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July 23, 2025
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Meet VIREAS: new AI-powered virtual assistant for energy

Croatia’s Regional Energy Agency North has launched VIREAS – a virtual energy assistant powered by artificial intelligence.

VIREAS answers users’ questions about energy renovation and renewable energy sources in real time, provides recommendations tailored to users’ homes and needs, helps identify opportunities to save energy and reduce costs, and explains technical concepts in simple terms, the Regional Energy Agency North (REA North) said.

The VIREAS app is an interactive platform that enables users to engage with an AI assistant on various topics related to energy efficiency and renewable energy.

VIREAS is designed for those who want to save energy and use renewables

The idea behind the chatbot is to help owners of houses and buildings improve energy efficiency or install facilities for the use of renewable energy sources. For example, it assists in renovating the facade, replacing the heating system, or installing a heat pump or solar power plant.

It enables faster, easier, and more secure decision-making processes related to energy renovation, without the need for expert knowledge, the agency claimed.

VIREAS can be used both by people with very little knowledge and by experts

Using VIREAS is simple and user-friendly for everyone, whether you have very little knowledge or you are an expert, according to REA North.

In addition to technical recommendations, VIREAS informs users about available subsidies and public calls from the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund or FZOEU, making it easier to access public funds and further reduce investment costs.

The agency warned that VIREAS doesn’t replace a project designer or a certified energy consultant

REA North underlined that VIREAS uses official sources of information. It includes public calls launched by FZOEU, technical rules on thermal protection and heating and cooling systems, and energy certification rulebooks.

The agency stressed that although its chatbot provides useful information and tips, it doesn’t replace a project designer or authorized energy consultant. REA North advised citizens to consult experts to make a final decision and for the preparation of project documentation.

The design of the chatbot was co-financed by the BauNOW project under the Interreg Euro-MED program.

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July 23, 2025
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Slovenia kicks off grants program for renewables-based district heating, cooling

The Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy of Slovenia launched a public call for cofunding the construction or restructuring of district heating and cooling systems using renewable energy sources. The grants, for companies and cooperatives, are from the European Union’s cohesion support mechanisms.

The introduction of renewables-based district heating and cooling systems reduces pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and the dependence on fossil fuels. Much of the European household and business sectors still rely on gas boilers for heating. In addition, the ever-increasing severity and length of heat waves are prompting the need for a systemic cooling solution.

As part of its decarbonization and energy efficiency efforts, Slovenia launched a EUR 51.2 million cofunding package for companies and cooperatives.

The program covers the construction or restructuring of district heating and cooling systems using renewable energy sources. The first deadline for applications is September 11, followed by one on January 8, the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy said.

The public call will be open until the entire sum is allocated, or at the latest until September 11, 2026, the third deadline. The EU’s cohesion funding accounts for 85% and Slovenia is providing the rest.

District heating projects that include cooling get additional points

While primarily aimed at increasing the production of electricity and heat from renewable energy sources and from waste heat, the scheme includes additional points for projects that involve cooling. The systems are required to cover at least 350 kW of consumption.

Eligible equipment includes heat pumps, solar collectors, wood biomass boilers and combined heat and power (CHP or cogeneration) solutions.

Large companies can receive up to 45% of their investment, while mid-sized ones can get 55%. The cap for small and micro enterprises is 65%. The maximum individual grant is EUR 30 million.

Slovenia’s current calls for subsidizing sustainable mobility, energy efficiency and renewables projects are worth more than EUR 300 million altogether. The government is preparing four more, for EUR 62 million overall.

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July 23, 2025
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Germany supports Serbia in clean energy supply, environmental protection

The Republic of Serbia and Germany’s KfW Development Bank signed a loan agreement on July 18 for EUR 135 million for the second phase of the credit program Green Transition Development Policy Operation (DPO II).

The signatures underscore the joint activities by Germany and Serbia aimed at a climate-compliant and socially just energy transition, said Chargés d’Affaires ad interim Carsten Meyer-Wiefhausen from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Serbia. “We will continue to be with Serbia on this path and support its reform efforts,” he stressed.

Within the financing for the reforms, the World Bank, French Development Agency (AFD) and the German KfW Development Bank are supporting the Republic of Serbia in conducting its ambitious reform agenda. The goal is to accelerate the transition to energy from clean sources and align with EU standards in environmental protection and climate.

Series of reforms through DPO II

Several successful reforms have been materialized within DPO II, among which:

  1. Promoting investments that are acceptable in environmental and climate terms: Public investments are graded under environmental criteria and with regard to the risk of natural disasters, and with models developed solely for the purpose. The citizens of Serbia benefit from the government’s more sustainable investment decisions.
  2. Enhanced transparency in the public budget: The Government of the Republic of Serbia has committed to publishing information on the execution of the public budget, not only at the end of the fiscal year, but also during the year. It improves the transparency of public expenditures, primarily concerning investments in environmental and climate protection.
  3. Affordable energy prices: The Government of the Republic of Serbia has rolled out temporary targeted subsidies for households with low income, like citizens with low pensions. The share of households receiving such aid has grown from 2.7%, registered in 2021, to last year’s 8%.
  4. Improvement in waste disposal: Aligning with EU standards brings a better approach to sanitary landfills, namely from 42% (2021) to last year’s 50%. The citizens of Serbia benefit from improved waste disposal and a cleaner environment.
  5. Prepared for CBAM: Since this year, large industrial facilities and power plants report their CO2 emissions in line with EU standards. That way Serbia is more prepared for the upcoming full implementation of the European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) for carbon prices. For instance, the country would be able to price CO2 emissions and charge them.

Financing reforms within climate partnership

Germany’s contribution to financing reforms is an integral part of Germany’s climate partnership with Serbia and the entire Western Balkans. The purpose of the partnership is to support Serbia’s work on achieving its national climate goals and adapting to climate change. The key goal of the partnerships is for the transformation that is necessary to meet climate goals, in the interest of Serbian citizens, to be socially just, a just transition.

This year, Serbia and Germany are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their development cooperation. In the meantime, KfW financed projects worth EUR 2.5 billion in Serbia.

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July 22, 2025
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Ninth Energy Community Summer School gathers 40 participants in Montenegro from 28 countries

The ninth Energy Community Summer School has kicked off in Montenegro, gathering 40 participants from 28 countries.

On July 19, forty young professionals and researchers from 28 countries convened at the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Kotor, Montenegro, to dive deep into the pressing technical, political, and economic issues driving the energy transition, according to the Energy Community Secretariat.

“The energy transition is no longer a distant goal—it’s happening now, shaped by technology, driven by policy, and tested by crises,” Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, said in his welcoming address.

Lorkowski: A successful and just transition depends on bringing together diverse people and perspectives

A successful and just transition depends on bringing together diverse people and perspectives to learn and exchange ideas—just as the secretariat does each year at this summer school, and as it has done for two decades across the Energy Community: building connections, aligning energy rules, and driving the shift to cleaner, more secure energy systems in our region, according to Lorkowski.

The 2025 edition attracted 242 applications from 58 countries. At the end of the selection procedure, 40 participants representing 28 countries were selected: 18 from Energy Community contracting parties, one from an observer country, 18 from EU member states (including seven from the Visegrád Group), and the remainder from Switzerland, South Africa, and the United States.

Among them, 27 hold a master’s degree and 13 have a PhD.

The seven-day program is organized by the Energy Community Secretariat, in collaboration with the International Visegrad Fund, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung – Dialogue Southeast Europe (FES-SOE), and Montenegro’s state-owned companies – power utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), and distribution system operator Crnogorski Elektrodistributivni Sistem (CEDIS).

The Energy Community’s long-standing commitment to building the next generation of leaders

Since its launch in 2016, the initiative has also been supported by Polis University (Tirana), Comenius University (Bratislava), Jagiellonian University (Krakow), Masaryk University (Brno), and REKK (Budapest).

The Summer School reflects the Energy Community’s long-standing commitment to building the   next generation of leaders—those who will drive long-term integration, cooperation, and sustainable energy transformation across the region, the secretariat pointed out.

Throughout the week, participants will work closely with leading experts from academia, industry, and policymaking circles to examine real-world approaches to transforming energy systems.

Through lectures, case studies, and collaborative discussions, they will explore how innovation, cross-border cooperation, and policy reform can drive decarbonization while supporting economic development and regional stability, according to the secreatariat.

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July 22, 2025
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Resalta takes over Statkraft’s operations in Croatia 

Statkraft has sold its Croatian platform to Resalta, according to the two companies. The transaction, which includes the renewable energy project pipeline and the transfer of employees, was signed and closed in July.

Norway-based Statkraft has decided to leave India, the Netherlands and Croatia in October 2024. The company started its Croatian operations in 2021. Resalta is part of Aggreko Group from Scotland.

Statkraft, Europe’s largest renewable energy producer, and Resalta, an international energy services provider operating across Central and Eastern European markets, and with a growing presence in Croatia, said Statkraft sold its Croatian platform to Resalta.

The integration process is now underway, they added.

Bellanger: Resalta will continue to develop the Croatian platform to its full potential

The platform includes a significant pipeline of renewable energy projects fully aligned with Resalta growth plan. The integration of the local team into Resalta’s operations ensures continuity and builds on their expertise to advance future development, the two companies claimed.

“We are delighted to have completed this transaction with Resalta, a company that shares our commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. With the team of seasoned project developers, we are confident that Resalta will continue to develop the Croatian platform to its full potential,” said Arnaud Bellanger, Statkraft Country Manager Croatia and France.

Komazec: Resalta is expanding its footprint in renewable energy sector in Croatia

Resalta Group CEO Luka Komazec stressed that the acquisition represents a significant step forward for Resalta as the company expands its footprint in renewable energy project development in Croatia.

“We are excited to welcome the talented team from Statkraft and look forward to working together to advance our shared vision of a sustainable energy future,” he added.

In Komazec’s words, Resalta is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for all stakeholders involved.

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July 22, 2025
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Biggest PV plant in Slovenia begins regular operation

The largest solar power plant in Slovenia has only 7.1 MW in peak capacity and a 5 MW grid connection. The facility in the country’s southwest, on the border with Italy, has begun regular operation, according to its developer Moja elektrarna.

Slovenia is mostly leaning on small photovoltaic and battery storage installations for its renewables expansion. Moja elektrarna, a firm based in Maribor, the second-largest city, built the country’s biggest solar power facility.

The PV plant consists of 12,888 modules of 550 W apiece, Naš stik reported. It translates to barely 7.1 MW in peak capacity, in terms of direct current or DC. The grid connection, for alternating current (AC), is 5 MW.

Moja elektrarna installed the PV park at the Krvavi Potok village on the border with Italy. The facility in southwestern Slovenia is on the territory of the Hrpelje-Kozina municipality. It is expected to generate 8.4 GWh per year. The projected output is equivalent to the electricity consumption of 2,400 domestic households, the article adds.

Located next to one of the main roads to Italy, the PV plant in Krvavi Potok is suitable for powering future electric vehicle charging points

The firm said the test operation began on April 1 and that the solar power plant entered regular operation on July 1. It expects to receive the certificate of occupancy, the final permit, by September.

Moja elektrarna is a subsidiary of Austria-based PV-Invest, which earlier said the PV plant spans 7.2 hectares. The company has calculated that the solar power plant would prevent an equivalent of almost 64,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions in total over its 30-year operating life.

Located next to one of the main roads to Italy, the facility is suitable for powering future electric vehicle charging points, according to the company. PV-Invest develops funding plans for private and institutional investors for joint photovoltaic projects supported by banks and financial institutions, according to its website.

In 2023, HESS built the now second-largest solar power plant in Slovenia in Brežice, at its hydropower plant.

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