Baden-Württemberg (DE) Exploiting Hydro-electricity The German region is home to the adjustable hydroelectric plant, by Hydro-Energie Roth GmbH. By using innovative technology, the plant can produce up to 40% more power annually compared to traditional hydroelectric plants. It is low maintenance and can reduce noise pollution by using quiet generators on a common shaft, and the plant's generator technol-
ogy can achieve a higher energy output of between three and five per cent, which can be increased by up to 40% when operating with large quantities of water.
“As for the future, your task is not to foresee it, but to enable it.” - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Vojvodina (RS) Expanding the Use of Biomass The Autonomous Province (AP) of Vojvodina is an energy-deficient province in Serbia relying on imported energy for 55-60% of its consumption. The primary goal is to increase energy efficiency and replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources (RES) from domestic sources. Biomass represents approximately 59% of the total potential of the RES in the country and offers many advantages: high availability, increase of fossil fuel prices, local employment and job creation, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In its Energy Development Strategy for 2030, the Republic of Serbia explored two scenarios for the future, one as “business as usual” and the second with energy efficient measures applied. The latter will
result in 9% saving in the final production in 2018 compared to the reference scenario. The sectors that are largely impacted are households, commercial and public utility sectors, industry and transport. In AP Vojvodina, based on the current energy sector situation, the emphasis is placed on a greater use of biomass and geothermal resources in the production of heating energy. Furthermore, the application of solar energy for domestic hot water production and the production of electrical energy remains on the list of priorities of future activities. It can be expected, in a not too distant future, that this form of clean energy occupy a prominent place on the map of power plants in the territory of Vojvodina.
Connecting regions, inspiring Europe since 1985 The Assembly of European Regions (AER) is the largest network of regions in wider Europe, gathering regions from 35 countries, working for a peaceful and prosperous Europe. We promote a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-lingual Europe through the diversity of our members which we believe are at the core of European values. The strength of the organization lies in its reputation in the European circles gained from 30 years of constant dialogue with the highest European authorities, the active involvement of its politicians and the number of successful programs and projects which nurture the exchange of good (and bad!) practices among its regions. With its decentralized, flexible and bottom-up structure, AER is the independent voice of regions in Europe. The network promotes true ownership by its members encouraging any region willing to do so to lead on the topics, initiatives and actions of their choice.
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