23-24 October, Master Center Novi Sad

SEE ENERGY 2024 - Interactive Panel Discussions and Practical Workshops

For the seventh time, the "SEE ENERGY – Connect & Supply 2024" conference will bring together experts, investors, industry and business representatives, technology and service providers in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, along with government and financial institutions, consulting firms, media, and many other relevant players in the energy sector.

A diverse group of participants will contribute to rich discussions, the exchange of ideas, and the exploration of new business opportunities in the field of sustainable energy.

On October 23 and 24, 2024, at the Master Center in Novi Sad, participants will have the opportunity to attend interactive panel discussions and hands-on workshops.

More than 40 distinguished experts from various fields will showcase practical examples, the latest information, advanced technologies, as well as legislative and financial frameworks essential for the realization of future green projects. The conference will also provide an excellent networking opportunity, finding new collaborators and clients, and further promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Key Topics in Energy and Renewable Sources

Serbia's potential for energy stability through the use of biomass and circular economy is immense, considering its rich natural resources, agricultural and wood residues, and the possibility of transforming municipal and commercial waste – currently underutilized – into sustainable energy sources. Developing these sectors could significantly reduce Serbia's dependence on fossil fuels, enhance ecological sustainability, and create new jobs. The implementation of a circular economy further contributes to waste reduction and more efficient resource use, resulting in greater energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Utilizing municipal and commercial waste for energy production not only helps solve waste issues but also contributes to a cleaner and healthier environment.

How does Serbia plan to leverage biomass, municipal, and commercial waste to achieve energy stability? What are the specific examples of successful projects in Serbia? How can government regulations and legislative frameworks support the use of biomass, municipal, and commercial waste for achieving energy stability in Serbia?

How Will CBAM Affect the Competitiveness of Domestic Producers?

A panel discussion on CBAM will cover essential questions and guidelines such as content, timelines, obligations, and responsibilities, providing comprehensive information about the CBAM mechanism, its key components, and expected impacts. Experts will offer practical advice and real-world examples, helping participants better understand how to prepare for compliance with new regulations. Additionally, the financial aspects of CBAM, including certificate purchase costs and the potential economic benefits of transitioning to sustainable practices, will be explained. The discussion will cover deadlines for implementation, reporting obligations, and company responsibilities, offering an in-depth overview of the key issues and challenges companies face when adapting to CBAM regulations.

The panel will also include a workshop on how to measure CO2 emissions and create certificates, providing participants with the practical skills needed to fulfill CBAM requirements.

What Technology, What Raw Materials? Nuclear, solar, biomass and hydrogen

Identifying key technological trends and raw materials, and adapting them to our laws and financial capabilities, are essential steps toward developing a sustainable and competitive economy. The conference program will analyze current technological innovations and available raw materials, exploring how to integrate these factors into business strategies.

How can companies adapt to local regulations and financial frameworks to maximize the benefits of new technologies and raw materials? Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the latest technologies and materials that can enhance the economy's competitiveness, as well as how to implement them effectively in their operations. The event will provide a comprehensive overview of best practices and strategies for improving business operations in line with sustainable principles and local legislation.

Panel Discussion and Workshop: Battery Storage and Grid Integration

What role do batteries play in energy storage, and how do they contribute to the sustainability and efficiency of energy systems? Innovative battery technologies, development trends, and the challenges and opportunities they bring to the energy transition toward a cleaner future play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of energy systems, enabling more stable and reliable energy supply while reducing emissions and cutting costs. Participants will learn about the latest advances in battery technology and how integrating batteries can improve energy system efficiency and reliability, saving energy and money. What is the impact of subsidies on the popularity of batteries, and what are the challenges of connecting renewable energy projects to the grid?

Workshop: Choosing Parameters for Battery Installation

Participants will learn how to properly assess the needs of their energy systems and select appropriate battery technologies. Through practical examples and case studies, they will gain the skills needed to make informed decisions about battery systems that best suit their needs.

ESG Principles in Energy Transition: Innovations, Challenges, and Opportunities

Applying principles in the energy transition demonstrates how innovations can contribute to sustainable development. What are the key challenges in implementing ESG principles in the energy sector, and what opportunities arise from applying these principles? The panel will present the latest trends and technologies supporting ESG goals, including ways for companies to reduce their environmental impact, improve social responsibility, and align business strategies with regulatory frameworks. Participants will learn how ESG principles can help attract investments, improve reputation, and increase competitiveness in the market. Case studies and examples of successful projects demonstrating the practical application of ESG principles will also be discussed.

ESCO Financing: An Innovative Solution for Improving Energy Efficiency

ESCO companies offer innovative solutions for enhancing the energy efficiency of existing buildings or facilities, financing projects, and guaranteeing energy and financial savings for clients through long-term contracts. How can ESCO companies provide solutions for improving energy efficiency in existing buildings or facilities by financing them and guaranteeing clients energy and financial savings through long-term contracts? What risks do ESCO companies assume when financing energy efficiency projects, enabling clients to improve energy efficiency without initial investment costs?

The "SEE ENERGY – Connect & Supply 2024" conference represents a unique opportunity for all players in the energy sector to connect, exchange ideas, and gain new knowledge to help improve their business operations and contribute to a sustainable future. We invite all interested parties to join us and become part of this dynamic and inspiring community.

For more information, visit our event website at https://events-serbio.rs/ for event details and participant registration.

SEE ENERGY 2023, Regional Energy Conference - October, Novi Sad

The two-day regional energy conference with exhibition,  SEE ENERGY- Connect & Supply 2023 will take place on October 2nd and 3rd, 2023, at the Sheraton Hotel in Novi Sad. The conference will focus on topics related to innovation, decarbonization in industry and transportation, energy storage, the electricity market, financing renewable energy projects and green financing, as well as technologies and conditions for implementing heat pumps.

SEE ENERGY platform will gather leading experts, investors, industry representatives, decision-makers, technology manufacturers, consulting firms, governmental, and financial institutions. This regional event provides a unique opportunity to connect with key players in the industry, learn about the latest technologies and policies, and contribute to the further development of sustainable energy.

Plans to Connect 100,000 Buildings Annually to the Urban District Heating Network

Germany is currently facing intense political debate regarding the ban on the use of fossil fuel boilers, which has led to a government coalition dispute. However, this conflict has shifted attention to district heating - vast urban networks of hot water that could play a crucial role in heating the country after 2030.

The Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Mining and Energy have launched auctions for the allocation of feed-in premiums for renewable energy sources, specifically for wind power plants (400 MW) and solar power plants (50 MW). This step is part of the Three-Year Incentive System Plan, which aims to allocate feed-in premiums for a total of 1,300 MW to renewable energy producers over the next three years.

EVENT:  SEE ENERGY - Connect & Supply V, "Western Balkans meet new energy challenges" 

DATE:  October, 13-14th 2022

LOCATION: Hotel "Sheraton", Novi Sad, online via Zoom platform and YouTube channel

PROGRAM 

REGISTRATION - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Renewable energy supply and the transition to green energy are becoming increasingly important, especially during the energy crisis in Europe. Dealing with high oil, electricity and gas prices has an increasingly negative impact on citizens and the economy in the European Union. At the meeting of the European Council held on March 24 and 25 this year, it was announced that the member states will work together with the European Commission on the joint purchase of gas, hydrogen, and liquefied natural gas.

At the same time, the Western Balkans region is going through an energy crisis, and a common approach makes it easier to finance green energy and abandon coal use, said the Deputy Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, Dirk Bushle.

The fifth international investment conference SEE ENERGY- Connect & Supply on "Western Balkans to meet new energy challenges" will be held on October 13 and 14 this year at the Sheraton Hotel, Novi Sad.

The National Biomass Association "SERBIO" and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EBRD will present the situation, current challenges, and future projects and potential solutions in the future energy transition of the entire Western Balkans region during the two-day event.

Over 40 energy experts, representatives of investors, the economy, and the most crucial state institutions from Serbia, Croatia, BiH, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Slovenia, etc., will talk about the most current topic - regional energy situation, oil,  and electricity prices and future challenges, presenting solutions, technologies and sources of funding.

Austria is this year's partner country of the conference, and in addition to Austrian representatives of equipment and services, the event will be attended by representatives of companies from Germany and Italy. Considering the topicality of the topic, the interest is great, and the topics of the conference were distributed in two days in all conference halls of the "Sheraton" hotel in Novi Sad.

The two-day event will be officially opened by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia and the Minister of Mining and Energy, Prof. PhD. Zorana Mihajović, Mr. Matteo Colangeli, director of the EBRD for the Western Balkans, as well as high-ranking officials, representatives of the Energy Community Secretariat, the Austrian embassy, ​​the EU Delegation in Serbia, as well as Mayor of the city of Novi Sad.

Topics:

• RES IN DISTRICT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS - co-organizer of the event - EBRD, REdeWeB program, Ministry of Mining and Energy, Secretariat of the Energy Community, AERS, EPS, Novi Sad Plant, PU "Toplane Srbije", Banja Luka Plant, Sarajevo Plant, Kragujevac Plant
• GREEN TRANSITION AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE GREEN AGENDA - Chamber of Commerce of Serbia, Center for Circular Economy, UNDP, Consultare Croatia, WABIO, SGS company
• POTENTIAL AND DEVELOPMENT OF BIOMASS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL CIRCULAR ECONOMY - National Association for Biomass "SERBIO" - Wabio, Conslutare, Polytechnik GmbH, ProCredit banka, Erste banka
• USING SOLAR ENERGY THROUGH THE BUYER - MANUFACTURER APPROACH,  challenges and solutions, design, technologies, financing: co-organizer of the event - GIZ, program "Promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Serbia" - Ministry of Mining and Energy, EDS, EPS, Ministry of Finance RS, Ministry economy, Energy Net, Viessmann, MT Komex
• FINANCING RESEARCH PROJECTS - ERSTE, OTP, ProCredit bank, Ministry of Mining and Energy, Ministry of Economy, AON Corporation - ACB
• DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTROMOBILITY IN SERBIA, E-bus in Novi Sad - Schneider Electric, Siemens Serbia, ABB, charge&GO

Topics are intended for industry, economy, agriculture, households, public companies, banks and local governments.

The event is organized with the co-organization of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development EBRD and the German Organization for International Cooperation GIZ, with the support of the Ministry of Mining and Energy, the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, PU "Toplane Serbia", regional associations and associations.

SEE ENERGY-Connect & Supply IV

"Development of the bioenergy market in the energy system and district heating systems"

12-13 October 2022, hotel "Sheraton", Novi Sad, SERBIA 

Target group/participants

Technology: Equipment manufacturers (domestic and foreign), equipment distributors, equipment installers,

Investment support - subsidies: state, banks, private investment funds, EU organizations

Technical and project documentation: engineers, designers, lawyers, development agencies

End-users: companies, heating plants, industry, electricity distribution, farmers, state and local government, energy agency, professional associations, pellet manufacturers, pellet machine manufacturers, service technicians, measuring instrument suppliers, forestry farms, agricultural farms, producers with organic by-products: wood processors, mills...

Sector Information / Event Description

FIND OUT INFORMATION FROM THE SECTOR

Current world policies and market trends. Potentials and challenges of the RES market in Serbia and the Western Balkans region. The current framework, resource supply and sustainability of bioenergy. Barrier analysis and bioenergy improvement measures.

MEET EXPERIENCED EXPERTS

International practice and business know-how. Successful examples from the region and useful tips. Licenses, permits and project preparation.

FIND OUT ABOUT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Overview of investment opportunities and planned capacities. Remote projects heating and cogeneration plants that require investment.

FIND A PARTNER IN THE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

Funding and co-financing opportunities. International experiences and public-private partnership.

TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS AND EQUIPMENT

Advanced technologies and equipment for power plants and thermal energy from biomass, cogeneration plants and district heating system heating. Innovative applications.

Topics

Support for the development of RES in Serbia, District heating systems in cooling and heating, The transition from gas to biomass, District heating in cities - good practices, Technological solutions and innovations, Technological solutions and innovations for efficient distribution of thermal energy, Sustainable distribution cogeneration systems, Legal aspects of investment and insurance, Investments and support for investment projects, Solar thermal, Heat pumps, Thermal energy from waste, Wood biomass and sustainable supply of raw materials, Wood chipping and pellet production

Partner/co-organizer:  EBRD, ReDEWeB fund

Support: GIZ 

Organizer: National Biomass Association “SERBIO”

Green energy production in order to protect the environment and sustainable use of agricultural and wood biomass

October, 6-7. 2021. , Novi Sad, hotel "SHERATON" 

Program of the conference -LINK 

Is solar energy the future of Serbia? Can a citizen be both- a producer and a distributor of electricity?

What are the benefits of the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources?

I want to put a solar panel on my rooftop - where do I start? Do you need information from each sector on the planning, financing and implementation of a solar project?

Biomass cogeneration plants and boilers- electricity and heat

The first international investment and practical conference - "Solar energy and cogeneration - panels for companies, farmers, households, public companies, heating plants and municipalities"

Place: Novi Sad 

Time: February, 23th 2022., 09.00-16.00

Target group / participants

• Technology: Equipment manufacturers (domestic and foreign), equipment distributors, equipment installers.
• Investment support - subsidies: state, banks, private investment funds, EU organizations
• Technical and project documentation: engineers, designers, lawyers
• Consumers: companies, food industries, farmers, owners of warehouses, public companies - municipalities, cities, local governments, schools, health centers, heating plants, households - citizens, housing communities ...

Sector information

In order to achieve the climate goal of reducing the increase in average global temperature by 1.5 ° C by 2050, the use of fossil fuels must be reduced by 75%, and even greater growth in RES capacity is expected in the future. Serbia, as a member of the Energy Community, has a required goal - 32% of the total energy consumption should be from renewable sources, by 2030.

The new Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources will enable us to see more solar panels on the roofs of family houses, apartment buildings, as well as production halls and warehouses, the procedure for their installation will be shorter and simpler than before. The replacement of feed-in tariffs with market premiums and auctions has enabled the modernization of the incentive system.

The procedure for drafting the project, obtaining a building permit, issuing a building permit, installing and concluding a contract with EPS Distribution is shortened and accelerated and should not take longer than 3 months.

The use of biomass and solar energy as renewable sources of sustainable and efficient energy for independent complexes is the future which, through its implementation, ensures the establishment of the fifth level of technology that provides a high degree of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

The price of electricity is expected to increase from February 1, 2022, and solar panels, in addition to reducing monthly electricity bills, contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment. Cheaper solar technology has brought greater interest to producers from all over Europe in the market of the Republic of Serbia.

If you are a household, industry or public company, interested in installing solar panels on your facilities, you need information from each sector of planning, financing and implementation of the solar project, SEE ENERGY - the first practical conference on solar energy in Serbia, offers you adequate information, business networking and answers your questions. As part of the one-day conference, B2B meetings will be held with representatives of design houses, technology manufacturers, representatives of investment funds and others. (with mandatory appointment).

Topics:

• Market information, framework and investment opportunities
• Investment incentives - state subsidies, bank credit lines, private investment funds
• An example of successful application of photovoltaics in Serbia
• Innovative solutions and technologies: Equipment and services
• Greenhouses with photo panels for electricity production
• Photovoltaic power plants and cost-effectiveness
• Biomass- solar energy in heating plants
• Smart villages - an example of good practice from Austria
• Solar and biomass boilers

*Sessions are held separately for industries, companies, farmers and households and especially for public companies, local governments, heating plants in various conference rooms during the day.

Partner: GIZ

Support: EBRD

Organizer: National Biomass Association "SERBIO" 

 PROGRAM OF THE CONFERENCE

World's first high-altitude floating solar farm – in the Swiss Alps

This is the world's first high-altitude floating solar farm, perched like a raft atop Lac des Toules, a man-made reservoir near the village of Bourg-Saint-Pierre in the canton of Valais near the Swiss–Italian border. It is a one-of-a-kind power plant, installed in December 2019 by Romande Energie, the main supplier of electricity in French-speaking Switzerland. "We came up with the idea in 2012 over a coffee," recalls Guillaume Fuchs, project lead in wind and floating solar plants at Romande Energie. "We were thinking about ways we could use dams to produce more electricity. First we considered wind power but there were too many constraints. So then we looked into a project with floating solar panels." 

How does it work?

The solar plant at Lac des Toules consists of 1,400 panels, laid on 36 floating structures made of aluminium and polyethylene plastic anchored to the bottom of the lake. Current production exceeds 800,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is the equivalent of consumption for about 220 households.

Despite a considerable up-front investment of CHF2.35 million ($2.6 million) – more than what a similar installation on dry land would cost, thanks to extra costs associated with rafts and anchors – a photovoltaic installation on a man-made lake at a high altitude has several advantages.

"The atmosphere is a bit thinner and so UV rays are more intense,” Fuchs explains. “The panels are actually more effective at low temperatures, and we can even use the reflected light from the snow."

Using two-sided panels, which are fitted with photovoltaic cells both front and back, means they can also use light reflected from the surface of the water, which adds to the electrical yield.

"Compared to an installation of the same dimensions down in the valley, we produce about 50% more electricity up here," he points out.

Resistant to snow and ice

Beginning operation in December 2019, the solar power plant in the Alps got through its first winter successfully, Fuchs says. The problem with ice, which can be as thick as 60cm on the lake, was resolved using floats, which raise the structure whenever the surface of the water freezes over. When the lake is completely emptied at the end of March, the platforms come to rest on the bottom, which is flattened out.

The structure can sustain up to 50cm of snow. If the snowfall is heavier, the snow slips off the panels as soon as the sun begins to shine.

The back of the panel is what produces electricity,” Fuchs explains. “So they warm up, and the snow just slips off. After doing several tests we came to the conclusion that a slope of 37° on the panels would be enough to get the snow off, without compromising the efficiency of the photovoltaic cells."

The Alpine effect

Three factors come together to enable this high-altitude solar farm to produce up to 50% more energy than one on low-lying land: the cold temperatures, stronger UV rays, and light reflected from the surrounding snow. Photovoltaic cells are more efficient in cold weather, as Fuchs points out. Söderström also highlights the potential of this choice of location for generating power, especially in winter: "There is much less fog at an altitude of 1,810 metres than lower down. And the snow reflects the sunlight, so the panels can harness more energy – a phenomenon known as the albedo effect." The use of two-sided modules is very effective here because, when snow lands on a panel, the light reflected from one side heats up the other side by generating energy, causing the snow to slide off. 

The overall effect of this Alpine environment is a higher energy yield, particularly in the winter months. It was thus a bold but winning decision. Söderström points out: "There is nothing new or exceptional about floating solar farms, and there are many examples around the world, but this is the first one that has to withstand the harsh climatic conditions of an Alpine winter. It stands as both an addition and a testament to Swiss expertise." According to SFOE figures, electricity from renewable sources accounted for around 75% of Switzerland's electricity consumption and 62% of electricity production in 2019. 
This world-first project is drawing much interest from electricity companies around the world and has even become a tourist attraction in the region. "We are in contact with other electricity suppliers in Switzerland and Europe with a view to exporting our technology," says Fuchs. The mayor of Bourg-Saint-Pierre, Gilbert Tornare, adds: "Here at the end of the valley, we live off what few natural resources we have – sunshine, water and wind. So we welcomed this project with great interest and enthusiasm. And we get quite a few tourists coming to look at our floating solar farm. This project is good for our energy independence – but also for our economic survival as a region." 

Future of solar power

The first floating solar installation was built in 2007 in Japan, and it was followed by projects in other countries, including France, Italy, South Korea, Spain and the United States. Currently, more than a hundred floating plants are operating around the world and the capacity has been increasing since 2014.

The panels can be placed on all kinds of bodies of water, from the industrial (disused mines) to the open sea. The world’s biggest installation of this kind is now in Anhui province, China, while the biggest one in Europe is in Piolenc, in the south of France (with 47,000 photovoltaic panels).

According to players in the sector, floating stations are really the future of solar power because the water cools the panels, increasing their yield. Furthermore, they resolve the issue of land use because they don’t take away any space from agriculture or construction.

This kind of solar power is likely to expand in many parts of the world, according to from the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore and the World Bank.

2021 Watt d'Or award

The Lac des Toules solar project has cost CHF 2.35 million to date. It currently produces 800,000 kWh of electricity per year, which is enough to power 220 households. In recognition of its pioneering technology, Romande Energie was awarded the SFOE's 2021  Watt d'Or in the Renewable Energy category. However, the current structure – while efficient – is still only a demonstration project. As Fuchs reveals, Romande Energie has much bigger plans for the future, with a larger and more permanent structure to be built on the same lake in 2022: "The goal is to produce 22 million kWh per year, enough power for some 6,100 households." Romande Energie hopes to obtain planning permission for its new system in early 2021. 

Source:

https://www.euronews.com/green/2021/05/14/extraordinary-views-from-the-world-s-first-mountainous-solar-farm

https://www.euronews.com/green/2021/06/04/the-high-altitude-solar-farm-floating-to-success

https://houseofswitzerland.org/swissstories/environment/worlds-first-high-altitude-floating-solar-farm-swiss-alps

Prepared: Ivana Kravic, Jelena Buncic