The Leotar wind project, previously designated as Trebinje 1, is gaining momentum following a request for a preliminary environmental impact assessment submitted by Zhongbo Group to the Ministry for Spatial Planning, Construction and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska (RS). The initiative is positioned as a significant renewable energy development in the region, with an installed capacity of 537.5 MW.
Located north and northwest of Trebinje, the wind farm will span approximately 15 square kilometers at elevations between 560 to 1,200 meters above sea level. The project documentation outlines plans for 86 wind turbines, with their final placement contingent on local terrain and prevailing wind patterns. ViZ-Zastita, a licensed firm, has prepared the preliminary environmental study.
Analyses of wind conditions suggest potential for robust energy generation, estimating an annual production equivalent to 2,856 full-load hours and a capacity factor of 32.6%. The project intends to utilize Sany SI-172/625-6.250 turbines, each rated at 6.25 MW and produced by the Chinese manufacturer Sany.
Proponents of the project highlight its economic benefits for the local area, noting that 70% of the concession fee will directly contribute to Trebinje’s budget. The total investment is projected at around 1.5 billion convertible marks (approximately 750 million euros), positioning it among the largest renewable energy projects proposed in RS.
Despite its potential benefits, the project has faced criticism regarding its concession process. Concerns have been raised about negotiations conducted without a public tender and involvement from investors with ambiguous ownership structures and capital sources. Transparency International has flagged these issues as indicative of heightened corruption risks.
Following the withdrawal of original investors Zhongbo Group and China Power PTE in 2025, discussions continued without public solicitation involving new partners Zhongji Construction and Zodic Energy PTE. The project’s name was subsequently changed to Leotar. A cooperation agreement was formalized in October 2025, with Zodic Energy PTE—established in Singapore earlier that year—submitting the concession offer and taking ownership of Zhongbo Group Banja Luka.
Critics maintain that the absence of an open competitive procedure and limited scrutiny over investors raise significant concerns regarding the legality of decisions made during this process, further amplifying fears about corruption risks within such large-scale projects.
