E usluge

 

Moja digresija potaknuta prelaskom na e-usluge i "forsiranje" istih. Mnoge usluge širom svijeta prelaze na digitalni način rada, vođene napretkom u tehnologijama poput AI-a, oblaka, IoT-a i automatizacije. Ovo je dio šireg trenda digitalne transformacije, koji je ubrzan u 2025. godini. Od 460 analiziranih tijela hrvatske javne vlasti, njih 152 posjeduju barem jednu od traženih elektroničkih usluga, dok je ukupno evidentirano 685 usluga. Od toga je 404 e-aplikacija, 219 e-obrazaca i 62 usluge koje se odnose na webshop, interaktivne karte i sl. Građani najviše koriste aplikacije kao što su

e-Građani,
e-Dnevnik, e-Matica (obrazovanje), e-Recept, e-Uputnica (zdravstvo), e-MIO, e-Mirovinsko (mirovinsko osiguranje), e-Porezna, e-Blagajna (porezi i financije). Online bankarstvo i fintech aplikacije, prelazak na hiperautomatizaciju koristeći RPA, AI i machine learning za automatizaciju cjelokupnih procesa, poput obrade kredita i upravljanja rizicima. Online učenje i platforme, prelazak na virtualne učionice, AR/VR za imerzivno učenje i AI za personalizirane kurseve (npr. Coursera, Khan Academy). Digitalni novčanici i plaćanja, mobilne aplikacije za bezkontaktna plaćanja i kriptovalute postaju standard. Streaming servisi, SVOD platforme poput Netflixa prelaze na ad-supported modele sa AI preporukama i bundlingom usluga. Društvene mreže i UGC. E-commerce, online kupovina sa AI personalizacijom i virtualnim probama (npr. Amazon, Shopify). Lanac nabave, AI i IoT za praćenje u realnom vremenu i automatizaciju skladištenja. Cloud usluge, prelazak na multi-cloud strategije za skalabilnost i AI integraciju, ... Dovoljno sam nabrojao, zar ne? E, sada. Samo jedna jača solarna oluja gasi ovaj cijeli sustav elektroenergetskih mreža, komunikacijskih sustava i tehnološke infrastrukture. Ekipa, pamet u glavu. Nije pitanje da li će roknuti, već kada. Velika solarna oluja, poput one slične Carringtonovom događaju iz 1859., bila bi katastrofalna za moderni svijet koji sve više ovisi o digitalnim uslugama. Mislim da bi takav događaj doveo do masovnog kaosa, jer bi poremetio ključne infrastrukture na globalnoj razini, ali istovremeno bi nas podsjetio na potrebu za otpornijim sustavima. Ako bi se to dogodilo "slučajno" sada, svijet bi se vjerojatno vratio u "tamno doba", mrak i zimu na neko vrijeme – ne totalni kolaps civilizacije, ali kaos da. Dovoljno da se osjeti duboka ranjivost naše digitalne ovisnosti. Mislim da je to ironija da dok prelazimo na oblak i AI za efikasnost, postajemo krhkiji prema prirodnim prijetnjama poput ove. Povijesni događaji poput oluje iz 1989. pokazali su da čak i manji incidenti mogu uzrokovati milijunske štete, a danas bi to bilo umnoženo tisuće puta zbog veće povezanosti svih, pa i Vas što upravo čitate ovaj moj tekst. Toliko i hvala.

Poland Milestone Achievement

 

Poland's renewable energy sector is booming in 2025 and beyond, driven by ambitious targets (56% renewable electricity by 2030), massive investments in solar (PV) and offshore wind, and regulatory shifts unlocking growth, with renewables already generating more power than coal in mid-2025. Key developments include significant solar expansion (45 GW planned by 2034), major offshore wind projects (18 GW planned), grid upgrades by PSE (€15bn investment), and a growing focus on energy storage (BESS) to manage intermittency, as Poland transitions from coal towards energy independence and regional leadership. 

Milestone Achievement: Renewables surpassed coal in electricity generation for the first time in June 2025, marking a significant energy transition milestone.

Ambitious Targets: Poland aims for 56% renewable electricity by 2030, with plans for 57GW of installed capacity by then.

Solar PV Dominance: Solar is leading growth, reaching ~20.7 GW by late 2024, with projections for up to 45 GW by 2034, supported by supportive auction schemes.

Offshore Wind Boom: A major focus is offshore wind, with plans for 18 GW operational within a decade and projects like Baltica 2 & Baltic Power underway.

Grid & Storage Investment: The Polish grid operator (PSE) plans €15bn in upgrades to handle increased renewables, requiring massive Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to balance the grid.

Policy & Regulation: New rules (e.g., for onshore wind distance, direct lines for producers) are accelerating project development. 

Solar Photovoltaics (PV): Currently leads installed capacity and sees rapid expansion.

Wind Power (Onshore & Offshore): Significant onshore potential unlocked by relaxed rules, with major offshore projects planned.

Energy Storage (BESS): Crucial for managing the intermittency of solar and wind. 

Grid Bottlenecks: Transmission congestion needs major investment.

Permitting: Complex, multi-layered permitting remains a hurdle.

Curtailment Risk: Without storage, curtailment of renewable output could rise.

Poland is rapidly shifting from coal, becoming a major renewable energy market with strong industrial backing, aiming to be a Central/Eastern European energy hub, with projections showing renewables covering up to 70% of electricity needs by 2034. 

Poland is undergoing one of Europe's most impressive energy transformations, rapidly pivoting from its coal-heavy past to emerge as a powerhouse in renewables. Once reliant on coal for over 70% of its electricity, the country has slashed that to around 57% in 2024, with renewables now generating more than coal for the first time in mid-2025. 

 This shift is fueled by massive growth in solar and wind: solar capacity hit 17 GW by 2024, and onshore wind has already surpassed early targets, reaching over 14 GW by 2023. 

Backed by strong industrial muscle—think state giants like Orlen and Tauron pouring billions into green projects, plus Poland leading Europe in battery production and energy storage factories—the nation is positioning itself as a cleantech hub for Central and Eastern Europe. 

 With partnerships like the massive multibuyer renewable deal (the largest in CEE) and events like Re-Source Poland Hub driving collaboration, it's clear industry is all-in. 

Looking ahead, Poland's Energy Policy to 2040 aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, with projections showing renewables covering 56-70% of electricity by 2030 and up to 69% by 2040. 

 Grid upgrades are set to handle 70% renewable generation by 2034, blending solar, wind, nuclear, and storage to meet soaring demand. 

 This isn't just a transition—it's Poland stepping up as the energy leader for the region. Exciting times ahead!

Zeljko Serdar, Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources (CCRES)

Croatia's Green Hydrogen Industry: A Path to Sustainable Energy Transition

 

Croatia's green hydrogen industry, guided by its 2050 Hydrogen Strategy, will see significant growth between 2025-2029, focusing on pilot projects in transport (Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Osijek), developing production capacity (aiming for 70MW by 2030), and integrating into refining (INA's Rijeka project). Key activities include implementing EU funding (NRRP), fostering innovation, and building infrastructure, with national goals set for 26,400 tonnes of annual production by 2030, supported by initiatives like the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley. 

Key Focus Areas (2025-2029)

Pilot Projects & Early Adoption: Major cities like Zagreb, Split, Osijek, and Rijeka will lead in adopting hydrogen for public transport (buses, potentially maritime/rail).

INA's Role: INA (Croatian Oil Company) is central, developing green hydrogen at the Rijeka refinery using solar power, with plans for a 10MW electrolyser and a biomethane facility in Sisak.

Production Targets: Aiming for significant production, with major steps towards 70MW of hydrogen capacity by 2030, building on existing refinery use.

Infrastructure: Developing a framework for hydrogen use in transport, industry, and blending with natural gas, supported by EU funds and national programs (NRRP, DIGIT project).

Strategic Goals & Support

National Strategy: Aligned with EU goals, Croatia's Hydrogen Strategy (until 2050) guides development, targeting 26,400 tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030.

EU Funding: Leveraging funds like the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) for projects, including those under the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI).

Innovation: Supporting applied research and innovation through programs like the "Digital, Innovative and Green Technologies (DIGIT)" project (until 2028).

Expected Developments

Production & Consumption: Increased demand supporting higher production, with early projects focusing on transport, industrial processes, and potentially blending with gas.

Challenges: High costs of green hydrogen may require subsidies or carbon taxes for affordable public transport initially.

Croatia's green hydrogen industry is emerging as a cornerstone of the country's energy transition, driven by ambitious national policies and European Union support. At the heart of this development is the Hydrogen Strategy of the Republic of Croatia until 2050, adopted in 2022, which provides a comprehensive framework for producing, storing, transporting, and utilizing renewable hydrogen. 

 This strategy emphasizes low-carbon and renewable hydrogen as alternatives to fossil fuels, aligning with the EU's broader goals for decarbonization and energy security. 

 By leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind, Croatia aims to position itself as a regional leader in hydrogen production, particularly in the North Adriatic region. 

 The industry is poised for significant growth between 2025 and 2029, with a focus on pilot projects, capacity building, and infrastructure development to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.The 2050 Hydrogen Strategy outlines three phases of development: initial groundwork until 2030, scaling up between 2031 and 2040, and full deployment by 2050. 

 Key national goals include installing 70 MW of electrolyzer capacity by 2030, expanding to 2,750 MW by 2050, and achieving an annual production of 26,400 tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030. 

 This production target is expected to meet domestic demand in sectors like industry and transport while enabling exports. 

 The strategy prioritizes green hydrogen produced from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and even municipal waste, to replace grey hydrogen derived from natural gas. 

 To support this, Croatia is fostering a supportive ecosystem through education, public acceptance campaigns, and partnerships with quadruple helix actors—government, industry, academia, and civil society. 

Between 2025 and 2029, the industry is anticipated to experience rapid expansion, transitioning from planning to implementation. This period will see the rollout of initial infrastructure, including hydrogen refueling stations (HRS) along major transport corridors and the integration of hydrogen into existing energy systems. 

 Croatia's participation in EU-funded programs, such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) under the NextGenerationEU plan, is crucial here. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) allocates funds for hydrogen initiatives, including grants for production facilities and transport applications. 

 For instance, in 2025, the EU disbursed €835.6 million to Croatia, part of which supports hydrogen development to drive "positive change" in energy and industry sectors. 

 This funding is complemented by national investments, aiming to build resilience against energy volatility while creating jobs in green technologies.A major focus during this growth phase is pilot projects in the transport sector, particularly in urban areas. Croatia has identified 32 pilot projects to kickstart its hydrogen economy, with transport offering the most promising preconditions due to its potential for quick adoption. 

 Key cities—Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, and Osijek—are targeted for initial deployments, where public transport systems like buses and trams will transition to hydrogen fuel cells. 

 For example, funding streams worth €23 million have been launched to install the first HRS along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) between Zagreb, Rijeka, and Split, enabling hydrogen-powered vehicles for long-haul and urban mobility. 

 These pilots not only test technology feasibility but also build public confidence and regulatory frameworks for wider rollout.Developing production capacity is another pillar of Croatia's strategy. By 2030, the 70 MW target will primarily come from electrolyzers powered by renewables, with an emphasis on scaling up from small-scale demonstrations. 

 This includes integrating hydrogen into industrial processes, such as feedstock for chemicals and fertilizers, to ensure sufficient supply before expanding to harder-to-abate sectors like heavy transport and heating post-2030. 

 Innovation is fostered through R&D investments, including EU-backed projects for wave energy-integrated hydrogen production in coastal areas. 

A flagship example of integration into existing industries is INA's Rijeka refinery project, Croatia's first commercial green hydrogen plant. 

 Launched with contracts signed in late 2025, this €33 million initiative features a 10 MW proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer supplied by Ohmium, paired with an 11 MW solar power plant built by KONČAR and Siemens Energy. 

 Expected to produce 1,500 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, it will replace grey hydrogen in refining processes, reducing emissions while supplying fuel for transport. 

 Backed by a €15 million NRRP grant, the project exemplifies how EU funding is accelerating industrial decarbonization. 

Building infrastructure remains a key activity, with plans for a nationwide network of HRS and pipelines to support hydrogen distribution. 

 Fostering innovation involves collaborations with international partners, enhancing technology transfer and SME involvement. 

 The North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley (NAHV) initiative, a transnational project with Slovenia and Italy's Friuli Venezia Giulia region, is pivotal in this regard. 

 Funded by Horizon Europe, NAHV aims to create a hydrogen-based ecosystem, including industrial testbeds and cross-border supply chains, positioning the region as Europe's first transnational hydrogen valley. 

 This collaboration leverages the Adriatic's strategic location for hydrogen imports and exports, supporting Croatia's goals for regional leadership. In conclusion, Croatia's green hydrogen industry, guided by the 2050 Strategy, is on track for transformative growth from 2025 to 2029. Through targeted pilot projects, capacity expansion, and strategic initiatives like NAHV and INA's Rijeka project, the country is harnessing EU funding and innovation to build a sustainable future. While challenges such as high initial costs and grid integration persist, these efforts promise to reduce emissions, enhance energy independence, and drive economic prosperity in line with global climate objectives.

Zeljko Serdar, Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources (CCRES)

Overview of Renewable Energy in Cuba

Cuba is actively pursuing renewable energy as a solution to its longstanding energy crisis, driven by unreliable fossil fuel imports, aging infrastructure, and frequent blackouts. As of 2025, renewables account for only about 3-5% of the country's electricity generation, far below the government's ambitious targets. 

The focus is primarily on solar power, with growing interest in wind, biomass, and hydropower, supported by international partnerships amid economic challenges like U.S. sanctions.

Cuba is facing an unprecedented economic and social crisis, marked by low wages, power outages, shortages of essential medicines, and a massive exodus of its population. The situation impacts key sectors while the regime halts necessary changes. Cuba is an exhausted country, with a collapsed economy and a population that is fleeing. It needs a profound and urgent change.

In 2025, a multitude of internal and external factors will have aligned, bringing the 66-year-old Cuban communist regime to its deepest crisis ever. Since its establishment in 1959, the Cuban revolutionary regime has endured several moments of profound crisis, which have periodically tested its survivability. Against all odds, it survived its vulnerable first three years (including the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion and US trade embargo); the socioeconomic challenges surrounding the chaotic Mariel Boatlift in 1980; the deep political and economic debacle sparked by the withdrawal of Soviet economic and military support at the end of the Cold War (1991-); the ensuing so-called Special Period with concomitant social unrest in 1993-94; and Fidel Castro’s death in 2016. More recently, Cuba’s communist government managed to survive unprecedented mass street protests in July 2021. As long as the political system continues to obstruct reforms, the island will keep heading towards an inevitable disaster.

Several interwoven factors have brought Cuba to this point. Some are old, structural problems that have been exacerbated such as food and fuel scarcities. Others are new, such as the second Trump administration’s multifaceted strategy to push the communist regime into extinction. According to a recent report by the international Food Monitor Program, 25 percent of Cubans admit to going to bed hungry; malnutrition diseases have skyrocketed. The survey also found that two-thirds of the population blame the government for worsening food shortages. According to the Program, Cuba—once the wealthiest and best-fed Caribbean nation—accounts for 5 percent of the population but 40 percent of the region’s food insecurity cases.

Cuba imports 70 per cent of its food, ironically, most of it from the United States. It simply does not have funds nor credit to purchase more food. Neither does it have a functional system of transporting, refrigerating, or distributing foodstuffs. While state authorities blame the US embargo—which since 2000 exempts food and medicines—only 8 percent of Cubans see the embargo as the main culprit. It does not help that Cuban leaders President Díaz-Canel, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, National Assembly President Esteban Lazo, and other high ranking Party and Armed Forces members parade themselves sporting prominent beer bellies while the average Cuban becomes increasingly emaciated.

If food and medicine shortages are severe, it is worse with fuel, almost all of it also imported from abroad, largely oil from Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico. Cuba’s fuel crisis intensified in 2024 stalling tractors, trucks, buses, and motor engines, large and small. I recently saw a video—not AI generated—of an ox pulling a bus. Heaps of trash and debris have accumulated in streets for months because there is no fuel to run trash collecting trucks. The island’s decrepit power plants, moreover, are devastated as evidenced by routine breakdowns and the state’s inability to repair most of them. Back in 2022, the desperate regime brought to Cuba a fleet of floating powerplants; in recent months, the last of these vessels has left Cuba because of the government’s inability to pay for its services. Eighty percent of Cuba’s electricity is generated from oil. Oil scarcity has led to daily and multi-day, island-wide blackouts. There are instances of hospitals without power whose gas or diesel generators cannot be operated because there is no fuel. Lack of fuel has also impacted the water distribution system. Unbelievably, Cuba is also running out of drinking water.Cuba is currently experiencing an unprecedented economic and social crisis characterized by low wages, power outages, shortages of essential medicines, and a massive exodus of its population. This situation profoundly affects key sectors while the regime continues to resist necessary changes. The country is exhausted, with a collapsed economy and a fleeing population, urgently needing profound change.

By 2025, a combination of internal and external factors will align, bringing the 66-year-old Cuban communist regime to its most significant crisis ever. Since its establishment in 1959, the regime has faced several profound crises that have tested its survival. Against the odds, it managed to endure its vulnerable first three years, which included the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion and the imposition of a U.S. trade embargo. It survived socioeconomic challenges during the chaotic Mariel Boatlift in 1980 and the severe political and economic decline that followed the withdrawal of Soviet support at the end of the Cold War in 1991. This was followed by the so-called Special Period, which saw significant social unrest in 1993-94, and the death of Fidel Castro in 2016. More recently, the government withstood unprecedented mass protests in July 2021. However, as long as the political system continues to impede reforms, Cuba will move inexorably toward disaster.

Several interrelated factors have led Cuba to this critical moment. Some are longstanding structural issues, such as food and fuel shortages, while others are new, like the multifaceted strategy of the second Trump administration aimed at pushing the communist regime toward extinction. A recent report from the international Food Monitor Program revealed that 25 percent of Cubans admit to going to bed hungry, with malnutrition-related diseases on the rise. The survey also indicated that two-thirds of the population blames the government for escalating food shortages. Once the wealthiest and best-fed nation in the Caribbean, Cuba now accounts for 5 percent of the population but a staggering 40 percent of the region's food insecurity cases.

Cuba imports 70 percent of its food, much of it ironically from the United States. However, the country lacks the funds and credit to purchase adequate supplies and does not have a functional system for transporting, refrigerating, or distributing food. While state authorities attribute the crisis to the U.S. embargo— which has exempted food and medicines since 2000—only 8 percent of Cubans view it as the primary cause. This is compounded by the visible disparity between the leaders, such as President Díaz-Canel, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, and National Assembly President Esteban Lazo, who flaunt their wealth and comfort, evidenced by their prominent beer bellies, while the average Cuban becomes increasingly emaciated.

The crisis extends beyond food and medicine; fuel shortages are even more severe. Almost all of Cuba's fuel is imported, primarily from Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico. The fuel crisis intensified in 2024, halting the operation of tractors, trucks, buses, and smaller engines. I recently saw a video—not AI-generated—of an ox pulling a bus. Heaps of trash and debris have accumulated in the streets for months due to the lack of fuel for garbage collection trucks. 

Additionally, the island’s aging power plants are deteriorating, with routine breakdowns and the government's inability to repair most of them. Back in 2022, the desperate regime introduced a fleet of floating power plants to Cuba; however, in recent months, the last of these vessels left due to the government’s inability to afford their services. Approximately 80 percent of Cuba’s electricity is generated from oil, so the scarcity of fuel has led to daily and multi-day blackouts across the island. There are even instances of hospitals losing power, where gas or diesel generators cannot be operated due to fuel shortages. As if these crises weren't enough, Cuba is also running out of drinking water.

Cuba, particularly Havana, is also experiencing a growing number of incidents involving the collapse of old buildings, some of which have been fatal. Four Habaneros died in July, smashed by the rubble of two buildings. Each of these disasters pushes entire families into Cuba, and particularly Havana, which is seeing an increase in incidents involving the collapse of old buildings, some of which have tragically been fatal. In July, four residents lost their lives when two buildings collapsed, burying them under the rubble. These disasters leave entire families homeless. Even the once-stately Aldama mansion, a nineteenth-century neoclassical palace, appears dilapidated. While Havana crumbles, a new forty-two-story luxury hotel, the Iberostar, stands as a stark contrast to the city's impoverished residents.

Desperate for hard currency, the government has implemented measures that have backfired. It now requires Cubans to pay for cell phones and gasoline in dollars. This move is part of the increasing dollarization of the economy, a reversal from the now-defunct Cuban Convertible Peso. As a result, a new class has emerged: the "Cubanos con Fé" (families abroad), while longtime regime supporters struggle with the diminishing purchasing power of the Cuban peso. Recent restrictions on repatriating profits for foreign investors are likely to lead to a dramatic decline in foreign investments, depriving Cuba of a crucial source of support that has helped it weather previous economic crises.

In summary, there is substantial evidence that Cuba has lost many of the resources necessary to keep the regime afloat, even if precariously. The ship's rusted olive-colored hull is riddled with holes, and Cuba lacks the means to repair them—when one hole is fixed, two more emerge. There is a significant possibility that some leaders will abandon ship, and other generals may be forced to resign. There simply aren’t enough lifeboats to accommodate everyone. homelessness. Even Havana’s most stately mansion, Aldama’s nineteenth-century neoclassical palace, looks dilapidated. While Havana crumbles, the recently opened, forty-two-story high Iberostar luxury hotel rises as the regime’s middle finger to the city’s impoverished dwellers. Desperate for hard currency, the government has instituted measures that have backfired. It now requires Cubans to pay in dollars for cell phones and gasoline. That is part of the increasing dollarization of the economy (going back to the now-defunct Cuba Convertible Peso), and how it has given rise to the class of “Cubanos con Fé” (familia en el exterior) while long-time regime supporters have to struggle because of the puny purchasing power of the Cuban peso. Recent orders prohibiting the repatriation of foreign investors’ profit will most certainly lead to a dramatic drop in foreign investments, depriving Cuba of a source of support that had helped it sustain previous economic crises.

Cuba's National Electric System has been plagued by issues, including fuel shortages from Venezuela, corrosion in thermal plants, and deferred maintenance, leading to only 34% of thermal capacity operational in early 2025.

This has resulted in electricity meeting just 50-70% of demand, with multiple grid collapses in recent months.

Renewables currently contribute minimally, with solar capacity at around 530 MW installed as of mid-2025, including small parks and rooftop systems.

Biomass from sugarcane and limited wind pilots exist, but large-scale adoption is slow.

Overall, 2025 has seen accelerated solar builds and strategic announcements, but achieving long-term goals will require sustained investment and reforms.

In sum, there is plenty of evidence that Cuba has lost many of the means that have kept the regime afloat for decades, even if precariously so. The ship’s rusted olive-colored hull is full of holes, and Cuba does not have the wherewithal to plug many of them—one is plugged, and two more open. There is a strong possibility that some leaders will jump ship, and other generals may be forced to walk the plank. There are just not enough emergency boats.