January 23, 2026

by AEA in News

North Macedonia’s MEMO power exchange starts work with BSP on intraday segment launch

North Macedonia’s National Electricity Market Operator – MEMO signed an agreement with the Slovenian BSP Energy Exchange for the provision of trading platforms and a clearing platform. The deal marked the start of work on the introduction of the intraday electricity market by mid-year. It is part of efforts toward North Macedonia’s integration into the single European electricity market.

North Macedonia’s National Electricity Market Operator – MEMO has selected Slovenia’s BSP Energy Exchange to provide trading platforms and a clearing platform for the day-ahead and intraday segments. Chief Executive Officer of MEMO Zoran Gjorgjievski signed the agreement today with Chairman of the Management Board of ADEX and CEO of BSP Anže Predovnik.

Their cooperation has been expanding since the launch of North Macedonia’s day-ahead power market on May 10, 2023. Through partnership, the intraday segment is expected to be established by mid-year, the officials noted.

Commitment to transparent, reliable, efficient market

MEMO pointed out that the deal is aimed at enhancing the functionality of the organized electricity market and preparing it for integration with the single European market.

“This agreement represents a continuation of the cooperation with BSP and EPEX SPOT, and an important step in the development of the Macedonian power exchange, as well as in strengthening its technical and institutional readiness for market integration with the European Union. Partnering with a renowned exchange such as BSP and EPEX SPOT, with whom we have already established cooperation based on trust and proven results, confirms our commitment to a transparent, reliable and efficient market,” Gjorgjievski stated.

The representatives of MEMO and BSP kicked off the preparations for the launch of the intraday segment

He added that following the signing, activities to establish the intraday market officially began at a kickoff meeting with BSP’s representatives. It is expected to become operational by the end of the second quarter of 2026, the CEO recalled.

“The establishment of the intraday market is of crucial importance for greater flexibility and efficiency in electricity trading, particularly in conditions of increased participation of renewable energy sources. It enables market participants to timely adjust their positions and significantly contributes to the reduction of imbalances,” Gjorgjievski said.

Predovnik: Strategically important step

MEMO and North Macedonia took a strategically important step, Predovnik underscored.

“The signing of the contract for the establishment of the intraday electricity market and the implementation of the project to be completed in Q2 2026 mark an important milestone in the country’s integration into the European electricity market. With clear and ambitious guidance, and the strong support of the responsible minister and the ministry, North Macedonia continues to make convincing progress on its path towards full integration into the European electricity market – recognized both in the region and across the EU. The high-performing MEMO and BSP / EPEX SPOT teams, together with the minister and the ministry’s support, provide a powerful and clear guarantee that North Macedonia will be among the first countries in the region to join the single European electricity market,” he said.

Direct benefit for market participants as well as energy stability

North Macedonian Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Božinovska attended the signing of the agreement.

Božinovska stressed the role of the intraday market in flexibility, use of renewables and risk reduction.

“With such concrete projects, we are building market stability, transparency and competitiveness. The ministry actively and continuously supports the institutional and technical readiness of market operators. Our goal is clear – a functional, secure, and European-aligned electricity market. The intraday market brings greater flexibility, improved management of renewable energy sources, and a reduction of systemic risks. This represents a direct benefit both for market participants and for the country’s overall energy stability,” Božinovska stated.

BSP Energy Exchange (BSP Southpool) is wholly owned by ADEX Group, created in a merger with its Serbian counterpart SEEPEX. In December 2024, ADEX completed a merger with the Hungarian Power Exchange (HUPX).

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January 23, 2026

by AEA in News

North Macedonia’s MEMO power exchange starts work with BSP on intraday segment launch

North Macedonia’s National Electricity Market Operator – MEMO signed an agreement with the Slovenian BSP Energy Exchange for the provision of trading platforms and a clearing platform. The deal marked the start of work on the introduction of the intraday electricity market by mid-year. It is part of efforts toward North Macedonia’s integration into the single European electricity market.

Commitment to transparent, reliable, efficient market

MEMO pointed out that the deal is aimed at enhancing the functionality of the organized electricity market and preparing it for integration with the single European market.

The representatives of MEMO and BSP kicked off the preparations for the launch of the intraday segment

Predovnik: Strategically important step

MEMO and North Macedonia took a strategically important step, Predovnik underscored.

Direct benefit for market participants as well as energy stability

North Macedonian Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Božinovska attended the signing of the agreement.

Božinovska stressed the role of the intraday market in flexibility, use of renewables and risk reduction.

Post Views:42

November 3, 2025

by AEA in News

EPS to help SEEPEX strengthen Serbia’s intraday power market

Serbia’s power exchange, SEEPEX, has reached an agreement with state-owned utility Elektroprivreda Srbije to work together on strengthening the intraday electricity market.

SEEPEX is proud to announce the signing of a strategic agreement with Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS), Serbia’s largest power utility company, aimed specifically at securing its support for the organized intraday continuous (IDC) electricity market, the power exchange said.

SEEPEX is part of ADEX, which was established in 2022 through a corporate merger between Slovenian energy exchange BSP SouthPool and its Serbian counterpart. In December 2024, ADEX Group completed a merger with the Hungarian Power Exchange (HUPX).

The agreement between SEEPEX and EPS marks an important step forward in strengthening SEEPEX’s organized IDC electricity market, which will also help improve the integration of renewable energy sources, according to the update.

EPS will actively support and participate in the SEEPEX IDC market

Through this partnership, EPS will actively support and participate in the SEEPEX IDC market, enhancing its liquidity and encouraging engagement from all 32 IDC members.

“We believe this collaboration will position the SEEPEX IDC market as a trusted and dynamic platform for electricity trading across the region and beyond,” SEEPEX stressed.

SEEPEX launched the intraday market in July 2023

The contract aims to secure daily offers from EPS to encourage other participants to access the market and start trading, Balkan Green Energy News has learned.

In October 2023, SEEPEX signed a market-maker agreement with EPS for the intraday continuous market.

SEEPEX launched the intraday market in July 2023, with 16 out of 20 registered participants active on the first trading day. The participants came from Serbia, neighboring countries, and the European Union. The SEEPEX intraday market now has 32 participants.

With the launch of the IDC market, SEEPEX became the first organized market in the region to fully implement all aspects of an organized market, according to company’s CEO Miloš Mladenović.

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May 30, 2025

by AEA in News

Western Balkans power markets: hope for coupling with EU, concerns about CBAM

Energy Community contracting parties are doing their best to meet the challenging requirements and use the opportunity to couple their electricity markets with the European Union in Q4 2026 or Q1 2027. Apart from other benefits, coupling could represent a strong incentive for investment in renewables. However, the introduction of CBAM could be a step back for electricity markets, investments and energy transition in the region, according to representatives of transmission system operators, regulators, and power exchanges who spoke at Belgrade Energy Forum 2025.

The third Belgrade Energy Forum, BEF 2025, organized by Balkan Green Energy News, welcomed four hundred participants from more than 30 countries from the region, Europe, and beyond.

Participants in the panel called Integration of Western Balkans electricity markets into internal European market through market coupling were:

Anže Predovnik, ADEX Group, CEO,
Jasmina Trhulj, Energy Community Secretariat, Head of Electricity Unit,
Ivan Asanović, TSO Crnogorski Elektroprenosni Sistem (CGES), CEO,
Marko Bislimoski, Energy, Water Services and Municipal Waste Management Services Regulatory Commission of the Republic of North Macedonia (RKE or ERC), President,
Zoran Vujasinović, EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), Policy Officer.

They discussed very hot topics including market coupling, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and blackouts.

Market coupling: The first go-live window scheduled for Q4 2026 or Q1 2027

Dejan Stojčevski and Jasmina Trhulj (photo: Balkan Green Energy News)

In his opening remarks, panel moderator Dejan Stojčevski, CTO of the SEEPEX power exchange, emphasized the importance of integrating the electricity markets of the Energy Community contracting parties (EnC CPs) with the EU internal electricity market as a key element in the energy transition process.

“Market coupling, which is a prerequisite for a successful energy transition, brings about greater transparency, increased competition, the establishment of a unified regional reference price, and stronger incentives for investment in renewable energy sources,” he stressed.

However, in his words, the integration is not without challenges. Countries in the region must address several issues, including the transposition of relevant regulations, the designation of nominated electricity market operators (NEMOs), and the operational connection process through the implementation of local projects, Stojčevski underlined.

Trhulj: The transposition of EIP enables accelerated electricity market integration into the single EU electricity market

The most important regulation is the Energy Integration Package (EIP). Jasmina Trhulj, Head of Electricity Unit of the Energy Community Secretariat, recalled that the transposition of EIP by the contracting parties enables their accelerated electricity market integration into the single EU electricity market before accession into the EU takes place.

To achieve that, EnC CPs have to adopt and implement the laws in a compliant manner, including extending ACER’s jurisdiction to the cross-border issues between EU member states and EnC CPs, she noted.

With regard to regional methodologies, ACER is competent to the extent that neighboring EU countries are involved, which is most often the case.

The preparation of the Market Coupling Operator Integration Plan is underway

Another important piece of the puzzle is the Market Coupling Operator Integration Plan (MCO IP), which will set guidelines and timelines for the implementation of the day-ahead and intraday market coupling of EnC CPs. Trhulj confirmed that the preparation is currently underway.

According to the draft MCO IP, the first go-live window is scheduled for Q4 2026 or potentially by Q1 2027, provided that the following prerequisites are met, she revealed.

The prerequisites are the transposition of the EIHP completed and its compliance verified; NEMO designated in a compliant manner; operational readiness of transmission system operators (TSOs) and NEMOs confirmed; and full contractual adherence completed.

“Provided that the legislation is transposed and its compliance verified and MCO IP approved by ACER, a NEMO may submit requests for accession to market coupling. This is followed by an accession process lasting up to 18 months,” Trhulj explained.

Serbia, Montenegro “locked and ready” for the first go-live window

Anže Predovnik and Zoran Vujasinović (photo: Balkan Green Energy News)

ADEX Group CEO Anže Predovnik shared Slovenia’s experience in various market coupling processes within the internal European electricity market, including different products such as day-ahead, intraday continuous, and intraday auction market coupling.

He particularly emphasized the importance of market coupling and its impact on liquidity, transparency, competition, and increased investments in renewable energy sources.

Predovnik presented HUPX’s integration into the ADEX Group, which was completed in late 2024, and highlighted the benefits ADEX brings to the market and its participants through the unification of the power exchanges of Slovenia, Serbia, and Hungary.

Enhanced transparency, the use of a unified trading and clearing technology, a single market operation, a harmonized market access process across the ADEX markets, alignment of rules, and improved client services are just some of the advantages offered by the formation of ADEX Group, he pointed out.

One immediate benefit already implemented is that market participants active in one ADEX market do not pay entry fees when accessing another market within the group.

Predovnik: Market participants active in one ADEX market don’t pay entry fees when accessing another market within the group

“Additionally, all resources within the group are contributing to the implementation of the local project for coupling the Serbian and Hungarian day-ahead markets, with the project expected to be completed at the first available slot, anticipated for Q4 2026 or Q1 2027,” Predovnik noted.

CEO of Montenegro’s TSO Crnogorski Elektroprenosni Sistem (CGES) Ivan Asanović also spoke about the market coupling project timeframe.

After compliance of the transposition of EIP is verified and provided that the necessary adaptations of the Day-ahead Operations Agreement (DAOA) and the Intraday Operations Agreement (IDOA) regarding the extension to the price zones of EnC CPs are adopted at the Market Coupling Steering Committee (MCSC) level, CGES and power exchange BELEN could sign these contracts, becoming non-operating parties in the MCSC, he revealed.

According to Asanović, obtaining the status in MCSC is a precondition for the submission of a request for change, and it is extremely important to carry it out in a timely manner, to complete the process, which lasts 18 months, until Q4 2026 or Q1 2027.

Of note, a week ago, North Macedonia’s Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Božinovska said it is realistic to aim for coupling in the fourth quarter of 2026 or the first quarter of 2027.

CBAM and blackouts are looming

Anže Predovnik, Zoran Vujasinović and Ivan Asanović (photo: Balkan Green Energy News)

Apart from market coupling, the stakeholders in the region are also concerned about the developments regarding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) as well as about blackouts.

Dejan Stojčevski (SEEPEX) sees the potential effect of CBAM on the electricity sector, starting on January 1, 2026, as a major issue.

The mechanism could pose a serious threat to the overall energy transition in the region, he added.

In addition, it is crucial to discuss system security and the root causes of the blackouts that recently occurred across Europe, Stojčevski pointed out.

“As there was no announcement that the application of CBAM will be postponed, we are operating under the assumption that it will apply to electricity as of January 1, 2026, given that the contracting parties will not be ready for market coupling by that date,” Jasmina Trhulj (Energy Community Secretariat) underlined.

Trhulj: There is a risk that certain stakeholders may shift their trading activities and renewable investments away from the region

In her words, it creates a number of risks to the functioning of the regional electricity market and the energy transition process that the secretariat has been raising on behalf of the contracting parties, electricity traders, power utilities, renewable energy developers, and other stakeholders.

She warned of a risk that certain stakeholders shift their trading activities and investments in renewables away from the region, thereby potentially undermining integration and decarbonization efforts.

Dejan Stojčevski, Jasmina Trhulj and Marko Bislimoski (photo: Balkan Green Energy News)

In addition, market participants are raising the issue of the considerable uncertainty regarding the exact technical implementation of CBAM for electricity – inherently unique within a group of goods, Trhulj recalled.

It is crucial for the countries in the region to speak openly with Brussels, said Marko Bislimoski, president of the Energy, Water Services and Municipal Waste Management Services Regulatory Commission of the Republic of North Macedonia. In addition, they need to come up with an action plan, together with the Energy Community Secretariat, defining the phases for the introduction of carbon pricing, in his view.

Bislimoski: We need to define the items for which we need financial assistance from the EU

“We need a serious approach and to say what we can do ourselves, and then immediately make it happen. At the same time, we need to define the items for which we will need financial assistance from the EU,” Bislimoski asserted.

The panelists agreed the region needs to present a single coordinated position on CBAM at an upcoming meeting on July 1 in Brussels.

Bislimoski recalled that North Macedonia recently adopted the new Law on Energy and added that bylaws would follow. The end goal is to provide security and stability in the transmission and distribution of electricity like in the EU, but also to lower the prices of electricity for consumers, he added.

Asanović: It is necessary to take urgent measures to improve coordination in the region

Regarding the issue of blackouts, Ivan Asanović (CGES) emphasized the importance of coordinating transmission capacities and maintenance plans for transmission lines across the wider Balkan region.

He recalled the challenging operational conditions experienced last winter, when exchanges planned along the Greece-Bulgaria-Romania-Hungary corridor were largely physically realized via the southwestern Balkans, leading to significant network stress. Such situations must be avoided through more comprehensive coordination, he warned.

It is necessary, in his words, to take urgent measures to improve coordination in the region to alleviate the current problems until the establishment of the mechanisms and structures prescribed in the CACM and SOGL regulations.

“These rules will fully harmonize the operation of the system in the region with the rest of Europe and significantly improve the security of functioning and create the necessary preconditions for connecting the markets of the WB6 countries with the single European market,” Asanović stressed.

Vujasinović (ACER): Full operational readiness of CCRs is not a prerequisite for market coupling

Zoran Vujasinović and Ivan Asanović

TSOs made a breakthrough in December. They agreed on a Joint Declaration on Regional Coordination. The declaration, facilitated by ENTSO-E, outlined a new comprehensive cooperation framework for the Western Balkans TSOs within South-East Europe.

Zoran Vujasinović, Policy Officer at the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), mentioned that in January the body submitted a request to the TSOs to propose the configuration of capacity calculation regions (CCRs), incorporating the bidding zone borders of EnC CPs within the framework of the EU CCR methodology.

The TSOs’ proposal is expected by the end of July, after which ACER will issue a decision within six months, he said.

The current TSO proposal envisions:

the inclusion of the southeastern bidding zone borders in the Balkans into the South East Europe (SEE) region, which already includes the borders between Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece.
the formation of a separate region in the northwestern part (covering the mutual borders of bidding zones of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, as well as their bidding zone borders with the EU), with a perspective of integration into the Central Europe region.
the Italy-Montenegro region and the Eastern Europe region (including Ukraine, Moldova, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania) to remain unchanged, as defined by the CACM Regulation of the Energy Community.

According to Vujasaninović, ACER’s position is that the entire region should, over time, transition to flow-based capacity calculation and allocation methodologies. However, the initial step will be participation in market coupling based on Net Transfer Capacity (NTC) values.

“It is important to note that full operational readiness of CCRs is not a prerequisite for market coupling. The coupling can proceed based on existing NTC calculation procedures, provided that regional operational security is not compromised at any time and that maximum coordination in capacity calculation is ensured,” Vujasinović stressed.

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April 14, 2025

by AEA in News

Belgrade Energy Forum 2025 – 50 speakers at eight panels to track pace of SEE energy transition

The agenda of the third Belgrade Energy Forum, taking place on May 14-15, has been finalized with the addition of further prominent energy experts and companies. The conference, organized by Southeast Europe’s leading energy news portal, Balkan Green Energy News, will feature eight panels covering key topics in the energy sector, with an impressive lineup of speakers. Make sure you register on time via this link.

The Belgrade Energy Forum will once again be a meeting place for representatives of regional and international institutions and organizations, as well as the business community from across the region, Europe, and the world.

Eight panels featuring more than 50 speakers will offer an overview of the current challenges in the energy sector. Conference participants will hear in-depth analyses of the current situation, but also projections for the future. The thread that connects everything at this year’s BEF is digitalization – it permeates energy production, consumption, and storage and allows enough flexibility for the stable functioning of the energy systems of the future, where renewable energy will dominate.

Chikán: Electricity knows no borders

One of the key speakers at the conference, Alteo Group CEO Chikán Attila, will lead the company’s high-level delegation. Alteo has recently launched a regional expansion drive, aiming to establish a green platform of up to 2 GW in energy production, including operation, software, maintenance, storage, and waste management.

The Hungarian company primarily targets its home market, Slovakia, Croatia, and Serbia.

“Electricity knows no borders, therefore partnerships and collaborations among energy market players are essential, even at the regional level. Such cooperation is vital to ensuring the security and reliability of electricity supply, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources, and providing essential digital solutions, supported by expertise and professional know-how,” Chikán stressed.

Decarbonization strategies for power generation in Southeast Europe 2040/2050

Dejan Paravan, CEO, GEN Energija
Dušan Živković, CEO, EPS
Eric Scotto, CEO, AKUO
Milutin Đukanović, Chairman, EPCG Board of Directors
Neda Lazendić, Country Manager, WV-International

Although at the heart of national energy systems, state-owned power utilities are faced with an environment that has changed and continues to change rapidly. The key shift is the entry of private capital into electricity production through the construction of solar power plants and wind farms.

The energy transition, at this stage, requires cooperation between state power utilities and private companies. With decarbonization as the main objective, the key challenge lies in choosing appropriate strategies and electricity generation technologies.

Moderating the panel will be Dražen Jakšić, Director of the Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar (EIHP).

“The transition to a low-carbon energy system is a key challenge for our region, demanding innovation, investment, and cooperation. As a sponsor of the Belgrade Energy Forum, EIHP is committed to fostering dialogue and driving sustainable energy solutions. I look forward to an insightful discussion,” he stressed.

Jakšić: The transition to a low-carbon energy system is a key challenge for our region, demanding innovation, investment, and cooperation

In recent years, nuclear energy has emerged as a possible alternative. There is hardly a better interlocutor on this topic in the region than Dejan Paravan, the top man of GEN Energija, the Slovenian company developing the Krško 2 nuclear power plant project.

Dušan Živković, CEO of Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS), will tell us about the Serbian power utility’s plans when it comes to nuclear energy.

Živković: Without decarbonization, the region’s energy sector has no future

“Without decarbonization, there is no future for the region’s energy sector, and that is the biggest challenge ahead of us. It is essential to accelerate decisions and ensure sustainable project financing mechanisms that will provide energy security for every country and power utility in the decades to come. By investing in existing capacities and new renewable energy projects, EPS, as the biggest utility in the region, will make its own contribution to energy security. That’s why we have initiated a transformation process – because we need to be more profitable, more efficient, and fully prepared to tackle any challenge,” Živković pointed out.

The energy transition, in his words, is the path EPS has chosen, and all its plans will align with that goal, based on the belief that the diversification of energy sources and new technologies are essential for achieving it. “These are just some of the key messages I will share with the participants of this year’s BEF,” said Živković.

Eric Scotto, co-founder and CEO of French company Akuo, will share the latest information on the energy transition from across the globe.

The company’s portfolio consists of 1.9 GW of power plants in operation and under construction, with a further 12 GW in the pipeline in more than 20 countries around the world, including a number of countries in the Southeast Europe region.

Integration of Western Balkans electricity markets into internal European market through market coupling

Anže Predovnik, Director, ADEX Group
Ivan Asanović, Executive Director, CGES
Marko Bislimoski, President, Energy, Water Services and Municipal Waste Management Services Regulatory Commission of the Republic of North Macedonia
Zoran Vujasinović, Policy Officer, ACER

The integration of the Western Balkans’ electricity markets with the European Union (EU) markets is a process that deserves much greater public attention than it currently receives. It is safe to say that its true importance will become evident only once it is completed.

Full integration will unlock significant synergies, maximizing the benefits of a unified market by enhancing supply security, accelerating the integration of renewable energy sources, and fostering greater competition and transparency.

Moderator Dejan Stojčevski, CTO of the SEEPEX power exchange, says the panel seeks to encourage dialogue on the importance of cross-border collaboration and market efficiency in bolstering energy security and sustainability in the region.

Bislimoski: The time for inspiring speeches is over. Geopolitical developments demand action – now!

Since market integration is largely the job of regulators, the challenges they face will be analyzed by Marko Bislimoski, president of North Macedonia’s Energy and Water Services Regulatory Commission (RKE).

He says that three things are essential for the regional integration of electricity markets into a single European market: investment, investment, and nothing but investment. In his words, the energy crisis demonstrated that limitations become a reality when governments fail to prioritize the implementation of key energy infrastructure capacities in their budgets.

“This past winter, the region faced the highest electricity prices compared to the rest of Europe. Why? Because the implementation of energy investments is not just a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Today, more than ever before, the countries of the former Yugoslavia must demonstrate maturity. These are the years when energy independence will be built through action. The time for inspiring speeches is over. Geopolitical developments demand action – now!” he stressed.

Energy revolution underway – uniting efforts to deliver green, intelligent and sustainable energy solutions

Aleš Prešern, VP, Head of Southeast Europe, Siemens Energy
Maja Turković, SVP, CWP Europe
Ann-Catherine de Tourtier, Managing Director Mediterranean, Nordex Group

As much as contesting the energy transition may be futile, there are still those who find such a view meaningful, especially in light of certain global political developments. That’s why it is important to give the floor to some of the transition leaders and let them testify that an energy revolution is indeed underway in the region.

The panel’s moderator Mirza Kušljugić – professor, energy expert, and one of the founders of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Centre for Sustainable Energy Transition Centre (RESET) – goes one step further to show that change is not only happening but also accelerating.

“The key words are a new energy paradigm driven by the four Ds – decarbonization, digitalization, decentralization, and democratization. But now we also have another D: disruption, or radical change in the industry and market caused by technological innovation. Of course, we must focus the discussion – from global processes (China, the US, the EU, the Global South) to where the region stands in all of this,” Kušljugić points out, providing a perfect introduction to the panel.

Turković: It’s more important than ever to have open discussions about real solutions

Aleš Prešern, Vice President and Head of Southeast Europe at Siemens Energy, has worked in the energy sector for more than 20 years. He recalls that digitalization is key, along with grid resilience and electricity transmission.

With nearly 100,000 employees in more than 90 countries, Siemens Energy develops the energy systems of the future, ensuring that the growing energy demand of the global community is met reliably and sustainably. The technologies created in the company’s research departments and factories drive the energy transition and provide the base for one sixth of the world’s electricity generation.

As a leader in renewable energy development, CWP is actively working on several large-scale projects across the SEE region with a total capacity exceeding 7 GW, positioning the company at the forefront of the region’s energy transition. Given its global expertise and insights into the regional energy market, CWP’s contribution to this year’s conference will be invaluable.

Maja Turković, Executive Vice President of CWP Europe, says that BEF 2025 is a key gathering of leading experts driving the energy transition in Southeast Europe.

“As this shift gains momentum, it’s more important than ever to have open, action-driven discussions about real solutions to the challenges and opportunities ahead,” says Turković.

PPAs as a key to renewable energy growth in SEE

Nikola Gazdov, Chairman, Association for production, storage and trading of electricity – APSTE
Natalija Ljubić, Manager PPA & BESS Transactions, Pexapark
Ivana Đurović, Category Manager Renewable Energy, Knauf Group

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are, like flexibility, a tool for fixing the imperfections of renewable energy sources, and they are recognized as a key mechanism within the new electricity market design. They ensure price stability, attract new investment, and accelerate the decarbonization of industry.

Is the region ready for PPAs? What are the dominant models? What is the current market practice? How are PPAs viewed by financial institutions? What do they offer to end consumers and what to investors in new power plants? Answers to these questions will be sought at the panel moderated by Mislav Slade-Šilović, Energy, Utilities & Resources Consulting Leader for Southeast Europe and member of the core PPA team at consultancy PwC.

Experience with PPAs for more than 500 GWh of electricity

Slade-Šilović’s experience in concluding PPAs for the production and consumption of over 500 GWh of electricity per year in the SEE region will certainly be of help.

Nikola Gazdov, Chairman of Bulgaria’s association for electricity production, storage, and trading (APSTE) and member of the Board of Directors of the European solar industry association SolarPower Europe, has no shortage of experience either. As CEO of three companies – Enery Element GmbH, Element Power Group, and Renergy – he is involved in the development of a large number of projects.

Pexapark, a company that provides logistics to businesses in the renewable energy market, is synonymous with PPAs in Europe. Natalija Ljubić is the Manager for PPA and BESS Transactions at Pexapark, which has helped conclude contracts for facilities with a combined capacity exceeding 35 GW.

The views of electricity buyers – without whom there would be no PPAs – will be conveyed by Ivana Đurović, Category Manager for Renewable Energy at Knauf Group.

Market flexibility: the backbone of a resilient energy system

Roman Bernard, CEO, NGEN
Luka Renko, COO, KOER
Alteo Group representative
Nikolaj Candellari, Project Manager and Market Intelligence, CyberGrid
Marko Zarić, EMS

Moderating the panel will be Elena Boškov Kovač, co-founder and CEO of Blueprint Energy Solutions, and a leading voice on market flexibility in Europe.

She will host representatives of the sector’s leading companies: NGEN, Alteo, KOER, CyberGrid, as well as Serbia’s transmission system operator Elektromreža Srbije (EMS).

“Excited to moderate a high-impact panel on ‘Market Flexibility: The Backbone of a Resilient Energy System’ at the Belgrade Energy Forum 2025,” says Boškov Kovač, whose work has shaped smart grid strategies and digitalization innovation agendas across the EU and under ETIP SNET.

As Europe accelerates its shift to renewables, market flexibility is emerging as the cornerstone of reliable, affordable, and decarbonized energy systems. With the European flexibility market promising to unlock over EUR 20 billion in savings, this session will explore how digital tools, flexible assets, and new market designs are unlocking value and resilience across the grid.

Slovenia’s NGEN is the technology sponsor of BEF 2025

Slovenian energy company NGEN, the technology sponsor of the conference, has managed to establish itself as a significant player in European markets in just five years of operation and is now ready to enter the Western Balkans’ markets.

Specializing in premium battery storage systems and smart energy solutions, the company is developing systems with a total capacity of 1.6 GWh in European countries. Its founder, Roman Bernard, will be speaking at the panel.

Also taking part in the panel will be Luka Renko, COO of KOER, a pioneer in virtual power plants in the region.

Rounding off the lineup of exceptional panelists will be Nikolaj Candellari, who is responsible for project management at CyberGrid. The software company was acquired a few years ago by Austria’s EVN, one of the first to demonstrate that greater integration of renewable energy sources, battery storage, and prosumers is not possible without digitalization and software solutions.

In a nutshell, this innovative company stands for the digitalization of the energy sector, with a focus on virtual power plants.

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