Serbia plans to produce 45% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030 to align with European regulations and advance decarbonization, according to the Integrated National Climate and Energy Plan (INEKP) adopted by the government last year.
Currently, Serbia has 11 operational wind farms with a combined capacity of around 430 MW, with additional projects planned. The country’s wind energy potential is estimated at 2.5 GW. Solar energy, however, remains underdeveloped, with the largest operational solar plant generating just 27 MW.
To accelerate solar power production, the Serbian government is funding six solar power plants with a total capacity of 1 GW and battery storage systems in Negotin, Zaječar, Odžaci, Lebane, Leskovac, and Bujanovac, at an estimated cost of €1.4 billion. The largest planned plants are 460 MW in Negotin/Zaječar and 302 MW in Bošnjace (Lebane), being built by a Korean-American consortium of Hyundai Engineering and UGTR, expected online by June 1, 2028.
State-owned Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) is also contributing: a 10 MW solar plant “Sveta Petka” in Kostolac entered trial operation in July, and the country’s first EPS-owned 66 MW wind farm is expected later this year.
Experts believe the 45% renewable target is achievable but depends on both state and private investments. Over the next five years, Serbia will need to build approximately 2 GW of new wind and solar capacity. Already, about 30% of electricity comes from renewables, including large hydroelectric plants, making the additional 15% expansion feasible. Private and foreign investors are expected to play a leading role, while EPS may also expand hydroelectric capacity, including the planned reversible Bistrica hydroelectric project.
Analysts emphasize that while the renewable share is attainable, these are supplementary sources, and Serbia cannot rely solely on them to meet energy needs.
