 (MKD 50 million) for the promotion of renewable energy sources and improvement of energy efficiency in households for 2018.
The subsidy program, recently published on the Ministry of Economy website determines the method, conditions, criteria and procedure for allocating these funds from the budget.
EUR 97,500 (MDK 6 million) is intended to cover part of the cost for the purchased and installed solar thermal collector system up to 30 percent, but not more than EUR 300 per household. In order to be eligible, the household has to purchase the system after the public call.
For the old windows replacement and the purchase and installation of PVC and aluminum joinery, a total of EUR 490,000 (MDK 30 million) is allocated. Each household will be compensated up to 50 percent of the total cost, but not more than EUR 500.
Households which choose to switch to pellet as their heating source and buy the appropriate furnace will be reimbursed up to 50 percent of the cost, but not more than EUR 500 per household. For these purposes, the government has allocated EUR 228,000 (MDK 14 million).
The deadline for applying for subsidies is August 31, 2018.
Fund distribution and payment is the responsibility of the Ministry of Economy.
Individual compensations will be approved on the first-come, first-served basis. Incomplete and inappropriate documentation are not going to be taken into account. The final decision will be made by a respective three-member Commission.
Macedonia's gross electricity output falls 8.1% y/y in April
SKOPJE (Macedonia), June 25 (SeeNews) – Macedonia's gross electricity production decreased by 8.1% year-on-year to 360,269 MWh in April, the national statistical office, Makstat, said on Monday.
Net electricity output decreased by 5.8% year-on-year to 343,382 MWh in April, Makstat said in a statement.
Hydro power plants contributed the largest portion of gross domestic electricity production, generating 210,485 MWh, up 109.4% compared to April 2017.
Thermal power plants followed with 132,425 MWh in the fourth month of the year, 52% less than in the same month of 2017.
Electricity generated by wind parks decreased by 40.2% year-on-year to 6,556 MWh, while biogas plants’ output rose 17.5% to 4,798 MWh. Solar parks produced 2,488 MWh of electricity, up 3.7% on the year.
Macedonia’s electricity imports decreased by an annual 13.1% to 181,745 MWh in April. The country exported no electricity in April.
Distribution losses decreased 6.4% on the year to 55,835 MWh in April.
CEE Energy Update
Looking at energy intensity of the regional economy using the indicator kWh per 1,000 EUR GDP.
The EU-28 average considering only final energy consumption lies below all of the presented Central and Eastern European regions (880 kWh/ 1,000 EUR), which is in line with the finding that Eastern European countries are generally above the EU average due to a lack of investments in the past. Although energy intensity is recently decreasing at a higher rate than in member states of western Europe.
The full report on Energy Efficiency Situation of Central and Eastern European Regions can be downloaded here: https://ceesen.org/?dlm_download=energy-efficiency-situation-of-central-and-eastern-european-regions
W. Balkans: Good grades in renewable energy, bad in investments
Energy topped the London meeting between the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Prime ministers of the Western Balkan states.
Boyko Borissov, Ana Brnabić, Ramush Haradinaj, Duško Marković, Edi Rama, Zoran Zaev and Denis Zvizdić, all of whom attended the meeting at the EBRD HQs, focused on how to attract investments through adopting reforms that will allow the formation of a healthy business environment in the wider region of the Western Balkans.
The countries of the Western Balkans, are called, according to an EBRD document to tackle the consequences of climate change in an already burdened environment.
However, significant efforts are being made to place emphasis on Renewable Energy Sources and to harmonize the national legislation of the Western Balkan countries with EU requirements in the energy sector.
But the deficiencies and delays in all the countries of the Western Balkans are severe, resulting in a considerable lag in the implementation of the Third Energy Package.
Highly dependent on lignite (coal)
Lignite dependence is almost absolute, since coal is the main fuel for electricity generation, reflecting obsolete infrastructure.
As a result, there are significant losses due to the situation in which the electricity distribution networks are part of.
The picture of hydroelectric power generation is better, although the rates vary from one country to another (Albania 24%, Kosovo 1%).
Things look better as far as RES are concerned
The Renewable Energy Industry has steadily marked a positive course in the Western Balkan countries Indeed, the contribution of RES to electricity generation is on average higher than that of EU countries.
However, there are no predictions that a country will be able to achieve the European "20/20/20" triple energy target (20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, 20% increase in RES and 20% more energy efficiency by 2020).
In any case, hydroelectric units are holding the reins, as the share of wind, photovoltaics and geothermal energy could be described even as negligible.
Timber covers a large part of the heating and domestic consumption needs, which has a serious impact on the environment and on health.
The region is highly dependent on Russian gas and its transit through Ukraine
In this sense the Trans-Adriatic gas Pipeline (TAP), as well as the planned Ionian-Adriatic gas Pipeline, are of the highest importance for the diversification of the region’s energy supply routes and sources.
TAP is designed to bring in around 10 bcma of natural gas from Azerbaijan via the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas (TANAP) pipeline, Greece and Albania, and across the Adriatic Sea to Italy.
The TANAP/TAP pipeline could also be upgraded to almost double capacity with compressor stations.
In addition, the construction of the proposed 5 bcm Ionian Adriatic Pipeline (IAP) from Albania, through Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to Croatia (the IAP would be linked with the Krk LNG terminal) would bring natural gas to some areas of the region which are currently not gasified, such as Albania, Montenegro and parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
All countries, aside from Albania, have a negative oil balance higher than 5 per cent of GDP.../IBNA
Sofia is interested in pilot construction of solar district heating
A seminar on "Solar thermal systems - technology for sustainable energy development" was held yesterday (July 4th) in Sofia, Bulgaria. It was organized by the Institute for Zero Energy Buildings (IZEB) and the team of the "Green Sofia" project from Sofia Municipality.
The event was attended by
The beginning of the seminar was given by Ms. Teodora Polimerova, Director of "Climate, Energy and Air" Directorate of Sofia Municipality. Dr. Heiko Huther from AGFW (Germany's Heat Supply Association, representing over 500 heat generators, suppliers and operators in Germany) and Jakob Binder from AEE INTEC (Austrian Expert Organization for Renewable Energy and sustainable development managing projects for solar district heating) shared the German and Austrian experience in the field of solar heating. The experts presented in detail the economic, social and environmental aspects of technology as part of the SDH2PM international project under Horizon 2020,
Arch. Dimitar Paskalev from IZEB presented a study for the application of solar heating in Kaisieva Gradina, Varna, as well as their work with the Varna district heating company.
*Past and future development of the energy efficiency
IZEB is also a participant in the Horizon 2020 project, which task is to promote and transfer technology in the so-called "Solar heating". The technology provides central heat supply through solar thermal energy. The topic is not popular in Bulgaria, but it is gaining popularity and the commercial realizations in Western Europe are becoming more and more common. Solar power plants have a strategic potential for the energy transition to zero carbon footprint and entirely renewable energy.
At present, the Institute for Zero Energy Buildings (IZEB) examines the foreign experience in the field and prepares the implementation of this technology in Bulgaria.
The seminar focused on key experts and specialists in the field of thermal energy, ecology and urbanism and sought opportunities for implementing solar technologies for sustainable energy development.
The event ended with a working discussion, the biggest conclusion of which was that the current financial instruments should be used to develop a pilot project for solar heating in Sofia. Sofia Municipality showed strong interest and believes that this technology can play an active role in solving the problems of air pollution from which the biggest city in Bulgaria suffers every winter.
PANEL2050 and CEESEN promoted in the conference Financing Energy Efficiency in Central and South-Eastern Europe on June 28 in Sofia, Bulgaria.
We had the pleasure to introduce the PANEL2050 project and the Central and Eastern Europe Sustainable Energy Network during the conference “Financing Energy Efficiency in Central and South-Eastern Europe.” The event was held in Sofia, Bulgaria and hosted by the European Commission in partnership with the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy and the UN Environment Finance Initiative.
The conference focused on the way of financing the transition to a low-carbon economy in the Central and Eastern Europe region. Bringing together around 100 participants from governments, international organizations, NGOs, universities, local and regional administrations and businesses from throughout Europe, the event enabled interesting discussions and the sharing of ideas and experiences.
By bringing together such people, the event aimed to share best practices from the CEE region as well as other countries on how energy efficiency investments can be financed. This includes the use of private funds and innovative financing instruments, notably in the building and industry sectors. The speakers focused on practical experiences in developing and structuring investment programmes and involving the relevant actors in the process to strive for maximum efficiency and success of the activities.
Andreas Karner (CPU, Austria) and Hector C. Pagan (University of Tartu, Estonia) explained the innovative approach that has been developed in the PANEL2050 project to build the capacity of local energy advocates to engage stakeholders and carry out inclusive and effective roadmapping to improve communities. The need for efficient dialogue between different stakeholders and the importance of well-thought-out involvement practices was also stressed in other sessions.
One idea that resonated in the conference is that some groups working in the CEE region do not fully utilize the diverse funding mechanisms that are available for sustainable energy initiatives. Those working in the field must learn to adapt them to the local situation to maximize the potential benefits.
It is also worth to mention that to realize the full potential of energy efficiency, public funds are not enough and private financing will have to be unlocked at the regional and local levels. In that context, energy policy should create more favorable investment conditions, encourage demand for energy efficiency and help consumers to undertake energy efficiency investments more easily.
Nevertheless, it is clear that transnational projects like PANEL2050, with partners from 10 CEE countries, play a key role in improving the situation in the wider region. PANEL has also helped to shape local policies, coming up with the best possible solutions. As PANEL has shown, it is also crucial to engage different stakeholders from businesses, researchers and the government, so they can work together and spur the transition to a low-carbon society.
Panel 2050 Regional Training in Poland: Possibilities of financing activities connected with improving air quality in Mazovia. Preparation of projects and projects management. - Wodynie
On the 15 September 2017 first Polish training was organized by the Mazovian Energy Agency. It was focused on the possibilities of financing activities related to the improvement of air quality in the Mazowsze region "Transition to low-emission energy - it is possible together".
The Mazovian Energy Agency as part of the PANEL2050 project, organizes for all entities interested in implementing the low-emission economy in Mazovia. The training took place in the Siedlce sub-region selected as a pilot area for the implementation of the PANEL2050 project. IEA specialists will prepare local stakeholders (representatives of local authorities, entrepreneurs, volunteers and social workers from non-governmental organizations, farmers, etc.) to implement a low-carbon economy, then to jointly design the path to energy transformation in Siedlce sub-region. The aim of the training is substantive help in the implementation of European policy for local level. The local community should understand that energy transformation is not just a slogan. Municipalities, with the participation of the local community, are supposed to develop specific action plans to move to a low-carbon economy.
Program of a training:
- Save the energy - protect the climate - Agnieszka Kobylińska - 90 min.
- Possibilities of financing activities connected with improving air quality in Mazovia - Marek Pszonka - 90 min.
- Energy planning in the commune including dispersed energy sources - Arkadiusz Piotrowski - 40 min.
- Low-carbon economy due to energy management in the commune - Arkadiusz Piotrowski - 50 min.
- Strategic energy partnerships - energy cooperatives - Arkadiusz Piotrowski - 30 min.
For more informations , trainings report and study materials please look into the right side of document manue
EU regulation speeds up building renovation towards net zero emissions
The Central and Eastern Sustainable Energy Network (CEESEN) welcomes the revision of Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), entering into force on July 20th 2018. EU countries will have to transpose the new elements into their national legislation within a 20-month period.
“The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive revised on 19th of June, aims to create a clear path towards a low and zero-emission building stock in the European Union by 2050 underpinned by national roadmaps to decarbonise buildings. It also encourages the use of information and communication technology (ICT) and smart technologies to support the introduction of automation and control systems in buildings. It will support the rollout of e-mobility infrastructure in all buildings. A new "smart readiness indicator" will be introduced and measure the buildings' capacity to interact with power grids ad use new electronic systems to adapt to the needs of the consumers. The revised EPBD also aims to integrate and strengthen long term building renovation strategies and combat energy poverty by renovating older buildings. More importantly financial mechanisms, incentives and the mobilisation of financial institutions for energy efficiency renovations in buildings should have a central role in national long-term renovation strategies and be actively promoted by Member States”– said Csaba Vaszko, Steering Committee Member of Central and Eastern European Sustainable Energy Network (CEESEN).
Such measures should include encouraging energy efficient mortgages for certified energy efficient building renovations, promoting investments for public authorities in an energy efficient building stock, for example by public-private partnerships or optional energy performance contracts. They should also reduce the perceived risk of the investments, provide accessible and transparent advisory tools and assistance instruments such as one-stop-shops providing integrated energy renovation services, as well as implement other measures and initiatives such as those referred to in the Commission’s Smart Finance for Smart Buildings Initiative.
“The EU building sector is Europe's largest final energy consumer (40%), while 75% of the buildings are labelled as energy inefficient. Approximately between 0.4% and 1.2% of the stock is renovated every year depending on the Member State, but we need to renovate 3% annually to achieve the ambitious Paris Agreement and this is unrealistic right now” - said Marek Muiste from Tartu Regional Energy Agency in Estonia, coordinator of CEESEN.
“Central and Eastern Europe has a strong potential for high-performance refurbishment as the lack of capacity and insufficient regulative framework has been hindering large scale uptake of the renovation initiatives so far. Implementation of the EPBT creates an opportunity for system scale renovations improving the quality of buildings and the living environment, improving the life quality and reducing the acute energy poverty in these communities.
The revised EPBD is a key opportunity to generate different economic, social and environmental benefits and more specifically to help boost the Eastern European economies in the right way” - added Marek Muiste.
Panel 2050 Regional Training in Poland: Possibilities of financing activities connected with improving air quality in Mazovia. Preperation of projects and projects management - Skórzec
The next polish training in a series “Towards a low-carbon economy...” took place on 15 September as well, but was dedicated to the possibilities of financing activities related to the improvement of air quality in Mazovia. It was focused on Energy planning in the commune including dispersed energy sources and Energy management in the commune by way of a low-emission economy.
Program of a training:
1.Save the energy - protect the climate - Agnieszka Kobylińska - 90 min.
2.Possibilities of financing activities connected with improving air quality in Mazovia - Marek Pszonka - 90 min.
3.Communnal energy strategy and hierarchized planning in the commune - Arkadiusz Piotrowski - 40 min.
4. Energy planning in the commune including dispersed energy sources - Arkadiusz Piotrowski - 40 min.
5.Replacement of heat sources in residential buildings - Preperation of projects and projects management - Arkadiusz Piotrowski - 40 min.
For more informations , trainings report and study materials please look into the right side of document manue
Panel 2050 Regional Training in Poland: Possibilities of financing activities connected with improving air quality in Mazovia. Preperation of projects and projects management.
Next Polish training also took place in September 2017, this time in Kotuń. It was dedicated to the same topic of the possibilities of financing activities related to improving air quality in the Mazowsze region, however with the focus on project preparation and project management. The discussion touched upon energy planning in the commune including dispersed energy sources, energy management in the commune by way of a low-emission economy and replacement of heat sources in residential buildings (preparation of projects and project management).
Program of a training:
1.Save the energy - protect the climate - Agnieszka Kobylińska - 90 min.
2.Possibilities of financing activities connected with improving air quality in Mazovia - Marek Pszonka - 90 min.
3.Commubnal energy strategy and hierarchized planning in the commune - Arkadiusz Piotrowski - 40 min.
4. Energy planning in the commune including dispersed energy sources - Arkadiusz Piotrowski - 40 min.
5.Replacement of heat sources in residential buildings - Preperation of projects and projects management - Arkadiusz Piotrowski - 40 min.
For more informations , trainings report and study materials please look into the right side of document manue
Panel 2050 Regional Training in Poland: Possibilities of financing activities connected with improving air quality in Mazovia. Preperation of projects and projects management - Siedlce
Next Polish training also took place on 22 September 2017, this time in Siedlce. It was also dedicated to the same topic of the possibilities of financing activities related to improving air quality in the Mazowsze region with the focus on project preparation and project management. The discussion touched upon energy planning in the commune including dispersed energy sources, energy management in the commune by way of a low-emission economy and replacement of heat sources in residential buildings (preparation of projects and project management).
Program of a training
1.Save the energy - protect the climate - Agnieszka Kobylińska - 90 min.
2.Possibilities of financing activities connected with improving air quality in Mazovia - Marek Pszonka - 90 min.
3.Commubnal energy strategy and hierarchized planning in the commune - Arkadiusz Piotrowski - 40 min.
4. Energy planning in the commune including dispersed energy sources - Arkadiusz Piotrowski - 40 min.
5.Replacement of heat sources in residential buildings - Preperation of projects and projects management - Arkadiusz Piotrowski - 40 min.
For more informations , trainings report and study materials please look into the right side of document manue
Panel 2050 Regional Training in Poland: Possibilities of financing activities connected with improving air quality in Mazovia. Preparation of projects and project management-Korczew
Last Polish 2017 training also took place in September, this time in Korczew. It was also dedicated to the same topic of the possibilities of financing activities related to improving air quality in the Mazowsze region with the focus on project preparation and project management. The discussion touched upon energy planning in the commune including dispersed energy sources, energy management in the commune by way of a low-emission economy and replacement of heat sources in residential buildings (preparation of projects and project management).
Program of a training
- Save the energy - protect the climate - Agnieszka Kobylińska - 90 min.
- Possibilities of financing activities connected with improving air quality in Mazovia - Marek Pszonka - 90 min.
- Communal energy strategy and hierarchized planning in the commune - Arkadiusz Piotrowski - 90 min.
- Low-carbon economy by dint of energy management in the commune - Arkadiusz Piotrowski - 40 min.
- Replacement of heat sources in residential buildings - Preparation of projects and projects management - Arkadiusz Piotrowski - 70 min.
- Strategic energy partnerships PPP and energy cooperatives - Arkadiusz Piotrowski - 60 min.
For more informations , trainings report and study materials please look into the right side of document manue
Panel 2050 Regional Training in Macedonia: Development of Regional Energy Map 2050 for NEPR and Action Plan
BDS organized the sixth training on the topic “Development of Regional Energy Map 2050 for NEPR and Action Plan” on 14th of June, 2018 in Hotel “Gracija”, Kumanovo). The number of Participants was 33 (Representatives of the NEPR municipalities responsible for issues related to development and energy efficiency; Employees from the Center for development of the NEPR; Representatives of the business sector and NGO).
Trainer:
Andreas Karner, CONPLUSULTRA, Austria
The introduction on Theory Development of Regional Energy Roadmapping was introduced to the participants, followed by exercises on Development of Regional Energy Roadmapping for NEPR (NorthEast Planning Region).
The session of How to develop an Action plan for energy transition followed and the trainees had active participation on practical exercises and discussions on Development of the Action plans.
We, as a consortium of the PANEL 2050 project and founders of CEESEN/Sustainable Energy Network in Central and Eastern Europe, believe that the key to sustainable living is in the hands of members of our local communities.
Our motto is: Become part of the low carbon community in Central and Eastern Europe!
For more informations , trainings report and study materials please look into the right side of document manue
Panel 2050 Regional Training in Macedonia: Process of development of Regional Energy Map 2050 and Policy Analysis
BDS organized the fifth training on the topic “Process of development of Regional Energy Map 2050 and Policy Analysis” on 13th of June, 2018 in the Meeting Room of the Council, Kumanovo (Center of NorthEast Planning region). The number of Participants was 31 (Ministry of Local Self-Government, Mayors and members of municipal councils from 6 municipalities in the NEPR, Representatives of the municipalities from the NEPR responsible for issues related to development and energy efficiency; Employees from the Center for development of the NEPR; Representatives of the business sector and NGO).
Trainers:
Andreas Karner, CONPLUSULTRA, Austria
Hector C Pagan, University of Tartu, Estonia,
Victoria Biliaieva, University of Tartu, Estonia
The introduction on Development of Regional Energy Map 2050 (ЕУ Energy Roadmapping 2050) were introduced to the participants of the training, as well as the Energy vision 2050 of the NorthEast Planning Region - Review of the Proposal Vision, then Panel Discussion took place.
The session of Policy Analysis followed and the trainees had active participation on practical exercises and discussions.
Deputy Minister of Local Self-Government Dejan Pavleski participated in the panel - Energy Vision for the Northeast planning region, within the framework of the project "Partnership for new energy leadership 2050".
In the presence of the Mayors from the Northeast planning region, the new Energy Map of the Northeast region was discussed in accordance with the European Union standards for energy transition, in the gradual replacement of fossils with renewable energy sources.
We, as a consortium of the PANEL 2050 project and founders of CEESEN / Sustainable Energy Network in Central and Eastern Europe, believe that the key to sustainable living is in the hands of members of our local communities.
Our motto is: Become part of the low carbon community in Central and Eastern Europe!
For interviews go to the links:
Interview with Andreas Karner, CONPLUSULTRA, Austria
Interview with Deputy Minister Dejan Pavleski
Interview with Mladen Protik - Head of the Center for development of the NEPR
For more informations , trainings report and study materials please look into the right side of document manue
Panel 2050 Regional Training in Macedonia: EU Fundraising and Project Writing
BDS organized the fourth training on the topic “EU Fundraising and Project Writing” on 12th of June, 2018 in Hotel “Gracija” of the Municipality of Kumanovo (Center of NorthEast Planning region). The number of Participants was 33 (Representatives of the NEPR (NorthEast Planning Region) municipalities responsible for issues related to development and energy efficiency; Employees from the Center for development of the NEPR, Representatives of the business sector and NGO).
Trainers:
Hector C Pagan, University of Tartu, Estonia,
Victoria Biliaieva, University of Tartu, Estonia
The introduction on Project writing and EU Fundraising – “Narrative” and Logical frames were introduced to the participants of the training, as well as the ways of identifying the funding opportunities/HORIZON 2020 projects.
Proposals for writing EU projects/Projects for EU were presented during the training, followed by defining the problem, required financiers, their impact, Project Results (Output Results, Overtime Results, Results Delivered)
We, as a consortium of the PANEL 2050 project and founders of CEESEN/Sustainable Energy Network in Central and Eastern Europe, believe that the key to sustainable living is in the hands of members of our local communities.
Our motto is: Become part of the low carbon community in Central and Eastern Europe!
For more informations , trainings report and study materials please look into the right side of document manue
New Energy for the city of Pernik in Bulgaria
Active people from Pernik and the country discussed their vision for the positive development of the city.
On Saturday, June 16, the first open meeting of a group of active citizens from Pernik, took place in the city under the title "New energy for Pernik". It gathered representatives of the non-government sector in the country, active citizens and business representatives, who discussed the problems of the city and its future development.
The event is organized by a group of residents of Pernik who want to change the city for the better and is backed by Greenpeace - Bulgaria.
Driven by a desire for more engagement, building lasting relationships between the active people from the region and creating motivation among the residents and guests of the region Pernik participants in the meeting discussed and exchanged ideas in dynamic and innovative sessions.
The main focus was the building of a new positive vision for the city - to imagine it as we want it to be. The participants in the event wished for a greener and cleaner city with more opportunities and better infrastructure. Among the concrete promises they gave were the provision of free meeting spaces, organizing cultural events, free counseling for business ideas, volunteering.
The results of the discussions were included in the creation of the “Tree of Intentions” and in its crown were set the positive wishes for the city of Pernik: "a clean, green and smiling city with many young people and events", "a wonderful and desirable place to live" “cleaner and better infrastructure”, “a living room, not a bedroom of Sofia”, “development of education, culture and tourism”, “more economic opportunities for development”.
Into the roots of the tree, the participants of the meeting wrote down the concrete actions they would take to make their dreams of Pernik a reality: "to get the authorities to wake up", "we can offer a meeting space", "alternative education for children and young people", "To be a volunteer in the planting of a hedge", "to send signals to the inspectorate and the municipality about irregularities", "a concert for the development of Pernik "and more.
In the second half of the meeting, financial consultant Stoyne Vassilev, activist Galina Gerginova and yoga and dance instructor Kristiana Bakalova told their personal stories and shared their advice and experience with the guests. The themes were entrepreneurship and business, pollution and air, energy through yoga.
Representatives from WWF Bulgaria also participated in the event, giving their support to the initiative to create a new vision for the city as a step towards the development of the whole region. The environmental organization works to build a low carbon sustainable economy and energy transition within the Panel 2050 project focusing on individual regions in Bulgaria, but supports communities across the country. At the same time, the organization has recently worked actively on the process of just energy transition and economic development of local communities in the region of Southwestern Bulgaria. In this respect, WWF Bulgaria will continue its support for these processes in the future.
This first meeting marks the beginning of a series of similar events to unite the community in Pernik and to build a better environment for living and business, developed by the residents of the city. The next informal meeting will take place on June 27 at 18:00 at "Sharenoto", Pernik.