Energy stability plays a key role in maintaining the stability of the economy and the quality of life of the population. For a region like ours, which faces a number of challenges, including political instability, economic difficulties and complex international relations, energy stability is essential.
For the 19th International Energy Fair and the 20th International Fair of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources EcoFair, which will be presented to visitors and the professional public from October 14 to 16, 2024 in Hall 3 of the Belgrade Fair, that is the topic of topics.
ENERGY
Under the unique slogan “The message is in nature”, more than 50 domestic and foreign exhibitors from a dozen countries should demonstrate that stable and reliable access to energy directly affects industrial production, business, transport and everyday life of citizens. In the absence of a stable energy supply, the economy becomes vulnerable to interruptions in production, increases in operating costs and inflation. This can result in a decrease in investment, an increase in unemployment and a decrease in living standards. And in the countries of the Western Balkans, energy is key for industrial branches such as metallurgy, chemical industry and transport. In addition, every energy crisis necessarily produces a domino effect on these sectors, which usually causes serious economic consequences.
The Western Balkans, as a region of which the domestic energy system is an organic component, has a complex energy situation, largely dependent on energy imports and limited domestic resources. Energy stability is often linked to political and economic relations with neighboring countries and the wider European environment. For example, dependence on Russian gas or on Central European energy flows, or on some other external factor, represents a significant risk factor. In addition to all that, the infrastructure in many parts of the region is outdated, which further threatens energy stability.
All of these are the reasons why this respectable UFI-licensed fair event seeks to bring together experts, businesses, companies, organizations, investors and decision-makers from various sectors of the energy industry in order to present the latest achievements in that industry, connect professionals from the sector, educate visitors on energy topics and promote sustainable energy practices. The Energy Fair allows companies to showcase the latest developments in areas such as renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, smart grids, energy storage, services and solutions that can help improve sustainability and security in the energy sector and other innovations.
Diversification of energy sources and flows is a key strategy for reducing the risks associated with dependence on a single energy source or supplier. In the context of global energy-political turmoil, diversification has become imperative to ensure energy security.
One of the key thematic and exhibition determinants of Energy is the diversification of sources, which implies an increase in the participation of renewable energy sources such as wind, sun, hydropower and biomass. This reduces dependence on fossil fuels and helps mitigate environmental impacts. In the area to which we belong, for example, there is significant potential for the development of hydropower, solar power plants and wind farms. By increasing the participation of these sources, the countries of the region can reduce their dependence on energy imports and increase their own energy independence.
Diversification of flows implies the construction of new energy corridors and interconnections between countries, in which Serbia takes significant initiatives. All this increases the resistance of energy systems to political and economic pressures.
Communication is also a key component of energy diversification. This refers to the integration of energy systems within the region and with wider European energy networks. In this way, the Balkans can better take advantage of the advantages of the European energy market and increase their own security. The application of smart grids and modern technologies for managing energy flows also contributes to the stability and efficiency of energy systems.
Cooperation between energy systems at the regional and international level is necessary to ensure energy security and efficiency. Energy systems are interconnected and depend on each other, and cooperation enables better resource management, cost reduction and increased resilience to crises.
And in the Western Balkans, cooperation between countries in the field of energy is key to ensuring stable supply and integration into the European energy market. Regional energy projects aim to connect the energy networks of the countries of the region, which enables the exchange of electricity, optimization of production and better use of renewable energy sources. Cooperation also enables joint development of infrastructure, which reduces costs and increases security of supply. For example, joint investments in gas pipelines, oil pipelines or power grids enable the betterment of all participants, and also increase their bargaining power in relation to external suppliers.
In this context, in addition to large state-owned energy companies such as Srbijagas and EPS, a number of domestic and foreign private companies will present their product range and assortment – solar panels, all types of cables and mini cameras for pipe inspection, accompanying devices and tools… – at the fair.
SERVICE INFORMATION
The energy and ecology fairs are held from October 14 to 16, 2024, and the working hours of the fairs are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
An individual ticket costs 500 dinars, a group ticket costs 300 dinars, and parking for cars in the fair grounds costs 200 dinars per hour.
As a sponsor of the Energy Fair, the Ministry of Mining and Energy will actively support this year’s fair theme, Energy Efficiency, through the presentation of a series of projects implemented by the Directorate for Financing and Incentive of Energy Efficiency, which recently operates as part of the line ministry. At his stand, through panels and direct discussions, he will pay special attention to the energy rehabilitation of households, residential and public buildings.
A rich accompanying professional program, organized in the form of panels and current educational programs for employees, is also announced by EPS at its stand during all three days of the fair.
The company Telefon Inžinjering presents the electric vehicle “Tesla” at the fair, which most practically connects the topics of ecology and energy.
ECOLOGY
Environmental factors play an increasingly important role in the design and development of new energy sources. In light of climate change and increasingly stringent regulations, sustainability is becoming a key criterion in the selection of technologies and approaches for energy production.
When designing new energy sources, it is necessary to take into account their carbon dioxide emissions, impact on biodiversity, water consumption and other environmental factors. Thus, wind farms and solar farms have a low ecological footprint in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, but can have a negative impact on local fauna and flora if not carefully planned.
In the Balkans, where there is significant potential for the development of hydropower, it is necessary to balance the need for energy and the preservation of natural resources. The construction of hydropower plants can have a negative impact on river ecosystems, fish migration routes and water quality. Therefore, it is important to apply an approach based on sustainable development, which includes thorough environmental assessments and the involvement of the local community.
In such a context, the 20th Ecology Fair EcoFair leads various actors from the environmental protection system – institutions, equipment manufacturers, distributors, recyclers, operators, landfills, local governments, utility companies, waste generators, professional public in raising awareness of the importance of environmental protection, promoting sustainability and providing a platform for the exchange of ideas, information and innovations related to environmental issues. These questions seek answers about exemplary sustainable practices, products and solutions that contribute to environmental protection, renewable energy sources, recycling and waste management, energy efficiency, green construction, innovative technologies and other environmentally friendly initiatives, financing and project management in the environmental protection sector, investment projects and waste management, wastewater treatment and management, industrial safety and domestic legislation related to this issue.
The promotion of sustainable lifestyles, such as organic food, reducing the use of plastic, using environmentally friendly products and the like, is also unavoidable.
At the Ecology Fair, public utility companies, local self-government, domestic associations and institutes and several foreign companies in the field of utilities and recycling are participating.
The accompanying program of this manifestation is organized by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce with an emphasis on the Serbia-Hungary Business Forum, in cooperation with the Hepa Balkan Agency, which brings more than ten companies from the field of ecology and energy to the Fair. This time, the Chamber will devote a significant part of its program to secondary vocational schools, in order to try to bring the field of environmental protection closer to the youth through the education system.
The local administration of the city of Čačak, together with the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy from Belgrade, organizes a whole series of current presentations and lectures in the field of environmental protection and “good practice” at its stand.
The Institute for Standardization also prepares a professional accompanying program from its domain.
The relationship between energy and ecology is complex and often contradictory. While energy is essential for the development and prosperity of societies, its production and consumption can have serious environmental consequences. Fossil fuels, which have long been the main source of energy, are responsible for most of the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming and climate change. On the other hand, switching to renewable energy sources is a solution that can harmonize energy needs with environmental goals. However, even renewable sources have their own challenges and environmental aspects that need to be carefully considered.
Energy and ecology can be harmonized through the concept of sustainable development, which implies the use of energy resources in a way that does not endanger natural ecosystems and future generations. This includes energy efficiency, reduction of emissions, development of green technologies and promotion of sustainable energy consumption. In our circumstances, this balance is particularly important given the wealth of natural resources and the importance of ecosystems for local communities and the economy. Establishing sustainable energy practices can contribute to ecological preservation and energy security of the region.
It is clear, and this is the point of such a fair concept and gathering, that the key factors in designing the energy future of a region like ours, while respecting all environmental standards, include: Diversification of energy sources, i.e. reducing dependence on fossil fuels through increasing the share of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and hydropower; energy efficiency, through the application of technologies and practices that reduce energy consumption in all sectors, including industry, transport and households; preservation of biodiversity, i.e. careful planning and construction of energy plants in order to minimize negative impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity; reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, introduction of measures to reduce emissions of CO2 and other pollutants through carbon capture technologies, use of cleaner energy sources, and transition to sustainable practices; development of infrastructure for renewable sources, which includes the construction and modernization of networks for the integration of renewable energy sources, such as smart grids and energy storage; regional cooperation through the joint development of energy projects and infrastructure among the countries of the region in order to optimize resources and reduce the ecological footprint; promoting sustainable transport, encouraging the transition to electric vehicles and developing infrastructure for alternative fuels that have a lower environmental impact; inclusion of the local community, that is, the involvement of local communities in the decision-making process, in order to ensure that energy projects meet the needs and interests of the population and minimize environmental risks; adapting to climate change by planning energy systems that take into account future climate change and resilience to extreme weather conditions; supporting innovation and research, which means encouraging the development of new technologies and innovative approaches in energy that reduce environmental impact and increase sustainability.
Together, these factors form a framework for planning an energy future that is environmentally sustainable and adapted to the needs of the region.