Numerous hydrogenated molecules observed in comets and the interstellar medium present nuclear spin isomers. The non-thermal ortho : para ratios measured in space are believed to be of high diagnostic value, allowing remote measurement of physical conditions prevailing in the past, such as the initial temperature associated with a molecular formation or condensation. The lack of laboratory studies on interactions at the gas-solid interface limits our current interpretation of observations. Recent progress in nuclear spin conversion (NSC) dynamics are discussed in this paper. Results on water and methane in cryogenic matrices illustrate the conversion mechanisms within the condensed phase at very low temperatures. NSC of molecular hydrogen at the surface of 10 K Amorphous Solid Water (ASW) shows surface mediated conversion processes for molecular hydrogen. NSC involving molecular ices are discussed in the light of few recent studies, including UV photodesorption investigations.

Contents Preface Contributors Part I : New and Sustainable Energy Conversion and Storage Technologies Introduction, by K. Hanjalic World Thirst for Energy: How To Face the Challenge, by M. Combarnous, J.-F. Bonnet Sustainability Concept For Energy, Water And Environmental Systems, by N. H. Afgan Efficient Production and Use of Energy: Modern Energy Rationing Technologies in Russia, by S. V. Alekseenko Perspectives of Wind Energy, by G. van Kuik, B. Ummels and R.Hendriks Photovoltaic Cells for Sustainable Energy, by J. McEvoy and M. Gratzel Photo-electrochemical production of hydrogen, by R. van de Krol and J.Schoonman Distributed Energy Generation, Fuel Cell and its Hybrid Systems, by K. Suzuki+ , H. Yoshida, H. Iwai Current International Initiative for Sustainable Nuclear Energy, by G. Cacuci Safety in Nuclear Power: A Proposal, by M. Cumo CO2 Emissions Mitigation from Power Generation Using Capture Technologies, by P. Mathieu Clean and Efficient Coal Technology Integrated With CO2 Sequestration and Hydrogen Energy Systems, by K. Okazaki Advanced Steam Generator Concepts for Oxy-Fuel Processes, by H. Spliethof Part II : Initiatives in South-East Europe 13. CO2 Mitigation Options for Retrofitting Low-Quality Coal Fired Power Plants, by E. Kakaras, A. Doukelis, D. Giannakopoulos, A. Koumanakos 14. Renewable Energies in Slovenia: Facts and Plans, by U. Lavrencic Stangar and E. Kranjcevic 15. Energy Wood Chains in Bulgaria, by P. Stankov, D. Mladenov and K. Stanchev 16. Energy Efficiency in Serbia: Research and Development Activities, by S. N. Oka 17. Energy sector in Macedonia: Current Status and Plans, by B. Donevski 18. Energy Sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Status and Plans, by A. Lekic Index

Towards the development of “ sustainable” energy concepts, the advanced utilisation of renewable energy sources (RES) in an effective production, environmentally friendly and economically viable matter has an increasing role in the formulation of national and/or regional energy chains. The work is focused in Western Balkan countries, namely Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and the Serbia and Montenegro. Aim of the paper is to present the work carried out in the frame of the European Commission project entitled “ Advanced Decentralised Energy Generation Systems in Western Balkans” (Contract No INCO-CT-2004-509187). The work deals with the identification of RES potential, in terms of availability and the specific characteristics of each type taking into account biomass, wind, hydro and solar. Regional maps of power production sources are developed with respect to the technologies used and the particularities of power demand side focusing on decentralised schemes. The different technological concepts were assessed in terms of their prospects and barriers for regional / local applications taking into account the local and EU available technologies.

The main sources for power generation in Bosnia and Herzegovina are domestic coals, mainly lignite and brown coals, which are relatively characterized with a high content of sulphur (3-5%) and incombustibles (˜30%). From the 70’s, use of this type of fuels was not allowed in the city of Sarajevo due to very unfavorable emissions to the atmosphere, during the heating period, and since then Sarajevo has been supplied with natural gas. All the heating installations in the city were reconstructed and adapted. The district heating system Toplane Sarajevo is supplied with electrical energy from the Public electrical distribution network (Elektrodistribucija Sarajevo) at low voltage (0.4 kV). The boiler-house Dobrinja III-2 (KDIII-2), from the district heating system of Sarajevo Suburb Dobrinja, which was not in use after the war 1992-1995, had a lot of advantages for the reconstruction into the co-generation plant. The Government of Canton Sarajevo financially supported this proposal. An analysis of co-generations for the district heating system and a selection of most appropriate co-generation systems were made. In the proposed conceptual design, the co-generation KDIII-2 was located in the existing boiler-house KDIII-2, connected with the heating system in Dobrinja. The operating costs of production of electricity and heat were evaluated in the study and compared with the costs of conventional energy supply to the district heating system. This analysis resulted in economic indicators, which showed that this investment was economically viable, and it also determined the payback period of the investment. In this paper results of the mentioned study and an overview of co-generation in Bosnia and Herzegovina are presented.