Energy and Ecology Fair have begun

The 18^th International Energy Fair and the 19^th International Fair of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources – EcoFair opened their gates to visitors on November 28, 2023, at Hall 1 of the Belgrade Fair.

Under the joint slogan “Clean Energy for a Brighter Future,” over 80 exhibitors will be presenting during a three-day event, with a dominance of foreign participants from countries such as Germany, Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and even China, Israel, DR Congo, and Ghana.

While opening this unique economic and educational event, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, Minister of Mining and Energy in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, emphasized the inseparable connection between energy and ecology, highlighting this event’s contribution to such a relationship.

She stated that energy security and efficiency may be among the most exclusive topics of today.

Over the past year, she said, results very significant for the citizens have been achieved. More than a million citizens have been motivated to reduce their bills through more rational electricity consumption. Over 20 thousand citizens have been encouraged through state measures and subsidies to make their homes more energy-efficient, contributing to a cleaner environment; assistance has been provided, and benefits have been secured for socially vulnerable citizens with low income and pensions.

Efforts are being made to increase investments in the energy sector, especially concerning renewable energy sources – nine new green power plants, new job opportunities, impact on GDP growth, and the construction industry, etc. Production in EPS (Electric Power Industry of Serbia) is stable and secure, landfills and reservoirs are full. The revitalization of the Đerdap I hydroelectric power plant has been completed, and the construction of the third unit of the 350 MW capacity Kostolac Thermal Power Plant is nearing completion. The desulfurization plant for sulfur dioxide and particulate matter at TENT A is also nearing completion.

Gas reserves are at an enviable level, and the connection with Bulgaria is being finalized. Supply from Azerbaijan is also being secured. Technical documentation is being developed for an oil pipeline between Serbia and Hungary.

The Minister emphasized that the development of the energy sector will require €15 billion over the next decade, particularly for the construction of reversible power plants, wind and solar power plants, gas interconnections, and oil storages. After several decades, an investment cycle in the distribution system worth over €180 million has been initiated.

Much of the future prosperity of the state and all its citizens depends on all of this, she concluded.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia, State Secretary Sandra Dokić pointed out all the negative consequences of irrational use of natural resources and the measures taken by the competent ministry and the Government of Serbia to address them.

Among other things, she emphasized the project aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of local communities by applying the principles of a circular economy in the Republic of Serbia (in cooperation with UN institutions, a total of 25 innovative ideas have been received from scientific research organizations, appropriately evaluated, and 35 innovative projects will also be co-financed for their implementation); support has been provided for six initiatives to integrate informal collectors of secondary raw materials into formal waste management channels. “Accept the Circular Challenge” is an action that demonstrates that companies are willing to address recommendations from the “Green Agenda” and serve as examples of best practices, she said.

In the last three years alone, the Ministry has made a significant shift, particularly in the waste management sphere. Regulations on construction and demolition waste management have been enacted, and work is underway to construct necessary recycling centers. In partnership with EU bodies, the “Separation Project” is being implemented with the goal of waste separation directly at households. Over the past three years, 900 illegal landfills have been cleaned, and around ten non-sanitary landfills located near inhabited areas have been remediated. Additional emphasis is placed on wastewater treatment plants throughout Serbia, including the construction of a 100 km sewage network.

Significant funding has been allocated through public tenders for replacing heating systems in heating plants, public institutions, and over 3,000 individual households.

The State Secretary emphasized the cooperation of local communities, institutions, businesses, and citizens in the implementation of all these valuable projects.

ENERGY FAIR

The mission of the 18^th Energy Fair, a respected trade event with UFI license, is to bring together experts, enterprises, companies, organizations, investors, and decision-makers from various sectors of the energy industry to present the latest advancements in the field, connect professionals, educate visitors on energy topics, and promote sustainable energy practices.

In these efforts, special attention is given to the presentation of new technologies. The Energy Fair enables companies to show the latest advancements in areas such as renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, smart grids, energy storage, services, and solutions aimed at enhancing sustainability and security in the energy sector, along with other innovations.

Considering all of this, the next significant benefit is the establishment of business networks and partnerships, as companies can connect with potential clients, suppliers, and investors to explore new business opportunities.

Additionally, expert lectures, seminars, workshops, and panels featuring leading industry professionals, offer additional opportunities for information and education exchange, knowledge sharing, and discussions on current topics and challenges in the energy sector. Interested individuals can gain new perspectives on current issues, learn about best practices, and identify new possibilities to enhance their projects and businesses.

One of the primary goals is to promote sustainable energy and environmental protection – emphasizing the importance of sustainable energy, renewable energy sources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (solar energy, wind power, biomass, geothermal energy, etc.). All of this is intended to serve as a firm platform for promoting technologies and practices that contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection.

Considering that the energy sector is a highly dynamic field prone to numerous innovations and developments, it is expected that exhibitors will focus on “trending” topics and issues such as battery technologies and energy storage (e.g., the development of new energy storage methods like hydrogen or thermal systems). Additionally, the sector is likely to address the digitalization of the energy sector, encompassing smart grids, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and artificial intelligence, contributing to better energy system management, energy consumption optimization, performance monitoring, and innovations such as electric vehicles and innovative charging infrastructure.

ECOLOGY FAIR

The 19^th Ecology Fair – Ecofair brings together various stakeholders from the environmental protection system – institutions, equipment manufacturers, distributors, recyclers, operators, landfills, local governments, municipal companies, waste generators, and the expert community. The goal of Ecofair is to raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection, promote sustainability, and provide a platform for exchanging ideas, information, and innovations related to environmental issues.

Ecofair enables and encourages companies, organizations, and individuals to present their sustainable practices, products, and solutions that contribute to environmental protection. This may include renewable energy sources, recycling and waste management, energy efficiency, green construction, innovative technologies, and other environmentally friendly initiatives.

Numerous educational programs, lectures, workshops, and panels on various environmental topics offer opportunities to educate participants and visitors about environmental challenges, climate change, biodiversity conservation, water management, pollution, and other significant environmental concerns.

An integral part of Ecofair is the promotion of sustainable lifestyles such as eco-friendly diets, reducing plastic usage, and using environmentally friendly products.

Ecofair has proven to be an excellent platform for connecting various stakeholders in the field of environmental protection, such as non-governmental organizations, institutions, companies, activists, and experts. It provides an opportunity for the public to become acquainted with the work and initiatives of environmental organizations and encourages citizen engagement in environmental protection.

Finally, the focus of this event is on financing and managing projects in the environmental protection sector, investment projects, waste management, wastewater treatment and management, industrial safety, and domestic legislation related to these issues. The essence of the entire agenda of this fair is the ultimate demand for, and promotion of, environmentally friendly behavior as a way of life.

ENERGY AND ECOLOGY

The joint participation of the energy and ecology expos allows for the connection and promotion of sustainable energy solutions and environmental practices. It bridges these two domains by advocating for renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, waste management, recycling, and by presenting environmentally conscious products and services. This may include energy-efficient household appliances, low-emission vehicles, sustainable construction materials, chemical-free products, among others. This section of the expo could focus on educating consumers about environmentally friendly options that contribute to preserving the environment.

The Energy Fair presents various sustainable energy sources such as solar energy, wind, hydroelectric power, biomass, geothermal energy, and others, which are environmentally friendly because they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the negative impact on the environment, compared to traditional energy sources like fossil fuels.

This organic and symbiotic duet highlights the importance of energy efficiency in achieving sustainable development. Presentations, panels, and exhibitions should promote the latest technologies, products, and practices that contribute to reducing energy consumption and optimizing energy systems, buildings, appliances, vehicles, etc. This emphasis aims to demonstrate that energy efficiency is a crucial factor in reducing the ecological footprint and preserving resources.

Additionally, the Energy Fair can provide information about environmental certificates, standards, and regulations relevant to the energy sector – certificates for renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, waste management, emission reduction, and other aspects of environmental sustainability. These standards and certifications can be crucial in identifying companies and products that stand out for their environmental responsibility.

ACCOMPANYING PROGRAM

In the high-quality accompanying program of these events, the Serbian Chamber of Commerce is organizing a business forum Serbia-Hungary on collaboration in the field of energy and ecology; Conference “Serbia on its Path towards Sustainable Development”; Promotion of academic programs, scientific papers, and projects in the field of ecology. The Ministry of Mining and Energy is hosting a lecture on “Innovations in Energy in Serbia”; USAID forum “Lower Bills, Greater Comfort, Cleaner Air”. Belgrade City Public Transportation Company (GSP) is holding a session on the effects of electric buses in Belgrade concerning environmental performance and energy efficiency; the Institute for Standardization of Serbia on “Standards and Ecology”; MT Komex on panel installation and inverter dismantling; the Bird Protection Society of Serbia presenting the project LIFE Danube Free Sky – addressing electrocution as a primary cause of bird fatalities in interactions with power lines.