Author: Dr. Nenad Končar, M.Sc.Eng.
Date: May 22, 2025
A Silent Revolution Amid the Climate Crisis
In an era dominated by news of heatwaves, droughts, and extreme weather events, a technological revolution is quietly unfolding that has the potential to transform our energy systems. Energy storage through batteries is no longer a promise of the future—it has become a present-day reality.
Industry Enters the Terawatt-Hour Era
According to the latest data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), global annual demand for batteries has surpassed 1 TWh for the first time. In 2018, production capacity was only 150 GWh; today, it exceeds 3 TWh, with expectations to triple by 2030. Batteries have evolved from auxiliary technology to a cornerstone of future power systems.
Price Drop Sparks Market Explosion
With lithium prices falling over 85% in just two years and battery costs dropping below the psychological threshold of $100/kWh, battery technology has become widely accessible. China now controls over 75% of global battery production, leveraging vertical integration and collaboration among tech leaders like CATL and BYD.
New Chemistry Takes the Lead: LFP Surpasses NMC
Traditional NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) batteries are gradually being replaced by LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, which are cheaper, safer, longer-lasting, and free from ethically problematic cobalt. Today, LFP batteries account for nearly half of the global electric vehicle market.The Washington Post+1Wikipedia+1
Geopolitics of Storage: Beyond Technology
The race to control battery capacities is increasingly a geopolitical issue. The United States is investing billions through the Inflation Reduction Act but faces political uncertainties. The European Union lags behind, with project failures like Northvolt highlighting the challenges of developing the industry without strong alliances. Meanwhile, Morocco and Southeast Asia are emerging as new production hubs, thanks to resources like phosphate and nickel and proximity to key markets.
Croatia: A Small Country with a Big Opportunity
Despite its size, Croatia has the chance to participate in this transformation. Companies like Adriadiesel are developing modular container battery systems based on second-life batteries from electric vehicles, combining circular economy principles, sustainability, and innovation.
Adriadiesel's Container Systems: Smart Storage for Smart Grids
Each unit (up to 1.5 MWh) includes:
These scalable systems—over 600 containers—can meet regional energy needs and are ideal for integration with wind and solar power, as well as critical infrastructure and industry.
Technical Comparison: LFP vs. NMC
| Characteristic | LFP (LiFePO₄) | NMC (LiNiMnCoO₂) |
| Energy Density (Wh/kg) | Lower (90–160) | Higher (150–250) |
| Cycle Life | Longer (2000–7000 cycles) | Shorter (1000–2000 cycles) |
| Thermal Stability | Very good (lower fire risk) | Moderate (higher overheating risk) |
| Safety | Higher (less explosion risk) | Lower (more sensitive to heat) |
| Raw Material Cost | Lower (no cobalt or nickel) | Higher (depends on cobalt and nickel) |
| Operating Voltage | Lower (~3.2 V nominal) | Higher (~3.6–3.7 V nominal) |
| Low-Temperature Performance | Weaker | Better |
| Volumetric Energy Density | Lower (more space per kWh) | Higher |
| Environmental and Ethical Impact | Lower (second-life applications) | Higher (cobalt mining concerns) |
| Typical Applications | Energy storage, low/mid-range EVs | Premium EVs, portable electronics |
Conclusion: This Is Not a Passing Trend—It's a Fundamental Change
In a world increasingly reliant on solar and wind energy, battery storage provides flexibility, resilience, and energy independence. Ignoring this technology means missing an opportunity for technological and economic sovereignty.
Contact
For more information, technical documentation, or collaboration on battery storage system development:
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? www.adriadiesel.hr
Author: Dr. Nenad Končar, M.Sc.Eng.
Date: May 22, 2025
The massive power outage that paralyzed Spain and Portugal on April 28 was one of the most significant energy disruptions in recent European history. Millions of citizens were left without electricity, transportation collapsed, and communication and financial systems temporarily failed. Although supply was restored within 24 hours, the consequences of that day will echo through European energy institutions for a long time.
What Do We Know About the Cause?
The exact cause of the collapse has not yet been confirmed, although Spanish operator Red Eléctrica and Portuguese REN identified "two significant disconnection events," most likely linked to solar power plants in southwestern Spain. These oscillations triggered a chain reaction in grid frequency disturbances, resulting in automatic protection shutdowns across Iberia, as well as parts of France and Andorra.
Possible causes include extreme weather, grid overload due to high shares of renewables, and — initially — even suspicions of a cyberattack, though this has since been officially dismissed.
System Recovery – A Test of Resilience
Soon after the outage, emergency plans were activated. By 6:30 a.m. the following day, more than 99% of Spain’s electricity demand was restored. However, the technical complexity of restarting power systems — especially in conditions of high renewable integration — highlighted the challenges facing all of Europe.
The Role of Renewables – Culprit or Victim?
Despite speculation, experts agree: renewables were not the cause, but rather revealed both vulnerability and potential. Rapid decentralized production from household PV systems enabled local stability. However, when the system crashed, solar plants lost 15 GW of capacity — clearly indicating the need for better balancing systems, energy storage, and flexible grid solutions.
A Lesson for the EU – and for Croatia
This crisis shows that even interconnected European power systems are not immune to cascading failures. The question arises: do we have enough "inertia", flexibility, and strategic reserves for such scenarios?
Croatia, with its growing share of solar power and increasing decentralization, cannot afford to remain passive. Technologies like battery storage (e.g., container systems with second-life batteries developed by Adriadiesel), active regulation, and smart grids are no longer optional — they are essential.
Conclusion:
The blackout in Spain and Portugal was not just a technical failure — it was a global warning. In an era of climate change and geopolitical tension, energy resilience becomes a new pillar of security.
To ignore this experience would be irresponsible. Europe must accelerate grid modernization, invest in flexibility, and develop solutions to prevent a “mysterious collapse” from turning into lasting chaos.
Contact for cooperation and energy storage solutions:
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? www.adriadiesel.hr
The complete cylinder cover, designated by code H 27000, is a major structural and functional component of the ASL25 diesel engine. It encloses the upper section of the cylinder, sealing the combustion chamber and supporting components such as valves, injectors, and cooling passages. This cover must endure high pressures and temperatures, making its integrity vital for safe and efficient engine operation. Precision-engineered and built to last, the cylinder cover plays a central role in maintaining compression, managing thermal loads, and ensuring smooth engine performance in demanding industrial and marine environments.
The bearing cover bolt, marked by code H 11151, is a high-strength fastener used to secure the bearing cover to the engine block in the ASL25 engine. It ensures that the bearing assembly remains tightly enclosed, maintaining the integrity of the lubrication system and preventing bearing movement under dynamic engine loads. Engineered for durability and precise torque application, this bolt is critical for withstanding the stresses of vibration and thermal expansion. Proper installation and maintenance of this bolt help ensure the continued reliability and performance of the engine.
The half ring of the adjacent bearing, identified by code H 12010, is an essential component in the ASL25 diesel engine's crankshaft support system. This semi-circular ring is designed to fit around the bearing housing, ensuring the precise positioning and secure retention of the crankshaft within its seat. By maintaining correct axial alignment and supporting rotational loads, it plays a crucial role in minimizing friction and wear. Made from durable, high-strength materials, the half ring ensures the longevity and operational stability of the engine, particularly under continuous mechanical stress.
The upper spring plate with code number K 27528 is a critical part of the exhaust valve assembly in the ZV40/48 engine. Positioned above the valve spring, it evenly distributes the spring load and holds the assembly in proper alignment during engine operation. This plate must endure high temperatures and dynamic mechanical forces, making its precision and material strength essential. By maintaining stable spring compression, it ensures reliable exhaust valve function, directly supporting combustion efficiency and exhaust management in demanding marine and industrial conditions.