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April 30, 2025
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Investors in BiH developing 3,800 MW of wind, 12,500 MW of solar

Wind farms with a capacity of 3,800 MW and solar power plants with a capacity of 12,500 MW are currently in various stages of development in Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to the indicative plan for the development of production  2026-2035, published by the Independent System Operator in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The goal of the ten-year plan is to provide information on projects initiated for the construction of new production capacities to be connected to the transmission system, according to the transmission system operator (TSO), Independent System Operator in Bosnia and Herzegovina (NOSBiH).

The plan is supposed to prioritize covering domestic consumption and capacity needs with domestic resources.

NOSBiH said investors continued in 2024 to apply with their renewable energy projects. The interest in grid connections wasn’t affected by the significant reduction in electricity purchase prices, especially for the hours when solar power plants typically produce, it added in the plan

A lack of transmission capacities could become an obstacle to the export of electricity

According to the register of the applications for grid connections, which Elektroprenos BiH manages, there are about 3,800 MW of proposed wind farms and 12,500 MW of photovoltaic facilities in various stages of development, NOSBiH underlined.

Results of an adequacy assessment showed that increasing production makes it possible to increase exports. BiH’s TSO warned that in such a scenario, the currently planned transmission capacity expansion wouldn’t be sufficient.

Another 100 MW of solar is seen coming online in BiH by the end of 2025

With the current production development plans, the system could be left without sufficient balancing capacities. NOSBiH therefore called for developing balancing capacities in parallel.

The document shows that four solar power plants of 206 MW in total were added last year to the transmission network in BiH: FNE Zvizdan (28.5 MW), SE Bileća (55 MW), FNE Hodovo (92.47 MW), and FNE Deling invest 1 (29.75 MW), together with one wind farm, VE Ivovik, of 84 MW. In February of this year, the Ivan Sedlo wind farm (25 MW) was also put online.

By the end of 2025, the start of trial operation of another five PV plants is expected, the plan showed. They would have 100 MW altogether: FNE Hodovo F1-F4 (11.96 MW), FNE Brotnjo (9.98 MW), FNE Polog 1-8 (7.99 MW), FNE Plavo Sunce 1-2 (40 MW) and FNE Livno 1-6 (27.6 MW).

Batteries can bridge the period until the transmission grid capacity becomes adequate

The plan anticipates a similar tempo of grid connections for 2026, too.

In that case, along with the integration of renewables into the distribution network and similar power plants coming online in neighboring countries, a congestion can appear in the transmission network, together with complications in operating the country’s transmission system from a regulatory point of view, NOSBiH said.

Battery energy storage systems can solve both potential issues in the medium term, until investments get the transmission grid to an adequate level, it suggested.

BiH needs battery capability of 225 MW and 450 MWh in total capacity

The company recalled that a year ago it produced a study, together with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), provisionally called Operational Models for Battery Energy Storage Systems in the Balancing Market of NOS BiH.

They estimated the need for additional balancing based on hour-by-hour production profiles for facilities of 1,500 MW in total photovoltaic capacity and 1,000 MW of wind. The authors said a combined 225 MW in battery operating power is required and an overall capacity of 450 MWh.

The study also explored revenue generation opportunities for BESS, particularly through participation in the ancillary services market.

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April 30, 2025
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Greek farmers turn their backs on government program for photovoltaics

The Greek government’s Photovoltaics in Fields support program has failed to convince farmers so far.

As part of the self-consumption program, farmers are supported for various costs, such as the purchase and installation of panels, inverters, batteries, as well as necessary technical studies.

Applications are accepted for two different project groups, when it comes to connection priority. The first is for installations of up to 10.8 kW and another for projects of 10.8 kW to 50 kW.

Selected investments are eligible for a grant equivalent to 30% or up to EUR 350 per kW. The overall budget is EUR 30 million.

Only 143 photovoltaic systems connected so far

In the year since the program’s launch, the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO or DEDDIE) received a total of 1,776 applications, of which 1,235 are still under evaluation. The first checks are complete in 794 cases while 377 projects are at the connection terms signing stage.

Only 209 applicants have signed them, while 143 photovoltaic systems have become operational across the country.

Operational restrictions weigh on incentives

The problem for farmers is that HEDNO has enforced operational restrictions in about one third of the accepted units. It means they don’t produce freely, but are subject to curtailments.

The government is mocking farmers

Therefore, profitability drops significantly for investors. It is notable that two out of every three farmers who originally applied didn’t continue the process.

Various agricultural collectives have reacted. Stock farmers of Elassona in Larissa spoke of “a mockery by public bodies, as they promised photovoltaics will solve high energy costs.”

The Ministry of Environment and Energy said it would extend the connection applications deadline by 160 days to include more investors. Furthermore, it would delay the required commencement date for the projects until the end of September.

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April 30, 2025
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Join Young Bled Strategic Forum – applications now open

At the end of August, Slovenia will once again host one of the most inspiring international youth gatherings – the Young Bled Strategic Forum (Young BSF), which will take place from August 29 to 31 in Pokljuka. Applications for participation are now officially open.

Young BSF was launched in 2011 as a side event of the Bled Strategic Forum (BSF), bringing together students and young professionals. Since then, it has evolved into an independent and standalone platform.

This year’s edition of the forum is titled ‘What Values?’ and it will focus on exploring the relationship between personal and collective values and their role in shaping global politics.

Applications are open until April 27

Applications for this year’s Young BSF, which will be held from August 29 to 31 in Pokljuka, are open until April 27, and all interested candidates can apply via the form available on the BSF website. Attendance is free, and all costs are covered by the organizers.

The platform is shaped by the participants themselves – young people aged 18 to 35 working in the broadly defined field of world politics. “We seek candidates from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and regions. Whether you’re an activist, engineer, diplomat, philosopher, entrepreneur, artist, or professional in any field with a strong interest in international politics – if you’re passionate about creating positive change, we encourage you to apply,” the organizers said in the announcement.

The forum will gather around 40 participants from all over the world, offering them a space to exchange ideas, reflect together, and design solutions for today’s global challenges.

After the conclusion of the Young BSF program, participants will also attend the 20th Bled Strategic Forum

The main thematic areas are the crises of the rules-based international order, conflicting value systems of the climate emergency, and the perspectives of the people implementing policies on a global scale. Young leaders, activists, researchers, and professionals will strive to open a dialogue on the key issues of our time.

The forum aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of contemporary social phenomena and to encourage positive change in both local and global communities, through the exchange of ideas and collaborative work on concrete challenges.

Following the Young BSF program, participants will attend the 20th Bled Strategic Forum in Bled on September 1 and 2, where they will take part as panelists, moderators, and audience members.

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April 30, 2025
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North Macedonia’s MEPSO seeks contractor for power line to Albanian border

Transmission system operator MEPSO launched an international tender for the construction of a 400 kV transmission line, the North Macedonian part of a planned interconnection with Albania. The company earlier canceled the contract with Energoinvest, which began building it four years ago.

State-owned MEPSO said the project is of great importance for the energy stability of North Macedonia and regional integration. The tender is for the construction of an overhead transmission line of one hundred kilometers from the Bitola 2 transformer station to the North Macedonian – Albanian border.

The call was issued after the cancellation of the contract under which construction initially began in 2021.

North Macedonia, Albania waiting over three decades for electricity interconnection

The investment is valued at EUR 17 million. The project is funded through a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and grants from the European Union.

The North Macedonian part of the interconnector with Albania is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027

„I regret that for more than three decades, despite political pluralism and democratic changes, there was no institutional courage and vision to establish an electricity connection with Albania. Today, we are correcting this historical omission,” said Burim Latifi, Director-General of MEPSO.

The transmission line is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with construction set to begin in early 2026, according to the country’s electricity transmission system operator (TSO).

The deadline for submitting bids is 45 days, and the selection of the most favorable bidder is expected in the third quarter of 2025, MEPSO added.

Latifi: Energoinvest jeopardized power line project

The company claimed the previous contractor, Energoinvest from Bosnia and Herzegovina, jeopardized the project and public interest through unjustified requests for additional funds and by unilaterally abandoning the site, leading to the termination of the contract.

So far, only a small portion of the planned towers for the transmission line has been constructed.

„We encountered a seriously neglected project. Out of 269 planned foundations for transmission towers, only 24 were completed, clearly showing the lack of seriousness in completing the project,” Latifi stated.

The funds spent so far were used for equipment procurements

Energoinvest has received EUR 5.8 million, of which EUR 2.5 million was recovered through bank guarantees, he added. Latifi clarified that the funds were used for procuring equipment, now owned by MEPSO.

The company pointed out that the power line would be part of the proposed East-West energy corridor, connecting Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro, which is linked with Italy by an undersea cable.

„The construction of this interconnector will position our system as an essential part of European electric power infrastructure, enabling stable participation in regional markets, access to system and balancing services, and providing more secure and economical energy supply for all citizens,” MEPSO states.

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April 30, 2025
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Croatian firm ENNA takes over 87.5 MW solar project in Romania

Croatian energy company ENNA Solar, part of ENNA Group, has signed an agreement with Austria-based Kraftfeld Energy to acquire an 87.52 MW ready-to-build solar power plant project in Romania.

ENNA Solar plans to start construction in the third quarter of 2025, with the solar power plant expected to be fully operational and connected to the grid by the third quarter of 2026, according to a press release from the Croatian company.

“The investment, valued at around EUR 60 million, represents our first large-scale project outside of Croatia and one of our biggest green energy production investments to date,” said Boštjan Napast, President of the Management Board of ENNA Group.

The plant is expected to generate an average of 133 GWh a year

The solar power plant will be built in Giurgiu county, near the town of Mihăilești, 25 kilometers southwest of Bucharest. It would cover an area of 93 hectares, approximately the size of 130 football fields, ENNA stated. Its expected average annual electricity output is 133 GWh.

In the site’s close vicinity, Israel-based Nofar is building the 146 MW Ghimpați solar power plant, while the locations for its 169 MW Iepurești plant and 74 MW Slobozia facility are nearby as well.

Austria’s Kraftfeld Energy, which developed the Mihăilești project, owns and operates solar farms and energy storage systems in several European countries, primarily Romania, Hungary, Croatia, and Austria.

The investment in the solar power plant in Romania aligns with ENNA Group’s 10-year development plan, which includes investments totaling EUR 330 million in solar in Croatia and abroad, according to the press release.

ENNA also develops wind farms, geothermal projects, and battery storage systems

In addition to solar, ENNA also invests in wind farms, battery storage systems, and geothermal energy projects. It already has around 50 MW of completed renewable energy projects or projects in an advanced stage of readiness, as well as approximately 350 MW in various stages of development.

In the geothermal sector, ENNA has two active geothermal power plant projects in Croatia, with a capacity of 20 MW and 15 MW, respectively, representing a total investment of EUR 240 million.

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April 29, 2025
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European Commission launches call for investment in green transition, critical raw materials in Western Balkans

As part of its Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, the European Commission has invited private businesses from the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA), and the region itself to express interest in investing in sectors including the green transition, critical raw materials, sustainable transportation, and digitalization.

The objective is to open a dialogue on concrete investment opportunities and identify ways to overcome related constraints in the Western Balkans region, according to the call for expressions of interest.

Although financial support is not guaranteed, the European Commission could potentially back some projects with its available policy, technical, and financial instruments. It may also facilitate contact with partner financial institutions for potential financial cooperation on eligible projects.

Financial support is not guaranteed, but some projects could be backed by the European Commission or referred to financial institutions

Proposed investments must take place in one or more of the following economies: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. The minimum investment threshold is EUR 10 million, and the required participation by the project promoter is at least 15% of the total value of the investment project.

The deadline to submit expressions of interest is May 21

The first phase of the call is open for submissions until May 21, but it may be reopened for subsequent phases, depending on the number and scope of submissions received.

Investment in green transition, critical raw materials, sustainable transportation

The priority areas are based on the strategic priorities of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), focusing on key economic sectors where foreign investment is needed.

In the area of the green transition, investments are required in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and innovative energy technologies in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, foster a circular economy, mitigate climate change, and modernize energy, water, wastewater treatment, and waste management infrastructure, according to the call.

Ensuring environmentally responsible access to critical raw materials

When it comes to critical raw materials, investments are needed to ensure reliable and environmentally responsible access to such materials, in order to support the development of key industries across all supply chain stages, according to the European Commission.

The other areas envisaged by the call are sustainable transportation, including urban mobility; the digital transition, including the roll-out of 5G; integration into the EU industrial supply chains; sustainable tourism; human capital development; and impact finance, including setting up private funds to invest in projects with a strong green and/or social impact.

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