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May 19, 2025
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Regional webinar on gender-responsive energy transition and workforce empowerment

A regional webinar titled Gender-responsive Energy Transition and Workforce Empowerment in the Western Balkans will be held on May 22. The aim of the webinar, organized by GIZ, is to initiate a dialogue on the social and gender aspects of the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

The energy transition in the Western Balkans is bringing significant changes. The shift to renewable energy leads to a restructuring of the labor market. More than 138,000 jobs are currently linked to coal-based industries, raising questions about the social impacts and the need for workforce reskilling.

Investing in skill development and workforce adaptation is essential to mitigating social challenges, particularly gender inequalities, during the energy transition process.

GIZ recently conducted the first comprehensive analysis of the impact of the energy transition on the labor market in the Western Balkans. The study outlines the expected job losses and gains, identifies the skills needed for future employment in the renewable energy sector, and highlights the crucial role of technical and vocational education in this process.

Everyone interested can register via a link

The the findings of the study will be presented at the webinar Gender-responsive Energy Transition and Workforce Empowerment in the Western Balkans, scheduled for May 22 from 14:00 to 15:30. The event will be held online via Microsoft Teams, and all interested participants can register via this link.

The discussion will feature Valentina Vučković, a socio-economic expert from the Institute for Development and International Relations (IRMO), who will present the research findings. Fiona Imami from the organization Co-Plan will speak about policy solutions for coal mine regions within the concept of a just transition, and Marta Schulte-Fischedick from the Energy Community Secretariat will address gender inequality issues and potential systemic solutions.

Special emphasis will be placed on the need for greater synergy between the education and energy sectors to ensure that the workforce can effectively adapt to new conditions. The discussion will also cover issues of gender equality, the inclusion of women in the green energy sector, and ways to reduce existing gender disparities in employment and career advancement in the field.

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May 19, 2025
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Wind farm project in Cyprus rejected to protect birds, habitats

The Department of Environment of Cyprus scrapped a proposal for a wind power plant partly within or near protected areas due to the expected impact, including on vulnerable bird species such as the Bonelli eagle and long-legged buzzard. The project was launched in 2008 and amended several times.

Stivo Trading and its wind farm project in Cyprus failed to renew a temporary planning approval. The developer initially proposed 33 turbines of 49.5 MW in total, the domestic press reported.

Since 2008, when the project was launched, it was amended several times. The final version, from 2023, is for just four wind turbines instead of the previous ten, and a capacity of 18 MW, down from 22.5 MW.

Irreversible impact on Natura 2000 zones

The sites are within and near the Panagia Stazousa River special protection area and as close as one kilometer from the Stavrovouni forest, designated a special area of conservation.

The locations belong to the local communities of Pyrga, Klavdia and Alethriko. The Department of Environment said it expects that the investment would directly, negatively and irreversibly impact the Natura 2000 zones. It includes vulnerable species, habitats and conservation objectives.

Environmental authority highlights risk to birds from collisions, electrocution

Sensitive species would be displaced and their populations reduced, the update reads. The environmental authority also highlighted the risk to birds from collisions and electrocution.

It pointed to a cumulative impact from supporting infrastructure and the existing projects. In the wider area there are four wind power plants, of which the one in the northeast is in the Panagia Stazousa River special protection area. West of Stivo Trading’s zone, the fifth one, is a nesting area.

The department highlighted the Bonelli eagle, long-legged buzzard, the European roller and thrush, among other birds. At least three Bonelli’s eagles died in collisions with energy infrastructure and another five by electrocution.

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May 19, 2025
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Serbia to invest EUR 60 million in renewables in district heating

Serbia plans to sign an agreement by the end of the year on introducing renewable sources in district heating plants, according to the Ministry of Mining and Energy.

Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović met with Ambassador of Germany Anke Konrad and Director of Germany’s KfW Development Bank for Southeast Europe and Turkey Klaus Müller.

They discussed cooperation on ongoing projects in the energy sector and a plan for further investments in renewables and energy efficiency.

The minister highlighted the successful cooperation with KfW in the construction of biomass heating plants and the introduction of renewable energy in district heating systems. She recalled that four biomass heating plants have been installed.

In the coming years, new boilers will be installed in several heating plants

She noted that in the second phase of the project, in the coming years, heating plants in Prijepolje, Novi Pazar, Niš, Rača, Vranje and Majdanpek are envisaged to get new boilers.

By the end of the year, Serbia plans to sign an agreement on the introduction of renewables in district heating plants, namely solar technology and heat pumps, Đedović Hanadanović announced.

The investment is estimated at EUR 60 million, of which EUR 20 million would be a donation, thanks to the support of KfW, she added.

Serbia and Germany plan to strengthen cooperation

Đedović Handanović stressed the importance of the climate partnership with Germany and thanked for the support that the other country provides to Serbia in the modernization of the energy sector.

“We are grateful to the German government and the KfW Development Bank for their continuous support in different subsectors in energy, from district heating and energy efficiency to the development of new capacities from renewable energy sources,” she stated.

In line with its ambitions and reform goals in energy, Serbia intends to deepen cooperation with Germany through new projects.

Of note, the four heating plants were installed in Priboj, Mali Zvornik, Novi Pazar and Majdanpek. The agreement for the second phase of the project was signed in May last year.

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May 19, 2025
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Hidroelectrica picks contractor for PV systems on 20 hydropower plants

Romanian state-owned hydropower plant operator Hidroelectrica signed a deal with Servelect and subcontractor Electroplus, which need to install solar panels on the roofs of 20 hydroelectric plants. They are on the middle and downstream parts of the Olt river.

Combining hydropower with photovoltaics including floating solar power plants is becoming popular. The two sources are compatible, especially if there is a dam, as it can save water in reservoirs. The grid infrastructure for PV panels is already there and there are usually no land ownership issues. Hidroelectrica, which mostly operates hydropower plants, is about to solarize its existing facilities.

The Romanian state-owned company pursuing diversification signed an agreement with Servelect and its subcontractor Electroplus. There were four bids in the tender.

First solar power project for Hidroelectrica

Solar power systems will be on the roofs of 20 hydropower units on the middle and downstream sections of the Olt river. Hidroelectrica, listed at the Bucharest Stock Exchange since 2023, turnkey deal, said it aims to optimize production costs. However, it didn’t reveal whether it would operate the colocated assets jointly, as hybrid power plants.

Hidroelectrica is the largest electricity producer in the country, but it will be its first solar power units. The deal, for an overall 2.96 MW, is worth EUR 1.77 million excluding value-added tax. The deadline is 24 months, of which four months for the design.

Servelect, Electroplus responsible for all phases from procurement to commissioning

The utility also tasked the two firms, based in Cluj-Napoca, with manufacturing and procurement, transportation, testing and commissioning. The PV systems would consist of 620 W panels and 100 kW inverters. Hidroelectrica estimated the combined annual output at 3.71 GWh.

The company operates 188 hydropower plants, 6.4 GW overall, and the Crucea Nord wind park of 108 MW. Earlier, Hidroelectrica and Masdar were considering a pilot project, under an upcoming joint venture, for floating solar power plants on seven reservoirs, also on the Olt.

Servelect is active in engineering and energy services. It was founded in 2005. Electroplus, which handles electrical installations, operates since 2001.

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May 17, 2025
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Works beginning on North Macedonian side of gas interconnector with Greece

The North Macedonian section of the gas interconnector with Greece is expected to be completed by early 2027. The construction contract was signed by the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, domestic contractor Rapid Build and the country’s gas transmission system operator Nomagas.

The construction of the gas pipeline connecting North Macedonia with Greece is set to begin in a month, according to officials. Land expropriation is 90% complete. The initial capacity of the interconnector would be 1.5 billion cubic meters per year, with a potential to double it. The works are expected to be completed within 22 months.

„With the signing of the contract for the construction of the Macedonian section of the gas interconnector with Greece, we are marking the beginning of the largest energy investment in North Macedonia in the last ten years. The interconnector is proof that when there is political will, regional trust, and professional dedication – the results are real and tangible,” said Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Božinovska.

The contract was signed by the ministry, contractor Rapid bild, based in Kumanovo in North Macedonia, and the country’s gas transmission system operator Nomagas. The future pipeline would be able to carry both natural gas and hydrogen.

Repeated tender slashes price by EUR 12 million

The winning bid was EUR 59.9 million or EUR 12 million less than in the initial tender, which was annulled.

The project is worth over MKD 5.1 billion (EUR 82.9 million). It is financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). It includes grants of EUR 2.5 million for technical assistance and another EUR 9.9 million via the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).

The project is financed by the EIB and EBRD

„This contract ensures diversification and access to a greater number of natural gas sources, enables economic development, progress and environmental protection, and contributes to the security of energy supply,” said Executive Director of Nomagas Muhamet Elmazi.

Gasification would significantly improve air quality, especially in areas where wood and fuel oil are currently used for heating.

Greek section of interconnector under construction since February

On the North Macedonian side, the interconnector route is 68 kilometers long, out of a total of 123 kilometers. It will run from Nea Mesimvria in Greece through Evzoni (Mačukovo) and Gevgelija at the border, to Negotino. The next phase involves building gas links from Gostivar to Kičevo (34 kilometers) and from Sveti Nikole to Veles (28 kilometers).

Greek company Terna began constructing its country’s section of the pipeline in February.

Nomagas and Greece’s National Natural Gas System Operator (DESFA) made their final investment decision a year and a half ago.

The companies leaned the investment on the project for the Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal. The liquefied natural gas facility in northeastern Greece was opened on October 1. However, due to a malfunction, it has been out of operation for more than three months. According to the latest update, gradual reactivation is expected to begin by the end of May.

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May 16, 2025
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Weakness in Serbian energy system is no option

Serbia’s state-owned power utility Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) is committed to its own and the country’s goals for green energy and emission cuts, but it is sustainable only if it doesn’t jeopardize energy security, Chief Executive Officer Dušan Živković said. Weakness in the energy system is not an option, he underscored.

The recent blackout in entire Spain and Portugal and the one last year in the Balkans have imposed the topic of large energy storage facilities which would support the integration of renewables, CEO of EPS Dušan Živković said at Belgrade Energy Forum (BEF 2025). The company is committed to its own and the country’s goals for green energy and emission cuts, he asserted.

“We will work on that, of course, believing in these objectives, but without compromising energy security and the energy sovereignty of the state of Serbia. It was proven to be the only sustainable path and that if we don’t follow it, it can result in situations that are not a good message toward consumers, and they are not a good message toward investors either. Weakness in the energy system is certainly not an option”, Živković stated.

In its Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (INECP or NECP), Serbia is targeting for 2030 a 45.2% share of renewable energy sources in electricity production and a decrease of greenhouse gases by 40.3% from the 1990 level.

Decarbonization is not easy without serious storage

Among its other activities, EPS is working on its small green energy projects on open cast coal mines, while the strategic partner, a consortium of UGT Renewables (UGTR) and Hyundai Engineering, is tasked with building a group of solar power plants of 1 GW in combined connection capacity alongside 200 MW of battery energy storage, and transfer them to Serbia’s government-controlled power utility, Živković noted. But the process of decarbonization with necessary renewable energy capacity won’t be easy “without serious storage,” he stressed.

Serbia hosts fossil fuel power plants of 4 GW in total

Big energy storage projects are financially challenging, only marginally cost effective, and they are not easy to build, EPS’s head claims. They are necessary to be able to draw enough baseload energy, and in Serbia they need to contribute replacing a large fossil fuel capacity – currently it amounts to 4 GW, Živković said.

Pumped storage hydropower project Bistrica, existing facility Bajina Bašta enable comfort for signing PPAs

EPS primarily focuses on the Bistrica pumped storage hydropower project and the possibility to develop the one for Đerdap 3, he added. That way conditions would be created for the facilities to provide new services in the market, so “the region feels safer, too,” Živković underscored.

Counting on Bistrica and the existing pumped storage hydropower plant, Bajina Bašta, EPS is in “a comfortable zone” for signing power purchase agreements (PPA) with companies for their green power plants, Živković explained. Bajina Bašta is undergoing the second half of reconstruction works.

Turning back to the April 28 collapse of the Iberian electricity system, Živković pointed to the adverse interest of private investors – get profit in the short term – and companies responsible for energy security. In his view, it is necessary to act “more intergenerationally responsibly” and very important to find balance in relation to profits.

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