The Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy of Slovenia launched a public call for cofunding the construction or restructuring of district heating and cooling systems using renewable energy sources. The grants, for companies and cooperatives, are from the European Union’s cohesion support mechanisms.
The introduction of renewables-based district heating and cooling systems reduces pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and the dependence on fossil fuels. Much of the European household and business sectors still rely on gas boilers for heating. In addition, the ever-increasing severity and length of heat waves are prompting the need for a systemic cooling solution.
As part of its decarbonization and energy efficiency efforts, Slovenia launched a EUR 51.2 million cofunding package for companies and cooperatives.
The program covers the construction or restructuring of district heating and cooling systems using renewable energy sources. The first deadline for applications is September 11, followed by one on January 8, the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy said.
The public call will be open until the entire sum is allocated, or at the latest until September 11, 2026, the third deadline. The EU’s cohesion funding accounts for 85% and Slovenia is providing the rest.
District heating projects that include cooling get additional points
While primarily aimed at increasing the production of electricity and heat from renewable energy sources and from waste heat, the scheme includes additional points for projects that involve cooling. The systems are required to cover at least 350 kW of consumption.
Eligible equipment includes heat pumps, solar collectors, wood biomass boilers and combined heat and power (CHP or cogeneration) solutions.
Large companies can receive up to 45% of their investment, while mid-sized ones can get 55%. The cap for small and micro enterprises is 65%. The maximum individual grant is EUR 30 million.
Slovenia’s current calls for subsidizing sustainable mobility, energy efficiency and renewables projects are worth more than EUR 300 million altogether. The government is preparing four more, for EUR 62 million overall.
The Republic of Serbia and Germany’s KfW Development Bank signed a loan agreement on July 18 for EUR 135 million for the second phase of the credit program Green Transition Development Policy Operation (DPO II).
The signatures underscore the joint activities by Germany and Serbia aimed at a climate-compliant and socially just energy transition, said Chargés d’Affaires ad interim Carsten Meyer-Wiefhausen from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Serbia. “We will continue to be with Serbia on this path and support its reform efforts,” he stressed.
Within the financing for the reforms, the World Bank, French Development Agency (AFD) and the German KfW Development Bank are supporting the Republic of Serbia in conducting its ambitious reform agenda. The goal is to accelerate the transition to energy from clean sources and align with EU standards in environmental protection and climate.
Series of reforms through DPO II
Several successful reforms have been materialized within DPO II, among which:
Promoting investments that are acceptable in environmental and climate terms: Public investments are graded under environmental criteria and with regard to the risk of natural disasters, and with models developed solely for the purpose. The citizens of Serbia benefit from the government’s more sustainable investment decisions.
Enhanced transparency in the public budget: The Government of the Republic of Serbia has committed to publishing information on the execution of the public budget, not only at the end of the fiscal year, but also during the year. It improves the transparency of public expenditures, primarily concerning investments in environmental and climate protection.
Affordable energy prices: The Government of the Republic of Serbia has rolled out temporary targeted subsidies for households with low income, like citizens with low pensions. The share of households receiving such aid has grown from 2.7%, registered in 2021, to last year’s 8%.
Improvement in waste disposal: Aligning with EU standards brings a better approach to sanitary landfills, namely from 42% (2021) to last year’s 50%. The citizens of Serbia benefit from improved waste disposal and a cleaner environment.
Prepared for CBAM: Since this year, large industrial facilities and power plants report their CO2 emissions in line with EU standards. That way Serbia is more prepared for the upcoming full implementation of the European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) for carbon prices. For instance, the country would be able to price CO2 emissions and charge them.
Financing reforms within climate partnership
Germany’s contribution to financing reforms is an integral part of Germany’s climate partnership with Serbia and the entire Western Balkans. The purpose of the partnership is to support Serbia’s work on achieving its national climate goals and adapting to climate change. The key goal of the partnerships is for the transformation that is necessary to meet climate goals, in the interest of Serbian citizens, to be socially just, a just transition.
This year, Serbia and Germany are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their development cooperation. In the meantime, KfW financed projects worth EUR 2.5 billion in Serbia.
The ninth Energy Community Summer School has kicked off in Montenegro, gathering 40 participants from 28 countries.
On July 19, forty young professionals and researchers from 28 countries convened at the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Kotor, Montenegro, to dive deep into the pressing technical, political, and economic issues driving the energy transition, according to the Energy Community Secretariat.
“The energy transition is no longer a distant goal—it’s happening now, shaped by technology, driven by policy, and tested by crises,” Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, said in his welcoming address.
Lorkowski: A successful and just transition depends on bringing together diverse people and perspectives
A successful and just transition depends on bringing together diverse people and perspectives to learn and exchange ideas—just as the secretariat does each year at this summer school, and as it has done for two decades across the Energy Community: building connections, aligning energy rules, and driving the shift to cleaner, more secure energy systems in our region, according to Lorkowski.
The 2025 edition attracted 242 applications from 58 countries. At the end of the selection procedure, 40 participants representing 28 countries were selected: 18 from Energy Community contracting parties, one from an observer country, 18 from EU member states (including seven from the Visegrád Group), and the remainder from Switzerland, South Africa, and the United States.
Among them, 27 hold a master’s degree and 13 have a PhD.
The seven-day program is organized by the Energy Community Secretariat, in collaboration with the International Visegrad Fund, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung – Dialogue Southeast Europe (FES-SOE), and Montenegro’s state-owned companies – power utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), and distribution system operator Crnogorski Elektrodistributivni Sistem (CEDIS).
The Energy Community’s long-standing commitment to building the next generation of leaders
Since its launch in 2016, the initiative has also been supported by Polis University (Tirana), Comenius University (Bratislava), Jagiellonian University (Krakow), Masaryk University (Brno), and REKK (Budapest).
The Summer School reflects the Energy Community’s long-standing commitment to building the next generation of leaders—those who will drive long-term integration, cooperation, and sustainable energy transformation across the region, the secretariat pointed out.
Throughout the week, participants will work closely with leading experts from academia, industry, and policymaking circles to examine real-world approaches to transforming energy systems.
Through lectures, case studies, and collaborative discussions, they will explore how innovation, cross-border cooperation, and policy reform can drive decarbonization while supporting economic development and regional stability, according to the secreatariat.
Statkraft has sold its Croatian platform to Resalta, according to the two companies. The transaction, which includes the renewable energy project pipeline and the transfer of employees, was signed and closed in July.
Norway-based Statkraft has decided to leave India, the Netherlands and Croatia in October 2024. The company started its Croatian operations in 2021. Resalta is part of Aggreko Group from Scotland.
Statkraft, Europe’s largest renewable energy producer, and Resalta, an international energy services provider operating across Central and Eastern European markets, and with a growing presence in Croatia, said Statkraft sold its Croatian platform to Resalta.
The integration process is now underway, they added.
Bellanger: Resalta will continue to develop the Croatian platform to its full potential
The platform includes a significant pipeline of renewable energy projects fully aligned with Resalta growth plan. The integration of the local team into Resalta’s operations ensures continuity and builds on their expertise to advance future development, the two companies claimed.
“We are delighted to have completed this transaction with Resalta, a company that shares our commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. With the team of seasoned project developers, we are confident that Resalta will continue to develop the Croatian platform to its full potential,” said Arnaud Bellanger, Statkraft Country Manager Croatia and France.
Komazec: Resalta is expanding its footprint in renewable energy sector in Croatia
Resalta Group CEO Luka Komazec stressed that the acquisition represents a significant step forward for Resalta as the company expands its footprint in renewable energy project development in Croatia.
“We are excited to welcome the talented team from Statkraft and look forward to working together to advance our shared vision of a sustainable energy future,” he added.
In Komazec’s words, Resalta is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for all stakeholders involved.
The largest solar power plant in Slovenia has only 7.1 MW in peak capacity and a 5 MW grid connection. The facility in the country’s southwest, on the border with Italy, has begun regular operation, according to its developer Moja elektrarna.
Slovenia is mostly leaning on small photovoltaic and battery storage installations for its renewables expansion. Moja elektrarna, a firm based in Maribor, the second-largest city, built the country’s biggest solar power facility.
The PV plant consists of 12,888 modules of 550 W apiece, Naš stik reported. It translates to barely 7.1 MW in peak capacity, in terms of direct current or DC. The grid connection, for alternating current (AC), is 5 MW.
Moja elektrarna installed the PV park at the Krvavi Potok village on the border with Italy. The facility in southwestern Slovenia is on the territory of the Hrpelje-Kozina municipality. It is expected to generate 8.4 GWh per year. The projected output is equivalent to the electricity consumption of 2,400 domestic households, the article adds.
Located next to one of the main roads to Italy, the PV plant in Krvavi Potok is suitable for powering future electric vehicle charging points
The firm said the test operation began on April 1 and that the solar power plant entered regular operation on July 1. It expects to receive the certificate of occupancy, the final permit, by September.
Moja elektrarna is a subsidiary of Austria-based PV-Invest, which earlier said the PV plant spans 7.2 hectares. The company has calculated that the solar power plant would prevent an equivalent of almost 64,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions in total over its 30-year operating life.
Located next to one of the main roads to Italy, the facility is suitable for powering future electric vehicle charging points, according to the company. PV-Invest develops funding plans for private and institutional investors for joint photovoltaic projects supported by banks and financial institutions, according to its website.
In 2023, HESS built the now second-largest solar power plant in Slovenia in Brežice, at its hydropower plant.
The number of power purchase agreements (PPAs) for renewables in Europe fell by 31% and the volume tumbled 26% in the first half of the year from the levels in the same period of 2024, Pexapark found. Germany and France registered sharp declines in the photovoltaics segment, but a surge in Italy and Spain has more than offset the drop.
The meteoric rise in deals for battery energy storage systems, BESS, is a clear sign of its maturity.
In its latest report, analytics and advisory firm Pexapark provided a detailed look into PPAs and contracts for battery energy storage systems in the first six months of 2025. It found that PPA activity shrank by more than a quarter in year-over-year terms, but not everywhere and not due to solar power.
Across 124 deals, 6.08 GW of renewable electricity capacity was contracted in the first half, which is 31% and 26% down, respectively, from the same period of 2024. Conversely, the average deal size advanced 5% to 48.2 MW.
Notably, the April-June period was much weaker than the first quarter of the year, with just 50 deals, but the volumes were almost evenly split.
The main technologies in the first half were solar power, 4.2 GW from 73 deals, onshore wind (1.4 GW and 32 PPAs), mixed technology (290 MW and nine deals) and offshore wind (134 MW and four deals). The result is proportionate to the picture from January through June 2024.
Despite concerns over saturation of demand for standalone solar, volumes have firmed. The 4.2 GW of solar capacity contracted under PPAs compares to 3.9 GW of the first half of last year. The deal count landed at 73, against 95, which is in line with the overall trend.
PPA activity in Germany plunged 84% in terms of volume
Solar offtake activity reveals a clear split in market momentum. It is slowing down in markets where cannibalization has worsened drastically and rapidly – such as Germany and France. In fact, Germany saw the largest decline in volumes – a remarkable 84% year-on-year decrease in terms of overall volumes, with 228 MW across eight deals in the last six months, versus 1.2 GW and 31 deals in last year’s equivalent.
There is stable or even upward appetite in markets which have had time to adjust to cannibalization and the lower valuation of solar production, or where cannibalization levels are still very low
Conversely, solar PPA activity in Italy and Spain spiked, more than making up for the said decline.
“These numbers support the hypothesis that there is stable, or even upward appetite in markets which have had time to adjust to cannibalization and the lower valuation of solar production – i.e., Spain, or cannibalization levels are still very low – such as Italy. Italy’s solar PPA volumes grew 184% year-on-year, with nearly an additional 700 MW procured compared to the same period last year. Corporate appetite in the country is growing, and so is deal size – with a 420 MW solar corporate deal announced in June comprising the country’s largest PPA ever recorded,” the analysis reads.
As for Southeastern Europe, OMV Petrom’s deal with Enery for their joint solar power project Gabare in Bulgaria was Europe’ third-largest PPA in June.
Flexibility monetization is opportunity for market players with right profile
In a market increasingly driven by flexibility monetization, today’s challenges – cannibalization, future capture dynamics and balancing risks – are becoming opportunities for market players with the right profile. And with corporate buyers more hesitant to pay premiums for solar, transactable prices are—perhaps for the first time in a while – closer to perceived fair value, according to the report’s authors.
Wholesale electricity prices in Sweden were negative for almost two fifths of the time in the first six months of 2025
Hourly periods with negative prices at wholesale electricity markets continued strong in the first half. Sweden maintained its top position by far, with most such events. There were 1,635 hours with negative prices from January until the end of June. It is a stunning 37.8% share of the entire period and already 63% of the tally from all last year.
The other jurisdictions that make up the top five in Europe: Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, remained the same since 2024.
On average, European countries have already reached around 67% of the number of hours counted in 2024 as a whole. Norway hit 90%, Denmark 87% and Spain climbed to 86%, suggesting that last year’s records would fall.
Top five European markets by number of negative price hours, 2024 vs. the first half of 2025
BESS deal volumes already three times higher than in all 2024
The maturity of the BESS industry is clearly reflected in the deal count and contracted volumes over the past 18 months, with the trend increasingly pronounced in 2025.
Battery storage capacity being contracted under optimization or fixed-revenue offtake contracts (so-called floors and tolls, respectively) amounted to a total of 4.6 GW in capability and 9.2 GWh in capacity across 36 deals. It is just over three times more than in entire 2024 in both benchmarks. The deal count was 44% up from all last year.
The lion’s share of the deal count concerns BESS assets with a two-hour duration
The rapid growth was driven by a wave of new agreements in the two most advanced markets – Great Britain and Germany – alongside first-ever BESS deals emerging in Belgium, Poland, Greece, and Bulgaria. The lion’s share of the deal count concerns BESS assets with a two-hour duration, which the ratio of operating power and capacity also indicates.
Pexapark provides of price data, market intelligence, and advisory services for renewable energy. It was one of the knowledge partners at this year’s edition of Belgrade Energy Forum, organized by Balkan Green Energy News.
