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October 30, 2025
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Webinar summary: How to design PV and BESS in the Balkans faster and smarter with RatedPower software

RatedPower, a leading provider of software for PV plant and BESS design and engineering, has organized a webinar to present its solutions that make it faster and easier for developers and contractors to design and build PV and battery storage facilities, helping increase their efficiency and profitability. The online event included a step-by-step demonstration of how RatedPower’s cloud-based software tool creates simulations of PV plants, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and hybrid facilities to assess costs, performance, and profitability under various scenarios. The hosts also answered questions such as whether the software can be used for rooftop solar, how it accounts for terrain, what financial aspects it considers, and how user-friendly it is for non-technical staff. A recording of the webinar is available at this link.

The webinar opened with an overview of the main challenges that solar and BESS projects face in the Balkans, but also elsewhere in the world. These include a lack of collaboration between teams, difficulty finding investors for projects in the ready-to-build stage, insufficient documentation needed for permitting, lengthy manual calculations, and poor decision-making in feasibility studies.

Addressing common challenges in the Balkans

RatedPower was created precisely to address these problems, and today it provides services for a wide range of companies in the solar and BESS market, including well-known international players, it was explained at the webinar, hosted by Emil Trepin, Account Executive at RatedPower.

The company decided to expand to the Balkans because it is one of the fastest-growing regions in Europe when it comes to renewable energy projects. This, it was explained, is thanks to energy transition efforts, grid modernization, investment momentum, and state support for renewables across the region.

Much more than an engineering tool

RatedPower, part of Enverus, a global software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform for the energy sector, offers a cloud-based tool for designing ground-mounted PV plants of 1 MW and above, and up to 3-4 GW, as well as hybrid systems (PV plus BESS) and standalone battery storage projects.

The platform creates the fastest simulations in the industry, reducing design and engineering time by up to 90%, while helping increase project profitability by about 20%. It generates over 400 pages of ready-to-use documents, including bills of quantities, single-line diagrams, business plans, and much more.

The tool reduces design and engineering time by up to 90%

RatedPower’s software is much more than an engineering tool – it is a decision-making platform that combines the simulation of technical design, energy yield, and financial analysis, according to the hosts.

A step-by-step demonstration of how the platform works

During the demonstration, Matteo Menazzi, Technical Advisor at RatedPower, explained how the platform is used in practice. Since it is cloud-based, it can be accessed from any web browser and used simultaneously by several people working on the same project or on multiple projects.

The first step is to select a location on the map, taking into account various restrictions, such as roads, forests, and archaeological sites, and then add PV arrays, BESS, and other equipment.

Equipment, such as PV modules or battery containers, is selected from a pre-filled database or uploaded manually. The software then creates a full simulation in a matter of seconds, allowing users to test different modules or equipment and compare results.

Solar modules, batteries, and other equipment can be selected from a pre-filled database

In the layout phase, users can set the distance between rows, adapt the configuration to the terrain slope, and estimate the scope and cost of necessary earthworks.

The software also allows the customization of grid connection parameters, including voltage levels and line types (underground or overhead). It then automatically estimates substation size and electrical losses, and calculates the necessary cable lengths.

It calculates the amount of electricity that can be produced and injected into the grid, as well as financial performance. In addition, a large number of documents is automatically generated – from hourly energy yield and battery performance results to lists of necessary cables, bills of quantities, and 2D and 3D drawings.

Designs can be edited and saved as templates for future projects

It is important to note that any design created with the RatedPower software can be edited by moving, adding, or removing elements. Also, all inputs can be saved as a template, which can be used for another project, saving considerable time.

Designing battery storage systems with RatedPower

When it comes to batteries, users can choose a power conversion system and battery containers from the database, define the number of BESS blocks and their layout, and adjust the distances between containers to comply with fire safety regulations. They can also customize charging and discharging efficiency and use the optimization algorithm to adjust operations for maximum profitability.

It is also possible to choose between a fixed and a variable price. For variable prices, the software will upload the day-ahead price for the relevant market or allow users to upload their own price. The tool will also recommend the most profitable time to sell electricity.

Users can also choose whether to charge the batteries only from the PV plant or from the grid as well.

The software provides project cost estimates based on standard values or the user’s input

In the financial segment, RatedPower’s software will estimate the total cost of building a PV plant or battery system, based on standard values provided by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

However, input values can also be fully customized by the user, based on the price of solar modules, BESS units, or cables.

If you want to know more about RatedPower’s software, request a demo today.

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October 30, 2025
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European Commission: Russian gas ban doesn’t include transit to Serbia, BiH

The proposed ban on importing Russian natural gas to the European Union doesn’t apply to the transit of Russian gas, so it doesn’t affect the supply of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European Commission’s spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen told Balkan Green Energy News.

After the Council of the European Union on Monday adopted its negotiating position on the European Commission’s draft regulation to phase out imports of Russian natural gas by January 1, 2028, reports emerged that Bulgaria would halt the transit of Russian gas to Serbia from January 1, 2026. The council agreed with the initiative to prohibit imports of Russian gas, starting on January 1, 2026, while maintaining a transition period for existing contracts.

Notably, Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced in late September that his country would suspend Russian gas transit for short-term contracts in 2026 as part of EU plans to cut off Russian gas imports completely, Reuters reported.

Serbia receives natural gas from Russia via the Balkan Stream. The pipeline is an extension of TurkStream that passes through Bulgaria and Serbia. TurkStream delivers gas from Russia across the Black Sea to Turkey.

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary, Serbia’s neighbors, are also supplied via Balkan Stream.

With regards to transit via EU territory, the EU proposal only requires more transparency on transited volumes to third countries

Balkan Green Energy News asked the European Commission to clarify if the supply of Russian gas to Serbia and BiH via Bulgaria would be halted as of January 1, 2026, but also how the EU could assist Serbia and BiH in that case.

The European Commission’s spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen noted that its REPowerEU proposal foresees a prohibition of the import of Russian gas into the EU.

“The EU import prohibition doesn’t concern the transit of Russian gas through the EU territory to third countries – including to Serbia and BiH. It doesn’t therefore affect Serbia’s or BiH gas supply,” she stressed.

With regards to transit via EU territory, in her words, the EU proposal only requires more transparency on transited volumes to third countries.

EU candidate countries are expected to progressively align their legislation with the EU acquis and rules

However, EU candidate countries are expected to progressively align their legislation with the EU acquis and rules as part of the accession process, Itkonen pointed out and added that it includes REPowerEU regulation once it becomes EU law.

Of note, the draft regulation to phase out imports of Russian natural gas constitutes a central element of the EU’s REPowerEU roadmap to end the EU’s dependency on Russian energy.

According to Itkonen, as a way to ensure security of supply, candidate countries including Serbia should diversify away from unreliable energy suppliers such as Russia. Following Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine, it became evident how important this is and what problems it can create for any European country, she asserted.

“The EU is supporting the WB countries for diversifying their energy supplies”

Anna-Kaisa Itkonen (photo: European Commission)

“The EU is supporting the Western Balkan countries for diversifying their energy supplies and for closer integration into the EU’s energy networks, both for electricity and gas, as well as through investments in renewable energy and decarbonization efforts,” Itkonen underlined.

After energy ministers in the Council of the EU have agreed on the institution’s negotiating position on the European Commission’s draft regulation, the next step is the adoption of the European Parliament’s position.

The council and the parliament would then start negotiations on the regulation. When the two institutions approve a regulation, it directly applies to all member states.

The meeting of the so-called Energy Council highlighted several issues and concerns among EU member states about the proposed ban on Russian natural gas.

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October 30, 2025
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Negative prices to form so-called bathtub curve in Greece as photovoltaics keep growing

The latest modeling for the wholesale electricity market in Greece shows ever-decreasing prices at times when solar power output is the strongest within the day. The trend points to the formation of a so-called bathtub curve in the daily price charts at the power exchange, as a result of the expected continuation of the photovoltaic capacity surge.

Greece experienced its first negative prices this year. They intensified in August and September, weakening the profitability of investments in the production of renewable electricity.

This year, market participants expect at least 2 GW of photovoltaics to connect to the grid, along with the first standalone battery storage units.

Currently, prices usually fall to a negative EUR 1 per MWh at the most. However, the pace of installations indicates that prices will go even lower. According to the Hellenic Association of Photovoltaic Energy Producers (SPEF), analytical models indicate that for every 1,000 MW of new solar capacity, the so-called system marginal price (SMP) at noon is lowered by EUR 10 per MWh.

Storage acts as a shield against price drops. But even if as many batteries are added as photovoltaics, the wholesale price is seen at a negative EUR 5 per MWh on average during the hours of maximum solar production, the organization’s Chairman Stelios Loumakis said. The level would fluctuate depending on the season and conditions in the system.

With the addition of 500 MW of wind energy per year, the price is at EUR 7.5 per MWh below zero. If system demand also rises, then the level is slightly higher, at EUR 5 per MWh in negative territory.

Loumakis: The duck curve will eventually become the bathtub curve

Especially concerning is that such price formation would turn systematic, almost daily. Loumakis expects more than 1,000 MW of annual solar installations in the following years. Therefore, the actual price could be much lower.

As things stand today, the daily power price curve resembles a duck in markets with high renewable energy penetration. Medium prices in the morning are followed by a drop at noon and a great rise later in the day. A much more pronounced curve is expected in the near future, looking more like a bathtub, he explained.

Loumakis warned years ago about the repercussions from a rapid rise in solar energy, saying that the market would overheat and lower profits.

Up to 3 GW expected this year

Other market players echoed his concerns. CEO of MGD Energy Panagiotis Mourtopalas said at the Renewable and Storage Forum that business plans are under pressure because of curtailments and negative prices. This year, 2,000 jobs have been lost in the renewable energy market as a result.

The Hellenic Association of Photovoltaic Companies (HELAPCO) estimates that new capacities this year would amount to between 2.6 GW and 3 GW, with no sign of slowing down.

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October 30, 2025
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Romania issues call for additional wind power auction for 290 MW

Wind farm project developers in Romania can bid by November 24 for state aid in the form of contracts for difference (CfDs). The call was issued for an additional auction, for 290 MW, after the regular round was completed with more than a third of the quota remaining unallocated.

The Ministry of Energy of Romania and transmission system operator Transelectrica formally launched their third auction today under the CfD state aid scheme for renewable energy. The additional round is only for wind power projects.

Only 1.26 GW was allocated of the available 2 GW in the second, regular auction. It was held within a EUR 3 billion renewable energy program under the European Union’s Modernisation Fund and Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP or PNRR).

Aurora Energy Research has interpreted the lack of interest as an indication that developers may have seen more value outside the CfD framework: in power purchase agreements (PPAs) and merchant options. The firm recently said it expected strike prices near the EUR 80 per MWh ceiling.

Financial offers will be opened on December 2, the calendar shows

The maximum price is the same as the last time. Notably, the quota for the additional auction is just 290 MW. Developers have until November 24 to apply with projects of at least 5 MW each. In addition to the bid, they need to submit a technical offer proving eligibility.

Transelectrica, the CfD scheme operator, is due to open the technical offers on November 17. Financial offers of the qualified applicants will be opened on December 2, according to the schedule. The winners would need to sign their contracts for difference by December 18.

The CfDs are for a 15-year period. When the market price of electricity is lower than the price in the contract, the government pays the private operator the difference for the electricity that the beneficiary sells. When it’s the other way around, the producer returns the difference.

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October 30, 2025
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Montenegro, Italy sign memorandum on electricity market coupling

A memorandum of understanding on Italy and Montenegro’s electricity market coupling was signed in Rome. It also paves the way for the installation of the second cable of the Monita interconnector, which runs under the Adriatic Sea.

Minister of Energy and Mining of Montenegro Admir Šahmanović (pictured middle) and Italian Minister of the Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin (left) pointed out that energy links mean a more secure future, more stable supply and more development possibilities. They signed a bilateral memorandum of understanding on electricity market coupling.

Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić (right) attended the ceremony together with Minister of Public Works, Spatial Planning and State Property Majda Adžović. The agreement is opening a new chapter in cooperation between the two countries and further strengthens Montenegro’s position on the European energy map, the Ministry of Energy and Mining said.

Market coupling alongside strengthening interconnection with second cable

Montenegro and Italy are linked with the Monita electricity interconnector, laid below the Adriatic Sea. In the new phase of their cooperation, they intend to couple their electricity markets for a freer power flow and safer functioning of the system, the ministry’s announcement reads.

“With this agreement, Montenegro is confirming its status as a reliable partner and energy bridge between the region and Europe. After several years of stagnation, this is a bit step forward, as it enables us to initiate the continuation of the project and the construction of the second wire of the subsea cable toward Italy. It opens the possibilities for our green, clean energy to become a distinguished export product, which means new income for companies and greater competitiveness in the European market. Today we once again confirmed good neighborly relations with Italy and we are showing that Montenegro is, slowly but firmly, entering the European family through concrete projects and partnerships. This is a step that brings our citizens long-term energy security and new opportunities for development to our companies,” Šahmanović stated.

Trade at Montenegro’s wholesale electricity market is expected to triple

There are 29 companies from 13 countries participating in Montenegro’s electricity market. Since the day-ahead market was established at the Montenegrin Power Exchange (MEPX or Belen) in April 2023, some 900 GWh of electricity changed hands, while the entire volume, together with the long-term market, amounts to about 3 TWh, the statement adds.

The memorandum’s implementation will create the conditions for at least three times higher trading volume, clearer price signal for new investments and a direct contribution to improving the security of supply, the ministry claimed.

National transmission system operators (TSOs) Terna and CGES have commissioned the first part of the interconnection in 2019. The current plan is to double the capacity to 1.2 GW. Šahmanović recently said the second line should be installed by 2031.

The project is valued at EUR 500 million. A double cable enables a two-way exchange at the same time.

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October 30, 2025
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Croatia allocates EUR 50 million for prosumers in business sector to install BESS

Croatia has allocated EUR 50 million to support businesses in installing batteries for storing energy from their existing solar power plants or ones they plan to install.

In recent years, many companies all over Europe have installed solar panels for self-consumption to reduce electricity costs. But battery energy storage systems (BESS) offer additional benefits for such prosumers.

Now Croatia’s Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development has launched a public call for the allocation of grants to firms.

Small, medium, and large entrepreneurs are eligible to apply

The goal is to enable entrepreneurs to store the energy produced in their power plants and use it when it is most needed – delivering it to the grid later or for their own consumption.

The call is financed by funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). Small, medium, and large entrepreneurs are eligible to submit applications. The deadline is January 31, 2026.

The ministry’s goal is to continue investments in the power system, thereby ensuring the integration of an increasing amount of energy from renewable sources.

BESS has numerous advantages over other technologies: high efficiency, adaptability, reliability, economic viability, and fast response, the call reads.

The call targets installation of batteries with a total capacity of 60 MWh

All applicants must specify concrete benefits that would be achieved by implementing the project in their bids.

BESS projects with a total capacity of at least 60 MWh could be installed by the end of the second quarter of 2026, according to the call.

New energy storage capacities would significantly increase the flexibility and resilience of the domestic power system, the ministry said.

The minimum subsidy amount per project is EUR 60,000, and the highest is EUR 1.5 million. The minimum storage capacity eligible for grant is 1 MWh per facility.

Of note, Croatia has already implemented a call for the installation of batteries in firms.

However, the subsidies were allocated for joint installation of renewable power plants and batteries.

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