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October 2, 2025
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Electricity exchange kicks off in Cyprus with 17 participants

The liberalization of the power market in Cyprus took effect alongside the launch of the electricity exchange, with day-ahead, forward and balancing markets.

The island country is one of the most isolated energy systems of the European Union. It relies on expensive oil plants to cover its power needs. Cyprus has no electricity or gas interconnections, and the rate of curtailments of renewables is high.

It translates to the highest wholesale prices in Europe, as well as high retail tariffs for consumers. The project for the Great Sea Interconnector linking the electricity systems of Cyprus and Greece would ease the strain, but it is suffering massive delays due to geopolitical and economic factors.

With the liberalization, 17 participants can submit offers and form prices in the day-ahead, forward and balancing markets, which the Transmission System Operator of Cyprus (TSOC) operates.

Specifically, there are two conventional producers, two suppliers, nine aggregators and three renewable energy producers, according to the Cypriot Electricity Market Association (CEMA). Trading works in 30-minute intervals, instead of the monthly settlements until September 30 and today.

TSOC reported that prices in the day-ahead market for October 1 ranged from zero to 180 per MWh. The level cratered from EUR 150 per MWh to nothing for the interval for delivery from 11:00, and remained there through 14:30. The price was EUR 1 per MWh for the next half hour, only to jump to EUR 151 per MWh in the next time segment.

The daily high was registered at 19:30. Most intervals were at EUR 160 per MWh to EUR 170 per MWh.

Consumers will gain from flexible tariffs

The operator and the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry are hopeful that new markets would remove market distortions. Furthermore, flexible tariffs can be offered to final consumers.

“Independent suppliers can now form their own energy mix, combining conventional and renewable sources. This allows them to offer flexible tariffs with reduced prices during the hours of increased renewable production and at night,” CEMA stressed.

EAC: A chance for the green transition

“Our organization is ready and committed to continue being a reliable pillar for electricity in Cyprus… The opening of the market is not just an institutional change, but a chance for growth, for the green transition and improving everyday life for citizens,” state-owned Electricity Authority of Cyprus (AIK or EAC) said. It is the dominant producer in the island.

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October 1, 2025
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Montenegro seeks contractor for marking liquid oil-derived fuel, biofuel

With approval from the Government of Montenegro, the Ministry of Energy and Mining issued a public call for the selection of a legal person that would conduct the obligatory marking of liquid fuel and biofuel in the Montenegrin market.

The introduction of fuel marking is an important step in the fight against the gray economy and illegal trade, but also a measure strengthening fiscal discipline and the state’s energy system, according to the announcement. The ministry added that Montenegro is introducing the practice in line with its Fiscal Strategy 2024-2027, to secure greater transparency and the security of supply.

The selected legal person will be obligated to use a unique marker for the Montenegrin market – type A for fuel subject to excise tax and type B for fuel exempted from excise tax, as well as to establish an information system accessible to all relevant instutions. This is the way to secure a total control of fuel trade and consumer protection, the explanation reads.

The maximum price of the fuel marking service amounts to EUR 0.008 per liter, which is EUR 8 per 1,000 liters of fuel, the Government of Montenegro stipulated in its decision from September 18.

Offers are received every workday between 10:00 and 14:00, through October 31, 2025. The address of the Ministry of Energy and Mining is Rimski trg 46, Podgorica.

The tender documentation with all the details and criteria is available on the ministry’s website.

With the new measure, Montenegro strengthens the control over the energy market, protects citizens and the country’s budget and builds additional trust in the energy system, the update adds.

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October 1, 2025
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Corinth Pipeworks commissions Greece’s biggest industrial rooftop PV system

Steel pipe manufacturer Corinth Pipeworks has put into operation a 7.1 MW photovoltaic facility on its plant in the Thisvi Industrial Area. It is the largest industrial rooftop PV system in Greece, the company said.

A steel pipe factory northwest of Athens will cover an estimated 25% of its electricity needs with its new solar power plant, generating some 10 GWh per year. Corinth Pipeworks (CPW) revealed that it has commissioned the 7.1 MW system, pointing out it is the largest industrial rooftop photovoltaic facility in Greece.

The company, owned by Cenergy Holdings, conducted the endeavor under an ESCO scheme. The project was entirely designed and implemented by Survey Digital Photovoltaics. It was financed by investment firm Sirec Energy and Survey Digital Photovoltaics, in collaboration with Piraeus Bank.

Under the terms of the 10-year lease, the system will be transferred at no cost to Corinth Pipeworks. The behind-the-meter PV plant is for own consumption, injecting no electricity into the high-voltage grid.

Corinth Pipeworks surpassed its 2025 target of sourcing 80% of its energy consumption from renewables

The facility spans almost six hectares on two factories, at a height of ten meters. It consists of 12,000 solar panels.

With the photovoltaic plant and a power purchase agreement (PPA) for a wind farm, CPW surpassed its 2025 target of sourcing 80% of its energy consumption from renewables. The company’s portfolio includes pipes for hydrogen pipelines.

“This choice carries particular significance, as it comes from an organization with both the technical capacity to develop the photovoltaic system and manage the generated energy, as well as the financial capacity to finance the investment independently. Yet, it chose to move forward in collaboration with us and Survey Digital Photovoltaics, recognizing the value of strategic partnership,” said Vice President of Sirec Energy Vangelis Bardis.

A subsidiary of Viohalco, Belgium-based Cenergy Holdings also controls Hellenic Cables, which manufactures power and telecommunications cables.

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October 1, 2025
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Hydropower plant Dabar to be completed by end-2027

The Dabar hydropower plant is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, according to Petar Đokić, Minister of Energy and Mining of the Republic of Srpska.

The operation of the Dabar hydropower plant, the most complex hydropower facility, in which EUR 339.5 million has been invested, will bring benefits for the entire eastern Herzegovina area, Petar Đokić said during a visit to the construction site, Srna reported.

The works on the 160 MW hydropower plant, with an expected annual production of 500 GWh, began in June 2023.

Đokić noted that the project is located in four municipalities – Nevesinje, Bileća, Berkovići, and Ljubinje – spanning 40 kilometers. As a key part of the project, Đokić highlighted a 12-kilometer tunnel, which is nearly finished.

Đokić: It is an exceptional construction undertaking, the first of its kind in the world in the 21st century

It is an exceptional construction undertaking, the first of its kind in the world in the 21st century, the minister said and added that he is proud to be part of the project from the beginning of its implementation.

Photo: Ministry of Energy and Mining

He spoke with the representatives of China-based Gezhouba Group Co., the main contractor, and Integral and Elnos, its domestic subcontractors.

Đokić stressed that some issues regarding the construction were discussed. HPP Dabar is a financially demanding project, he noted.

Photo: Ministry of Energy and Mining

Wind farm Grebak will be completed by 2027

Minister Đokić recalled that projects for solar power plants and wind farms with a capacity of 680 MW are under development in the territory of Nevesinje municipality, with investments estimated at an overall EUR 409 million.

He underlined that one of the projects, the Grebak wind farm, has experienced delays. Numerous companies, including the investor in the Grebak project, are hostages to the European policies mistrustful of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Đokić claimed.

Of note, the Republic of Srpska is one of the two political entities of BiH. The concession for the Grebak wind farm was granted in April 2019.

The minister expressed hope that the investor would overcome the challenges, conclude a financing agreement, secure equipment, and start construction work, expected to be finished by late 2026 or early 2027.

Investors in solar projects in Nevesinje are currently preparing documentation and purchasing equipment, Đokić said.

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October 1, 2025
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Montenegro to produce coal until 2050

The Pljevlja coal mine has been granted a concession for coal production for 24.5 years, extending the extraction of the solid fossil fuel until 2050.

Admir Šahmanović, Minister of Energy and Mining, and Nemanja Laković, CEO of coal mine operator Rudnik uglja Pljevlja (RUP), exchanged concession agreements for the period up to 2050.

They spoke at a ceremony in Pljevlja marking Miner’s Day, September 24, and the 73rd anniversary of the mine’s operation.

The signing of the concession agreement enables the long-term use of significant coal reserves in the Pljevlja municipality, which is one of the key steps in further valorizing the mining potential of northern Montenegro, according to the Ministry of Mining and Energy.

The coal extraction concession is granted for 24.5 years

“Our joint mission is for mining in Montenegro to continue developing responsibly, and in line with the highest standards. Our special focus will be on the development and future of this sector, having in mind the changes introduced by a just transition,” Šahmanović stated.

In late June, the Government of Montenegro decided to grant the concession to the mine for the excavation of lignite deposits at the sites Potrlica, Kalušići, Grevo, and Rabitlje in the Pljevlja coal basin.

The duration of the contract is 24.5 years, the government said. The mine is obliged to produce at least 1.65 million tons of lignite annually.

The Pljevlja coal power plant is planned for closing in 2041

The concession fee amounts to 4% of the market value of the excavation reserves.

Of note, almost the entire production of the mine is for the Pljevlja thermal power plant – the country’s only coal plant and the largest electricity producer.

The draft National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) of Montenegro proposes 2041 as the provisional date for closing the Pljevlja coal plant.

The timeline primarily depends on the success of the just transition process and maintaining the security of the electricity supply, the document reads.

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October 1, 2025
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WISE Serbia Annual Women’s Network Event – October 16 in Belgrade

The Center for the Promotion of Sustainable Development and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH are organizing the annual WISE Serbia Women’s Network event, which will take place on October 16 at Fabrika Events in Belgrade.

The WISE Serbia Women’s Network in sustainable energy, climate action, and environmental protection has been in existence since 2018 and is one of the first networks of its kind worldwide. WISE Serbia brings together over 250 female experts from the energy sector and related fields, promoting their role in the energy transition, as well as in the democratization and decentralization of the energy sector. The network is recognized as a platform that connects knowledge, experience, and vision of women shaping a sustainable energy and climate future in Serbia.

Registration is open until October 10 or until places are filled via this LINK. The program begins at 4:30 PM at Fabrika Events, Poenkareova 32, Belgrade. Participation in the event is free of charge.

This year, 10 outstanding women have been nominated for the Female Leader in Sustainable Energy 2025 award. Voting is open until October 10 on the WISE Serbia website. Take the opportunity to support the woman you believe deserves the title of leader in sustainable energy.

“This is the third edition of the Female Leader in Sustainable Energy award. Year after year, we celebrate exceptional women professionally engaged in the energy sector, climate action, and environmental protection. Each nominee could rightfully earn the title of leader. Their biographies and professional achievements speak for themselves. They are recognized in their teams as women who drive change and serve as inspiration and motivation for all of us to continue building a sustainable present and future,” emphasized Branislava Jovičić, cofounder of the WISE Serbia Women’s Network.

Photo: Branislava Jovičić, co-founder of the WISE Serbia women’s network, and Svetlana Cervovic, last year’s winner of the Female Leader in Sustainable Energy award.

The event will be officially opened by H.E. Anke Konrad, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Jovana Joksimović, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation, European Integration, and Project Management at the Ministry of Mining and Energy.

The program will continue with a panel discussion moderated by Maja Turković, Executive Vice President at CWP Europe and the 2023 Leader in Sustainable Energy awardee.

Following the panel discussion, the finalists for the Leader in Sustainable Energy award will be announced, followed by the winner’s presentation and the ceremonial award presentation.

The media sponsor of the event is Balkan Green Energy News.

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