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April 6, 2025
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Kosovo* invites firms to qualify for 100 MW wind power auction

The Ministry of Economy of Kosovo* started the first phase of the first of two planned auctions for wind power. The target capacity for the first round is 50 MW to 100 MW, out of a total of 150 MW.

Qualified companies can submit documentation for the first wind power auction in Kosovo*. They will bid for power purchase agreements (PPAs) and contracts for difference (CfDs) with a duration of 15 years.

The Ministry of Economy said the target capacity in the first round is 50 MW to 100 MW. The auction plan envisages two auctions of an overall 150 MW.

At the presentation, officials announced that it is receiving prequalification documentation by February 20. The ministry aims to publish the list of eligible firms in March. The schedule showed that final bids would be opened in August and the winners declared in September.

Maximum bidding price is EUR 80.2 per MWh

Companies will be obligated to design, build, operate, maintain and decommission wind parks. The maximum price is EUR 80.2 per MWh and the lowest bid, submitted excluding value-added tax, shall win.

According to an earlier brochure, the accepted price will be adjusted every 12 months, based on the inflation rate for the sector.

The Law on Renewable Energy Sources stipulates that the contracts would be converted into CfDs twelve months after the establishment of a day-ahead electricity market price in Kosovo*, the document reads. In addition, balancing responsibility is limited to imbalance volumes greater than 10%. Curtailment is subject to financial compensation.

Kosovo* has extraordinary wind energy potential, Minister of Economy Artane Rizvanolli said. Around 17% of the territory has winds of above six meters per second, while in mountainous areas they reach eight meters per second, she added.

Wind capacity factors range between 28.2% and 32.2%, translating to as much as 2.82 GWh in annual output per 1 MW of installed capacity, the ministry said.

Wind power auction winners to establish public-private partnership with government

Other earlier documents reveal that individual wind projects would be run by special purpose vehicles (SPVs), firms where the government would have a share of up to 49%. The Ministry of Economy intends to use the funds from the International Monetary Fund’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) in the development of the 150 MW. The purpose of the public-private partnership scheme is to reduce risk for private investors.

Applicants are required to provide a guarantee of EUR 7,000 per MW of proposed capacity. Winners will be obligated to submit guarantees of EUR 70,000 per MW.

Eligible companies have a net worth of at least EUR 30,000 over the last three calendar years and a minimum annual turnover of EUR 25,000 in the same period.

Kosovo* hosts just three wind power facilities: Selac, also known as Bajgora (104.1 MW), Kitka (32.4 MW) and Golesh (1.35 MW).

Of note, Millennium Challenge Account Kosovo has just invited qualified companies to respond to the prequalification call for a battery storage project. The government earlier said it was planning auctions for 950 MW including battery storage within two years.

The first solar power auction was completed in April.

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* This designation is without prejudice to positions onstatus and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
April 6, 2025
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Serbia allocates entire quota at second auctions, investors to install 645 MW of wind, solar

Serbia allocated the entire 424.8 MW quota in its second wind and solar power auction. According to the Ministry of Mining and Energy, the winning bids came from investors from China, the United States, France, and Serbia. They intend to install ten power plants with a total capacity of 645 MW.

The Ministry of Mining and Energy conducted the second round of renewable electricity auctions. Forty-one applications were submitted for market premiums, and 37 were declared valid. Both segments were oversubscribed. Investors in wind submitted bids for 444 MW, and the quota was 300 MW. For solar, they applied for premiums for 260 MW, compared to the available 124.8 MW.

The winners have the right to sign 15-year contracts for difference (CfDs).

Seven bids were declared valid for wind, and five filled the quota. Investors will build wind parks with an overall capacity of 468 MW, and premiums will be awarded for 300 MW, according to the proposed ranking list, published on the ministry’s website, which tracks renewable energy tender procedures. The maximum acceptable bid for wind farms was EUR 79 per MWh, and the investors offered from EUR 53.59 to EUR 68.25, according to the announcement.

These are the winning bidders: Matrix Power, owned by French developer Akuo Energy, Windvision Windfarm A, Windvision Windfarm B, Crni Vrh Power, owned by Chinese companies Shanghai Electric Power & Energy Development Limited and CMC Capital, and Jasikovo, owned by Serbian citizens.

The crowd was much bigger for the solar segment. Five projects won the right to market premiums. A total of 30 applications were valid. The quota was 124.8 MW, and the selected investors are set to install photovoltaic plants with 177 MW in combined capacity, the ministry’s proposed ranking list shows.

It said that the investors offered prices from EUR 50.9 to EUR 59 per MWh. The ceiling for electricity from photovoltaic plants was EUR 72. The following firms had winning bids: Vemi Biogas, Kobra Global, Solarina, Mona Green Energy 2, and Brankov Solar. The 150 MW Solarina project is the only large one, while Brankov Solar is an agrisolar one.

Solarina is owned by CWP Europe, and Mona Green Energy 2 by Serbia’s Mona Holding. The three other firms are owned by Serbian citizens.

The ministry noted that the total planned investments of the winning bids is EUR 782 million.

Đedović Handanović: All produced electricity will be offtaken by Serbia’s utility EPS

Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović said the second round of auctions was highly successful in capacity and offered prices. Importantly, all electricity from the power plants that get the premiums will go to state-owned power utility Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) and be used to supply domestic businesses and households.

“The offered prices are very competitive, i.e. EUR 50.9 per MWh for solar and EUR 53.5 per MWh for wind, which is significantly below the market levels. According to our incentives model, this means we don’t expect power plants will be subsidized but that they will return windfall profit to the state as long as market prices are higher than those offered by the auction winners,” she stated.

The confirmation of good conditions for investment in Serbia

Đedović Handanović stressed that the high interest by investors is a confirmation of good conditions for investments in Serbia.

“In addition to domestic investors, the winners of these auctions are also investors from China, the USA, and France. It demonstrates that Serbia is globally recognized as a good destination for investment, which will be very significant in achieving our strategic goals in the energy transition process,” she said.

In 2023, the Government of Serbia adopted the incentives plan for renewables for a three-year period through 2025. It said it would award market premiums for 1.3 GW. The first round of auctions was conducted in 2023. The selected projects, for 715 MW in total capacity, are all supposed to be connected to the grid by the end of next year.

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April 6, 2025
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Serbia to afforest 7,000 hectares, revitalize 51,000 hectares of forests

Serbia intends to afforest 7,000 hectares with climate-resilient tree species and converse 51,000 hectares of degraded forests within the USD 84 million FOREST Invest project.

An agreement for the project ‘Enhancing the resilience of Serbian forests to ensure energy security of the most vulnerable while contributing to their livelihoods and carbon sequestration (FOREST Invest)’ was signed between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in its capacity as an Accredited Entity of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, as well as public enterprises Srbijašume and Vojvodinašume, which manage forests.

The project envisages afforestation of 7,000 hectares with climate-resilient tree species, the conversion of 51,000 hectares of degraded low forests into high forests, and the rehabilitation of at least 500 hectares of abandoned private agricultural land through agroforestry plantations, according to FAO.

The project is financed by FAO, Serbia and GCF

The project, valued at USD 84 million, is funded by the Green Climate Fund, the Government of Serbia and FAO. Over the course of seven years, FOREST Invest will enhance the resilience of forest ecosystems, improve energy security for vulnerable communities, and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

By implementing these and other measures, greenhouse gas emissions are expected to be reduced by 8.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Nearly three million residents of Serbia will indirectly benefit from improved forest resilience and sustainable management, FAO said.

Gonzalez: Progress in Serbia will guide future efforts in other countries

The contract was signed by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Aleksandar Martinović, Srbijašume CEO Krsto Janjušević, executive manager for forestry, ecology and development of Vojvodinašume Marko Marinković, and FAO Deputy Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia Nabil Gangi.

According to Aleksandar Martinović, the project will help Serbia to establish foundations for long-term reforms in the forestry sector, ensuring sustainability, climate resilience and a better quality of life for people.

Henry Gonzalez said the innovative project in Serbia increases investment in sustainable forestry initiatives that include both mitigation and adaptation measures. Progress in Serbia will guide future efforts in other countries, he stressed.

The partnership between FAO and the government is built on a shared commitment to sustainable development, food security, and climate resilience, Nabil Gangi pointed out.

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April 6, 2025
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Wind farms Alibunar 1, Alibunar 2 secure market premiums in Serbia’s renewable energy auctions

Wind power projects Alibunar 1 and Alibunar 2, majority-owned by SANY Renewable Energy, a leading global wind turbine manufacturer based in China, have ranked second and third, respectively, in Serbia’s latest renewable energy auction for market premiums in the wind power segment. The auction was organized by the Ministry of Mining and Energy as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to boost renewable energy production.

Alibunar 1, with a capacity of 96.6 MW, and Alibunar 2, with a capacity of 71.4 MW, were recently acquired by SANY Renewable Energy. The projects were originally developed by WV-International, a Dutch renewable energy firm known for its pioneering role in Serbia’s green energy sector, in collaboration with Norwegian developer Emergy.

Following their success in the auction, the company announced that preparations for the construction of both wind farms are underway, with work set to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025. The wind farms will feature SANY Renewable Energy’s S168 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 4.2 MW.

Serbia’s EPS to offtake entire output via 15-year PPA

Upon completion of construction and grid connection, the electricity generated by Alibunar 1 and Alibunar 2 will be sold to Serbia’s state-owned power utility Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) under a previously signed 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA). The two wind farms are expected to generate approximately 480 GWh of electricity annually, significantly contributing to Serbia’s transition towards a greener energy mix.

WV-International and Emergy remain committed to expanding their renewable energy footprint in Serbia. The partners are developing an additional portfolio of wind farms totaling 571 MW under the Banat project complex. Furthermore, they are advancing plans for a 125 MW hybrid power plant that will integrate wind and solar energy.

SANY Renewable Energy was listed on Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2022

SANY Renewable Energy Co., Ltd was founded in 2008. It is committed to becoming the global leader in the field of clean energy equipment supply and services.

It was officially listed and traded on the STAR Market of the Shanghai Stock Exchange on June 22, 2022, with the stock code 688349. SANY Renewable Energy’s market share has increased significantly and the company ranked among the top 7 global wind power manufacturers in 2023.

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April 6, 2025
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Serbia receives first two grid applications for battery energy storage systems

Serbia’s transmission system operator Elektromreža Srbije received two grid connection applications for battery energy storage systems. They are the first energy storage projects in the country.

Investments in battery energy storage systems (BESS) is ramping up around the world and Serbia is now making its first steps. Annual installations have increased more than 12 times in just four years, projects for an overall 11.5 GWh were announced in only three European countries, and last year China and Germany increased their battery capacity by 130% and 50%, respectively.

The grid connection applications in Serbia were submitted by Green BESS KV, for a 100 MW project of the same name, and MKBDP Energy, for its 50 MW project Skladište električne energije Jagodina.

Applications were submitted by Green BESS KV and MKBDP Energy

Green BESS is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) of Radiant Partners, while MKBDP Energy is part of the MK Group. Of note, there are other energy storage projects in the pipeline, but none of them are as far ahead as them. Both parent companies are registered in Serbia.

MK Group is very active in the renewable energy sector in the country. It put its Krivača wind farm into operation last year.

Serbia’s TSO Elektromreža Srbije (EMS) confirmed to Balkan Green Energy News that it has received the first applications for signing the agreement on the preparation of the connection study for standalone storage.

MKBDP Energy applied for a 50 MW facility located close to Jagodina. The site for Green BESS KV of 100 MW facility is near Kraljevo, according to EMS. Both cities are in the central part of the country.

After signing such an agreement, the TSO starts work on the study, which lasts 120 days.

The start of construction is scheduled for the first half of 2026

According to Green BESS KV, it is an SPV established by consulting firm Radiant Partners, a developer of large-scale renewable energy projects. Radiant Partners is developing one of the largest solar power projects in Serbia – Noćaj, near Sremska Mitrovica, with a capacity of 180 MW, while new solar and wind projects are in the initial phase.

“Our vision is focused on sustainability, innovation, and energy independence. The 100 MW / 200 MWh battery storage facility represents a significant step in the modernization of Serbia’s energy system, contributing to environmental protection and bringing numerous economic benefits,” CEO of Radiant Partners Nikola Ćeha told Balkan Green Energy News.

Batteries are a good market opportunity

In the next phase, the construction of a storage facility after obtaining all the permits, Radina Partners plans to cooperate with Chinese partners. The project is located in Kraljevo, in the vicinity of the TS Kraljevo 3 transformer station. The start of works is scheduled for the first half of 2026.

Asked about motives for the pioneering step, Ćeha explains there are currently no battery storage facilities in Serbia and that interest in renewable energy projects is growing.

“We see a project for supporting existing and future renewable power plants as a market opportunity, given their variability in daily production,” he stated.

Battery storage increases flexibility in the market

He stressed the importance of large-scale BESS units in Serbia, saying they are crucial for balancing production with consumption, in a situation where renewable energy production is increasing. Batteries stabilize the power grid and enable the storage of excess energy and its use in times of higher consumption or lower production.

In his words, batteries increase flexibility in the market because of their quick response to changes in energy consumption and prices, which opens up opportunities for trade and cost optimization.

Such a project attracts investments and encourages the development of energy infrastructure, which contributes to market competitiveness and technological progress, Ćeha said.

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April 6, 2025
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Nofar Energy commissions Serbia’s largest solar park

Israeli company Nofar Energy said its photovoltaic park in northern Serbia of 27 MW in peak capacity began delivering electricity to the grid. The project consists of two adjacent units, Ada1 and Ada2, connected to the distribution grid.

After installing Romania’s largest solar power plant in a partnership, Nofar Energy now operates the largest photovoltaic park in Serbia as well. The Israel-based company, which nine months ago started building it the municipality of Ada in the country’s north, said the facility is online.

Notably, the solar park at the Utrine site consists of two units, Ada1 and Ada2. They have connection points of just under 10 MW each and operate within Serbia’s power distribution network. There is no PV system yet on the Balkan country’s transmission grid.

Project is worth EUR 25 million

The solar park spans 30 hectares on a 116-hectare plot, planned for the solar park’s expansion. Nofar Energy has launched the projects, worth EUR 25 million in total, via its subsidiaries Forest Energy and Energia Solis. The company estimated annual output at 33.2 GWh.

Turkish company Girişim Elektrik is the contractor.

Nofar Energy said its portfolio of operational and projects under construction amounts to 2.4 GW of solar power and 1.2 GWh of energy storage. The company secured an overall EUR 110 million loan in August in Romania for PV plants Ghimpați, which it started building in the meantime, and Iepurești. The two locations in the Iepurești area in Giurgiu county are envisaged for a combined 315 MW in peak capacity.

Serbia planning to add 177 MW in connection capacity through auction mechanism, 1 GW within strategic partnership

The Ministry of Mining and Energy of Serbia said in November that the country hosted 166 MW in solar power capacity. Last month, at its second round of wind and solar power auctions, it allocated the entire PV quota of 124.8 MW in grid connection capacity. The five winning projects are for 176.7 MW overall, also in alternating current or AC. They get contracts for difference (CfDs) and power purchase agreements (PPAs).

A strategic partnership is underway with Hyundai Engineering and UGT Renewables for a group of solar power plants of 1.2 GW in overall peak capacity. It translates to 1 GW in transmission grid terms. The companies are also tasked with installing battery energy storage systems with at least 200 MW in combined capability and a maximum of 400 MWh in capacity.

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