The use of fossil fuels is expected to peak by the end of this decade, according to this year’s report from the International Energy Agency. The report predicts a slowdown in growth as the use of clean energy sources increases. Although Serbia relies heavily on coal, experts believe there is a possibility for a greater shift towards renewable energy.
Predicting the movement of the global economy is challenging, concludes the report titled “World Energy Outlook” by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The war in Ukraine and the uncertain situation in the Middle East could disrupt the market. The report emphasizes the weaknesses of the fossil fuel era and its benefits for energy security.
Although fossil fuel prices have fallen compared to last year, they remain unstable. On the other hand, the energy sector is a major contributor to air pollution. According to this year’s report, over 90% of the world’s population breathes polluted air, linked to over six million premature deaths annually worldwide.
Serbia, on the other hand, is expanding the capacity of its thermal power plants, as lignite is the most accessible and cost-effective option.
“As a country, we mostly have lignite as fossil fuels, which is of low quality and low calorie, with a lot of ash… However, we don’t have other options, so we use it because it is the cheapest. The other fossil fuels we use are imported oil and imported gas, on which we depend and which contribute to our energy security,” explained Dušan Vasiljević, an international expert in strategic planning in the field of energy and environmental security.
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