The Serbian Government has approved the development of a spatial plan for constructing large-capacity self-balancing solar power plants paired with battery energy storage systems. This ambitious initiative will encompass areas in the cities of Zajecar and Leskovac, as well as the municipalities of Bujanovac, Lebane, Negotin, and Odzaci.
The plan will feature six solar power plants equipped with battery systems, aimed at significantly enhancing the country’s energy independence and promoting renewable energy usage. The draft of the spatial plan is expected to be completed within eight months, funded by the state-owned power utility EPS.
In 2023, Hyundai Engineering and UGT Renewables were selected as strategic partners for this project, which will involve the construction of self-balancing solar power plants and associated infrastructure. The project will be executed as a turnkey solution, meaning the partners will handle all construction aspects before transferring ownership to EPS.
The overall project comprises two main components: solar power plants with a total installed capacity of 1 GW, distributed across five or more independent facilities, and battery systems with a total installed capacity of at least 200 MW and a storage capacity of at least 400 MWh. The strategic partners will propose the specific locations and capacities for each solar power plant and battery system.
In early 2024, Minister of Finance Sinisa Mali announced that construction is set to begin by the end of the year, marking a significant step toward Serbia’s renewable energy goals.
