Bulletin of the Day: Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

Bulletin of the Day: Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

The theme of the second day of SECW was the just transition and critical mineral resources. These important and interconnected topics were discussed across five panels throughout the day.

PANEL IV: CRITICAL MINERAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABLE MINING IN THE WESTERN BALKANS – POTENTIAL, OPPORTUNITIES, AND CHALLENGES

The first panel of the day, and the fourth panel of the 2nd Sarajevo Energy and Climate Week (SECW), addressed critical mineral resources, sustainable mining in the Western Balkans, and the region’s potential, opportunities, and challenges. The panel was organized by the World Bank and moderated by Vildana Mahmutović from Adriatic Metals BH.

The introductory presentation was delivered by Tsolomon Adiya, Senior Mining Specialist at the World Bank. Panelists included:

• Viktorija Musa, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH
• Begajeta Habota, Head of the Geological Department, Mining Sector, Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Industry
• Zdravko Marošević, Mayor of the Municipality of Vareš
• Peter Holicza, Deputy State Secretary for EU Affairs and International Relations, Hungarian EU Presidency
• Dino Busuladžić, Adriatic Metals BH
• Vedad Demir, Federal Geological Institute
• Jasmin Isabegović, Mining Institute Tuzla
• Nedžad Alić, Faculty of Mining, Geology, and Civil Engineering, University of Tuzla
• Atif Hodžić, AD HARBI Ltd Sarajevo

After the panel, Vildana Mahmutović thanked the panelists for the excellent discussion, stating that she believes we have only just begun talking about these topics. “The era of fossil fuel mining is behind us, and for the transition and climate change, we need sustainable and responsible metal mining,” said Mahmutović.

PANEL V: ESTABLISHING ENERGY COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Organized by GIZ, the introductory presentation was delivered by moderator Sanja Kapetina from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH. The discussion focused on practical ways to improve energy efficiency in BiH and the region, using real-world examples. Speakers included:

• Tamara Bajkuša-Spahić, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH
• Sanjin Habul, Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Industry
• Dragana Rusmir, Ministry of Energy and Mining of the Republic of Srpska
• Admir Aljić, Economic Advisor for Business and Development Projects, City of Živinice
• Aleksandar Petrović, Advisor to the Mayor, Municipality of Modriča
• Minela Isaković, Energy Advisor, GIZ

The conclusions of the panel were prepared and presented by moderator Sanja Kapetina.

The goal of the panel was to present opportunities for conceptualizing innovative energy community projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a focus on identifying the current legal framework needed to obtain energy community project status. Innovative energy projects include renewable energy (electricity and heating), energy efficiency, and e-charging through energy community concepts (renewable energy communities and citizen energy communities).

Key Conclusions of the Panel:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina is on the right path regarding energy community projects. The primary legal framework for energy communities has been established, and activities are underway to finalize and adopt regulations related to renewable energy communities.
• Local governments must be the main initiators of energy community projects, given their understanding of the needs of their citizens, local communities, and local businesses.
• Financial models that include co-financing from different sources (community members, citizens, ecological funds, local governments, commercial banks, micro-credit institutions) need to be developed.
• Significant interest exists among local governments in BiH for the development of energy community projects, with substantial support from the GIZ CAET project. Collaboration with higher levels of government is essential for the success of these projects.

PANEL VI: CREATING A “JUST TRANSITION” FOCUSING ON SELECTED PILOT PROJECTS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES

The World Bank organized today’s third panel, the sixth of the SECW. Following the introductory presentation by Dr. Rachel Perks, Senior Mining Specialist at the World Bank, the discussion continued with:

• Vedran Lakić, Minister of the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Industry
• Christopher Sheldon, Head of the World Bank Office for BiH and Montenegro
• Sanel Buljubašić, CEO of Elektroprivreda BiH
• Saša Solujić, Stockholm Environment Institute, SEI
• Nevena Smilevska, CEE Bankwatch Network
• Sanela Karić, Director of Adriatic Metals BH
• Lolwah Al Kuwari, Environmental Researcher, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Qatar
• Stefano Ellero, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to BiH
• Alija Nurkić, Advisor to the Mayor of Živinice

The panel was expertly moderated by Branka Knežević from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH, who also summarized the panel’s conclusions.

The aim of the panel was to foster discussion about ongoing activities, projects, practices, and the necessary steps for achieving a just transition, particularly for coal-rich regions. The discussion also explored how to minimize the negative impacts of mine closures and the reduction of fossil fuel use. Panelists exchanged experiences about current projects contributing to a just transition and highlighted development opportunities in the transition process.

Key Conclusions from the Panel Discussion:

• Just transition involves several aspects: the shift to new technologies, retraining and redeployment of workers, and the reclamation of mining areas.
• The transition process must be viewed as a development opportunity, with careful planning, enhanced legislation, and regulatory frameworks.
• Local communities should be actively involved in planning and decision-making processes.
• Active participation of women and vulnerable groups is crucial for a successful just transition.
• The World Bank is preparing an investment project to help address some of these challenges in specific mines in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

PANEL VII: REGIONAL ENERGY STRATEGIES: ACCELERATING THE ENERGY TRANSITION THROUGH SUPPORTIVE POLICIES

The seventh SECW panel addressed the key challenges and opportunities for accelerating the transition to renewable energy in the region. The panel focused on how aligned policies can speed up the transition, considering regional needs and resources. Panelists discussed the best solutions for improving energy efficiency, renewable energy, and decarbonization.

Organized by UNDP, the panel was moderated by Professor Mustafa Musić, EU4Energy, and SECW Program Committee member. The introductory presentation was given by Fejsal Ćorović from UNDP. Panelists included:

• Sanja Kapetina, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH
• Boris Lubarda, Ministry of Energy and Mining of the Republic of Srpska
• Aida Jelinić, Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Industry
• Marko Blagojević, Former Minister of Public Investments of Serbia
• Aleksandar Andrija Pejović, Former Minister for European Affairs of Montenegro, Head of Montenegro’s EU Negotiation Team
• Jan Rieländer, Senior Advisor and Head of Country Diagnostics and Strategy, OECD Development Centre
• Jan Morritz Olsenn, NBBA
• Iva Fakin, APN Croatia

PANEL VIII: GREEN HYDROGEN AS A KEY ELEMENT OF CLIMATE-NEUTRAL ECONOMY AND ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

Organized by EU4Energy and moderated by Professor Mustafa Musić, this panel focused on the role of green hydrogen in achieving sustainable energy goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Panelists discussed how green hydrogen can be a key factor in the transition to a climate-neutral economy and contribute to regional energy independence.

The introductory presentation was given by Fabio Magrassi, EU4Energy. Panelists included:

• Fabio Magrassi, EU4Energy
• Šaban Žuna, Center for Advanced Technologies Sarajevo
• Ankica Kovač, FSB, University of Zagreb, Croatia
• Miha Trunkelj, Head of Business Development for Green Transition, Slovenia
• Belma Filipović, BH Gas
• Kerim Salić, Master’s Student, University of Sarajevo

The key conclusions of the panel were prepared by moderator Professor Mustafa Musić:

• A roadmap and strategy for integrating green hydrogen into green transition and decarbonization processes must be developed, along with regulatory frameworks and pilot projects.

SIDE EVENT III: BiH SUSTAINABLE TRANSITION: WORLD CAFÉ & SWEDISH FIKA

Organized by SEI, the general partner of SECW, the first side event focused on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sustainable transition. It was an interactive event where participants from various sectors exchanged ideas and solutions in an open discussion, accompanied by a Swedish coffee break known as fika.

SIDE EVENT IV: ESTABLISHMENT OF OBLIGATORY OIL RESERVES

Organized by EU4Energy and moderated by Branislava Lepotić Kovačević, this side event discussed the establishment of mandatory oil reserves in the region, in accordance with European energy security standards. Presentations offered insights into the progress and challenges of implementing these reserves.

SIDE EVENT V: NET ZERO AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY

This side event focused on strategies for achieving net-zero emissions through circular economy models. Participants discussed how adopting sustainable business practices, reducing waste, and reusing waste as a resource can accelerate decarbonization and help achieve climate goals.

SIDE EVENT VI: CBAM QREPORT – PREPARING OBLIGATORY QUARTERLY CBAM REPORTS FOR EXPORT-ORIENTED COMPANIES IN BIH

This event was dedicated to educating export-oriented companies in BiH on preparing quarterly reports in line with the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM).

SIDE EVENT VII: ENERGY MODELING AND DEVELOPMENT OF RESEARCH PRIORITIES FOR THE WESTERN BALKANS

The seventh side event addressed energy analysis and development of research priorities specific to the Western Balkans, focusing on energy modeling to plan sustainable energy policies and transition to renewable energy sources.

VIP RECEPTION AT THE RESIDENCE OF THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR

The second day of SECW concluded with a VIP reception at the residence of the British Ambassador, hosted by His Excellency Julian Reilly, Ambassador of the United Kingdom. This event provided another opportunity for exchanging opinions, experiences, and creating new connections.