Panel 7 – Hydrogen as a Decarbonization Fuel for Industry and Transport
The seventh panel of the Balkan Solar Summit, focused on hydrogen as a key factor in decarbonizing industry and transport, moderated by Ivica Jakić with panelists Armin Hrnjić, Sanjin Gutić, Ivica Jelčić, Petar Jakić, and Zoran Božić, presents key conclusions. The panel highlighted the capability of the industry and transport sectors to decarbonize using hydrogen, supported by the construction of solar power plants. This direction in the energy sector points to innovative ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to sustainable energy sources.It was concluded that hydrogen is a crucial component of the future of energy, and the implementation of this fuel represents a key step toward achieving a more sustainable and cleaner energy system.
Panel 8 – Small Hydropower Plants in Bosnia and Herzegovina: “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”
At the eighth panel of the Balkan Solar Summit, focused on small hydropower plants in Bosnia and Herzegovina under the theme “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow,” moderator Amer Jerlagić and panelists Dragan Jerinić, Edhem Bičakčić, Ljubinko Kostić, and Armin Hadžijalić shared some of the key conclusions from the panel.The panel engaged in a deep discussion on the role of the profession in the development of small hydropower plant projects, particularly in the context of creating legal and other regulations related to the construction and operation of small hydropower plants. It was concluded that there is a significant need for stricter regulations to ensure compliance with ecological standards and the principles of sustainable energy planning (SEP). The panelists emphasized the importance of balancing energy needs with ecosystem preservation, as well as the need for transparency in decision-making processes and project implementation. These conclusions lay the foundation for further consideration and improvement.
Balkan Solar Summit: The Path to a Sustainable Energy Future
The conclusion of the Balkan Solar Summit marked key steps toward energy transition at the regional level. The conference highlighted that the region is on the right path, but also emphasized the need for further efforts, cooperation, and innovation to fully harness the potential of renewable energy sources (RES). The Balkan Solar Summit confirmed that renewable energy is not only essential but also has no alternative for preserving a healthy environment and building a sustainable future. The forum has become a central gathering place for experts, providing a space for the exchange of ideas and knowledge—key elements in achieving market competitiveness and economic prosperity. Participants recognized the Balkan Solar Summit as a significant step towards the decarbonization of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the entire region. We thank all participants for their contributions and look forward to the next steps towards a shared sustainable energy future!
Discussion on Renewable Energy Power Purchase and Types of PPA Contracts
The third panel of the Balkan Solar Summit, dedicated to the purchase of electricity from renewable energy sources (RES) and the types of Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), revealed key insights under the moderation of Marko Janković and with panelists Dejan Stojčevski, Uroš Bojanić, Mislav Slade Šilović, Blaž Bušić, and Luka Bjeković.The panel emphasized the importance of long-term PPA contracts and the need for the integration of Western Balkan countries into a unified European electricity market. The risks assumed by both producers and buyers of electricity from RES through long-term PPA contracts were clearly defined. At the same time, the message was sent that the era of comfort is behind us, and if we want renewable energy and a green transition, all parties, including banks, must take certain risks. The 45% increase in the number of PPA contracts in the EU in 2023 shows a more active role for end consumers, particularly through corporate PPA agreements. These conclusions lay the foundation for further.
Financing Solar and Wind Projects: Models and Challenges
At the fourth panel of the Balkan Solar Summit, dedicated to financing solar and wind projects, moderator Petar Mitrović and panelists Neda Lazendić, Vladimir Rajić, Srđan Ožegović, Aldin Međedović, Nenad Radlović, and Francesco Corbo shared the key conclusions.The panel highlighted the need for innovative approaches to financing renewable energy projects (RE), considering the dynamic development of the sector and current challenges. The importance of supporting innovative models that will enable the efficient implementation of projects in line with changes in the RE sector was emphasized. Additionally, the panel stressed the expectation that banks should increasingly favor private arrangements for transactions related to renewable energy sources. It was noted that, so far, projects involving government support, primarily Contract for Difference (CfD) projects, have held a dominant position in securing project financing.These conclusions set the foundation for further consideration of effective and sustainable financial models in the renewable energy sector.