The Banat 2 wind farm project near Alibunar has received environmental approval, marking a pivotal advancement in Serbia’s renewable energy sector. The Autonomous Province of Vojvodina has granted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) permit, allowing the project to move forward under specified environmental conditions and mitigation measures.
The EIA was conducted by ECOlogica URBO d.o.o., a consultancy based in Kragujevac, which performed the necessary technical and ecological analyses. The development is being led by Vetroelektrana Banat 2 d.o.o. Alibunar, a company established specifically for this project.
Banat 2 is designed to include up to 25 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 8 megawatts, resulting in a potential total installed capacity of 140 megawatts. If completed as planned, it will rank among the larger wind energy facilities in Serbia.
The project encompasses not only the turbines but also the essential infrastructure for operational support. Each turbine will be mounted on reinforced concrete foundations connected via an internal medium-voltage cable network. Access roads will be constructed to facilitate installation and maintenance, alongside service platforms for ongoing operations.
Modern turbines of this type typically feature hub heights exceeding 100 meters, with total heights—including blades—ranging from 200 to 250 meters. This design enhances their ability to harness stronger wind currents at elevated altitudes, thereby boosting energy generation efficiency.
Banat 2 is part of a larger wind energy initiative within the Alibunar municipality, which has become a prime location for wind power generation in Serbia due to its flat terrain and favorable wind conditions influenced by the regional Košava wind system.
Previous planning efforts have aimed at developing a comprehensive Banat wind energy complex that includes multiple projects in the same area. The Banat 1 wind farm, located in Vladimirovac, is one such initiative that could collectively exceed 300 megawatts when all phases are completed.
Vetroelektrana Banat-2 d.o.o., founded in 2019 as a dedicated development entity, is owned by Windfarm Banat 2 Holding B.V., linked to WindVision, a European renewable energy developer active across Central and Southeast Europe.
Utilizing special-purpose project companies is common in renewable energy ventures, facilitating separate financing and management structures from broader corporate activities. This approach aids in securing project-level financing from banks and institutional investors once construction commences.
Securing environmental approval is critical for advancing any wind project. Developers must navigate a series of permitting steps, including spatial planning approvals and grid connection agreements before construction can begin. The environmental permit ensures that potential impacts on wildlife, land use, noise levels, and local communities are thoroughly evaluated with appropriate mitigation strategies established.
If built to its intended capacity of up to 140 megawatts, Banat 2 would join existing major wind farms like Čibuk 1 and Kovačica, which currently hold capacities of 158 megawatts and 105 megawatts respectively.
Wind energy is rapidly expanding within Serbia’s electricity sector, with over 500 megawatts currently installed and additional projects totaling several gigawatts at various stages of development.
The concentration of wind projects in the Banat region benefits from favorable natural conditions and proximity to transmission infrastructure managed by EMS (Elektromreža Srbije). This infrastructure allows efficient transport of electricity generated by wind farms to major consumption areas both domestically and abroad.
The expansion of wind power capacity aligns with Serbia’s broader energy transition strategy aimed at reducing reliance on coal-fired power plants while enhancing long-term energy security through increased renewable sources.
Projects like Banat 2 underscore the growing participation of international developers in Serbia’s renewable market. Foreign investment has significantly contributed to the development of the country’s wind sector over the past decade by providing necessary financing and expertise for large-scale infrastructure projects.
With environmental clearance now obtained, Banat 2 will proceed to subsequent phases including final technical design, grid connection planning, and securing construction financing. Completion of these steps could position the project as a vital component of Serbia’s expanding wind energy landscape, solidifying the Banat region’s status as a key corridor for wind energy development.
