2nd European GREEN Conference – EGC 2024
11-14 June 2024 | Vodice, CROATIA
Invited Speaker
Assoc. Prof. Dr. DARKO PAVLOVIĆ
Faculty of Geotechnical Engineering, University of Zagreb
Croatia
Darko Pavlović holds the title of Associate Professor at the Faculty of Geotechnical Engineering in Varaždin, University of Zagreb, and is also an Associate Professor of professional studies in the field of technical sciences at
the Međimurje University of Applied Sciences in Čakovec. He earned his Ph.D. in Technical Sciences in 2011 from the Faculty of Mining, Geology, and Petroleum Engineering, University of Zagreb. Throughout his academic and professional career, as an author and co-author, he has published over 120 scientific and professional papers covering topics such as energy, economics, energy geopolitics, energy transition, renewable energy sources, gas business, and energy regulation. He is the author of the book “Energy Transition – the Hydrogen Paradigm” and a co-author of the book “Gas Handbook”. He actively participates in teaching as the coordinator of elective courses at the Faculty of Geotechnical Engineering in Varaždin, University of Zagreb, and the Međimurje University of Applied Sciences in Čakovec. With over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, he has acquired versatile knowledge through work at INA – Oil Industry Inc., the Energy Regulatory Council, the Croatian Energy Regulatory Agency, Montcogim-Plinari Ltd., and Sombor Gas Ltd. Currently, he is employed at Plinacro Ltd., where he serves as an advisor to the President of the Management Board. He has served as a member of commissions involved in drafting the Energy Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia up to 2030 with a view to 2050, as well as in working groups for negotiations on the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union for chapters on „Trans-European Networks“ and „Consumer and Health Protection“.
In 2012, he received the annual recognition from the Croatian Gas Association
for his notable scientific and professional contribution in certain segments of the gas economy of the Republic of Croatia and for creating conditions for its
further development. He was also awarded the annual “Hrvoje Požar” award by
the Croatian Energy Association for outstanding contribution to the popularization of energy in 2018. He is a member of the Executive Board of the Scientific Council for Oil and Gas Economy and Energy at the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts; the Croatian Gas Association; the Croatian Branch of the International Council on Large Electrical Systems, and the Vice President of the Croatian Association of Petroleum Engineers and Geologists.
Invited lecture:
HYDROGEN AS THE PARADIGM OF FUTURE ENERGY VECTOR – ANALYSIS OF STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND THREATS IN ACHIEVING ENERGY TRANSITION GOALS
Darko PAVLOVIĆ
Plinacro Ltd. Savska cesta 88a, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract:
Within the intensive transformation of the energy sector towards sustainable
development, this paper examines the potential of hydrogen as a key “energy vector.” The SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis enables a structured assessment of hydrogen’s role in the energy transition process, systematically identifying key factors. The emphasis is placed on hydrogen’s ability to store and transmit energy, making it a crucial resource with expected potential to replace fossil fuels in the future. The Green Deal of 2020 marks an essential framework for reshaping European society towards the goals of climate neutrality, fairness, and prosperity. The process of energy
transition towards complete decarbonization, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and increasing energy efficiency, represents a central element of this plan. Although a gradual transition from natural gas as a transitional energy source is planned, the importance of natural gas in providing a flexible, secure, and diverse source of energy is emphasized. Concurrently, support is given to the decarbonization process towards a low-carbon economy, considering the availability and expansion of natural gas infrastructure. The analysis further highlights the crucial role of
hydrogen in replacing fossil fuels and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Its perspective not only contributes to achieving the goals of the Green Deal but also signifies a key factor in shaping Europe’s energy future with a focus on sustainable development. Analyzing the historical context from just over a century and a half ago, it should be emphasized that the arrival of internal combustion engines and steam engines marked a turning point in technological progress. This technological transition, on one hand, accelerated human advancement and industrial development, but on the other hand, undeniably resulted in a high cost of development, causing significant negative impacts on the environment. In this context, it is necessary to highlight that the modern understanding of sustainable development is necessarily directed towards the transformation of the energy sector. The key role of hydrogen in this process becomes evident, as it balances achieving energy efficiency and environmental protection. Sustainable development requires careful planning of energy innovations to ensure that technological progress does not compromise the ecological balance. This analysis emphasizes the imperative of properly directing the transformation of the energy sector to achieve sustainable progress and long-term societal well-being.
IAESP 