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September 22, 2025
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Serbia in talks with Rosatom on nuclear power plant project

Serbian authorities and Rosatom have begun talks on the nuclear power plant construction project, according to the Ambassador of Serbia to Russia Momčilo Babić.

Serbia recently completed the preliminary technical study on the peaceful use of nuclear energy in the country. However, the country is still a long way away from the potential construction of a nuclear power plant, according to Minister of Mining and Energy of Serbia Dubravka Đedović Handanović.

So far, Serbia has established contacts or started cooperation on nuclear energy with China, France, Russia, Slovenia, South Korea, and the United States.

Serbia is seriously discussing the issue with Rosatom, the country’s Ambassador to Russia Momčilo Babić told Izvestia.

Babić: There’s no better company than Rosatom

He underlined that there’s no better company in the world to build a nuclear power plant. Babić is confident that there will be progress in the coming years, as he argues that Serbia needs electricity. The country will “do it anyway,” the ambassador added.

According to Igor Yushkov, an expert at the Financial University and the National Energy Security Fund, it is possible that Russia will also provide Belgrade with a preferential loan, in line with its standard practice.

Nuclear energy is experiencing a global renaissance, and the states created after the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia fell apart in the early 1990s are no exception.

US-based nuclear power startup Aalo has begun the construction of an extra-modular reactor, a type of modular reactor, which could introduce big changes in the sector.

Everyone wants to build a nuclear power plant

As for Europe, Germany has changed its mind on nuclear energy in the continent, agreeing with France to work together on shaping a common European energy policy. The strategy would include nuclear power as a low-carbon energy source.

Slovenian authorities are developing the Krško 2 project. A few days ago, news emerged that the country sent an official proposal to Croatia to jointly build the facility. However, Slovenia denied that it has made such an offer.

Croatia, on the other hand, reiterated that it is interested in building a nuclear power plant on its territory.

Serbia has recently signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of nuclear energy with South Korean company Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.

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September 22, 2025
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Slovenia denies sending offer to Croatia for joint construction of Krško 2 nuclear power plant

Slovenian authorities denied a report that they sent Croatia an offer for the joint construction of the Krško 2 nuclear power plant.

Earlier, Croatian Novi List reported that Slovenia has sent Croatia an official proposal to build a new unit in the existing nuclear power plant Krško.

The model is far less favorable for Croatia than the current management model of the Krško nuclear power plant, the media outlet noted.

However, the office of Slovenia’s Prime Minister Robert Golob, Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy Bojan Kumer, and GEN Energija, the company in charge of the project, denied proposing such an offer.

Golob has recently informed Plenković about preparations for Krško 2

At the last bilateral meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković in Vinica, Prime Minister Golob informed him about activities related to preparations for the decision on the construction of a new nuclear power plant in Krško, the prime minister’s office added.

Minister Kumer stressed that Slovenia hasn’t made any offer to Croatia. He noted that Slovenia has only just begun spatial planning for a potential new nuclear power plant.

Kumer: Slovenia must first do its homework

Slovenia first needs to do its homework and set a business model, and then it could begin talks about a joint venture, Kumer added.

According to Novi List, experts called the proposal inappropriate. The Slovenian side allegedly offered Croatia a 25% stake, compared to the current 50% in the Krško nuclear power plant.

Moreover, Croatia would only receive the profit from the sale of electricity equivalent to its ownership in the power plant, according to the article. The country now gets 50% of the electricity produced in the existing Krško nuclear power plant.

Slovenia’s state-owned power company GEN would control 25% of the project, while the Slovenian government would hold 51%, the news website learned.

​ Šušnjar: The country should build a nuclear power plant on its territory

Of note, Croatian Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar repeated last week that his country should build a nuclear power plant on its territory.

He noted that several sites were being considered, and recalled that when Croatia was part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which fell apart in the early 1990s, the authorities were examining locations in Ivanić Grad, Erdut, and Vir island.

Also, there is new speculation that the site of the Plomin coal-fired thermal power plant is a potential location for. Šušnjar confirmed that the facility is scheduled to be closed in 2032 or 2033.

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September 22, 2025
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Maglizh solar power plant of 161 MW in Bulgaria enters commercial operation

Maglizh solar park in central Bulgaria has begun commercial operation, according to 360 Energy, which has built it in partnership with the majority shareholders of Eurohold (Evrohold). The facility has 160.5 MW in peak capacity. A project to add batteries is underway.

Bulgaria’s photovoltaic capacity is growing rapidly while the battery storage segment and other energy storage solutions are picking up speed. One of the biggest solar power plants, Maglizh, has just entered regular operation, 360 Energy said.

The company built the facility in parthership with the majority shareholders of Eurohold (Evrohold). Their project firm is called Belozem Solar Park 2. The project has overcome complex issues from permitting to environmental protection.

Maglizh spans 127 hectares at the foot of Mt. Stara planina in central Bulgaria. It has 160.5 MW in peak capacity.

The partners have built the grid connection facilities and handed them over to ESO

The facility cost EUR 100 million to build, according to earlier updates, of which the grid segment amounted to more than EUR 10 million. The connection facilities belong to Electricity System Operator (ESO), the country’s transmission system operator.

Bulgarian-German company Sunotec was the main contractor, under a turnkey deal. It also manufactured the metal structures for the solar panels.

Green Solar Energy was responsible for two overhead power lines and the reconstruction of another one and a substation. The companies partly covered the investment with a syndicated loan. They obtained it from UniCredit Bulbank Raiffeisen Bank International and United Bulgarian Bank Postbank (Eurobank Bulgaria).

Colocated BESS system to be completed in March

The PV plant in the municipality of Maglizh is on municipal land grade 9 and 10, the lowest levels on the agricultural scale. The project firm obtained the rights for 30 years and paid a one-off fee.

Eurohold’s subsidiary Electrohold is responsible for the sale of electricity, according to 360 Energy.

The solar park consists of Jinko Solar’s panels. The company revealed it would soon be complemented by a battery energy storage system (BESS). It expects to complete it in March.

ESCO Bulgaria is the contractor for the BESS of 80 MWh, made of Huawei batteries, the statement adds.

Biodiversity preservation efforts

After already passing environmental procedures, the investors detected a habitat of the protected European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus), also called European souslik. They introduced special measures including the exemption of an area of more than five hectares.

In 2023, the same partnership has commissioned Verila, Bulgaria’s biggest solar power plant at the time. The project firm is called Belozem Solar Park 3.

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September 19, 2025
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Slovenia’s Novo Mesto makes important step on path to energy independence

The Municipality of Novo Mesto has made an important step toward becoming the first major local authority in Slovenia to achieve energy independence.

In the presence of Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy Bojan Kumer, Mayor of Novo Mesto Gregor Macedoni and President of the Management Board of Petrol Sašo Berger signed an agreement on the construction of solar power plants on municipal land and structures.

The Municipality of Novo Mesto estimated that the new photovoltaic units would get it to a nearly 80% energy self-sufficiency.

The Ministry of the Environment, Climate, and Energy supported the project with co-financing of EUR 882,000 from the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility. The total cost of the project is EUR 1.1 million. The municipality secured support from the ministry and Petrol is covering the remainder.

The collaboration will be implemented as a public-private partnership

Within the public-private partnership (PPP), Petrol will build ten new solar power plants and will also operate them.

Mayor Gregor Macedoni explained that the new investment will include the construction of solar power plants at the Portoval sports center, primary schools Stopiče, Otočec, Bršljin, Dragotin Kete, and Brusnice, as well as kindergartens Pedenjped, Ostržek, Ciciban, and Videk.

The municipality also plans to install a community solar power plant on the old CEROD landfill and additional ones on the remaining municipal facilities and parking canopies.

Total production in the municipality would be 2.5 GWh annually

“This year, we have already installed six solar power plants, and together with four facilities from 2010 and planned additional capacities, the total production in our municipality will reach 2.5 GWh per year,” Macedoni stated.

According to the mayor, the goal remains clear – to achieve complete self-sufficiency of the municipality with electricity from renewable sources

Minister Bojan Kumer underlined that the signing demonstrates that the path set by the ministry, more than three years ago, was the right one.

The projects, in his words, are primarily beneficial for the citizens. “Together, we will all be better prepared for future energy challenges,” Kumer stated.

According to him, the municipality has become a good example, and it will continue on the same path.

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September 19, 2025
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North Macedonia adopts Law on Energy Efficiency

North Macedonia’s new Law on Energy Efficiency brings a long-term strategy for the reconstruction of buildings and the obligation to set up solar collectors on public buildings. It envisages financial support for investments in solar panels, geothermal systems and smart technologies.

The Assembly of North Macedonia adopted the Law on Energy Efficiency at its last session. The new legal framework, aligned with European standards, will directly contribute to lowering bills for citizens and businesses, a cleaner environment and the creation of new green jobs, the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Minerals said.

The law is a substantial step forward in reducing energy consumption, integrating renewable sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the statement reads. It will bring the country closer to fulfilling European climate goals and to a green transition, the ministry added.

The new legislation introduces the European Union’s principle “energy efficiency first,” according to the announcement. One of the novelties is a long-term strategy for the reconstruction of residential, public and commercial buildings.

At least 3% of public buildings must be reconstructed every year

The law mandates tripling energy savings in the public sector. At least 3% of public buildings must be reconstructed every year. In the construction or reconstruction of schools, kindergartens and public institutions, it will be obligatory to install solar collectors.

New measures include financial support for investments in solar panels, geothermal systems and smart technologies. The ministry said the law brings high standards in public procurement, digital transparency and professionalization of energy audits. Energy performance certificates will be included in the real estate cadastre.

The Law on Energy Efficiency is part of the package of reform laws that lay the foundation for a stable, sustainable and competitive energy sector – with energy security, better quality of life for citizens and accelerated accession to the European Union, the ministry underscored.

Of note, public calls are ongoing for households in energy poverty, for free inverter air conditioners and financial aid.

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September 19, 2025
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Murat Çinar appointed as new CEO of DRI

New Chief Executive Officer of DRI Murat Çinar is taking office on September 3, replacing Ivan Geliukh.

A change at the helm of DRI is consolidating its position in the European renewables market, particularly in its core markets of Croatia, Italy, Poland, and Romania, according to the company’s new announcement. It said it has appointed of Murat Çinar as its new CEO, effective from September 3. DRI is the renewables arm of Ukraine-based DTEK in the European Union.

Çinar succeeds Ivan Geliukh, under whose leadership the company’s business strategy and organisational structure were updated, the management team was strengthened, and the business model was refined with a strong focus on sustainable growth, profitability, and operational efficiency, the company added.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Murat Çinar as the new Chief Executive Officer of DRI and extend my best wishes as he takes on this important role. Murat will play a key role in strengthening DRI and reinforcing its position as an active contributor to Europe’s energy transition. I would also like to express my gratitude to Ivan for his contribution in refining DRI’s strategy and creating a resilient business. I look forward to working with Ivan as he takes on new responsibilities within the wider DTEK Group,” said DRI’s Chairman of the Supervisory Board Maxim Timchenko.

Çinar to oversee next stage of development for DRI

With over 25 years of leadership experience in the telecom and technology sectors, Murat Çinar has held senior roles across more than 10 international markets, including Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, and Qatar.

“Drawing on my experience in growth strategies, M&A, and change management, I look forward to leading DRI through the next stage of its development – executing our strategy to be an active player in Europe’s renewable energy market. I believe DRI has a key role to play in supporting European countries to achieve important decarbonisation targets and I’m excited to work with the DRI team to make these goals a reality, Çinar stated.

The new CEO served in Ericsson, Lifecell, Vega Telecom and Korek Telecom

He began his career in Ericsson (1999-2010), leading large-scale network deployments and operations in multiple countries. Çinar later served as chief technology officer of Lifecell (2011-2015) in Ukraine, where he was responsible for overseeing major infrastructure investments and network expansion strategies.

In 2015, he was appointed CEO of Vega Telecom Group, part of DTEK’s parent SCM Group. Çinar has led organisational transformation, improved profitability, and completed the company’s sale to Vodafone Ukraine, his biography shows. In 2021, he joined Korek Telecom as the chief transformation officer and in 2022 assumed the role of CEO, driving strategic growth and operational excellence for 12 million customers.

Four core markets

DRI is dedicated to accelerating the energy transition in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. The company’s mission is to work in underserved markets in Europe to achieve their net zero goals through the creation of a portfolio of renewable energy and battery storage across Croatia, Italy, Poland and Romania.

It has established a portfolio of onshore wind, solar and battery projects, and has three operational projects in Romania: two solar parks and one wind farm, which was the first in the country in one decade. DRI is an Amsterdam-headquartered renewables developer and operator with local offices in Zagreb, Rome, Warsaw and Bucharest.

Founded in 2021, DRI is a subsidiary of the DTEK Group. The parent company is the largest private investor in Ukraine’s energy sector, with 55,000 employees and over EUR 12 billion of capital invested since 2005.

Its businesses generate electricity at wind, solar and thermal power plants; distribute and supply power to end consumers; extract natural gas and coal; trade energy resources on Ukrainian and foreign markets; and provide domestic and commercial energy services. DTEK Group is 100% owned by SCM Holdings. The ultimate beneficiary and sole shareholder is Rinat Akhmetov, a businessman and philanthropist.

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