December 2, 2025
by in News

Greece to support 130 MW in agrivoltaics through tariffs

Greece aims to host a new batch of agrivoltaics, based on a bill of law that the Ministry of Environment and Energy submitted to Parliament. It includes subsidies.

Several proposed provisions concern carbon capture and storage (CCS), energy storage and renewable energy. Among them, a goal is set for the installation of 130 MW of agrivoltaics across the country.

Specifically, up to 10 MW would be allowed in each periphery (region), with individual projects at a maximum of 200 kW. The agrisosolar panels must be mounted at over 2.1 meters above the ground, in order to allow agricultural production below them. Alternatively, they can be installed on top of greenhouses.

Another interesting novelty is that agrivoltaics could be combined with battery storage unit. They would need to provide at least one hour of storage and wouldn’t be allowed to store energy from the grid, but only from the solar plant.

When it comes to the financial aspect, the agrivoltaic facilities would benefit from a EUR 65 per MWh tariff. It remains to be seen whether the sum is sufficient for support, as costs of photovoltaics raised at such height are higher than for traditional systems. The Panhellenic Association of Agricultural Photovolatics (PSAF) has warned that if the tariff is deemed too small, farmers will not invest in the technology and the entire program will be fruitless.

Applications to commence in February 2026

Eligible applicants are professional farmers or companies that have signed agreements with owners of cultivated fields and greenhouses. Each may install up to two agrivoltaic units.

Investors would be able to submit their applications for connection terms from February 2026. Consequently, the Hellenic Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO or DEDDIE) would decide on each project within two months, until the local limit of 10 MW is reached.

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December 2, 2025
by in News

GGF ushers in new wave of energy transition investments in Western Balkans with eight deals

The Green for Growth Fund has signed a series of agreements on green lending and support for major solar power and energy storage projects throughout the Western Balkans. The new commitments, backed by an investment from KfW, will lift its green financing portfolio in the region by up to EUR 176 million.

At the EU–Western Balkans Investment Forum in Tirana, held in October, GGF announced the European Union’s EUR 20 million investment in its class C shares, via Germany’s KfW Development Bank. It was accompanied by a EUR 4 million donation to the climate action fund’s capacity building and advisory facility, its advisor Finance in Motion said.

The proceeds are set to mobilize more private capital for renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate resilience across the region, the update revealed.

The Green for Growth fund signed a series of agreements at the forum for green lending, and for financing solar power and battery projects in North Macedonia, Kosovo* and Albania.

Von der Leyen: The time to invest in the Western Balkans is now

The event was attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.

“Your economies are already set to grow rapidly in the coming years. We established the Western Balkans Growth Plan for exactly that. The EU opens sectors of its economy for your business. Together, we work on reforms for a level playing field. And alongside reforms comes investment. The Western Balkans Growth Plan aims at doubling regional GDP in the next decade. So my message to investors today is straightforward: Do not let this opportunity pass by. The time to invest in the Western Balkans is now,” Von der Leyen said.

The commitments signed within a special segment of the Tirana conference are boosting the fund’s cumulative investments into the region to more than EUR 850 million. Earlier it provided over EUR 675 million overall in green finance in the Western Balkans in support of climate action, energy security and sustainable industry.

The new commitments are expected to avoid emissions of some 175,000 tons of CO2. It is equivalent to 400,000 barrels of oil not being burnt.

Trailblazing investments ahead in photovoltaics, BESS

The Green for Growth Fund intends to provide funding for one of the first grid-scale battery projects in North Macedonia and the Western Balkans.

Renalfa IPP is about to expand its 50 MW photovoltaic plant in Oslomej, on the site of a former coal mine, with a 200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). GGF has already provided debt financing for the solar installation, and the two sides signed a mandate letter for EUR 24 million for the BESS investment. It is one of the investments for the transformation of the REK Oslomej coal mine and power plant complex.

Renalfa IPP’s pioneering PV plant Oslomej on coal land will get a battery facility

GGF also signed a term sheet for Quant Renewables’ solar power project in Kosovo* for 142.2 MW in peak capacity. It comprises PV plants Tucep (98.5 MW) and Veriq (43.7 MW) on land previously designated for lignite mining.

The Green for Growth Fund would support it with up to EUR 12 million in preferred equity, complementing senior debt financing led by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Set to become Kosovo’s* biggest solar park, its estimated annual output would match the electricity needs of 63,000 households.

The facility would save an estimated 168,138 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year (22,529 tons prorated to GGF’s investment).

The third renewables project is HD Solar Park in Albania. Through a letter of intent, GGF expressed its goal to provide up to EUR 30 million in senior debt financing. Bindi, the developer, has envisaged 60 MW of peak capacity and a co-located 120 MWh battery system. It would be one of the first large-scale solar-plus-storage initiatives in the country.

Five new deals with financial institutions for as much as EUR 110 million in total

The partner financial institutions that signed agreements with the Green for Growth Fund will channel the financing to their clients for investments in renewables, sustainable mobility, and energy and resource efficiency in buildings and industrial production.

There are five new deals for as much as EUR 110 million in credit lines and subordinated loans.

Two credit lines for partners in Kosovo*

The KRK microfinance institution in Kosovo* aims to utilize a new credit line, of EUR 5 million, for efficiency refurbishments and retrofits of the residential sector as well as small-scale renewable energy. It would be its sixth investment with the Green for Growth Fund since establishing the partnership in 2017.

BpB, the first bank in Kosovo* founded with fully local capital, finances households and small and medium-sized enterprises. Building on a previous partnership, it will channel GGF’s senior credit line of EUR 5 million into energy efficiency and renewable energy.

It will particularly benefit SMEs, including clients in the agricultural sector seeking to upgrade energy systems or invest in low-carbon vehicles, efficient equipment and modern irrigation systems, the fund added.

EUR 95 million in total for Serbian lenders

The Green for Growth Fund signed a loan agreement with UniCredit Bank Serbia for a EUR 50 million senior credit line. The focus is on commercial-scale solar and wind power, helping decarbonize Serbia’s coal-dependent electricity system.

GGF expects it to become one of the fund’s most impactful investments, by avoiding 84,550 tons of emissions in CO2 equivalent terms – equivalent to taking 44,500 cars off the road. The fund has invested EUR 115 million in UniCredit Bank Serbia to decarbonize the country’s electricity system.

Another Serbian lender in the group is AikBank, eligible for a EUR 45 million subordinated loan. The deal is for financing renewables and energy efficiency projects of corporate clients.

The bank will additionally benefit from GGF’s technical assistance for technical due diligence and environmental and social assessments, for the implementation of green energy projects in line with the best practices, the partners stressed.

ProCredit Bank in BiH is eyeing solar power projects

ProCredit Bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina is getting a subordinated loan of up to EUR 5 million, following two such facilities in 2022 and last year. The Green for Growth Fund’s investment is for maintaining the partner’s capital position and supporting the expansion of its green portfolio. The bank especially sees opportunities in solar power, where there is significant potential for BiH to catch up with regional leaders.

“We thank our investors for their continued confidence. This kind of catalytic capital drives tangible impact in Southeast Europe and shows how aligning investment with ambitious climate goals accelerates the green transition,” Finance in Motion said.

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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.
December 2, 2025
by in News

Germany’s energy and climate cooperation with Serbia improves people’s lives

Projects implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the KfW Development Bank in Serbia have introduced modern heating systems to many towns, improved insulation in public buildings and promoted renewable energy to benefit citizens and local communities. Anke Konrad, the German Ambassador to Serbia highlighted these achievements during the interview with the Balkan Green Energy News, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the German Development Cooperation in the country. She emphasized that these initiatives enhance people’s quality of life, reduce emissions and contribute to environmental protection.

Ambassador Konrad also pointed out that the long-term Regional Climate Partnership with the Western Balkans is based on shared values and goals, aimed at investing in more secure and climate-resilient future.

Ambitious reductions of harmful emissions go hand in hand with a strong economy, German Ambassador to Serbia Anke Konrad says. GIZ and KfW are supporting the country’s green transition, which includes a rising solar power capacity, she noted and called it an enormous success.

Climate action is not a cost, but a strategic investment, Ambassador Konrad pointed out.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of development cooperation between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Serbia. What are the cornerstones of this partnership, and what significant achievements have been realised over the years?

This year, we look back with pride on 25 years of successful development cooperation that has delivered tangible benefits to people all over Serbia, has brought our two countries closer together, and Serbia closer to the European Union. From the outset, Germany’s support has focused on strengthening institutions, supporting economic growth, and improving living standards. Together with our Serbian partners, we have achieved progress in training and vocational education, good governance, environmental protection, and infrastructure development.

For example, thousands of students and hundreds of companies participate in dual education programmes every year. In digitalization projects, more than 2,000 small and medium-sized companies improved their productivity and competitiveness through digitalizing internal procedures. Another great example are digital services for individuals, such as the seasonal worker portal or the Register of Administrative Procedures, an online register for all administrative services with over 2.2 million registered “e-citizens”.

We look forward to continuing to implement projects that will improve the lives for people in Serbia and support Serbia on its path towards the EU

In 2022, the installed capacity for solar energy generation was at 6 MW. Now it stands at 84.4 MW. This equals a reduction of 118,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year. Where there were 400 solar energy prosumers in 2022, now there are almost 4,000. This represents an enormous success toward combating climate change and creating a sustainable economy. We have supported this transition both through technical advice by GIZ and investments by KfW.

What makes our partnership special is its continuity, reliability and spirit of co-creation. We work together with Serbian partners and citizens, building on a strong foundation of dialogue, cooperation and shared responsibility. In this spirit, we look forward to continuing to implement projects that will improve the lives for people in Serbia and support Serbia on its path towards the EU.

Let us turn our attention to energy and climate-related matters. Germany plays a vital role as one of Serbia’s primary partners in supporting the country’s energy transition and climate efforts. Which specific areas of collaboration would you like to highlight?

Combatting climate change and the transition to green energy are some of the most pressing questions of our time. As we are following the 30th UN Climate Change Conference taking place in Brazil in November, it’s clear that international partnerships, innovation and practical initiatives to reduce emissions are key to preserving our environment and, with that, our prosperity and security. Reduction of CO2 emissions will lead to significant health benefits as a result of cleaner air.

That is one of the reasons why energy and climate cooperation has become one of the most visible parts of our partnership with Serbia. Together, we are enabling Serbian citizens to use more clean energy from wind, sun and water, and to make homes, schools and businesses more sustainable and more energy efficient.

Through our projects that are implemented by GIZ and KfW, many towns now have modern heating systems, better-insulated public buildings, and new renewable energy projects that benefit local communities.

This work is not only about technology – it is about improving people’s daily lives, lowering harmful emissions, and protecting the environment for future generations.

Germany energy climate cooperation Serbia improves people lives Ambassador Anke Konrad interview
Anke Konrad, the German Ambassador to Serbia delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the annual event of WISE Serbia network of women in sustainable energy, climate action and environmental protection (photo: Balkan Green Energy News)

What is the current landscape for German companies operating in Serbia’s energy sector? We have noticed a notable presence of technology firms compared to development companies, which raises questions about the level of interest from German investors in Serbia and the wider Western Balkan region. What factors might contribute to this observed reluctance among German investors?

German investors very much believe in Serbia, its business environment and its progress on the path towards the European Union. That is a major factor why over 900 companies with German capital are operating in Serbia.

Altogether, they account for 6% of Serbia’s GDP and provide employment to over 80,000 people. German companies in Serbia are here to stay.

Future investment decisions will depend on a wide variety of factors. Apart from global developments and trends, Serbia’s reform efforts, the efficiency of public institutions, transparency, rule of law and the fight against corruption are important factors when it comes to investment decisions. A predictable and fair investment environment and steady progress towards the EU offer the best prospects for growth and prosperity.

The ongoing efforts to decarbonise the energy sector and transform the economy towards greener and more climate-friendly solutions have been pivotal in the policies of both the European Union and the German government, which is an integral member of the EU. In light of the current economic stagnation and heightened security concerns that are impacting the budget, will Germany continue to uphold its commitment to this crucial agenda to the same extent?

The European Union aims to become climate-neutral by 2050. This binding goal is enshrined in the EU Climate Law and it is the basis for our commitment to reduce emissions and achieve climate targets. Germany will continue to lead by example. We want to demonstrate that ambitious emissions reductions go hand in hand with a strong economy. And we will continue to invest in climate action worldwide because decarbonization offers vast potential for innovation and economic development.

Here in the region, we have partnered with the Western Balkans to establish Germany’s first regional climate partnership in 2022. At the 2022 summit of the Berlin Process, Germany has pledged EUR 1.5 billion by 2030 to support the fight against climate change and the use of renewable energy in the region. Much of this support has already been commissioned.

Much of the EUR 1.5 billion in Germany’s support for climate action and renewable energy has been materialized

We see climate action not as a cost, but as a strategic investment in our future. It contributes to diversification of energy sources and helps with energy security and thus stability. It can have a positive impact on long-term economic competitiveness. Crucially, joint climate action protects our planet as a place where we can all continue to prosper.

Within the Regional Climate Partnership, we have a structured dialogue on carbon-pricing readiness, renewable energy deployment, power market integration and just transition. This long-term cooperation aims to help partners in the region to advance their energy and climate goals in line with EU standards, ensuring that the benefits of the energy transition reach citizens, communities, and businesses. For Germany, this is a long-term partnership grounded in shared values, shared goals, and an investment in a more secure and climate-resilient future considering the need for strong interconnectivity within Europe.

Anke Konrad, the German Ambassador to Serbia (photo: Balkan Green Energy News)

Germany is Europe’s solar and wind energy front-runner. What valuable insights can be gleaned from this experience that may be beneficial for Serbia in its pursuit of renewable energy advancements?

Germany’s experience shows that the energy transition is achievable when there is clear political will, a stable regulatory environment, and strong public participation. Success depends on combining large-scale renewable projects with opportunities for citizens and municipalities to invest and benefit directly.

Serbia has great potential to apply these insights, building on its natural resources, skilled engineers, and growing public interest in clean energy.

GIZ has been actively supporting WISE Serbia, a network dedicated to empowering women in the fields of sustainable energy, climate action, and environmental protection. In your opinion, does the energy sector provide equitable opportunities for both men and women in Serbia and globally? Also, would you advise girls and young women to pursue careers in those industries?

The energy sector is changing rapidly, and this transformation opens new doors for women to take leading roles in technology, management, and innovation. While there is still progress to be made, both in Serbia and globally, we already see many talented women engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs shaping the transition to clean energy.

To give some perspective, change is already very visible at the university level, where around 40% of power engineering students at the University of Belgrade are women.

Initiatives such as WISE Serbia play a key role in giving visibility, confidence, and networks to women

We can look to role models in this field, such as this year’s recipient of the Female Leader in Sustainable Energy award, Ljiljana Velimirović. Initiatives such as WISE Serbia play a key role in giving visibility, confidence, and networks to women in this field, which still has great further potential.

My advice to girls and young women is clear: follow your curiosity and ambition, the energy transition needs your creativity and commitment just as much as it needs new technology.

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December 2, 2025
by in News

Revolutionising retail: power of real-time energy visibility with SolarEdge ONE for C&I

As retail evolves, supermarkets are under pressure to boost efficiency and sustainability. The key enabler of this transformation is SolarEdge ONE for C&I – a comprehensive platform that delivers real-time energy visibility and management for commercial and industrial (C&I) environments.

SolarEdge ONE for C&I integrates advanced solar PV, storage, and energy analytics, providing retailers with a unified “single pane of glass” to monitor, control, and optimize energy flows across their entire estate. This platform enables supermarkets to harness solar energy during peak hours, store excess power, and intelligently manage consumption, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering operational costs.

With the rise of electric vehicles and increasing electrification, supermarkets face growing energy demands. SolarEdge ONE for C&I addresses this by combining real-time data from solar panels, refrigeration, lighting, HVAC, and EV chargers. The result is a holistic view of energy usage, allowing retailers to identify inefficiencies, prevent asset failures, and take targeted actions to reduce waste and costs.

CSS-OD WG Solar Germany

Millions of sensor readings in real time

A standout feature of SolarEdge ONE for C&I is its edge-based computing, capable of processing millions of sensor readings in real time. This empowers retailers to visualize and analyze data instantly, even across hundreds of stores, warehouses, and logistics centers. The platform’s scalability means that even large retail chains can centralize energy management, ensuring consistent performance and rapid response to anomalies.

The financial benefits are significant: retailers using SolarEdge ONE for C&I have reported substantial reductions in energy costs – such as a 4.5% drop in lighting expenses – translating to millions in annual savings. The system also supports flexible energy pricing strategies, enabling retailers to shift consumption based on tariff changes, avoid penalties, and even participate in energy trading or arbitrage.

SolarEdge ONE Controller for C&I

SolarEdge ONE for C&I sets retailers on path to future

By leveraging SolarEdge ONE for C&I, supermarkets are not only meeting their sustainability goals but also gaining a competitive edge in a dynamic energy market. The platform’s advanced analytics and automation prepare retailers for the future, allowing them to optimize energy use, comply with carbon reduction targets, and unlock new revenue streams.

In summary, SolarEdge ONE for C&I is transforming retail energy management. Its real-time visibility, intelligent controls, and scalable architecture empower supermarkets to operate more efficiently, sustainably, and profitably – setting a new standard for the industry.

Find out more: SolarEdge ONE for C&I: optimizing all energy assets | SolarEdge

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December 2, 2025
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Energy communities reduce power bills for members, improve electricity market

Citizen energy communities make the energy system greener and benefit society at a local level, Josh Roberts from European federation of energy communities REScoop said in his presentation, organized in Belgrade by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. It is a form of association that also lowers costs for households, institutions and small firms and entrepreneurs, and contributes to the deployment of progressive technologies. Furthermore, it is a framework for democratic control.

The event included developers from the emerging segment of energy communities and cooperatives in Serbia. They outlined the current initiatives and pointed to challenges regarding market entry, financing and policies.

The establishment and operation of energy communities is arranged through the European Union’s latest legislation, as well as in Serbia and other Western Balkan countries, but they are not a new concept. For instance, such entities still accounted for almost half of wind power output in Denmark in late 1990s, according to Senior Policy Advisor Josh Roberts from REScoop, the European federation of energy communities and cooperatives.

Speaking at a gathering that GIZ organized in Belgrade he pointed to the benefits for citizens, small firms and entrepreneurs and for institutions from setting up or joining energy communities. Initiatives in Serbia were also presented, and their progress in the same field, and the event included dialogue on the necessary technical solutions for connecting to the distribution grid.

Brussels-based REScoop was founded in 2013. In its membership are organizations from 22 European countries. They include Serbian energy cooperative Elektropionir. It gained the most ground regarding association and the implementation of projects.

One coal town has put up signpost for energy communities in Slovenia

Among other examples, Roberts highlighted Slovenia’s first energy community with a rooftop solar power plant for joint use. The facility is on the roof of an elementary school. The project involves aid for people living in energy poverty and it is free to join the group.

It is in the town of Hrastnik in a former coal industry area. The participants already lowered their power bills by 30%, and the gains will be even greater when they pay off the loan, Roberts said.

There are more than 1,600 energy communities in Austria

The representative of the REScoop federation stressed that municipalities in the Belgian region of Wallonia have succeeded in obtaining the right for citizens to participate in investments in green energy projects. It resulted in the foundation of a range of energy communities.

Roberts especially commended Austria’s legal framework with regard to enabling citizens to participate. The country hosts more than 1,600 energy communities.

Udruzivanje energetske zajednice smanjuje troskove trziste elektricne energije Dzos Roberts Josh REScoop GIZ

Energy community eases grid operator’s job

Energy communities are envisaged to return the invested funds to society at the local level. Subsidies are especially favorable for that, Roberts explained. Income is directed to education, infrastructure and aid against energy poverty.

The essence is that the community controls the distribution of the proceeds. In addition, grid operators can communicate more easily with one entity than with a hundred prosumers, Roberts underscored. Prosumers – or buyers-consumers, as they are formally called in Serbia, generate electricity for their own needs.

Pooling together enables providing services in the market, where energy communities can supply and store energy as well as conduct energy efficiency services, among other activities.

It means an entity of such type can ease the evening grid load, in moments of the highest demand, using energy from its batteries. That way, price peak shaving is achieved.

Registration process must be separate from defining activity

As for the procedure, Roberts said registration needs to be only for acknowledgement, rather than for approving specific activities.

“It’s about acknowledging the legal form and it’s about checking about how that legal form ensures compliance with the eligibility criteria. We have found very complex registration procedures. This does not work. It needs to be simple,” he stressed.

There are many activities that energy communities can undertake and they need to be able to enter them gradually, without complex procedures for licenses and permits

Conversely, in some jurisdictions there are simplified ways to get a supplier license. It enables an energy community to enter the activity gradually, instead of having to fulfill the requirements for all segments, even without having a comprehensive business model, the members or a business case, Roberts said.

He mentioned at the same time that one of the basic ideas is promoting inclusiveness.

“It’s already hard to set up an energy community, but it’s even harder to involve members who may have a hard time paying their bills, or have a lot less disposable income. So we found that the best models at the moment are for energy communities either to front the membership fees or for local authorities to pay for this upfront. And in energy sharing, we’re seeing more and more of energy donated to vulnerable households,” he stated.

Energy cooperatives helping improve rural areas from which people are leaving

Energy communities are giving people an opportunity for climate action and to contribute to their community, Roberts said. He added that such projects improve the area where they are conducted, stressing that it is especially important for rural areas from which many people are leaving.

A key point is that they enable participants to control their costs, production, consumption and energy sharing.

 The main challenge in Serbia is how to obtain a grid connection, alongside the matter of accessibility of incentives and loans

Importantly, energy communities are linked to the tradition of cooperatives, for which Serbia used to be known, but there is still much left to do around the legal framework.

There was word at the said gathering with representatives of institutions about the complexity of adjusting the electricity network to the production’s decentralization, as well as about the possibility to streamline the procedure for the establishment of energy communities and their operation.

Serbia is yet to address the accessibility of subsidies and financing, while currently the main issue is how to get grid connection approvals.

Energetsko zadrugarstvo smanjuje troskove trziste elektricne energije GIZ

Enterprise, association or cooperative

The speakers and other participants in the event agreed that the electricity market isn’t complete without energy communities, while that they modernize and democratize it.

When it comes to Serbian regulations, such legal entities have the right to conduct aggregation, but they need a license for it. Notably, aggregators have balancing responsibility, so they need to cover the deviations from the forecasted output.

Energy communities were introduced in the latest version of the Law on Energy. When they become regular in practice, the framework will need to be adjusted gradually to the situation. Citizens, firms and municipal authorities establish energy communities as enterprises, associations or cooperatives.

The bottom line is to enable citizens to take part in the clean energy transition and achieve local environmental, economic and social benefits, as opposed to prioritizing profits. It implies collective ownership, democratic control and reinvestment into the community with the goal of reducing energy poverty and promote energy independence.

The basic technical requirement for members is to have a smart electricity meter.

Elektropionir pioneering agrisolar in Serbia

The event’s organizers gathered the people who achieved the first steps in Serbia – from the Sunčani krovovi (Sunny Roofs) energy cooperative, created in 2019, to Platform for Energy Transition, which participated in uniting three residential buildings in Niš, which have a joint solar power plant and electric vehicle chargers. It is one of the first six prosumers in Serbia in the category of homeowner associations.

The Elektropionir energy cooperative managed through crowdfunding to install two cooperative-owned rooftop solar power systems on the territory of the City of Pirot, on the buildings of a local community council and a cultural center. As part of the Solarna Stara project, on Mt. Stara planina, the two villages receive the income from the sale of surplus electricity.

Srem is set to become the main region in Serbia for community energy

Next, the same organization built the first agrisolar power plant in Serbia. The 20 kV facility is at an organic farm, Organela, near the city of Valjevo.

Another recent undertaking is a rooftop photovoltaic unit on a school in the town of Ruma, envisaged to be the basis for an energy community. In the same area, Elektropionir is working on the installation of several prosumer power plants on house roofs and on aggregating them, inspired by the enthusiasm and the solar system of its member Nenad Maričić.

Owners and neighbors can jointly invest and they will be able to become an energy community and share energy among themselves.

Center for Sustainable Development to integrate string of energy systems of various technologies

Near Ruma, which is in the Srem (Syrmia) region, the City of Sremska Mitrovica and Regional Development Agency Srem have launched a major project. It is for the establishment of renewable energy communities (RECs), which are essentially a subset of citizen energy communities (CECs).

The local authority provided land for research and development. It is next to the regional waste landfill and a wastewater treatment plant. The plan is that the Center for Sustainable Development builds and integrates a string of energy systems.

They would include combined heat and power (CHP) production – cogeneration – from biomass, small wind turbines and a PV plant. The project also involves heat pumps and a storage facility assembled from old batteries.

There would be a facility running on biogas from the landfill within the center, and a magnet electric generator. Residents of the adjacent village of Jarak would be able to join the energy community.

Belgrade Energy Community is focused on equity, solidarity

Another group emerging in community energy is Belgrade Energy Community. It intends to apply a model of collective self-consumption in an urban area, with a focus on trust, equity and solidarity.

Its idea is to enable people to generate, share and use green energy. The plan is to map roofs and consumption and set up the first pilot installations.

According to the Belgrade Energy Community, it will donate 5% of the output to households affected by energy poverty. It consists of a cooperative, a civil society organization, two small enterprises, several prosumers and citizens.

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November 17, 2025
by in News

Trial phase starts for 134 MW solar power plant in Romania

One of the biggest photovoltaic plants in Romania is due to begin commercial operation by the end of the year. China Huadian Corp., which bought 49%, is reportedly acquiring the entire 134 MW facility.

Project firm Grup Blauer București has completed the construction of a solar park in southern Romania. The 134 MW facility in the Studina commune in Olt county is one of the biggest in the country. Profit.ro reported that it is entering trial production.

The deadline for starting commercial operation is the end of 2025. Grup Blauer București is one of four developers of photovoltaic projects that China Huadian Corp. is taking over, the article adds. The conglomerate has 178 GW in operation, generating more than 640 TWh per year.

Grup Blauer București was owned until late 2022 by a group of investors including Bogdan Stelea. The Romanian national soccer team’s former goalkeeper held 21.4%. They sold the firm to CWP Europe.

Founders of Grup Blauer București included Romanian goalkeeper Bogdan Stelea

Next, in the summer of 2023, a subsidiary of Renalfa IPP bought a 50% stake. The news website found that China Huadian Hong Kong Co. currently controls 49% of the solar park. Its parent, established in 2002, is among the five largest state-owned Chinese companies.

Of note, China Huadian was interested in building a coal power plant in Romania, until the country decided to phase out the solid fossil fuel. The company also participated in a tender in 2015 for the revived Tarnița-Lăpuștești pumped storage hydropower project.

Romania’s largest solar park, Rătești, has 155 MW in peak capacity, but there several projects for larger capacities, too.

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November 17, 2025
by in News

UAE, Montenegro establish strategic green energy partnership

A new agreement between the UAE and Montenegro will facilitate connecting the energy sector with financial technologies and artificial intelligence. The two countries are also considering to deploy solar, wind, hydropower, green hydrogen and battery projects.

The United Arab Emirates and Montenegro agreed to cooperate in the energy sector, setting up a bilateral strategic partnership for the development of renewables, modern energy infrastructure and advanced technologies. The deal envisages joint contribution to projects of strategic significance to Montenegro from solar, wind and hydropower plants to the application of battery energy storage systems and the development of the green hydrogen technology.

Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Šahmanović signed the agreement with UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei. Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and the President of the UAE Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan attended the ceremony.

Montenegro aspires to become digital hub

The agreement is especially significant for connecting the energy sector with financial technologies and artificial intelligence, the Ministry of Energy and Mining of Montenegro said. The country is aspiring to position itself as a regional hub for innovation, digital transformation and the energy transition, it added.

Within their strategic partnership, the two countries are looking to establish a fintech and AI council. It would consist of representatives of the public and private sector and work on the development of innovative solutions, attracting investments and strengthening the domestic economy through the implementation of progressive technologies.

Joint vision of sustainable development, energy security

The agreement is a new step in the partnership between Montenegro and the UAE, founded on a joint vision of sustainable development, energy security and economic progress, the ministry pointed out.

“The partnership confirms that foreign partners recognize Montenegro as a safe and attractive place for investment in energy and advanced technologies. Our goal is to, through cooperation with the United Arab Emirates, open a new chapter in the development of renewable energy sources, digital infrastructure and innovation,” Šahmanović stressed.

The agreement will facilitate faster materialization of projects strengthening energy security and contributing to the decarbonization of the economy and job creation in the sector of the future, the ministry said.

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November 8, 2025
by in News

Green light in Greece for expansion of future photovoltaic, green hydrogen complex

Greece approved the request of a firm developing a project for a giant solar park with a green hydrogen plant to double the electrolyzer capacity. The site is in the vicinity of the village of Mantasia in the Phthiotis regional unit.

The Ministry of Environment and Energy in Athens signed off on a proposed change in the project for a complex that would consist of a photovoltaic plant of a whopping 251.9 MW in peak capacity and a system for the production of green hydrogen, Newmoney reported. Mantasia Energeiaki, the project firm, is controlled by German companies Altus and Yamko Energy and France-based Omnes Capital, according to the article.

They can build a 100 MW green hydrogen unit, instead of the initially planned 50 MW. Altus is a subsidiary of Kraftwerke Mainz-Wiesbaden AG (KMW).

The project developers are planning to produce hydrogen in PEM electrolyzers

The site, Karahasan, is near Mantasia, a village in the municipality of Domokos in the Phthiotis (Fthiotida) regional unit. Most of the area is in the territory of the community of Fyliadonos. The proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis facility would comprise ten units of 10 MW.

Total area envisaged for the project in Central Greece spans ​​427 hectares, of which 1.1 hectares for green hydrogen production. It would be stored in several units of 40 tons overall.

The project includes a 400/33 kV substation, with a capacity of 600 MVA, equivalent to 600 MW, as two similar projects would be connected through it. As for the PV plant, it would have 530 W monocrystalline silicon modules and 48 Sunny Central 4600 UP inverters.

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November 8, 2025
by in News

Eksim Energy launches production at its Yozgat wind park in central Turkey

Eksim Energy, which operates one of the biggest solar power plants in Turkey, commissioned the first part of its Yozgat wind farm. The company based in Istanbul has surpassed 1 GW in installed capacity.

Eksim Energy (Enerji) is accelerating its expansion in the green energy sector in Turkey – the company said it has received all permits for the first four turbines at its Yozgat wind farm in Central Anatolia. Now half of the planned 56 MW in capacity is online, less than a year since the start of construction.

The company, part of Eksim Holding and headquartered in Istanbul, revealed that 135 people worked 140,000 hours so far. Yozgat is its ninth wind power plant and thirteenth renewable energy facility, the update reads.

With the commissioning of the four turbines, Eksim Energy’s capacity topped 1 GW.

Just within the past year, the company also completed the expansion of its Gevye wind power plant, added a solar power segment to its Susurluk wind park and built the Viranşehir photovoltaic plant, one of the largest in Turkey.

Eksim Energy almost doubled its capacity since the end of 2024

Notably, Eksim Energy finished last year with only 569 MW, data from the annual MW100 Turkey report showed. The Uzundere hydropower plant accounts for 63 MW. The rest was wind power, making the company sixth in the segment in Turkey in 2024.

In the Gevye district in Sakarya in northwestern Turkey, the utility tripled its wind farm’s capacity to 150.2 MW. The additional investment amounted to EUR 80 million. The entire facility, which generated its first megawatt-hour in 2020, cost EUR 195 million in total.

The Viranşehir PV system in Şanlıurfa in the country’s southeast has 191.3 MW in peak capacity. The investment was worth USD 150 million.

“Our next focus will be to accelerate our integrated energy storage investments, in addition to our power plant projects, and to expand hybrid generation, where we combine solar and wind power in suitable locations, Chief Executive Officer Arkın Akbay.

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November 4, 2025
by in News

Cypriot firm preparing to build several solar parks with batteries

Public consultation is underway in Cyprus for environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies for three projects for photovoltaic units, of 14.5 MW in total peak capacity, with 40 MWh in battery storage. The developer, SAOLA, plans several such investments. It is facing opposition from the local population and environmentalists.

The electricity system in Cyprus is severely strained due to the lack of interconnections and energy storage and amid a photovoltaics boom and power demand surge. Even though the installation of the required battery capacity depends on substantial grid investments as well, investors are lining up to seize the opportunity in the budding market as soon as possible. Larnaca-based SAOLA opted for a group of hybrid power plants consisting of small photovoltaic units and battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a matching operating power.

Public consultation is underway for environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies that the firm submitted to the Department of Environment for three such projects. The sites are on the territory of the Agios Theodoros community, in Larnaca district.

SAOLA has vowed to apply a range of mitigation measures

One investment would involve the installation of a solar park of 5 MW in peak capacity together with a 5 MW / 15 MWh BESS. The second project is for 5.5 MW in photovoltaic panels and a battery system with a 5.5 MW capability and 15 MWh in storage capacity. The remaining facility would have 4 MW in peak PV capacity and BESS operating power, and 10 MWh of storage capacity.

The company owns the land. Suggestions and comments will be received until November 26.

Earlier, residents from the affected area raised concerns because the facilities would be on agricultural land, as well as about the impact on the rural landscape. Environmental groups and hunters pointed out that wildlife habitats would be affected.

SAOLA has vowed to conduct mitigation measures. According to the EIA studies, it would plant trees, preserve animal migration corridors and, after decommissioning, recycle equipment and return the area to its original state.

The company is preparing several other investments in photovoltaics with BESS, including in Alaminos and Anafotia in the same district.

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