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August 4, 2025
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New systems protecting birds from wind turbine collisions

Wind power technology is often criticized because birds collide with turbine blades. As the number of wind farms in Southeast Europe grows, bird protection is increasingly important. A solution exists. Croatian environmental consultancy Oikon has become the regional representative for three systems that detect the presence of birds and temporarily halt wind turbines to prevent collisions and reduce the impact on biodiversity.

Wind farms produce clean energy and contribute to the fight against climate change. On the other hand, wind turbines can often harm biodiversity. Birds’ vision has evolved toward finding food and detecting predators—but not for avoiding tall turbine towers with fast-spinning blades. To help prevent bird collisions, so-called shutdown on demand (SDOD) solutions stop turbines when necessary.

SDOD refers to the temporary shutdown of turbines when individuals from protected or sensitive bird species are detected entering a high-risk collision zone.

Oikon is the regional representative for three bird detection and turbine control systems

Bird protection is increasingly important amid the wind energy expansion in Southeast Europe. Croatian environmental consultancy Oikon Ltd. – Institute of Applied Ecology announced that it has become the regional representative for three internationally recognized systems for bird detection and turbine control technologies.

SDOD is rapidly becoming a standard requirement for wind projects operating near sensitive bird habitats, Oikon’s CEO Dalibor Hatić says. “These technologies are already being requested by permitting authorities. We’re helping developers access proven and reliable systems to fulfil those obligations,” he asserted.

One of the systems that Oikon provides to its clients is IdentiFlight from the United States. It is three-dimensional, with artificial intelligence and high-speed cameras to identify birds in real time. Installed on separate towers, it gives optimal coverage of protected areas.

Photo: Identiflight (Ryan Luttrell / Oikon)

Max, developed by Dutch company Robin Radar Systems, uses a 3D radar specifically designed for bird monitoring. It enables the tracking of birds and bats over long distances, both day and night. The technology can simultaneously monitor and log thousands of flights with high precision.

Photo: Dutch company Robin Radar Systems named its solution Max (Oikon)

AVES Wind, the third system in the portfolio, was developed by German company ProTecBird. The device is installed on the turbine itself. It combines pan-tilt-zoom cameras, real-time tracking software and AI to detect and identify bird species, calculate their 3D position, control turbine operations and generate documentation for regulatory compliance.

Photo: AVES Wind system, developed by German company ProTecBird (Oikon)

SDOD reduces bird mortality and energy production losses

Unlike long turbine curtailments or seasonal restrictions, SDOD is activated only when needed – when birds enter a risk zone. The approach reduces both bird mortality and energy production losses.

“Oikon’s role is to make these internationally proven technologies available in Southeast Europe and ensure their integration aligns with local ecological, technical, and regulatory conditions. The company supports developers in meeting the requirements set by the European Union and national nature protection laws, including mitigation measures often mandated by environmental authorities,” the company said.

It pointed out all SDOD systems can be used for research purposes and that they utilize high-quality military-grade resilient components and technology, ensuring their functionality regardless of weather conditions.

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August 4, 2025
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Serbia adopts Just Energy Transition Plan until 2030

Serbia now has a Just Energy Transition Plan until 2030. The document contains suggested measures for the mitigation of the impact of reducing fossil fuel use, primarily coal, so that workers, firms and communities aren’t left behind.

Following last month’s completion of the public consultation process regarding the proposed Just Transition Action Plan, the Government of Serbia passed, at its last session, the Just Energy Transition Plan of the Republic of Serbia until 2030. The document leans on the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (INECP or NECP)

It lays out sustainable energy policy measures that would need or could be undertaken. The point is in reducing fossil fuel dependence and improving security and efficiency of electricity supply by switching to renewable energy sources, and in an energy efficiency boost.

A just transition aims to promote environmentally sustainable economies in a way that is fair and inclusive for all

“A just transition aims to promote environmentally sustainable economies in a way that is fair and inclusive for all – workers, businesses and communities – by creating opportunities for decent work and leaving no one behind. This initiative should not be seen as a fixed set of rules, but as a dynamic process based on dialogue with a focus on addressing the concerns and needs of local populations and affected stakeholders,” the plan reads.

The approach is based on mitigating the negative effects of the energy transition process. It implies significant investments in retraining and reskilling, to assist workers in adjusting to new industries, as well as education, the plan adds.

It highlights the importance of incentivizing the development of new industries, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, which can enable alternative sources of income and employment.

Electricity system collapse in December 2021 marked as turning point?

Until December 2021, domestic electricity production met domestic needs, although even before that, the power system had been making maximum efforts for many years to provide sufficient amounts of electricity or, rather, provide sufficient amounts of coal for the operation of thermal power plants, the document notes.

There is no elaboration on the time reference, but that’s when a major outage struck coal-fired thermal power plants of state-owned power utility Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS). Of note, it was one in a string of serious incidents in the electricity system.

Coal plants are old and they mostly don’t comply with environmental standards

“The fact is that existing electricity generation plants are old and most of them are not in line with new operating conditions and standards when it comes to environmental protection. Therefore, it is quite clear that in the case of the Serbian energy sector, the energy transition should lead to a radical change in the structure of sources and methods of electricity production,” according to the plan.

Coal plants, open pit mines could be replaced with wide range of activities from culture to gas power plants

Listed among the possibilities for repurposing coal plants and coal mine land after shutting them down are green power plants (but also gas-fueled energy facilities), launching industrial production, logistical and commercial activities, together with sports, culture, education, agriculture, tourism and waste management.

In 2023. there were 25,288 employees in thermal power plants (22.2%) and coal mines (77.8%), the document notes. The oldest coal plant, Kolubara A of 239 MW, was built in 1956, and the newest unit is Kostolac B3, of 350 MW. It came online last year.

“Social dialogue mechanisms should be established to ensure that the voices of all stakeholders are heard and their concerns are addressed. This includes consultations with trade unions, local self-governments and civil society organisations,” the Just Energy Transition Plan of the Republic of Serbia until 2030 suggests.

Expenses are envisaged at EUR 75.4 million, of which EUR 12 million would be for incentives for entrepreneurship and self-employment and EUR 60 million for improving business structure at existing industrial parks.

Carbon pricing system to make coal power plants in Serbia increasingly uncompetitive

One section covers the upcoming rollout of charges within the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The tax affects imports of a group of raw materials and electricity. Third countries can be exempted if they establish their own carbon pricing and emissions trading systems.

“In order to balance the economic and environmental impacts of the introduction of domestic carbon pricing in Serbia, a phased approach could be adopted, starting with a modest carbon price and gradually increasing it. Support for affected industries, such as subsidies for low-carbon technologies and worker retraining programs, along with recycling revenues to finance green projects and providing direct rebates to citizens, can mitigate negative effects,” the plan adds.

NGOs have criticized the action plan draft for only describing preparatory activities

Actually, proceeds from greenhouse gas emissions allowances in the EU are used only for the green economic transition, and it is similar with most environmental levies.

The introduction of a carbon tax mechanism will make domestic coal-fired power plants increasingly uncompetitive, especially in regional electricity markets, the government warned.

Nongovernmental organizations and associations earlier criticized the draft, arguing that it delays the energy transition until 2030, only lists preparatory activities and that, inter alia, there is no targeted date for ending the use of coal for electricity production.

In any case, a just energy transition requires defining deadlines and projects and securing funds exclusively for the said purposes. Otherwise the market will trample coal plants and mines, and it will probably happen abruptly, which would jeopardize energy security and employment. Such effects are already tangible in Southeastern Europe, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as in Bulgaria and Slovenia.

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August 1, 2025
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BiH’s electricity imports up 4.5 times

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s electricity imports were nearly 4.5 times higher in the first half of the year than in the same period of 2024.

The step rise in power imports is another evidence of the difficult situation in the country’s utilities – Elektroprivreda BiH (EPBiH), Elektroprivreda HZHB (EPHZHB), and Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske (ERS).

The main issue is the drop in production in coal power plants and hydropower plants. For many years, BiH was the only net electricity exporter in the Western Balkans; however, it seems a change is underway. The country finished last year with 2.5 TWh in net exports – 36% less than in 2023.

Most imports occurred during the winter

According to data from the Agency for Statistics of BiH, electricity imports in the first half of last year amounted to BAM 78.8 million (EUR 40.3 million), while in the same period this year they reached BAM 344 million (EUR 175.9 million), Nezavisne novine reported. It is a 337% increase.

The data show that the majority of imports took place in the first quarter or during the winter. In the first three months of last year, import costs came in at BAM 33.7 million (EUR 17.2 million), and this year they soared to BAM 235.4 million (EUR 120.3 million) from January through March.

Exports also recorded an increase on an annual scale. In the first half of 2025, they were worth BAM 439.4 million (EUR 224.6 million), against BAM 289.3 million (EUR 147.9 million) in the equivalent period of last year. It is a 52% increase.

Coal and hydrology issues soured the foreign balance in the electricity sector

Just under half of exports were achieved in the first three months of the year.

ERS struggled with power generation in coal power plants due to longer maintenance and a lack of coal. EPBiH has also been facing coal supply problems for years. Both companies are unable to produce sufficient quantities of coal from their own mines.

An additional issue this year is the drought, which has reduced production in hydropower plants. Unfavorable hydrological conditions are affecting all three companies, but the largest pressure is on EPHZHB, which operates only hydropower plants.

Energy expert Almir Bečarević asserted that import figures reflect reality.

He explained that two thermal power plants in the Republic of Srpska were undergoing maintenance, and that EPBiH is facing issues with hydrology and its mines, which cannot supply sufficient quantities of coal.

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August 1, 2025
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EDP Renewables sells wind farms in Greece to Enel-Macquarie joint venture

Principia agreed to acquire all four EDPR’s wind power plants in Greece. The joint venture of Enel and Macquarie Asset Management’s funds is nearing 800 MW in renewable energy and battery storage capacity in the country.

Principia, owned equally by Italy-based Enel and funds managed by Macquarie Asset Management, headquartered in Australia, is strengthening its presence in Greece with a purchase of four wind farms. EDP Renewables is selling the facilities to the firm after reportedly deciding to exit the country.

The joint venture, which expects to close the transaction later this year, revealed that the estimated enterprise value exceeds EUR 200 million. The measure can include debt and some other items. The takeover is adding 149.6 MW to its operational capacity, which would reach 727 MW, from 70 power plants. Wind power accounts for 517.8 MW.

With the purchase, Principia will operate a total of 517.8 MW in wind power capacity.

“The acquisition of this portfolio strategically strengthens Principia’s presence in the Greek renewable energy market, in a constantly evolving environment, and reaffirms a role of leadership in the country’s energy transition. With this investment, we further reinforce our position in the Greek clean energy market and take another step toward delivering on our ambitious plan for growth, diversification, and reliable clean energy generation across Greece,” Principia’s Chief Executive Officer Aristotelis Chantavas said.

All four wind farms operate within CfD scheme

All four wind farms are operating under 20-year contracts for difference (CfDs). Livadi (45 MW) and Erimia (35 MW) are in Malesina, Phthiotis. Wind power plants Xironomi (36 MW) and Chalcodonio (33.6 MW) were commissioned this year. They are located in Boeotia, Central Greece, and Magnesia, Thessaly, respectively.

Newmoney learned, without revealing its source, that Terna Energy, ENI Plenitude, HELLENiQ Energy and some investment funds also participated in the process, interested in the portfolio. The acquisition will lift Principia by one notch to become third among the largest wind farm operators in the country, the article adds.

Principia aims to complete construction of 49 MW battery system by year-end

Principia has another 230 MW under construction or in the ready-to-build stage, and 5.6 GW more in various stages of development.

It is building a battery energy storage system (BESS) of 49 MW in Polygyros, in the Halkidiki peninsula. It won government support at Greece’s second energy storage auction.

The Paleolivada facility is due to come online before the end of the year. Construction began in March. It will have 98 MWh in guaranteed capacity, versus 127 MWh installed.

The firm has a mature project for a hybrid power plant of 111 MW and 70 MW of solar power capacity. The site is in Atherinolakos, in Sitia in the south of Crete.

Principia inaugurated a photovoltaic cluster of 95 MW in May. The Perasma facility, near the villages of Mavrodendri and Sidera, is set to generate 126.8 MW per year. It comprises seven units and 170,000 bifacial panels.

Macquarie Asset Management agreed to buy 50% of Enel Green Power Hellas in 2023.

Of note, EDP Renewables (EDPR) is headquartered in Spain, but traded on the Euronext Lisbon stock exchange. It is a subsidiary of EDP.

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August 1, 2025
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Construction of Ingka Investments 300 MW solar park in Romania well underway

Ingka Investments, the investment division of the Sweden-based Ingka Holding, the largest IKEA franchisee company, said the construction of its first solar power plant in Romania is well underway. The Butimanu project is for 300 MW in peak capacity, which would make it the largest in the country.

The biggest IKEA stores operator is proceeding with a major renewable energy investment plan. Following last year’s regulatory approval in Romania, it is building one of Europe’s largest solar power plants.

The construction of a system of 300 MW in peak capacity is “well underway,” according to Ingka Investments. It is part of Ingka Holding, based in the Netherlands. The site is in Butimanu in Romania’s Dâmbovița county.

Ingka Investments bought the project in 2023. At the time, it said it was ready for construction, in two phases, and valued it at more than EUR 200 million. The Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) issued the permit for 247 MW in peak capacity and a 223 MW grid connection.

The company developed its first solar power project, set to become the biggest in Romania, through its special purpose vehicle Butimanu Energy. The facility just north of Bucharest, in the Muntenia region, would generate electricity equivalent to the needs of almost 170,000 households in the country, Ingka Investments said.

It complements Ingka’s nine wind farms in Romania. They consist of 64 turbines, totaling 171 MW.

Of note, IKEA supplies electricity to end consumers, including in Romania. Ingka Group has 594 wind turbines in 29 solar parks in 19 countries. Including PV plants, it generates 5 TWh per year.

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August 1, 2025
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INVL fund secures loan for 71 MW of solar projects in Romania

INVL Renewable Energy Fund I has secured a EUR 29.3 million loan for the installation of solar power plants with a capacity of 71 MW in Romania.

INVL Renewable Energy Fund I, managed by INVL Asset Management, invests in renewable energy projects.

The new EUR 29.3 million loan agreement has been signed with Kommunalkredit Austria AG, the fund revealed.

It is its second loan to the fund. In November 2023, the bank approved EUR 25 million for the construction of solar power plants in Romania.

Kommunalkredit’s long-term support plays an important role in accelerating the transition to green energy in the region, according to Liudas Liutkevičius, Managing Partner at INVL Renewable Energy Fund I.

INVL Renewable Energy Fund I is focusing on the Polish and Romanian markets

Construction of the facilities of an overall 71 MW in Dolj County is scheduled for completion by the end of September next year, according to the update. It is the fund’s third large-scale solar energy project in Romania.

INVL Renewable Energy Fund I is focusing on the Polish and Romanian markets, having a combined portfolio of projects in development of 389 MW.

In Romania, the fund is planning eight photovoltaic units with a total capacity of 356 MW. Its future solar parks in Poland would have 32 MW overall. All are due to be completed by the end of 2027.

Ponomarenko: The bank is committed to enabling the energy transition in high-growth markets

Investments in Romania and Poland are expected to exceed EUR 250 million altogether, the fund added.

Konstantin Ponomarenko, a Senior Structurer at Kommunalkredit Austria, said the development of solar energy infrastructure in Romania reflects both the fund’s strategic vision and the bank’s commitment to enabling the energy transition in high-growth markets.

The transaction underlines Kommunalkredit’s dedication to delivering bespoke financing solutions that empower sustainable development across Europe, he added.

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