April 6, 2025
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Prequalification open for 170 MW of battery storage in Kosovo*

Millennium Challenge Account Kosovo invited qualified companies to respond to the prequalification call for a battery storage project. The two lots are for 45 MW and 125 MW in operating power, with a duration of two hours.

The United States, acting through its Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) and the Government of Kosovo*, entered into a Millennium
Challenge Compact in 2022. The project contributes to poverty reduction through economic growth. Within the mechanism, a new prequalification call is on until February 14 for the design and build of utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) and transmission connection infrastructure.

The US participates with USD 202 million and the government in Prishtina allocated USD 34.7 million for the entire endeavor. Kosovo* intends to apply a portion to eligible payments under one or two contracts for BESS, the documentation shows.

The contracting authority in the prequalification process is called Millennium Challenge Account Kosovo (MCA-K). The subproject will be instrumental in enhancing the stability of the power grid and improving the management of energy imbalances, the call reads. It is the biggest investment in BESS in the Western Balkans.

Facilities to provide grid services, conduct energy arbitrage

The first lot will be for batteries with 45 MW in capability and a duration of two hours. It translates to 90 MWh in capacity. The second lot is for 125 MW and 250 MWh, respectively.

According to the project presentation MCC released earlier, the first facility will provide automatic frequency restoration reserve (aFRR) services. It would work for the Transmission, System and Market Operator (KOSTT) of Kosovo* and within the Albania-Kosovo (AL-KS) Control Block.

The site for one BESS facility is next to US Army base Camp Bondsteel

The site, near the city of Ferizaj (Uroševac), is right next to Camp Bondsteel. Led by the US Army, it is the seat of the Kosovo Force (KFOR).

The second BESS system would provide ancillary, balancing and other services and conduct energy arbitrage. It would operate under government-controlled Energy Storage Corp. (ESC or ESCorp). The location is in the municipality of Peja or, in Serbian, Peć.

The two future lithium-ion battery systems have budgets of USD 46 million and USD 125 million, respectively, the document shows.

They will be connected to 400/110 kV substations Ferizaj 2 and Peja 3, via underground cables.

Online conference scheduled for December 23

The current announcement adds there would be a prequalification webinar on December 23.

MCC expects to issue the call for bids in July and that construction would start in May 2026. The targeted commercial operation date is August 2028.

Of note, the Millennium Challenge Compact program includes the Just and Equitable Transition Acceleration (JETA) project. It consists of reskilling and the promotion of an inclusive energy sector workforce.

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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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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
by in News

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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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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April 6, 2025
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Cypriot minister not optimistic about cable project with Greece amid Turkish intimidation

Cypriot Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos said the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project still faces very serious political obstacles. He highlighted the pressure from Turkey, alongside the financing disputes with Greece regarding the EU-backed bilateral investment to lay an undersea electricity cable that would connect the two countries.

Following a second incident this month when Turkish navy intimidated ships researching the seabed, Minister of Finance of Cyprus Makis Keravnos expressed doubt in the feasibility of the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI). It is a project to connect his country’s electricity system with Greece’s through Crete, by laying a cable under the sea.

“I can’t say I’m optimistic, especially when there are still very serious political obstacles, namely those posed by Turkey,” the official said, as quoted by domestic media. Namely, Turkish corvette TCG Bartın has approached Ievoli Relume and NG Worker, Italian vessels conducting research for the interconnection, in international waters just north of Crete.

GSI investment concerns now have to be addressed

Nevertheless, a recent due diligence study by a hired foreign consultancy showed the draft bilateral deal heavily favors Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO or, in Greek, Admie). The authors warned of an “unnecessary additional layer of risks for any equity investors in GSI.”

Keravnos said the document confirms his concerns and that they must be discussed. While the two sides are working to overcome their financing dispute, the project is suffering delays, increasing the risk of cancellation.

Keravnos said in October that the total cost could well surpass EUR 2 billion. The Crete-Cyprus part is substantially leaning on funding from the European Union. The idea was to later extend the interconnector to Israel.

Turkey has been obstructing both GSI surveys and hydrocarbon exploration around Cyprus. There were several incidents involving gunboats.

Cyprus craves interconnections, flexibility sollutions

Meanwhile, Cyprus is struggling to maintain the stability of its isolated electricity system. Oil-fired power plants are increasingly working near their upper limits in peak hours. Conversely, storage capacities, flexibility systems and digital controls are needed for mitigating the pressure on the grid at times of weather-induced jumps in the production of wind and solar power, but also sharp drops.

It is the only noninterconnected country in the European Union. Moreover, Cyprus has no access to natural gas yet.

GSI was formerly known as EuroAsia Interconnector.

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April 6, 2025
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EDP Renewables inaugurates two wind power plants in Greece

EDP Renewables declared its two new wind farms in Central Greece and Thessaly open, adding almost 70 MW to the transmission grid. The country expanded its wind power capacity by only 125 MW last year.

EDP and its subsidiary EDP Renewables held an inauguration ceremony for two wind parks in Greece. It secured government support for both in 2019 at renewable energy auctions, through 20-year contracts for difference (CfD). At the time, the Portugal-based utility expected to begin commercial operations in 2022.

The two facilities have almost 70 MW in combined capacity connected to the transmission grid. The expected annual output is 143 GWh. It is equivalent to the electricity needs of more than 37,000 Greek households. EDP Renewables estimated carbon dioxide emissions savings to be over 102,000 tons per year.

Greece increased its wind power capacity by only 125 MW last year.

EDP Renewables relies on 20-year CfDs in its wind power investments in Greece

The event was held at the Xironomi site in Boeotia (also Beotia and Viotia) in the region of Central Greece. The wind farm has a capacity of 36 MW and the CfD is for 33 MW.

The other facility is Chalcodonio. It is located in the Magnesia regional unit in Thessaly. The 33.6 MW wind farm project has won a 30 MW contract for difference.

“Greece is emerging as a regional leader in renewable energy, as its abundant wind and solar resources offer enormous potential. The country’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 55% by 2030, in line with EU targets, makes it an attractive market for clean energy investments,” said Country Manager of EDP Renewables Dionysios Andronas.

Company has four facilities online

The company has 150 MW online in Greece in four wind parks, positioning it among the top 10 operators in the segment, according to the announcement.

Last year EDP Renewables commissioned its Erimia wind power plant of 35 MW and an estimated annual production of 71 GWh. It entered the Greek market in 2018 with two 20-year CfDs.

The company later reached an agreement with infrastructure group Ellaktor for the joint development of onshore wind projects.

EDP plans 3 GW of renewable energy capacity per year, focusing on wind and solar power as well as energy storage. In its business plan for the period 2023-2026, the company earmarked EUR 12 billion for investments on a global scale.

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April 6, 2025
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Race against time for Greece to avoid a blackout on Easter

Greek authorities are rushing to secure the electricity system against a possible blackout during Easter.

Greece currently produces much more electricity than it needs on certain days due to a high renewables penetration and insufficient energy storage. It should be noted that in 2024 the country became a net power exporter for the first time after two decades. Usually, extra power is no problem, as it is exported and curtailments ensure nominal system operation with no danger of a blackout.

However, this year there will be days when low demand combined with high renewable electricity production creates a problem. At Easter, demand traditionally craters.

Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO or Admie) estimates that on Easter Sunday the country’s interconnections would operate near their maximum safety limits. If even a single line goes offline, it would lead to a domino effect and the possible loss of all the connections with neighboring countries. As a result, the frequency will rise beyond safe limits in the Greek system, triggering the desynchronization of power plants and a blackout.

To avoid such a scenario, authorities have imposed adding telemetry systems in recent months to photovoltaic units of over 400 kW connected to the distribution network. Currently, the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO or DEDDIE) can curtail 1.9 GW of solar power capacity, but another 6 GW is unswitchable.

Telemetry must be enabled by April in small PV units

A deadline was given until February 13 to the owners within the latter category to add telemetry equipment so that HEDNO can curtail their production when needed. However, very few complied and the rest said they are still waiting for the systems to be delivered.

HEDNO estimates that 5,700 plants with capacities of 400 kW to 1 MW must be added to curtailments, as well as 600 plants with more than 1 MW apiece.

Based on the above, owners of solar power units and the two grid operators must add the ability by April to ensure system stability.

Gradual installation of energy storage facilities is expected to help significantly and bring curtailments down.

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April 6, 2025
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Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal to remain out of service at least until end-March

On the day when it was supposed to get the Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal in Greece back online, its operator Gastrade extended the outage by another month. The company never revealed the details of the malfunction.

Just as gas storage in the European Union slipped below 40% of capacity, the operator of the Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal substantially pushed back the target date of restarting operations. Located offshore northeastern Greece, the facility has major potential for boosting the market in other Southeastern European countries and providing ample supply.

After several shorter delays, Gastrade extended the outage by another month, until March 31. On January 23 it reported a technical issue. Then it announced that a limited regasification service would be available, but there were virtually no gas flows for a few days. On January 28, the company declared that the liquefied natural gas facility went offline.

Gastrade was supposed to bring Europe’s newest LNG terminal back to service on February 28. Instead, it prolonged the outage for a whole month that day, fueling concerns about the severity of the malfunction and speculation about the cause.

Operators association Gas Infrastructure Europe and the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG) noted the update.

Capacity utilization of Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal was relatively low

Put into commercial operation at the beginning of October, the facility could regasify LNG to as much as 5.5 billion cubic meters per year. The capacity of the floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), the LNG ship, is 153,500 cubic meters.

Gastrade’s update fueled concerns about the severity of the malfunction and speculation about the cause.

Importantly, the Alexandroupolis LNG terminal has only a handful of contracts. It means the controversial breakdown doesn’t directly jeopardize gas supply in the Balkans much. In addition, Bulgaria’s Bulgargaz secured a replacement from Turkey.

Founding shareholder Elmina Copelouzou, LNG carrier fleet owner and operator GasLog, DEPA Commercial, Bulgartransgaz and Greece’s National Natural Gas System Operator (DESFA) all control 20% each in the joint venture in Alexandroupolis.

Discussions are underway in the European Union to cut back the obligatory 90% gas storage level, on November 1 each year, to 80%. The measure obviously wouldn’t help next winter’s security of supply, but there would be less demand and upward pressure on prices.

Balkan Stream pipeline is currently only direct route for Russian gas

Just before the Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal crashed, an outage at Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz gas field disrupted the deliveries to Europe through the Southern Gas Corridor, toward the Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP.

Ukraine declined to renew a contract with Russia, halting the flow of gas to Central Europe at the beginning of the year. The TurkStream and Balkan Stream pipelines remained the only direct and operating route for Russian gas.

Serbia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia are counting on the Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal, the new interconnectors between Greece and Bulgaria (IGB) and Bulgaria and Serbia as well as on deliveries of gas from Azerbaijan. In addition, there are plans for gas pipelines connecting North Macedonia with Greece and Serbia.

Serbia and Romania intend to build a gas link of 1.6 billion cubic meters in annual capacity. Minister of Energy Sebastian Burduja said last year that Romania has become the biggest natural gas producer in the European Union. Moreover, its Neptun Deep offshore field is due to come online in 2027.

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April 6, 2025
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Terna Energy to build solar power plant of 130 MW in Bulgaria

Terna Energy is developing a project for a 130 MW photovoltaic plant near Burgas in Bulgaria. The company, owned by Masdar, plans to connect it to the grid already by the end of next year. Recently it also reached landmark points in the development of wind power projects in Greece.

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co. (Masdar), which has high ambitions for its expansion in Southeastern Europe, relies to a great extent on its recently acquired subsidiary Terna Energy. The Greek company revealed that it is preparing to install a 130 MW solar park near the village of Vratitsa in eastern Bulgaria.

The project in the municipality of Kameno in Burgas province includes design and procurement, as well as grid connection works including a new 33/110 kV substation. Terna Energy Group said it is targeting completion by the end of 2026.

As part of the strategic cooperation with the former parent company, GEK Terna, its construction arm Terna SA was selected as the contractor, the announcement reads.

Terna Energy operates two wind farms in Bulgaria, with 30 MW in overall capacity.

With its recent share purchases, Masdar boosted its stake in the Greek company to 97.6% from 87.9%. The green energy giant based in the United Arab Emirates acquired Terna Energy last year.

Wind power projects in Evia progressing

In other recent news, Terna Energy received operating licenses for four projects for a wind power complex. The sites are in Karystos in Greece’s second largest island – Evia, also known as Euboea. It is one of the country’s wind power hubs and an important area for the company.

The Terna Energy Omalies subsidiary is responsible for the said investments, of 78 MW in total. They are part of an endeavor consisting of 11 wind farms.

The location for the biggest of the four, at 36 MW and with 12 turbines, is called Praro. The company ordered 3 MW machines from Enercon for all the sites. Molizeza 1 and Kalamaki 2 are for 18 MW each, and Kalamaki would have 6 MW.

Joint venture with MORE for Greece’s first offshore wind farm

Of note, the construction of wind parks in the Balkans has mostly slowed down. Moreover, Bulgaria has been at a standstill since the first wave of investments died down more than a decade ago, while Romania is struggling to pick up pace. Greece added only 125 MW last year.

Terna Energy is counting on opportunities in the offshore wind domain. In January, it joined forces with Greek refiner Motor Oil in the pilot project for the country’s first facility of the kind.

Motor Oil Renewable Energy (MORE) now holds 50% of joint venture Aioliki Provata Traianoupoleos. The project firm is tasked with developing a 400 MW offshore wind power plant on the Ionnian Sea between Alexandroupolis and the island of Samothrace. The two companies aim to complete it by the end of the decade.

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April 6, 2025
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PPC begins construction of 165 MW solar farm with BESS in Bulgaria

PPC Group is accelerating its expansion in the Balkans by laying the foundation stone for its Colosseum solar power project in Bulgaria. The facility will have 165 MW in peak capacity and include a battery energy storage system (BESS), the Greek state-controlled utility revealed. The company’s investment plan includes Italy, where it recently commissioned the first two solar parks.

Public Power Corp. – PPC Group said it commenced the construction of a photovoltaic plant in Stara Zagora in central Bulgaria. The project involves 260,000 bifacial solar panels with an expected annual power generation of more than 265 GWh. It is one of the biggest investments abroad for Greece’s government-controlled utility, which is expanding in Southeastern Europe and beyond.

The Colosseum solar park will have 165 MW in peak capacity and include a BESS facility of 25 MW in operating power and a capacity of 55 MWh. The liquid-cooled lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries will support the operation of the photovoltaic plant and contribute to the stability of the electricity system, the company added.

A 33/110 kV substation will be built on the site, the announcement reads. The solar power plant’s estimated output is equivalent to the electricity needs of more than 45,000 Bulgarian households.

PPC has 550 MW in project pipeline in Bulgaria

PPC Group runs an 18 MW wind farm called Garda in the country and another 550 MW in its renewables project pipeline. The company’s overall online green energy capacity is 5.5 GW.

According to its three-year strategic plan, by 2027, PPC Group will develop another 6.3 GW of renewables in Greece and the region. It revealed that more than 60% is under construction or ready for construction.

First PV units from strategic deal with Metlen in Italy came online in December

In December, PPC Group said it launched the operation of photovoltaic plants Carcarello and Luxenia, its first two facilities in Italy. They have 20 MW and 12 MW, respectively, in peak capacity. It translates to over 60 GWh of electricity per year in total from the two solar power units in central Italy.

The production can meet the demand of almost 15,000 households. The contractor for Carcarello and Luxenia was Metlen, formerly known as Mytilineos. The projects are part of a region-wide strategic agreement for photovoltaics, for 2 GW. Another 160 MW of PV capacity is under construction in the country.

Greek state-controlled power utility is largest renewables producer in Romania

PPC Group is the largest renewable energy producer in Romania, operating 25 wind, photovoltaic and hydroelectric facilities as well as battery storage units.

Its subsidiary Reţele Electrice România invested EUR 240 million last year in the expansion and modernization of its electricity distribution network. The firm plans to increase the number of smart meters in the three regions that it serves to two million by the end of 2025.

Gas-hydrogen CHP plant in Kardia to be completed by end-2026

As for its home market, the Greek utility said in January that it started the construction of a high-efficiency combined heat and power (CHP) plant. The future gas facility of 17 units is within the site of the former Kardia coal-fired power plant in the Western Macedonia province.

The company expects to complete the EUR 80 million cogeneration investment by the end of next year. According to earlier updates, the facility will have 105.3 MW in power capacity and 66.5 MW for thermal energy.

The project envisages the use of a mixture of fossil gas and hydrogen. The group is building another gas plant in Alexandroupolis.

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