Indian company ChemVolt Global and ElevenEs, based in Serbia, established a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of battery energy storage systems (BESS), lithium-ion cell manufacturing, and electric vehicle (EV) battery pack supply across India.
ChemVolt Global is a clean energy and storage solutions company and ElevenEs develops lithium-ion battery cell technology.
The collaboration combines ChemVolt Global’s extensive expertise in project development, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), and local market execution, with ElevenEs’ industry-leading experience in lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cell technology and large-scale European manufacturing, the Serbian company said.
The first objective is to deploy advanced BESS solutions across India and the Middle East
The two companies aim to establish a robust ecosystem for advanced energy storage and electric mobility in India.
The partnership includes three key objectives.
The first one is to deploy advanced BESS solutions across India and the Middle East, with advanced lithium ion cells with a higher life cycle and less degradation and high thermal stability.
The two companies also plan lithium-ion cell manufacturing collaboration based on ElevenEs’ pioneering European cell technology and production capabilities, the update reads.
The companies intend to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility across India
The third goal is to supply EV battery packs to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
The partners plan to enable domestic automotive manufacturers to access high-performance, safe, fast-charging and reliable battery packs, accelerating the adoption of electric mobility across India.
Gupta: The deepening industrial and technological cooperation between India and Europe
ChemVolt Global CEO Kuldeep Gupta said the partnership with ElevenEs represents a defining moment for India’s clean energy and electric mobility ambitions.
“Beyond technology, this collaboration reflects the deepening industrial and technological cooperation between India and Europe, positioning both nations at the forefront of the global energy transition,” he stated.
Mikać: We are not just participating
According to Nemanja Mikać, CEO of ElevenEs, the partnership is a decisive move to bring the company’s proven LFP cell technology and large-scale manufacturing to India.
ElevenEs’ expertise, in his words, is ready to deliver nothing less than advanced battery solutions that will be foundational to India’s energy independence.
“We are not just participating; we are positioned to define the future of this industry,” Mikać stressed.
Serbian transmission system operator (TSO) Elektromreža Srbije (EMS) and Montenegrin TSO CGES agreed that each would become the owner of the parts of overhead transmission lines on its country’s territory, and signed a contract.
EMS and CGES signed a contract on the purchase of electricity infrastructure. The two state-owned TSOs said it is the confirmation of their many years of cooperation and of their joint commitment to the development of a stable and reliable regional electricity system.
The reason for such an arrangement is that maintenance and utilization of transmission lines on the other country’s territory is complex and demanding, both from the technical and legal perspectives, the announcement reads.
Contract was signed by CEOs Jelena Matejić, Ivan Asanović
CGES will become the owner of the parts of EMS’s interconnector power lines of 220 kV and 110 kV that are located in Montenegro, they said, without revealing the purchase sum.
CGES is taking over the parts of EMS’s interconnector power lines that are on the territory of Montenegro
The contract was signed by General Manager of EMS Jelena Matejić and Executive Director of CGES Ivan Asanović. The two companies explained that they have initiated the search for a sustainable solution for interconnector power lines of 220 kV from Pljevlja in Montenegro to Bajina Bašta in Serbia and from Pljevlja to Bistrica in Serbia, and the one from Pljevlja 1 to Potpeć in Serbia, of 110 kV, all owned by EMS, and for CGES’s internal overhead power line Mojkovac-Pljevlja of 220 kV, which has a section in neighboring Serbia.
Deal aimed at simplifying operations, greater legal clarity
They adopted a model under which each TSO is becoming the owner of transmission lines on the territory of its country. It is a principle enabling simpler management, more efficient maintenance and greater legal and operational clarity for transmission systems, the operators said.
“With this contract we are creating a more stable basis for a technically and legally regulated transmission system, additionally strengthening the reliability and safety of the electricity grid in the region,” Jelena Matejić stated.
The companies showed that they are able to solve complex issues jointly and in the interest of both countries and all users of the electricity system, according to CGES head Ivan Asanović.
Of note, EMS has a 15% share in CGES, while the Government of Montenegro controls 55.4%. Jelena Matejić is a member of the board of directors. Italian TSO Terna owns 22.1%.
The Dušan Jerković Primary School in Ruma is the first school in the Srem (Syrmia) region, in Serbia’s north, with a solar power plant installed on its roof, and it is in the process of obtaining the prosumer status. The project was implemented in cooperation with the Elektropionir energy cooperative and funded by German Development Cooperation. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH implemented the endeavor.
Although the number of prosumers in Serbia is growing, it still remains relatively small compared to the vast potential of rooftops and the abundance of sunshine that the country enjoys. According to recent data from electricity distribution system operator Elektrodistribucija Srbije (EDS), there were 5,310 registered prosumers, formally called buyers-producers.
Their total installed capacity was over 113 MW. Most were households (3,848), followed by legal entities (1,457), while the number of residential communities producing their own energy remains very small, only five.
A few years ago, upon an assessment of rooftop areas in Serbia suitable for solar panel installation, the surface was estimated at as much as 600 square kilometers. Installing solar panels on just 10% would translate to 6 GW of solar power capacity.
On a bright note, awareness of renewable energy sources and their importance is steadily increasing, as shown by the growing number of institutions — including kindergartens, primary and secondary schools — choosing to take steps toward energy independence and become prosumers. One such example is in the Syrmia area, locally called Srem, and specifically in Ruma, where the Dušan Jerković Primary School recently became the proud owner of a rooftop solar power plant. The town is located west of Belgrade.
According to school principal Ivana Milojević, the idea was born in September 2024, when representatives of the energy cooperative Elektropionir first visited the school and proposed a partnership.
Elektropionir organized a series of lectures and workshops for students, parents, and school staff
Before the solar installation began, Elektropionir organized a series of lectures and workshops for students, parents, and school staff, focusing on renewable energy sources and the benefits of installing solar panels. The proposal to set up a photovoltaic system on the school’s roof was enthusiastically supported by both the school administration and the Municipality of Ruma, which owns the building.
Foto: Elektropionir
The power plant will significantly reduce the school’s electricity bill
The German Development Cooperation fully funded the installation of a 10 kW solar power plant in a project implemented by GIZ. The system was completed in late August, and the process of obtaining the prosumer status from DSO Elektrodistribucija Srbije (EDS) is underway.
It means that the generated electricity will be used to cover the building’s energy needs, and any surplus will be delivered to the grid, while the school will be able to utilize the excess energy later, when its consumption exceeds production.
“I am very proud that the Dušan Jerković Primary School is the first school in Srem to have a solar power plant. Our school, known for its yellow color, has now got a touch of green, symbolizing our commitment to protecting nature and raising environmental awareness among our students and fellow townspeople. We sincerely thank GIZ and the Elektropionir energy cooperative for their effort, work, and financial support in materializing a wonderful idea,” principal Ivana Milojević said.
The new solar plant will significantly reduce the school’s electricity bills, allowing it to use the savings for other improvements — such as upgrading classrooms or purchasing teaching materials to enhance the learning process.
Balkan Green Energy News, the media partner of the 2025 Just Transition Young Voices Awards, is publishing the three winning articles. The Energy Community Secretariat organized the contest in collaboration with Bankwatch, CAN Europe, the CLEW Network, and the Regional Youth Cooperation Office. The aim is to promote young adults set to shape the climate, energy, and social landscape in the years ahead in the Energy Community region.
Author: Ani Gogokhia
It is the summer of 2045 – unusually hot compared to previous years – but the unbearable heat is not the only problem. I wake up in my small apartment in western Georgia, open the window, and immediately see clouds of exhaust fumes. For me, this is just another part of everyday life.
After a quick breakfast, I step outside for a short walk to wake myself up. The buildings in the city are the only things that remain unchanged. The number of people on the streets is declining. I feel lonely – most of my peers have either moved to the capital, Tbilisi, or left for European countries.
Thinking of them inevitably leads me to reflect on my own career path. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in my region.
Not much choice for young woman
With those thoughts weighing on me, I walk quickly to my first job. I call it my first job because I’ll head to another one later in the afternoon. The commute is long, and public transport only slows me down – so I walk. As I pass the local market, I see vendors, most of them women, standing in the scorching sun.
My job is house cleaning. The pay is just enough to cover groceries and utility bills, but with the cost of living rising daily, I rush to a second cleaning job in the afternoon. Floors, windows, walls – it’s all the same. If you wonder why I chose this line of work, the answer is simple: there wasn’t much choice, especially for a young woman.
The scenario described above could become a regular part of life if we halt progress toward a just transition and neglect it
There’s little to say about the workday. I return home as the sun begins to set, carrying groceries in both hands. As I unpack, I wait for my family. Everyone works – my mother and father in a factory, and my sister at a hospital. We gather for dinner and talk about current events: rising tensions, protests over low wages, unemployment, and deepening poverty.
But these conversations always end the same way – with my mother’s cancer. She developed the disease after years of exposure to harmful substances at the factory, yet she still can’t stop working. We simply can’t afford her treatment otherwise.
The scenario described above could become a regular part of life if we halt progress toward a just transition and neglect it. For the energy transition to be truly just, it must include rural areas, too, creating fair opportunities for people across Georgia.
A just transition refers to a series of policies that ensure fair and equal opportunities for everyone as we shift to a greener economy in the fight against climate change. It’s a process meant to align energy systems with modern, sustainable standards. Local governments play a vital role, though many factors – such as geography and ethnicity – can affect how smoothly this transition occurs.
Just transition in Georgia
Georgia is working to stay aligned with global green trends through international cooperation. Hydropower dominates its energy sector, but the country is slowly incorporating wind and solar systems. Since joining the Energy Community in 2017, Georgia has made notable strides toward harmonizing its legislation with the European Union’s energy standards.
This alignment has attracted major investments in renewable energy. Projects like the Kartli wind farm and a national roadmap for a circular economy – supported by the EU4Environment program – are steps in the right direction.
The city of Zugdidi is among the trailblazers in Georgia in the energy efficiency segment, youth engagement and environmental education
These national achievements are significant, but what about rural areas far from the capital? Each region presents unique challenges and opportunities in the just transition. In western Georgia, Zugdidi has started participating in this process. Although large-scale renewable projects remain concentrated elsewhere, the city has seen pilot initiatives in energy efficiency, youth engagement, and environmental education supported by the EU.
The rural development programs of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Zugdidi focus on inclusive economic participation, especially for youth, and promote eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture to curb outward migration. One noteworthy initiative involved using hazelnut shells to heat school greenhouses – a clever use of a crop central to local livelihoods. Educational projects and international partnerships have also helped raise awareness about the green economy, yet challenges remain.
Chiatura craves economic diversification away from mining
Take, for example, Chiatura – a mining town east of Zugdidi, known for its manganese industry since Soviet times. Chiatura’s economy has long depended on mining, with consequences such as environmental degradation, poor working conditions, and economic stagnation when mining activity declines. Without economic diversification, residents remain vulnerable and largely excluded from sustainable development benefits.
In 2024, Georgian news outlets reported: “The hunger strike entered its 22nd day on July 10, involving eight miners, three of whom have sewn their mouths shut.“ The unrest stems from decisions to shut down underground mining operations, leaving workers desperate and uncertain about their futures.
While Zugdidi explores decentralized, eco-friendly solutions like biomass heating, Chiatura still lags in implementing alternatives – clean industries, green technologies, or renewable energy – deepening the divide between regions.
Youth massively moving to capital Tbilisi
Unfortunately, Georgia’s development remains overly centralized. Most opportunities are clustered in Tbilisi, causing a massive youth outflow from other regions into the capital.
Geographic and infrastructural limitations in rural and mountainous areas also pose serious barriers. For example, eastern Georgia has high solar radiation – perfect for photovoltaic panels – but varied terrain complicates installation. Wind energy prospects are greater in the east, as western regions are less windy.
A just transition also demands inclusive participation, especially from women. As of 2024, women make up just 28% of the global STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) workforce – a glaring underrepresentation. In Georgia, the meaningful inclusion of women in the just transition remains a significant challenge. Empowering women – politically, economically, and socially – is key.
A difficult past marked by political instability and conflict has left its mark, but the more women engage in public life, the greater their chances of economic empowerment, entry into traditionally male-dominated professions and establishing decent place in economy.
What must be done
While Georgia has made substantial headway towards its climate goals, it is key for the country to create a unified national policy that addresses all regions equitably. We need robust educational campaigns, targeted support for rural areas, and most importantly, greater inclusion of women and minority groups in the just transition.
Only then can we build a fair, resilient society capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century.
Romanian state-owned power utility Hidroelectrica will install storage on all its run-of-river hydropower plants, to be able to switch the supply of surplus electricity to the evening peak, according to interim CEO Bogdan Nicolae Badea.
Hybrid power plants are all the rage. Two- and even three-way combinations between batteries and solar and wind power plants have become more and more popular over the past few years, as they enable steadier and more predictable supply. But energy storage can have a meaningful role in tandem with hydropower as well, and interim President of the Board of Directors of Hidroelectrica Bogdan Nicolae Badea revealed plans for such investments.
Namely, impoundment hydroelectric plants control the flow from the reservoir through the dam, so much of their production can be adjusted to demand. Run-of-river facilities can store little to no water, which is why the Romanian state-owned hydropower plant operator intends to add energy storage to its entire operational portfolio in the segment, Badea explained.
Goal is to lower daily price spreads at power exchange
The idea is to switch the supply of electricity from times of surplus within the day to the evening peak, the interim CEO stressed at the Profit Energy.forum. There are seven to eight slots a day at the electricity exchange with very low or negative prices, and others with excessive prices, Badea pointed out.
“Even in free market conditions and affected by external crises, the cost borne by consumers could be somewhat lower than today if Romania had energy storage capacities, so that daily consumption peaks are in balance with production peaks,” the interim CEO underscored.
Price caps hurting Romanian state budget
Romania caps power prices, which harms the state budget, Badea noted and said there are two ways to achieve a balance.
“The first solution is a systemic one – and here all the important participants in the energy sector must invest – and Hidroelectrica is doing this, investing primarily in diversification. We have a wind farm in operation today. We are investing a lot in the storage area and we are trying to combine renewable sources, hydro, photovoltaics, floating photovoltaics,” he stated.
Hidroelectrica signed a contract in April with a consortium of Romanian companies Prime Batteries Technology and Enevo Group, for a lithium ion battery energy storage system at its Crucea Nord wind farm.
Hidroelectrica is investing in storage, solar power and hybrid power plant projects
The company also plans to integrate a BESS with hydropower plant Iron Gate 2 (Porţile de Fier 2) on the Danube. The project is valued at EUR 61.2 million. Some hydropower plants are set to be equipped with rooftop photovoltaic systems.
Badea was also the company chief from 2017 to 2023. He was recently reappointed, after he was the chief investment officer for almost two years.
For the first six months of this year, hydrological data shows a situation reminiscent of the critical moment when the company entered insolvency, in 2015, Badea added. However, unlike that period, today Hidroelectrica is a profitable, stable company and a pillar of the energy system, he stressed.
By adopting the Reform Agenda, Bosnia and Herzegovina committed to liberalizing the electricity market, aligning electricity prices with market levels, and supporting the green transition through renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.
The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the Reform Agenda, after a delay longer than one year, and submitted it to the European Commission. It made the move just as the deadline, set by the commission, was about to expire on September 30.
If it failed to adopt the document, BiH would have lost EUR 108 million out of a total of EUR 976.6 million that was allocated to the country under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, worth around EUR 6 billion overall. Due to the delay, BiH already lost EUR 108 million in July.
The first step in price harmonization is to conduct a study on different scenarios
One of the obligations from the Reform Agenda is to align household electricity prices with market prices in the region and the European Union by 2027, domestic media reported.
The measure is aimed at making price formation more transparent and integrating BiH better into the regional and European electricity markets.
The first step in price harmonization would be to conduct a study on different scenarios for price deregulation for households. It will serve as a tool to plan price increases. The study is expected to be completed before the end of the year.
The current price of electricity in BiH is below ten eurocents
According to the latest Eurostat data, for the second half of last year, the price of electricity for households in BiH was below ten eurocents. Prices in the European Union ranged from ten eurocents in Hungary to 40 in Ireland.
The European Commission is required to assess the Reform Agenda and approve it if it matches expectations. Payments are directly linked to the measures that governments in the region vow to implement.
Of note, in early July, the European Commission proposed the first tranches from the support package, worth EUR 87.7 million in total, for projects in Albania, Montenegro, and Serbia.
