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October 20, 2025
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Ljiljana Velimirović is the Female Leader in Sustainable Energy for 2025

Ljiljana Velimirović, Project Manager 1, Investment Sector, Serbian state-owned power utility Elektroprivreda Srbije, received the Female Leader in Sustainable Energy 2025 award. The award recognizes outstanding results and dedication in advancing the energy sector in the Republic of Serbia.

At the annual event of WISE Serbia Women’s Network in sustainable energy, climate action, and environmental protection, Ljiljana Velimirović received the Female Leader in Sustainable Energy 2025 award. The announcement of the leader has been organized for the third consecutive year with the support of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

WISE Serbia has existed since 2018. It is one of the first networks of its kind in the world, with over 250 members currently.

The award competition featured 10 remarkable women whose leadership, exceptional achievements, and vision play a key role in the sustainable development of the sector, accelerating the energy transition, improving energy security and safety, and promoting greater recognition of women in the field.

During the public voting process, which was held from September 24 to October 10, a total of 2,842 votes were cast. Ljiljana Velimirović, a mechanical engineer with over 35 years of professional experience, received the highest number of votes. GIZ Project Director Till Barmeier presented the award.

Photo: GIZ Project Director Till Barmeier with the laureate Ljiljana Velimirović, Project Manager 1, Investment Sector, EPS

On receiving the award, Velimirović thanked the WISE network for its dedication and for promoting women in energy, as well as all her colleagues, whom she highlighted as her greatest support.

“I am very proud to have been chosen to represent Elektroprivreda Srbije in the Female Leader in Sustainable Energy of 2025 competition. It is an honor that, by leading projects to build desulfurization plants in our largest thermal power plants, I have contributed to the ecological modernization not only of EPS but of the entire Serbian energy sector,” Velimirović said.

The event was officially opened by Branislava Jovičić, co-founder of WISE Serbia, founder and editor of the Balkan Green Energy News portal, and director of the Belgrade Energy Forum conference, H.E. Anke Konrad, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Belgrade, and Jovana Joksimović, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation, European Integration, and Project Management, Ministry of Mining and Energy.

Jovičić: WISE network has built a strong community of women over eight years

In her speech, Branislava Jovičić emphasized that over seven years, WISE Serbia has built a strong community of 250 professionals whose knowledge, experience, and vision contribute to the development of sustainable energy and climate policy in Serbia.

Thanks to the support of international partners and the dedication of its members, the network has conducted two major studies on the role of women in energy, launched a mentoring program connecting different generations of professionals, and become an important platform for knowledge exchange, inspiration, and joint initiatives.

Photo: Branislava Jovičić, co-founder of WISE Serbia, founder and editor of the Balkan Green Energy News portal, and director of the Belgrade Energy Forum conference

“Today, when dark clouds of geopolitical turmoil and denial of climate reality hang over the world, I dare say that the fight for sustainability, climate, and peace is a task that each of us must embrace, regardless of our profession. This is our generational mission. Our responsibility to ourselves and future generations,” Jovičić said.

Konrad: Women Remain Undervalued Drivers of Change

Sustainable strengthening of energy supply is important in Serbia, Germany, and around the world, emphasized German Ambassador Anke Konrad in her speech.

“The energy transition requires organizations that symbolize this transition. Therefore, I thank the Center for the Promotion of Sustainable Development through the WISE Serbia project for their engagement over the past years, which the German Federal Government has supported through GIZ for many years.”

Photo: H. E. Anke Konrad, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Serbia

Konrad highlighted that people are the most important factor in the energy transition and reminded that women remain undervalued drivers of change.

Konrad: The Female Leader in Sustainable Energy award shows what can be achieved when leadership, innovation, and social responsibility go hand in hand

“The WISE project has evolved into a unique platform, a space where professionals build networks, share knowledge, mentor young talents, and create visible role models. The Female Leader in Sustainable Energy award shows what can be achieved when leadership, innovative strength, and social responsibility go hand in hand,” she concluded.

Jovana Joksimović, at the opening, noted that she has been a member of WISE Serbia since its foundation, highlighting the importance of unity and support among women in the energy sector.

Emphasizing that the green transition is not only about meeting international obligations, Joksimović reminded that the plan is for every second megawatt produced by 2030 to come from renewable sources, leading to a cleaner and healthier environment for current and future generations.

Jovana Joksimović, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation, European Integration, and Project Management, Ministry of Mining and Energy

Citing data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Joksimović pointed out that women make up 32% of employees in the global renewable energy sector, but their share is still below the global average of 45.9% of women in the overall economy.

“Every percentage point of women’s participation reminds us how much more progress can be made, and how much we have already achieved. I am proud of every one of us who is part of the energy transition—in wind farms, solar power plants, banking, engineering, management, innovation, education, and law.”

Photo: WISE Serbia women’s network and nominees for Female Leader in Sustainable Energy 2025 award

Women’s Leadership in Times of Geopolitical Challenges – Excellence, Achievements, and a Sustainable Vision

After the award ceremony, a panel discussion was held under the title “Women’s Leadership in Times of Geopolitical Challenges – Excellence, Achievements, and a Sustainable Vision.” The panel was moderated by Maja Turković, Executive Vice President of CWP Europe and recipient of the Female Leader in Sustainable Energy award in 2023.

Photo: Panel discussion “Women’s Leadership in Times of Geopolitical Challenges – Excellence, Achievements, and a Sustainable Vision”

Panel participants included Svetlana Cerović, Director of the Specialized Financing Department at UniCredit Bank Serbia and last year’s Female Leader in Sustainable Energy 2025 award; Marija Rošulj, Credit Risk and ESG Specialist at ProCredit Bank and participant in the WISE mentoring program; Jasmina Grbović Novaković, Director of the Center for Excellence in Hydrogen and Renewable Energy at the Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences; and Amalija Pavić, Deputy Executive Director at AmCham Serbia.

The panelists shared their experiences on the role of women in shaping the energy transition in a complex geopolitical environment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and leadership based on knowledge and sustainability values.

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October 17, 2025
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Montenegro’s EPCG to develop floating solar, thermal batteries, high-altitude wind turbines

Montenegrin state-owned power utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore has signed memoranda of understanding with Akuo, E2S Power AG, and wind fisher for a floating solar power plant, thermal batteries, and a pilot project for high-altitude wind turbines, respectively.

Memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed within the framework of the European Union – Montenegro Investment Conference. Domestic and European companies initiated 14 projects, including for wind and solar power, energy storage, and the electricity grid.

The two-day conference Smart Growth, Green Future: Accelerating Investment in Montenegro, held earlier this week in Luštica, near Tivat, was opened by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister of Montenegro Milojko Spajić.

Bulatović: We will develop three projects with Akuo

Ivan Bulatović, CEO of government-controlled Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), told Balkan Green Energy News that the memorandum with French renewable energy company Akuo includes a 36 MW floating solar power plant on Slano lake.

The investment is estimated at EUR 60 million.

It is an innovative technology and it helps the environment by reducing water evaporation, Bulatović explained.

Scotto: Montenegro has everything it needs for the development of renewables

Another project within the deal is for a solar power plant, and the third one is for energy storage. On behalf of Akuo Energy, the memorandum was signed by CEO Eric Scotto.

He stressed that floating solar saves water and space while providing energy. Scotto revealed the possibility for the proposed onshore photovoltaic plant to be agrisolar.

Montenegro has everything it needs for the development of renewable energy sources – sun, wind and space, Scotto stressed.

Thermal batteries at TE Pljevlja

Photo: EPCG

EPCG signed its second memorandum with E2S Power AG, based in Switzerland, for the joint development, production, and application of thermal energy storage. The ceremony was attended by Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić.

The aim of the project is to lower the domestic utility’s CO2 emissions, primarily from the Pljevlja coal power plant.

Electricity would be purchased on the market when it’s cheap, to charge the energy storage facility and later produce steam to drive the turbine and generate electricity, Bulatović explained.

He stressed that the cooperation opens up the possibility for the application of advanced technologies enabling more efficient energy use and a reduction in CO2 emissions.

Wind fisher is developing innovative high-altitude wind turbines

“Our thermal energy storage technology, TWEST, provides concrete solutions for decarbonizing thermal power plants and stabilizing power systems that are increasingly reliant on renewable sources,” E2S Power AG CEO Saša Savić said.

The memorandum with French innovative solutions firm wind fisher envisages the development of a joint pilot project for high-altitude wind turbines. Bulatović signed it with the company’s CEO Stéphane Vidaillet.

It is an innovative idea that should take off in the future, and this is a pilot project in the testing phase, Bulatović revealed.

The company, in his words, has the technology, and Montenegro has the space where it can be tested.

Photo: EPCG
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October 17, 2025
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50 MW Trusina wind project in BiH gets fresh start

The Ministry of Energy and Mining of the Republic of Srpska has issued a public call for a concession to build and operate the Trusina wind farm in the municipality of Nevesinje, with an installed capacity of up to 50 MW. The move paves the way for reviving one of the largest wind projects in the Republic of Srpska, which has been stalled for years.

The investment is valued at BAM 130 million (EUR 66.5 million), with a projected annual electricity output of about 160 GWh. The new concession procedure was initiated by Sarajevo-based SDL Energy Company.

Wind farm Trusina would generate 160 GWh of electricity per year

The concession can be granted for a period of up to 50 years, and the produced electricity would be sold on the market, according to the public call. If awarded, the contract will include a one-time concession fee of BAM 650,000 (EUR 332,000), as well as BAM 0.0055 (EUR 0.0028) per kWh of electricity produced.

The deadline to submit bids is 30 days from the publication of the call.

The Republic of Srpska is one of the two entities comprising Bosnia and Herzegovina. The other one is called the Federation of BiH.

Challenges from the very beginning

The first concession agreement for the construction of the Trusina wind farm was signed back in 2012. The firm that was granted the concession, called Eol prvi, was founded by Serbia-based Omega plus, but Croatian firm Kermas energija joined the project and subsequently acquired a majority stake in Eol prvi.

However, the concession agreement was terminated in 2019 due to Kermas’ failure to provide a bank guarantee or make any significant progress in implementing the project.

The first concession was scrapped in 2019

Kermas reportedly threatened arbitration against Bosnia and Herzegovina, claiming BAM 200 million (EUR 102.3 million) in damages. However, in May this year, it expressed willingness to resolve the matter amicably, eKapija reported, citing information from the Office of the Attorney General of BiH.

Another dispute involved a EUR 38.2 million lawsuit filed by Omega plus against Kermas. The lawsuit concerned lost profits from the unrealized project, as well as issues related to the transfer of ownership in Eol prvi.

Initially, Omega was awarded BAM 21.1 million (EUR 10.8 million), but the ruling was later overturned.

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October 17, 2025
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Montenegro building two solar plants at hydropower dams

Montenegro’s state power utility, Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), is installing a 2.5 MW solar plant at the Slano hydropower dam near Nikšić, while a photovoltaic plant is also being installed at the Vrtac dam. The project marks yet another step towards increasing the share of renewable sources and strengthening Montenegro’s energy independence, said EPCG-Solar gradnja, a subsidiary of EPCG.

The project is implemented by EPCG-Solar gradnja, which specializes in the procurement, design, installation, and maintenance of photovoltaic systems. Both dams belong to hydropower plant Perućica.

The works at the Slano dam are challenging, as the solar panels are being installed on very steep terrain, according to Marina Jočić, president of the board of EPCG-Solar gradnja. She was speaking during a tour of the site with EPCG management, Speaker of the Parliament of Montenegro Andrija Mandić, and Mayor of Nikšić Marko Kovačević.

The total planned capacity of the Slano and Vrtac solar plants is 3.7 MW

According to earlier announcements, the total installed capacity of the Slano and Vrtac solar power plants will be 3.7 MW. Works on the Vrtac power plant are in the final phase, said Miro Vračar, head of production at EPCG.

EPCG also plans to build the country’s first floating solar power plant at the Slano reservoir. Late last year, the investment valued at EUR 60 million was listed as one of 15 priority infrastructure projects in Montenegro’s energy sector.

EPCG also plans a floating solar plant at the Slano reservoir

Solar power plants on dams are also being built in other countries in the region. In Slovenia, one such facility was put into operation in June, installed on the reservoir wall of the Avče pumped storage hydropower plant.

When it comes to floating solar, North Macedonia plans to integrate such facilities into the national irrigation network.

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October 17, 2025
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Hungary’s Szijjártó: MOL to supply more oil, fuel to Serbia amid sanctions

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Péter Szijjártó said Serbia can count on an increase in supply of oil and fuel from MOL, as NIS is now under US sanctions. However, it cannot fully replace the volume that was coming through Croatia, he warned and stressed that it shows the risk of depending on a single oil pipeline.

The United States has imposed sanctions on Serbian oil refiner and fuel distributor NIS, controlled by Russian Gazprom’s subsidiaries. Except for a small share of domestic production, the company was getting all its oil through the Croatian Jadranski naftovod (JANAF) pipeline. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said the country’s only refinery, in Pančevo, can only operate until the end of the month, while that the current stockpiles of derivatives can last until the end of the year.

Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó promised assistance. “Of course, we stand by our Serbian friends. We are in constant contact, and since MOL, as the largest energy company in the region, plays an important role in the supply of crude oil and fuel in Serbia, of course our Serbian friends can also count on MOL’s increased deliveries,” he stated.

Serbia’s only refinery has oil only until the end of the month

At the same time, the Hungarian official acknowledged that it cannot fully replace the volume that was coming via Croatia.

“Therefore, everyone should remember once again as a very important lesson: there are very serious risks in the situation when a country depends on a single oil pipeline, especially if it comes from Croatia,” Szijjártó stressed.

Namely, the government in Budapest has been complaining that JANAF’s oil transport fees were too high and it disputed the Croatian state-owned pipeline operator’s ability to cover the entire needs of MOL’s refineries in Hungary and Slovakia. The company still gets Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline as well.

According to the Energy Community Secretariat, oil and petroleum product stocks in Serbia in July amounted to 43.8 days of average net imports, compared to the required 90 days.

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October 16, 2025
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Principia builds CfD-backed battery storage facility in Greece

Principia built its first battery system in just six months. The Themelio facility in Chalkidiki in northern Greece, with 49 MW in operating power, will help reduce curtailments from wind and solar power plants and contribute to grid stability.

One of the first standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Greece is coming online in December. Principia said it built the Themelio facility in the Vouno area of Chalkidiki peninsula, aligned with the national plan for grid stability and electrification.

The BESS has 49 MW in capability and a two-hour duration, translating to a guaranteed capacity of 98 MWh, while the nominal capacity is 127 MWh.

Principia is an equally-owned joint venture of Italy-based Enel and funds managed by Macquarie Asset Management, headquartered in Australia. The company said the name Themelio, foundation, symbolizes the beginning of its new era, diversifying beyond renewables.

The construction of the battery system near the town of Polygyros in the Central Macedonia region began in April. It will help reduce curtailments from wind and solar plants, especially in grid-congested areas, by absorbing excess electricity and injecting it back into the system when needed, Principia explained.

The battery energy storage system features a guaranteed capacity of 98 MWh

BESS also enhances system stability by providing power during peak demand and ensuring smooth grid operation. In addition, the unit promotes energy decentralization, as it is located close to renewable energy production sites, contributing to the creation of a more flexible and intelligent energy environment, the joint venture pointed out.

Eurobank financed half of the EUR 28 million project.

The new system in northern Greece consists of 26 Sungrow battery containers, each with a maximum capacity of 5 MWh and equipped with advanced CALB 314 Ah cells. Themelio includes 13 Sungrow power stations, containing 5,140 kW transformers and 33 kV medium-voltage switchgear, as well as two medium-voltage terminal substations.

The project won government support last year, in the form of a contract for difference (CfD), in Greece’s second auction for standalone energy storage systems. Almost all other beneficiaries of the program are struggling with strict deadlines.

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