Sofia was at the heart of the debate on long-term energy and climate policies for 2030 in Europe
Between 18 and 20 of April, several different political and expert events took place in Sofia. There was also an informal meeting of EU energy ministers. At all meetings, the main focus were the progress made in the negotiations on the legislative proposals of the “Clean Energy for All European Package" on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources directives, the Regulation on Energy Union and the Regulation on the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators.
The most interesting conclusions based on the highlights and questions of all the meetings and discussions were the position of Bulgaria and Central and Eastern Europe member states for the energy and climate targets for 2030 and when will we start the discussion on new opportunities in the energy sector in Bulgaria, so that Bulgaria becomes a competitive country in the energy sector covering all requirements and enabling real energy transformation.
The intensive week on energy issues ended with the biggest event organized by the Bulgarian Photovoltaic Association focusing on the topic of market integration and competitiveness of RES, pointing out how this will accelerate the transition to clean energy in Bulgaria and Southeast Europe, realizing energy innovations and leading to real economic growth, including in the depopulated regions of this part of Europe.
Poland is farther away from the RES target for 2020 - EUROSTAT data
The EU statistical agency EUROSTAT published data from 2016 on the share of renewable sources in energy mixes among the European Union countries.
Eurostat states that the share of renewable energy in electricity, heat and transport in 2016 was 17% (16.7% in 2015). It is worth recalling that the EU 2020 target is 20%
In 2016, Sweden (53.8%), Finland (38.7%), Latvia (37.2%), Austria (33.5%) and Denmark (32) had the largest share in domestic energy mixes. , 2%).
However, the lowest RES share in Eurostat is recorded in Luxembourg (5.4%), Malta and the Netherlands (6% each).
Eurostat indicates that among 28 countries of the European Union in 2016, 11 national states have fulfilled their national RES goals for 2020.
In the case of Poland, this share decreased in relation to the results recorded in previous years. Eurostat indicates that in 2016 the share of RES in the energy consumption mix in our country fell to 11.3% (in 2015 - 11.7%).
IRENA: renewable energy employing 9.8 million people around the world
Renewable energy employed 9.8 million people globally in 2016, according to report of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Thats 1.1% increase from 2015, continuing the overall trend of increasing the volume of green economy in the world.
Low Temperature District Heating for the Baltic Sea Region (LowTEMP)
In order to contribute to a reduction of energy waste and greenhouse gas emissions in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR), energy supply systems in all countries need to become much more efficient. Thereby, district heating (DH) infrastructures play an important role, but currently, existing DH systems do not comply with increased energy efficiency standards and often are technically outdated. Therefore, they need to be upgraded and technology has to change, i.e. present DH systems must undergo a change towards low temperature DH networks, upplying heat to new low energy buildings, but also to the existing building stock that has been or will be refurbished.
Low temperature district heating (LTDH) is a possibility to optimise existing DH systems or to develop independent future sustainable grids. By lowering the temperature, a reduction of heat losses and the utilisation of renewable energy and waste-to-heat sources are possible.
Within the LowTEMP project, partners from nine BSR countries come together, representing local and regional public authorities, DH providers, energy agencies, research institutions and national associations representing the energy and DH sector. Together they aim to make the DH supply in their municipalities or regions, but also on a broader scale in other BSR regions, more sustainable by integrating LTDH solutions.
Project specific objective is to increase energy efficiency based on enhanced capacity of public and private actors involved in energy planning. The first objective of the LowTEMP project is to increase the knowhow and competences within the project partnership. Secondly, LowTEMP aims to jointly collect and analyse data and information and then develop, knowledge pools, guidelines, strategies and tools that constitute the basis for the planning, installation and management of LTDH systems. The third aim of LowTEMP is to apply and disseminate the developed know-how and the project outputs, i.e. pilot energy strategies, proof of LTDH sustainability and financial strategies that support the implementation and management of LTDH systems, to broader target groups outside the partnership via a training programme and connected dissemination measures.
Implementation period: October 2017 - December 2020
Activities:
- Development of methodology to collect information and data on DH and LTDH;
- Development of knowledge platform;
- Collection, evaluation and processing of data and information;
- Analysis of institutional, organisational and technical framework for LTDH;
- Development of methodology for strategies to implement LTDH;
- Implementation of pilot testing measures paving the way to LTDH;
- Development of pilot energy strategies for selected municipalities;
- Analysis of methods to calculate CO2 emissions;
- Development of a life cycle analysis (LCA);
- Development of life cycle cost analysis (LCCA);
- Development of simulation model on environmental benefits of LTDH;
- Analysis of financial framework and funding gaps;
- Analysis of existing contracting and payment models in DH;
- Development of innovative funding structures for LTDH;
- Implementation of study visits, lectures and seminars to increase the partnerships knowledge on LTDH;
- Awareness raising and knowledge transfer in the selected municipalities and regions;
- Development of training programme on the planning, installation and management of LTDH systems.
Results:
- Methodology for data collection and knowledge platform;
- Report on current energy supply framework conditions for LTDH in partner municipalities and regions;
- Methodology for strategies to implement LTDH;
- Developed pilot testing measures in partner municipalities;
- Developed pilot energy strategies for selected municipalities;
- Report – Description and analysis of methods for calculation of CO2 emissions;
- Life cycle analysis and life cycle cost analysis;
- Simulation model on environmental benefits of LTDH;
- Calculation method to determine economic efficiency and funding gaps;
- Contracting and payment models in DH;
- Study on business models and innovative funding structures for LTDH;
- Report documenting the content and outcome of study visits, lectures and seminars as well as increased knowledge on LTDH within the partnership;
- Documentation on the realised measures to increase the awareness and knowledge of selected stakeholders on LTDH;
- Training programme on the planning, installation and management of LTDH systems (“LowTEMP training package”).
Partners:
- University of Technology (BTU) Cottbus Senftenberg (Germany)
- ZEBAU - Centre for Energy, Construction, Architecture and the Environment GmbH (Germany)
- Holbaek Municipality (Denmark)
- Gate 21 (Denmark)
- Lejre Municipality (Denmark)
- Sustainable Business Hub (Sweden)
- City of Malmö (Sweden)
- Thermopolis Ltd. (Finland)
- District Heating Kurikka (Finland)
- Tartu Regional Energy Agency (Estonia)
- Riga Technical University (Latvia)
- Vidzeme Planning Region (Latvia)
- Gulbene Municipality Council (Latvia)
- Klaipeda University (Lithuania)
- Public Institution Housing Energy Efficiency Agency (Lithuania)
- ANO Energy Efficiency Centre (Russia)
- District Heating Enterprise Ltd. - OPEC Gdynia (Poland)
- AGFW | Energy Efficiency Association for Heating,
- Cooling and CHP (Germany)
Lead partner: The Szewalski Institute of FluidFlow Machinery, IMP PAN), Poland, Mr Adam Cenian, E-mail: cenian@imp.gda.pl, Phone: +48 585 225 276
Project webpage: http://www.lowtemp.eu/
Government of Macedonia presented Draft Law on Energy
https://balkangreenenergynews.com/government-of-macedonia-presented-draft-law-on-energy/
April 10, 2018
The Draft Law on Energy, which envisages full liberalization of the energy sector, will soon be submitted to the parliament, the Macedonian Government announced.
Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Kočo Angušev said that this law is harmonized with five European directives and three European regulations.
“The law will enable complete liberalization of the energy sector, so every consumer will be able to choose electricity and natural gas supplier,” Angušev said.
As he stated, the new law secures an increased share of renewable energy sources (RES) in total electricity generation, and Government’s commitment to use all available opportunities for the generation of electricity from the sun, wind and water.
Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi said that the new law marks the end of the monopoly in energy sector, so small and medium-sized enterprises will have the opportunity to choose electricity and natural gas supplier.
“The law also foresees the possibility of generating electricity from the RES for self-consumption, and injecting excess electricity from on-site renewable generation into the grid for a certain fee,” Bekteshi noted.
Tendering for universal supplier
The new law envisages the appointment of a universal electricity supplier through tendering, which will supply households at regulated price. In 2019, the state-owned power utility Elektrane Makedonije (ELEM) will be obliged to deliver 80% of the production to the universal supplier, and by 2025 this percentage will be scaled-down to 30.
The Government of Macedonia will continue to be responsible for ELEM, while the Macedonian Electricity Transmission System Operator (TSO) MEPSO will be under the authority of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, and the joint-stock utility Makedonski energetski resursi (MER) under the control of the Ministry of Economy.
Within 90 days from the adoption of the new law, a new president and two members of the Macedonian Energy Regulatory Commission will be elected.
Panel 2050 Regional Training in Macedonia: Public speaking and Communication with media and politicians
BDS organized the third training on the topic “Public speaking and Communication with media and politicians” on 7th of March, 2018 in restaurant “Gracija” of the Municipality of Kumanovo (Center of NorthEast Planning region). The number of Participants was 36 (Mayors, employees in the Center of NorthEast Planning region and the municipalities; members of the NGOs and Business sector)
The training on "Public Speaking and Communication with Media and Politicians" was held for identifying, planning and establishing communication in the process of energy transition.
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: Energy Roadmapping
BDS organized the second training on the topic “Energy Roadmapping” on 20th of December, 2017 in restaurant “Gracija” of the Municipality of Kumanovo (Center of NorthEast Planning region). The number of Participants was 24 (Mayors, employees in the Center of NorthEast Planning region and the municipalities; members of the NGOs and Business sector)
Press Release from the 2 Training (translated into English from Macedonian):
http://www.kumanovonews.com/vesti/obuka-za-mapiranje-na-energetskata-tranzicija-se-odrza-vo-kumanovo
"Introduction to the Energy Roadmapping" was the second training organized by the Center for Development of the Northeast Planning Region and the consulting firm Balkan Development Solutions BDS from Skopje, in the framework of the project PANEL2050 - PARTNERSHIP FOR NEW ENERGY LEADERSHIP 2050.
"The purpose of the training, attended by representatives from the municipalities in the region, the Center for Development of the Northeast Planning Region, the business sector and the civil sector in the region, was to give an introduction to the process of developing an energy transition map, which should be a roadmap for the public and the business sector in the region, as well as for the citizens in: reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions; the use of local renewable resources for energy production; creating local jobs and reducing energy costs" - said Mladen Protic, director of the Center for Development of the Northeast planning region.
Several other trainings for the stakeholders from the region, who are responsible for the creation of policies for the use of renewable energy sources, are foreseen, after which the process of developing an energy transition map of the region will be launched in the long run until 2050 and appropriate short-term and medium-term priorities and objectives.
The project is funded under the EU research and development program HORIZON 2020.
For more informations , trainings report and study materials please look into the right side of document manue
Panel 2050 Regional Training in Macedonia: Stakeholder engagement and motivation
BDS organized the first training on the topic “Stakeholder engagement and motivation” on 6th of October, 2017 in the Meeting Hall of the Council of the Municipality of Kumanovo (Center of NorthEast Planning region). The number of Participants was 20 (Employees in the Center of NorthEast Planning region and the municipalities; members of the NGOs and Business sector)
Press Release from the 1 Training (translated into English from Macedonian):
http://www.kumanovonews.com/vesti/severoistocen-region-del-od-evropski-proekt-za-energetsko-liderstvo
The North East region is part of a European energy leadership project
The NorthEast planning region is part of a major European energy leadership project, which envisions the development of a strategy for using energy potential and renewable energy sources.
The project "Partnership for New Energy Leadership - PANEL2050" includes 12 countries from Central and Eastern Europe, but only Macedonia is not a member of the EU. Within the framework of the project, which has a regional character, the NorthEast planning region (NEPR) is included.
"The goal of the project is to develop an energy profile for the NorthEast Planning Region. A map for the directions of the energy transition from carbon fuels to renewable energy sources in the region by 2050. Action plans for stakeholders in the region will be elaborated, which play a key role in the area of energy policy making and their implementation. Macedonia as a country does not have its own strategy until 2050, we believe that this will be a good opportunity to mobilize stakeholders on this issue, which is very important and vital at this moment as well as for the future", - says Jane Vrteski, from the consulting company BDS (Balkan Development Solution).
The NorthEast Planning Region - the poorest region in the country - is involved in the project because it hasn’t its own energy sources but still uses energy. Mr. Vrteski considers that his advantage is not to allow the development of carbon energy sources in the six municipalities, but to focus on new sources of energy.
"These are the construction of solar power plants, the use of hydro potential, the utilization of wind and solar energy. I hope that the preparation of the road map and the strategy will give signals in which direction businesses and citizens will be able to plan their activities in the field of energy use in the coming period and in the long run," adds Mr. Vrteski.
The first of the planned trainings and panel discussions was held in Kumanovo, on which the stakeholders in the region were identified - the municipalities, the business sector, non-governmental organizations and the media, as an important segment in the establishment of the energy efficiency network of Central and Eastern Europe.
At the International Conference in Prague, which will take place in the next two days, a network for energy efficiency will be established, attended by representatives and environmental experts from the region. The goal of establishing this network is to grow into a strong lobby, which will act on the energy policies through the EU.
For more informations , trainings report and study materials please look into the right side of document manue
Effective Financing Tools for implementing Energy Efficiency in Buildings (EFFECT4buildings)
Reducing energy consumption and energy dissolution is becoming increasingly important for the EU and is a strategic priority. Investments in energy efficient technology and renewable energy contribute to achieving the EU' s energy and climate goals while creating economic growth. Housing and premises account for a large part of energy use. The EU Energy Performance Buildings Directive contains several provisions to improve energy efficiency in both new and existing buildings. It is a requirement that existing buildings undergoing major renovations apply the minimum energy performance requirements. All new buildings must have a near-zero energy consumption by 31 December 2020. There are also requirements for energy certification of buildings or building units, periodic inspections of heating and air conditioning systems in buildings and independent control systems for energy certificates and inspection reports.
The goal of EFFECT4buildings is to increase the number of energy efficiency measures implemented in existing public buildings in the Baltic Sea Region.
EFFECT4buildings objective is to improve the capacity of public building managers in the participating regions (DK, NO, SE, PL,LV, FI, EE) 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 (retrofitting, upgrading and deep renovation) in buildings owned by public stakeholders.
The project will result in a toolbox with financial methods that can improve profitability, facilitate funding and reduce the risk of energy investment in real estate. Examples of tools are profitability calculations, action packages, contribution optimization, EPC, multifunctional agreements, green leases and economic models for both production and energy use.
The project will make the toolbox available online and train property managers in how to use the tools and increase their ability to convince decision makers to implement and invest in energy efficiency measures.
Implementation period: October 2017 - September 2020
Activities:
- Mapping and validation of technological solutions;
- Analysis of present stage for tools and instruments, mapping of stakeholders;
- Improvement of financial tools and instruments;
- Development of training programme for stakeholders of technological solutions, improved financial instruments and tools.
Results:
- Compiled report on interviews with target group and associated organisations, including 35 good examples and map of stakeholder interconnections;
- The White paper on tecnhological solutions;
- The White paper for all seven tools and instruments for building managers– Bundling methods, Energy investment funding, Convincing decision maker, ESCO and Energy performance contracting (EPC), Multi service contracts, Green leasing contracts, Prosumerism;
- Training programme of technological solutions, improved financial instruments and tools;
- Improvement recommendations for policy level regarding implementation of financial tools and instruments.
Partners:
Illustrating fuel poverty in Eastern Europe
Simple map of how many liters of gasoline can be bought for monthly salary in Europe. While disparity in relative fuel prizes is not problematic by itself, it still illustrates the higher price CEE countries have to pay for fossil fuel based energy services. This map does not show the differences inside the countries and some of the border regions can face even greater challenges.
Source Reddit user AlexSuvorov.
Less coal in the Polish energy sector!
According to the data of the Energy Market Agency analyzed by the WysokieNapięcie.pl portal, electricity production in Poland in 2017 amounted to 170.1 TWh. Less than half of this was provided by hard coal power plants, another 30% by brown coal, the share of renewable energy exceeded 14%, and gas power plants reached nearly 6.%. This means that in 2017, electricity production in Polish power plants was the highest in history, at the same time coal was at its lowest level since year 1918. Experts predict a further increase in the demand for electricity. The Polish government declares that the share of coal in the national energy mix will continue to decline.
Energy Management and Sustainable Development - South East European University
https://www.masterstudies.com/Energy-Management-and-Sustainable-Development/Macedonia/SEEU/
The renewable energies are important for environmental protection. In WB the contribution of water energy is relatively good. The other renewable energies are up to now nearly not used. So the improvement of higher education here is needed. Renewable energy is highly important for the future economy in the partner countries in the Western Balkan region with limited energy resources in a growing economy and with the related environmental problems. Thereby existing studies are upgraded and new Master studies introduced, which are covering the whole field of renewable energy and management.
The study program in Energy Management and Sustainability Development will be developed under special consideration of the specific and combined aspects of energy, environment, economy, and legislation. It will address the issue of developing sustainable energy systems in a period of profound and rapid change of national and regional energy markets. The different renewable energy systems such as water and tide, wind, solar energy, chemical energy, geothermal energy, biomass, and biogas will be integrated into several courses. Highly important is the integration of economy to analyze the affordability of the different systems and the time scale for the realization of a special affordable energy system. Thereby the storage of energy in a battery or as potential or chemical energy gets a new dimension.
Many renewable energy systems are not permanently available and depend on the climate conditions or the day and night problems. Candidates with a different background such as mechanical, electrical, civil, geological, environmental and IT engineering, or economical and natural sciences may apply for this Master program.
The program will focus on the legislative and economic frameworks in partner countries and EU to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy.
The wider objective is, therefore, the reform of the studies in the partner universities in the field of energy. The specific program objectives are the establishment of new M. Sc. studies on renewable energy and management.
The new M.Sc. studies are the basis for the creation of a network of national and international universities and industry in analogy to very effective solutions in Norway.
The program aim is to provide a solid background in the field of sustainable energy systems, both by illustrating the framework and mechanisms, which govern energy systems and markets and by developing technical knowledge of the most important energy efficient and renewable energy.
Learning outcomes
Ability to develop and implement original and creative ideas to ensure qualitative Energy Management and Sustainable Development;
Ability to apply skills and knowledge and demonstration of specialized competencies in Energy System Analysis, Renewable Energy Technology, Advanced Energy Technologies, Energy Management and Efficiency, etc;
Having the knowledge and understanding of the areas environment engineering, electro-technical engineering, mechanical engineering as well as computer science;
Has knowledge of one or more areas of the environmental engineering industry that can qualify students as experts on the application of knowledge in a given area.
Applying knowledge and understanding
Ability to critically, independently and creatively solve problems in new and previously never encountered environments with no previous experience in industry;
Planning, management, and evaluation of independent research in the field of energy technologies and their analyses, and implementation of appropriate tools for testing, simulation, and implementation;
Creativity and originality in the interpretation of the knowledge from science to solve problems related to the objectives of the energy management and energy engineering area.
Making judgment
The ability for creative integration and synthesis of knowledge from several areas in the environmental engineering field, and administration processes and systems using IT tools designed and created for a specific issue. Creating educational processes using computer tools and techniques;
Ability to deal with complex situations associated with specific processes;
Ability to identify appropriate specialized instances and making sound judgments in situations of lack of complete information or data based on personal, social and ethical principles and responsibilities associated with the application of knowledge and understanding.
Communication skills
Ability to share findings and proposals with rational argument and reliance on them as a professional, and with unskilled people clearly and unambiguously;
Taking responsibility considerable with shared outcomes; running and initiating activities.
Learning skills
Ability to identify individual needs and directions for individual and autonomous and its performance independently and autonomously in the usual information and quality assurance field;
Ability to take responsibility for continued private study in specialized areas within the networked economy
Ability to take responsibility for further professional development and training.
Is burning wood the road to low-carbon transition?
CEESEN experts claim that Paris agreement commitment can be fulfilled without sacrificing forests in Central and Eastern Europe. They argue that wood biomass for energy purposes could actually release very high levels of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and that subsidies provided for bioenergy support coal generation in CEE. Their position comes at a time when European institutions are revising three of the guiding documents on energy efficiency and renewable energy in the EU.
Research shows that the path to zero-carbon Europe does entail relying on bioenergy sources. It is common understanding that any fossil fuels and nuclear energy supplies are worse for a variety of reasons. Moreover, there are already many acceptable and sound projects that generate sustainable bioenergy in Europe.
Burning wood is not carbon neutral
But bioenergy is a controversial topic. It is extremely complicated to measure GHG emissions of bioenergy, because it requires many variables to be taken into account.
In real world situations it is hard to define exactly what was the type of the harvested wood, what does the processing, transporting, storing and burning processes look like and what was the amount of CO2 emissions in the whole supply chain. It is also complicated to measure the carbon that would have been saved if the trees had not been cut down; not to mention the soil carbon loss caused by earth disturbance. Another important issue is the type of trees that will replace the ones used for biomass and the speed with which they will grow. In conclusion, measuring carbon emissions from wood biomass does raise serious concerns.
Cutting trees for energy is a threat to pristine forests, wildlife and people
Cutting trees for biomass has a negative effect on biodiversity and society. With its 60% of pristine forests outside of Russia and Northern Scandinavia CEE is the Green Heart of Europe. For many of the countries in the region, giving way to logging of trees for bioenergy production means yet another threat to the wild habitats home to two-thirds of Europe’s populations of large carnivores, including brown bears, wolves and lynx. Another issue arises from the fact that any deteriorated forest is a possible cause for erosion and floods. Paradoxically, preventing such calamities is one of the reasons to increase renewable energy consumption in the first place.
European Parliament backs ambitions on energy efficiency and a 2050 climate goal for the EU but votes for weak renewables targets and in favor of burning trees for energy
Unfortunately, last week MEPs ignored the warnings from 800 scientists, including IPCC lead authors and winners of the US medal of science and Nobel prize, and calls from NGOs and citizens, to stop subsidizing the burning of tree trunks and stumps for energy.
CEESEN experts also warn that biomass subsidies in CEE countries support coal generation. “Burning biomass with coal is not renewable energy, and should not be subsidized. Two-fifths of the solid biomass that accounted for 58% of EU electricity generation from biomass in 2015 was burned in coal power plants. In addition, 17% of the solid biomass used to generate power was burned in converted coal-fired plants and 23% was co-fired with coal,” explains Csaba Vaszko, CEESEN energy and climate expert. This approach is definitely not the right approach to low-carbon transition.
On a more positive note, MEPs this week took steps to bring the EU in line with the Paris Agreement by agreeing on a 35% target for renewables and voting for a 2050 goal of net zero carbon, and for Member State climate and energy plans to be based on the Paris goals.
“This sends investors and the rest of the world a message that the EU is taking the Paris Agreement seriously and wants to make the climate great again.” commented Alex Mason, Senior Policy Officer at WWF European Policy Office and a speaker at CEESEN Conference in 2017.
CEESEN experts advise not to use wood for bioenergy, cease subsidies for co-firing and implement stricter measures regarding measuring GHG emissions and savings.
More information and References:
Something nasty in the woodshed: How biomass subsidies are secretly funding coal
MEPs deliver on energy efficiency and governance, but drop ball on biomass
Scientists urge European Parliament to preserve forests
Commentary: Plotting a path for greater bioenergy use
Upcoming conference in Murcia, Spain on Feb 6-7 2018
Now is a good time to register for the upcoming Roadmaps For Energy R4E project conference in Murcia, Spain on 6-7th of February 2018. Program.
Household heating causing high levels of air pollution in Hungary – WWF report
Household heating causes medium to high levels of air pollution in over half of Hungarian settlements, according to a new WWF report on municipal heating systems in Hungary. The report also found that energy poverty is a concern to 80 percent of Hungarian municipalities and that the insulation and the heating systems of municipal buildings are in poor condition.
The report is based on the results of a survey that was filled in by almost a quarter of all 3,188 municipalities in Hungary. The research, which is part of this year’s Earth Hour initiatives in Hungary, showed that:
* one third of the public buildings are not insulated properly;
* half of the doors and windows are in poor condition;
* the state of heating systems is also not satisfactory.
Meanwhile, 60% of the tenders submitted by local communities were unsuccessful in the past 10 years.
“When it comes to addressing energy poverty in Hungary, the resources of the municipalities are unfortunately limited. Most of them have applied to the Ministry of Interior as part of the Social Fuel Programme, which provides firewood for settlements affected by energy poverty,” said Csaba Vaszko, Climate Change, Energy and Water Expert at WWF-Hungary.
Based on the answers to the questionnaire, WWF chose three local governments and supported them to implement energy efficiency measures that are both economic, and environmentally friendly and help address energy poverty.
The full report can be found in Hungarian at:
http://wwf.hu/media/file/1511533746_Futes_es_energiahatekonysag_WWFHU_jelentes.pdf
MDRAPFE a publicat calendarul apelurilor de proiecte care se estimează a fi lansate până la 30 iunie 2018
Azi, 22 noiembrie 2017
MDRAPFE a publicat calendarul apelurilor de proiecte care se estimează a fi lansate până la 30 iunie 2018
„Este important ca implementarea proiectelor aferente Programelor Operaționale să înceapă cât mai curând, iată de ce am accelerat ritmul de lansare a apelurilor de proiecte. Mai multe locuri de muncă, în special pentru tineri, îmbunătățirea nivelului de trai, modernizarea infrastructurii, respectarea standardelor de protecție a mediului sunt vitale pentru țara noastră, iar creșterea calității cercetării și învățământului, precum și accesul la noi tehnologii informatice pot fi motoarele dezvoltării României în lumea modernă”, a declarat Marius Nica, ministrul delegat pentru Fonduri Europene.
Printre apelurile care se vor lansa în perioada următoare Ministerul a amintit finanțarea de investiții în infrastructura de educație și formare (POR, 31 mil. euro), în infrastructurile sanitare și sociale (POR, 125 mil. euro), în eficientizarea energetică a locuințelor și a infrastructurii publice din orașe (POR, 76 mil. euro). Conform ministerului, alocări substanțiale vor fi lansate și pentru dezvoltarea și modernizarea infrastructurii necesare navigației fluviale și maritime (POIM, 292 mil euro), infrastructurii aeroportuare (POIM, 33,5 mil. euro), pentru tehnologia informației și comunicațiilor destinate unei economii digitale competitive (POC, 50 mil. euro), pentru mai multe locuri de muncă oferite șomerilor și persoanelor inactive (POCU, 20 mil. euro) și pentru accesul egal al tuturor cetățenilor la învățarea pe tot parcursul vieții (POCU, 32,5 mil. euro).
De asemenea, cererile de proiecte care se vor lansa până la sfârșitul acestui an vizează investiții semnificative în integrarea durabilă pe piața muncii a tinerilor (POCU, 104 mil. euro), în dezvoltarea administrației publice și a unui sistem judiciar accesibil și transparent (POCA, 7,3 mil. euro).
O importanță deosebită se acordă și investițiilor care vizează creșterea eficienței resurselor umane implicate în gestionarea și controlul modului în care sunt folosiți banii europeni (POAT, 91,6 mil euro), dar și sprijinirea activităților comune cu alte state pe linia prevenirii dezastrelor naturale și pregătirea unor acțiuni concertate în timpul situațiilor de urgență (PO România-Ucraina , 33 mil. euro).
Descarcă calendarul complet al lansărilor
Sursa: MDRAPFE
Milestone in Energy Transition for Central and Eastern Europe
Last week in Prague, 200 participants from 11 countries participated in the international conference of CEESEN - Central Eastern European Sustainable Energy Network – where they learned how transition to more sustainable communities can be achieved.
The conference, held on 19-20th October, gathered professionals and opinion leaders from the region to collectively design a path for energy transition by 2050. The high-level event with 25 speakers highlighted the roles of different sectors, and success stories from low-carbon community projects and innovations.
Participants gained insight into the many processes that are needed to push for sustainable communities, such as Sustainable Energy Planning and designing roadmaps. They also learned about effective approaches towards Stakeholder Engagement, obtaining funding and building public support towards renewables which are key parts to effective Energy Advocacy efforts.
Pavel Podruh described how his project Czech Off-Grid Houses, has been successful in motivating people to use more sustainable building and renovation methods and could help to trigger public support for other sustainable energy solutions.
The programme also offered updates about the new governance of the Energy Union by Alex Mason from the WWF European Policy Office.
Sébastien Occhipenti from DG Energy, European Commission gave an overview of the European policy context and showed the steps to achieve sustainable energy transition at local level. He stressed on the importance of citizens in a shared Energy Union where they take ownership of the transition, benefit from new technologies to reduce their costs, participate actively in the market, and where vulnerable consumers are protected.
Frédéric Boyer, speaking on behalf of the Covenant of Mayors emphasized the role that cities and local authorities should play, and the actions they can take. Their commitment to reduce the CO2 emission with 40% by 2030 indicates the steps that should be taken. Because these organizations seek to work closely with citizens, they can affect behaviour change, while also having an impact on companies and other key potential contributors to energy transition.
More about the CEESEN network and the project see at: www.ceesen.org
For detailed programme and speakers, please visit: https://ceesen.org/conference/
CEE Energy Transition Conference has started in Prague, CZ
Read more from https://ceesen.org/conference/
Suggested event: SMART CITIES RULE THE FUTURE! 07.02.2018
Roadmaps For Energy project is preparing event Murcia, Spain on 07.02.2018 and calling for speakers. More information here.
Celebrating the active lifestyle in Wold Car-Free Day
Today, September 22th, is the World Car-Free Day that celebrates the healthy and active lifestyle. We are reminded for one day to leave our cars behind and walk/cycle around our towns, cities and neighborhoods. Car ownership in CEE countries is 409 passenger cars per thousand inhabitants in 2015, still considerably below EU average (482) and people appreciate more active modes of transportation. Nevertheless, the amount of private cars has been constantly increasing for the last 30 years. The biggest share of passenger cars you can find in Poland, Austria and Slovenia. The least share of passenger cars are in FYR of Macedonia, Romania and Hungary. Economic development seem to play a role in our habits of transportation but so do the regulations and the environment. We encourage our city-planners and architects to develop the living environment that is more accessible for the pedestrians and cyclists but also for people with baby transport, mobility trolleys and wheelchairs.
* 2015 a data for Bulgaria, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal is interpolated from previous years.
Demanding high ambitions for 2030
CEESEN is calling on the ministers to strengthen the phase-out of fossils and support the low-carbon economy
Tartu, 2017.09.19 – This week an informal meeting takes place in Tallinn, Estonia, where ministers for Energy and Transport in the EU are gathering to discuss several issues, among which the energy efficiency is crucial according to the newly formed CEESEN - Central and Eastern Europe Sustainable Energy Network. The initiative urges the decision makers to ensure the Energy Union objectives.
CEESEN, highlights that low-carbon transition, with phasing out fossils (especially coal and oil shell) is the only opportunity for communities within the region to benefit economically while their well-being is ensured. Job creation and reducing health impacts are just a few benefits that energy transition can bring. Therefore, having high targets for 2030 and designing a sustainable path towards them are crucial for the region.
The rapid process that the EU underwent to ratify the Paris Agreement is an excellent example that the EU institutions and its leaders can push for new initiatives and rapid decision-making when needed. Therefore, CEESEN emphasizes the importance of supporting nationally binding targets, through governance regulations that ensure the introduction of such targets „The Governance regulation should be linked to the EU budget by establishing conditions which incentivise higher climate and clean energy ambitions. This provision is crucial to align investments needed for achieving the specific targets with financing commitments. Such targeted use of EU funds will thus increase the added value of EU financial support on national level. It will also provide long-term planning and investment certainty which communities with low-carbon transition targets seek. A stronger link to the EU budget within the Governance framework is also an important element of the solution -” – according to Marek Muiste, Founder of CEESEN
„Transforming the current fossil fuel based transport system is one of the biggest challenges for European countries and it requires innovative solutions and new types of partnerships. Phasing out fossils and investing in renewables and energy efficiency are the only options for regions in CEE to create a sustainable transport sector” – highlighted Muiste.
CEESEN highlighted the important role that this week’s meeting can play in this process. In a few weeks’ time, several professionals, researchers and NGOs will gather in Prague to further discuss energy transition within an international conference: https://ceesen.org/conference
Further information:
CEESEN (the Central and Eastern Europe Sustainable Energy Network) is a broad network of organizations and individuals from government, research, NGOs and business with deep knowledge and experience in Energy policy, Stakeholder engagement, Advocacy and Funding. The online platform of the network is the place where all members can meet future partners, look for funding opportunities, participate and create trainings in the field of their interest. Find out more from ceesen.org! CEESEN is supported by European Commission under Horizon 2020 program project PANEL 2050 (grant agreement No 696173).
Links:
https://www.eu2017.ee/political-meetings/TTE
https://ceesen.org/conference
https://ceesen.org
(picture from eu2017.ee)
European Commission helps boost Czech alternative fuel infrastructure
The European Commission has found Czech plans to support the creation of a refueling network for low emission vehicles to be in line with EU state aid rules, as the initiative contributes to reducing CO2 emissions without unduly distorting competition in the Single Market. The scheme provides support of €44.5 million over six years for the construction of publicly accessible refueling stations across the entire country for vehicles running on alternative fuels such as CNG, LNG, hydrogen and electricity.
Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “The Czech scheme is yet another good example of how Member States can contribute to the fight against global warming. The scheme will promote alternative fuels and reduce harmful car emissions, and will encourage consumers and businesses to use greener transportation, without distorting competition”. Companies already active in the alternative fuels sector can apply for this support, which will be awarded in four separate calls for tender.
The aid measure was assessed by the Commission under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities – in this case improving energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. This is in line with EU energy and climate goals.
The measure will encourage a significant uptake of vehicles running on alternative fuels, and therefore make an important contribution towards meeting the common interest of reducing emissions and improving air quality. It is also in line with the European Strategy for low-emission mobility, particularly in terms of speeding up the deployment of low-emission alternative energy for transport and contributing to the decarbonization agenda.
Source: European Commission
Programme and speakers for CEE Energy Transition Conference
The CEE Energy Transition Conference, to be held in Prague on 19-20th October, 2017, will give leaders, professionals and activists from more than 10 countries in the region the opportunity to work together towards sustainability. The two-day event will focus on the challenges to energy transition by 2050 and on the approaches different regions will take on in achieving the European targets in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency and renewable energy.
The slogan of the conference - “Low carbon energy transition? Together it is possible”, is also the inspiration behind the establishment of Central Eastern European Network (CEESEN), organizer of the international event. Fostering collaboration between different energy stakeholders coming from government, research, NGOs and business is the network’s strategy to reverse the tendency of CEE countries lagging behind the EU average in renewable energy generation.
Thursday, October 19th 2017
| 08:00-09:00 Welcome Coffee | ||
| 09:00-11:30 Opening session | ||
| Conference opening | ||
| Energy transition in European Union and in Central and Eastern Europe, Bronis Ropé, European Parliament | ||
| New governance of the Energy Union, Imke Luebbeke, WWF European Policy Office | ||
| Citizen society in CEE, Borislav Sandov, Climate Action Coalition Bulgaria | ||
| Energy advocacy in CEE, Eddy De Neef, CAN Europe | ||
| 11:30-11:50 Coffee Break | ||
| 11:50-12:30 Opening session continues | ||
| EU funded projects on stakeholder engagement and local energy planning, Cecile Kerebel, EASME | ||
| From Roadmap to Action Plan, Andreas Kramer, ConPlusUltra | ||
| 12:30-13:00 Parallel session on Sustainable Energy Planning | ||
| Vision - Project ZERO, Peter Rathje, Sonderborg Municipality (DK) | Roadmap - R4E, Jaime Ruiz Huescar, Local Energy Agency of Murcia (ES) | SEAP – ENNEREG, Nils Daugaard, ECNet |
| 13:00-14:00 Lunch | ||
| 14:00-14:40 Parallel session on Community Funding | ||
| New funding models - Mariyana Hamanova, CleanTech | Community garnts and Crowdfunding for energy projects, Josef Wolfbeisser, ConPlusUltra | Energy Performance contracting in Latvia, Agris Kamenders, Ecodoma |
| 14:40-15:20 Parallel session on Engagement Models | ||
| Stakeholder mapping - PANEL2050, Hector Pagan, University of Tartu (EE) | Participatory Governance – ENALRGE, Tiit Kallas, SEI Tallinn (EE) | Collaboration model for Czech Off- Grid Houses, Pavel Podruh, Cesky ostrovni dum s.r.o. |
| 15:20-15:40 Citizen Journal | ||
| 15:40-16:00 Coffee Break | ||
| 16:00-17:30 Closing session | ||
| Stakeholder Engagement and Energy Advocacy in CEE Panel discussion with speakers: ProjectZero Sonderborg (Peter Rathje), CANEurope (Eddy de Neef), Estonian Renewable energy association (Rene Tammist), ESCO from Prague region, ENNEREG project (Nils Daugaard, ECNet), ENLARGE project (Tiit Kallaste, SEI Tallinn), Moderated by Hector C Pagan, UTARTU |
||
| 17:30 Closing | ||
Friday, October 20th 2017
| 08:00-09:00 |
| Welcome Coffee |
| 09:00-09:30 |
| Opening Session |
| 09:30-11:30 |
| Citizens assembly: Energy transition challenges 1 |
| 11:30-11:50 |
| Coffee Break |
| 11:50-13:00 |
| Citizens assembly: Energy transition challenges 2 |
| 13:00-14:00 |
| Lunch |
| 14:00-15:00 |
| Citizens assembly: Conclusions and Summary |
| 15:00 Closing |
The P2P sessions will implement the simplified Citizens Assembly model that will present the consensus of the conference guests for the challenges presented by speakers. The participants of the conference divided into smaller groups (5 groups – according to their experience/roles (e.g. politicians, energy experts, activists etc.) before the conference (all the participants will have name tags and there will be information provided of their group they have been assigned to). Partners present their energy transition problems to their group as 10 minute presentations. The group will discuss the energy transition problems from all points of view. All the comments/solutions/good ideas will be collected by the group moderators. After the group discussions everyone will meet together in the main hall and all the solutions/comments will be presented by the group moderators and discussed with the audience by the lead of the main moderator. Possible voting on the best solutions – best practices. There is special app that can be used for this. The results of the P2P best solutions and the voting will be summarized afterwards and presented through different dissemination channels.
*This agenda can change due the confirmation process.
Prague meets leaders and professionals on a common road to energy transition in Central and Eastern Europe
The CEE Energy Transition Conference, to be held in Prague on 19-20th October, 2017, will give leaders, professionals and activists from more than 10 countries in the region the opportunity to work together towards sustainability. The two-day event will focus on the challenges to energy transition by 2050 and on the approaches different regions will take on in achieving the European targets in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency and renewable energy.
The slogan of the conference - “Low carbon energy transition? Together it is possible”, is also the inspiration behind the establishment of Central Eastern European Network (CEESEN), organizer of the international event. Fostering collaboration between different energy stakeholders coming from government, research, NGOs and business is the network’s strategy to reverse the tendency of CEE countries lagging behind the EU average in renewable energy generation.
Coming as the natural means to this goal, the CEE Energy Transition Conference aims to create a community around energy transition, involving segmented groups and individuals. It will also provide a stimulating environment for the exchange of knowledge and the opportunity for participants to form partnerships.
The conference is divided in two days – 19th and 20th October, 2017. The first day will offer a motivating mix of topics such as energy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, crafting and implementing roadmaps, campaigning and innovative funding models for energy transition. The second will focus on the challenges to energy transition in CEESEN partners’ regions in 10 different countries in CEE. This will be done by dedicated consultancy sessions (P2P consultations) between the partner regions, the audience and the development experts.
As public participation is one of the network’s key principles, the event will have some exciting interactive elements that will make the audience an active part of the programme. Aside from the planned discussions and workshops, the guests will experience some innovative energy efficiency products and some smart tools for participation.
Some of the key speakers and topics at the conference confirmed so far include:
- Energy transition in European Union and in Central and Eastern Europe, Bronis Ropé, European Parliament
- New governance of the Energy Union, Imke Luebbeke, WWF European Policy Office (Brussels)
- Covenant of Mayors in CEE, COM Office (TBC)
- Citizen society in CEE, Borislav Sandov, Climate Action Coalition Bulgaria
- Energy advocacy in CEE , Eddy De Neef, CAN Europe network
- EU funded projects on stakeholder engagement and local energy planning, Cecile Kerebel, EASME
- From Roadmap to Action Plan, Andreas Kramer, ConPlusUltra
- Project ZERO, Peter Rathje, Sonderborg Municipality (DK)
- R4E, Jaime Ruiz Huescar, Local Energy Agency of Murcia (ES)
- ENNEREG, Nils Daugaard, ECNet
- New funding models - Mariyana Hamanova, CleanTech
- Community grants and Crowdfunding for energy projects, Josef Wlofbeisser, ConPlusUltra
- Energy Performance contracting in Latvia, Agris Kamenders, Ecodoma
- Stakeholder mapping - PANEL2050, Hector Pagan, University of Tartu
- Participatory Governance – ENALRGE, Tiit Kallas, SEI Tallinn
- Collaboration model for Czech Off-Grid Houses, Pavel Podruh, Cesky ostrovni dum s.r.o.
Registration will be open for the conference, with details, at the beginning of August.
Learn more about the network at: https://ceesen.org/panel2050
VPR (Latvia) announces Facebook contest for local energy end-users
During the EU Sustainable Energy week (June 19-25) Vidzeme Planning Region in Latvia initiated Facebook contest for local end-users, inviting them to test their energy skills. The prize is quite attractive and useful to lower energy consumption in household - Gdog is an energy monitoring device produced by local manufacturer. Questions and possible given answers are wisely set up to educate participants. Moreover, activity is driven towards fostering low-carbon society to reach EU energy goal for 2050.
#EUSEW17 #PANEL2050 #VidzemePlanningRegion
Expert training in Cesis, Latvia with TREA on June 29-30th
Tartu Regional Energy Agency is sharing their experiences in Cesis, Latvia with the regional experts and administrators on June 29th and 30th 2017. Training is organised by Viedzeme Planning Region and supported by European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 696173.
Sustainable Energy Roundtable in Tartu, Estonia on June 20th 2017
Energy experts and administrators are gathering to the roundtable to discuss the possibilities of sustainable energy development in Tartu Region. Roundtable is organized by Tartu Regional Energy Agency under the PANEL2050 project and supported by European Union Horizon 2020 program. Roundtable is promoting the European Sustainable Energy Week in Estonia.
Czech Off-Grid Houses won SDG price in category Private sector
Czech Off-Grid Houses is a project merging top architecture students, visionary professionals and highest ranking state officials under a shared mission focused on accelerating the transition to advanced sustainable technologies in our homes and buildings. Along with its main mission, it has created an annual statewide university competition for young architects (largest of it kind in the CE region). It literally plants seeds of future sustainable thoughts in the minds of new generations of architects. The best students get the chance to actually build prototypes of such buildings alongside a team of leading professionals, creating a unique know-how hub. Moreover, all the projects, all the research and all the data are open-source, free to download for everyone. The mission is to freely spread the knowledge to help others replicate what Czech Off-Grid Houses have done. Through this the project is empowering the whole segment of sustainable housing and helping it to grow.
The formula is very simple. In order to fulfill the project’s mission of accelerating sustainable movement, we need mainstream attention. This is exactly what is built – a mainstream platform that makes sustainability cool in the eyes of general public. Project Czech Off-Grid Houses resonates with general public, with universities, with the government and with businesses. This is exactly the connection our society needs for a better future. The more people the project targets the more it addresses its mission. In year only, Czech Off-Grid Houses have reached 1,5 million Czechs on social media and it has a very strong presence in mainstream media (approximately 350 articles in 2016). Project’s videos are gathering viral attention, reaching hundreds of thousands of views. It organizes free sustainability exhibitions and workshops all around the country with approximately 50.000 people attending cumulatively in 2016. Free blueprints get thousands of downloads. There is an obvious trend on the horizon.
Project Czech Off-Grid Houses has been selected for one of the Czech SDG Awards in 2017 and won SDG in category Private sector.