After the first two units of 5 MW each, state-owned Turkish Coal Enterprises (TKI) is planning two solar power plants of 14 MW in combined peak capacity at sites of its previous mining operations.
Former coal mines and their tailings dumps, together with the ash disposal fields of thermal power plants, are among the most convenient areas for solar power plants, unlike fertile agricultural land. In Southeastern Europe, Greece is leading the way by transforming its coal land into industrial hubs with cutting-edge technologies, with the focus remaining on energy – mostly solar power plants. Their capacity is among the highest in the world.
Other countries in the region are advancing slowly in such decarbonization projects, with the exception of North Macedonia, or are still in the planning stage, but Turkey announced that it intends to speed up the construction of photovoltaic units on sites of former coal mining operations.
The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources said the capacity would reach 24 MW next year
Turkish Coal Enterprises (TKI) is revitalizing the areas of depleted open pit mines also through afforestation, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources said. The company planted just over 12 million trees on 6,265 hectares last year.
With photovoltaic projects, such areas are contributing to the country’s economy again. The state-owned company’s Aegean region subsidiary ELI operates a self-consumption unit of 5 MW in Manisa. Another firm, ÇLI, based in Çanakkale, further to the north, has installed a 5 MW solar park.
The two facilities generate 18 GWh of electricity per year, supplying businesses, the update adds.
Preparations are underway for the construction of a 5 MW photovoltaic plant in the Tavşanlı district of Kütahya province in Turkey’s west. Another project is for 9 MW in the Afşin district in Kahramanmaraş, in the Mediterranean region in the country’s south. TKI plans to complete them next year.
The four solar parks will produce some 41 GWh per year, according to the ministry.
Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske expects a loss of BAM 29 million (EUR 14.8 million) this year, according to the power utility’s CEO Luka Petrović.
The reasons for the poor business results of Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske (ERS) are bad hydrological conditions and an increase in electricity imports, Luka Petrović said, as quoted by news agency Srna.
ERS is one of the three state-owned power utilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is in charge of the electricity production and supply in the Republic of Srpska, one of the country’s two political entities.
Of note, a week ago, the new Prime Minister of the Republic of Srpska Savo Minić called the situation in the electricity sector extremely complex. He has also set a 15-day deadline for setting up plans to overcome the issues.
Petrović: Electricity is imported for EUR 72 per MWh and sold to citizens for EUR 34 per MWh
Following the meeting of ERS’s management in Trebinje, Luka Petrović emphasized that the company’s electricity production would be significantly reduced, to 4,500 GWh. He previously said hydropower output decreased by 50% this year on an annual basis.
He recalled that ERS already purchased about 13% of electricity for domestic supply at high prices. The difference between purchase and sales prices will produce a loss of about BAM 29 million (EUR 14.8 million), Petrović added.
He noted that in 2023, when the hydrological situation was good, ERS achieved a record profit of BAM 146 million (EUR 74.6 million).
Of note, the company recorded a BAM 3.2 million (EUR 1.6 million) profit in 2024.
Petrović stressed that the electricity deficit would have to be purchased on the power exchange, at EUR 72 per MWh, while it is sold to citizens for EUR 34 per MWh, compared to the price for businesses of EUR 75 per MWh.
Imports this year reached BAM 60 million to BAM 70 million (EUR 30.7 million to EUR 35.8 million)
Two consecutive years with drought can disrupt the cash flow because there is no export capacity, Petrović explained.
He asserted that ERS’s electricity exports over the past few years were worth BAM 100 million to BAM 200 million (EUR 51.1 million to EUR 102.2 million) per annum, while imports were between BAM 30 million and BAM 60 million. This year, electricity bought abroad amounted to between BAM 60 million and BAM 70 million (EUR 30.7 million to EUR 35.8 million).
Of note, in previous years, BiH was the largest net exporter of electricity in the region. However, imports were nearly 4.5 times higher in the first half of the year than in the same period of 2024. Another power utility, Elektroprivreda BiH (EPBiH), is increasing losses.
Government to hold a session about ERS
Petrović noted that the company has repaid a loan of BAM 78 million (EUR 39.9 million) and another of BAM 60 million (EUR 30.7 million).
A government session about ERS is planned. He will propose that it be held at the Ugljevik thermal power plant, from which a third of the electricity is delivered to Slovenia.
In addition, the management of ERS has requested further rationalization of all operating costs.
Conditions in the Greek market have worsened in recent months for renewable energy producers, especially in the solar power segment, as a result of low and negative electricity prices.
So far in September, the total number of hours with a negative price in the day-ahead market (DAM) has reached 27. Prices usually fall slightly below zero, between EUR 0.01 per MWh and EUR 1, but for Sunday, September 21, they reached a negative EUR 14.8 per MWh.
In Greece, over 7 GW of renewable electricity plants with individual capacities above 400 kW operate under contracts for difference (CfDs).
Negative prices hurt producers. They receive no payment if the price is zero or below for two or more consecutive hours.
Low positive prices harm market operator
There is another issue, caused by a great number of barely positive prices during the day, when solar farms reach their maximum output. The so-called special purchase price for photovoltaics, determined once a month, has fallen steeply. In August it reached a record low of EUR 25 per MWh.
Namely, the Operator of Renewable Energy Sources & Guarantees of Origin (DAPEEP) pays a producer the difference between the special purchase price and the price in the CfD contract, which is much higher.
Therefore DAPEEP benefits from negative hourly prices, since it avoids some payments, but it loses much more from low positive prices.
Special renewables account swings back into red
The operator’s special renewables account reached a breakeven level at the beginning of this year, but turned steeply negative in recent months. The latest official data show a deficit of EUR 160 million for the period through July. Initially, a gap of EUR 173 million was projected for the end of 2025, so investors are worried.
Payments to producers remain unaffected so far and they continue in a timely fashion. Regardless, conditions in the market have made investments in solar energy less profitable. Certain players have chosen to abandon their projects. EDP Renewables and ABO Energy have decided to leave Greece altogether.
The trend has fueled demand for the purchase of solar farms benefiting from feed-in tariffs, as they are not affected by fluctuations in the wholesale market. According to information that Energypress obtained, such facilities are currently sold for around EUR 700,000 per MW.
Seven projects for 1.88 GW of total electrolyzer capacity turned out to be unfeasible even with grants won at the second European Hydrogen Bank auction, out of 2.34 GW overall. The developers withdrew, with some citing policy and infrastructure delays and uncertainty. A project from the first renewable hydrogen auction also pulled out.
The European Commission has invited ten projects from the reserve list of the second European Hydrogen Bank auction to start preparing documentation for signing grant agreements, after seven that were initially selected withdrew. The round, completed in May, resulted in 15 projects for renewable hydrogen winning support, for 2.34 GW of total electrolyzer capacity.
Five endeavors remained in the general category, for just 453.46 MW overall, and the remaining three are in the maritime segment. They account for 108.5 MW. The ten reserve projects envisage 774 MW, compared to the 1.88 GW that dropped out, including the three biggest proposed systems.
Stuck at completion guarantees
Some developers of the withdrawn proposals weren’t able to provide completion guarantees. Completion guarantees are worth 8% of the grant, S&P Global noted in a report. Companies cited policy and infrastructure delays and uncertainty.
Four sites are in Spain, two in Germany and the seventh one is in the Netherlands: the Zeevonk electrolyser, the largest of all. It would have 560 MW and produce 411,000 tons over ten years, receiving EUR 0.6 per kilogram.
Beneficiaries receive premiums from the European Hydrogen Bank budget that compensate for the difference between the production price and the amount that buyers offer.
European Hydrogen Bank mechanism designed to weed out unfeasible investments
Before the end of the year, the European Commission expects to publish the final list for the said IF24 auction. One project recently dropped out from the first round as well.
“The auction’s completion guarantee is working as expected in weeding out companies that have bid too low, or were forced to reassess their project maturity or financial viability between bidding and having to provide the completion guarantee,” EU Innovation Fund Policy Officer Johanna Schiele said.
The withdrawn projects could still head for implementation if they complete the financing structure.
Under the second round within the European Hydrogen Bank mechanism, EUR 1.2 billion was available, but only EUR 992 million rewarded.
Slovenia’s transmission system operator ELES and the Ministry of Defence have signed a cooperation agreement for the Defence Resilience Hub Network in Europe – RESHUB project.
Last year, the Ministry of Defence of Slovenia initiated the Defence Resilience Hub Network in Europe (RESHUB) project, which aims to establish self-sufficient energy hubs in Slovenian military barracks.
As part of the initiative, the military barracks in Kranj will be transformed into a demonstration center for energy self-sufficiency, integrating military infrastructure with innovative solutions in renewable energy and hydrogen technologies.
Aleksander Mervar, CEO of ELES, and Marko Lovše, State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, now signed the agreement, during the Slovenia-Japan Business Conference.
The deal outlines cooperation in the field of energy self-sufficiency and the development of hydrogen technologies, according to state-owned ELES.
The Kranj military barracks will be converted into a demonstration center for energy self-sufficiency
The project will turn the Kranj military barracks into a demonstration center for energy self-sufficiency by integrating military infrastructure with innovative technology for renewables and hydrogen.
ELES will contribute to the development of the RESHUB (Resilience Hub) pilot project concept, which focuses on the production, storage, and use of hydrogen, the country’s TSO noted.
The company will be involved in all phases of the project — from preparing expert studies and technical groundwork to providing professional support for documentation development.
ELES considers hydrogen a potential key energy carrier for storing surplus energy from low-carbon sources
“At ELES, we recognize hydrogen as a potentially key energy carrier for storing surplus energy from low-carbon sources, which can later be reused in the energy sector, transport, and industry,” according to the company.
ELES recalled that in 2024 it established a consortium to build a hydrogen ecosystem based on low-carbon sources.
Collaboration with Japanese partners, who have been actively developing and, in some cases, successfully deploying hydrogen technologies for decades, is essential for the company. ELES has already established several partnerships with Japanese companies and is now exploring new opportunities for deeper cooperation in the further development and application of hydrogen technologies.
In recognition of Mervar’s outstanding contribution to strengthening bilateral economic and technological ties, Japanese Ambassador to Slovenia Akiko Yoshida awarded him an honorary recognition at the business conference.
A roundtable titled Green Solutions in Practice, held in the eastern Serbian town of Knjaževac, brought together local government officials, experts, rural tourism providers, entrepreneurs, and citizens to exchange experiences on renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.
The event was organized by the Regional Development Agency of Eastern Serbia (RARIS) as part of the Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency in Eastern Serbia project, implemented by German Cooperation in Serbia GIZ. The gathering demonstrated that eastern Serbia is becoming an increasingly active player in implementing green solutions and strengthening energy sustainability.
The roundtable Green Solutions in Practice was opened by Saša Petrović, Deputy Mayor of Knjaževac, who highlighted the importance of the green transition for promoting rural development and improving the quality of life.
Daniela Kostadinova, a representative of GIZ, presented the organization’s contribution to achieving energy sustainability in Serbia. She said that the project’s results so far have been highly significant, but added that she believes further development and awareness-raising are still necessary.
Photo: RARIS
Kostadinova also stressed the importance of financial support for citizens to implement energy efficiency measures, and she pointed out that energy poverty should be the next priority to address. She expressed hope that some ideas would be realized by the end of the Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency in Serbia project, which runs until December.
Expressing her satisfaction at the opportunity to visit partner municipalities, Kostadinova noted that GIZ strives to provide both advice and support to its partners in the implementation of projects. She added that long-term success is extremely important to GIZ, which seeks to maintain its reputation as a high-quality and reliable partner.
Empowering eastern Serbia through renewable energy
Vladan Jeremić, Director of RARIS, presented the results of the Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency in Eastern Serbia project. Four key results have been achieved: establishing a regional platform for renewable energy and energy efficiency in Eastern Serbia as a mechanism for aligning the positions, interests, and policies of key local and regional stakeholders; strengthening regional capacities; opening the Energy Advisory Center; and raising public awareness about the importance of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.
Jeremić: People are eager to learn about renewable energy sources and energy efficiency
As a result of the regional platform’s work, the first renewable energy and energy efficiency fair was held in Zaječar. Numerous workshops and training sessions have been organized, and a guide on applying renewable energy and energy efficiency in rural tourism has been produced.
According to Jeremić, the project has shown that people are eager to acquire the knowledge they need to improve their lives in practice, making them more cost-effective, affordable, and sustainable, while also contributing to the energy transition.
“At the initiative of citizens, although it wasn’t planned within the project, we organized the fair. Even though we didn’t have an appropriate exhibition space, and despite the demanding nature of such events, we worked with great enthusiasm. The fair brought together technicians, engineers, and representatives of local governments and the private sector, many of whom are here today, which we see as a strong indicator of our success,” he said.
Managing energy efficiently in rural tourism
As part of the project, an interesting guide has been prepared for owners of rural tourism households, offering practical tips for improving energy efficiency, reducing costs, and introducing sustainable solutions into their business.
Ivan Svetozarević, the author of the guide and owner of a rural tourism household called Gorski konak in the village of Zubetinac, presented the guide through an engaging presentation filled with personal examples. The presentation addressed the question of how to manage energy efficiently in rural tourism. Situated on the slopes of Stara Planina, Gorski konak stands out as a model of sustainability.
Photo: Ivan Svetozarević / RARIS
The Svetozarević family equipped the household with solar panels, solar collectors for water heating, and a heat pump. Guests can use electric bicycles to reduce car use and emissions. Cooperation with neighbors and local producers further enhances the sustainability of the entire complex.
“My wife and I have been in this for over 20 years, but only a few years ago did we have the opportunity to install solar panels and a heat pump. Sustainability is actually our way of life,” said Svetozarević.
Multidisciplinary approach as a key to communication
Maja Lalić, Creative Director of the Mikser Festival, emphasized the importance of communication in promoting sustainable practices and raising public awareness about renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.
“The Mikser Festival is a partner of GIZ in popularizing these topics, seeking to involve the culture and creative industries sector, which has so far been rarely represented in discussions on renewable energy and energy efficiency. As a multidisciplinary platform, Mikser brings together numerous actors from different fields and engages in citizen education to bring these important topics closer to a wider audience,” she said.
For years, the organization has been staging events in revitalized abandoned industrial facilities as part of circular economy measures, applying various sustainable practices, such as issuing e-tickets, using reusable cups, and avoiding PVC branding.
Photo: RARIS
In cooperation with GIZ, this year’s edition of the festival developed an interactive educational program to increase energy literacy among three target groups: architecture and design professionals, young people, and the general population. The program included a panel discussion titled New Citizen Energy, where experts and prosumers dispelled myths about energy, shared experiences, and presented local challenges and solutions.
A special focus was placed on youth and children through workshops, empowering them to become agents of community change and develop creative ways to raise energy awareness and sustainable habits.
Mikser as a communicator and a dissemination platform
Maja Lalić highlighted the importance of decentralization, noting that successful initiatives from different parts of Serbia are encouraging, though they often remain less known to the wider public.
“Mikser positions itself as a communicator and a platform for disseminating success stories, giving people and communities space to share their experiences and inspire others. It is precisely this openness that makes the festival a dynamic place of meeting and exchange, supporting the further development of sustainability,” she said.
Examples of good practice
The application of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures goes far beyond installing solar panels or replacing windows, as demonstrated by various innovative examples of good practice.
Ilija Stevanović from the Mihajlo Pupin Institute presented innovative solutions developed in cooperation with farmers, schools, and festivals. As a special example, he cited the “digitalized field” implemented in collaboration with farmer Nikola Lončar from Belegiš and the smart device Mobisan – a mobile solar power generator.
Mobisan combines soil sensors, a weather station, and wireless communication to collect data on microclimate and soil conditions, enabling automated irrigation and fertilization. The device is controlled remotely and powered by solar panels, saving resources and reducing the use of chemicals.
Ognjen Tomašević from the Exit Foundation presented the “Green Exit” initiative and plans to improve the energy efficiency of one of the region’s largest events.
Innovative solutions are contributing to the festival’s energy efficiency
In addition to recycling, which has been a focus of the Exit Festival’s activities for five years, a “solar guitar” and gramophone-shaped solar collectors have been developed in cooperation with the Mihajlo Pupin Institute. These two devices provide electricity and hot water to Exit camp users, aiming to improve its energy efficiency.
Photo: Solar guitar / Mihajlo Pupin Institute
Aleksandar Branković, the owner of one of the first home solar power plants in eastern Serbia, presented his 6.7-kilowatt system installed back in 2013, making it one of the first in Serbia.
Vladan Dragićević, energy manager at the Municipality of Knjaževac, presented the achievements of the Energy Advisory Center. “The Energy Advisory Center is not just a place – it is a network of trust, a space where knowledge turns into savings and the energy transition into an opportunity for all,” he emphasized.
More than 70 citizens have received support at the Energy Advisory Center
The center provides relevant information and advice enabling citizens and businesses to use energy more efficiently, reduce costs, and even generate additional income. To date, more than 70 citizens have received advisory support.
The center is open for both individual consultations and group discussions on various topics, and it offers all necessary advice related to energy efficiency.
