Serbia has around 11 GW of wind and solar projects in the transmission-grid connection process, while contracts covering approximately 2 GW of battery storage show the growing importance of grid flexibility for new renewable investments.
Elektromreža Srbije (EMS) CEO Jelena Matejić said at the RES Serbia 2026 conference that about 11 GW of wind and solar capacity is currently progressing through transmission-grid connection procedures. EMS has also signed contracts covering around 2 GW of battery energy storage, with the projects representing several gigawatt-hours of storage capacity and moving through transmission-grid procedures. The scale of the development queue significantly exceeds Serbia’s official objective of around 3.5 GW of wind and solar capacity by 2030.
Grid access becomes central to project development
The size of the pipeline marks a shift in Serbia’s renewable market, with proposed generation capacity substantially exceeding the volume expected to be absorbed by the electricity system over the medium term. Grid availability therefore has an increasing impact on project economics. Developments with secured connections, advanced permitting and storage have different investment characteristics from early-stage projects whose connection schedules remain uncertain.
Transmission investment is also becoming increasingly important. Serbia is expanding both domestic and cross-border network infrastructure, including major regional transmission corridors, as it moves towards deeper integration with the European electricity market. High-voltage transmission projects generally require more time to develop than generation projects, creating a potential constraint on the conversion of Serbia’s renewable development pipeline into operating capacity.
Battery storage expands alongside renewable capacity
The approximately 2 GW of battery projects progressing through EMS procedures indicate growing use of storage alongside renewable development. Battery systems can absorb surplus renewable electricity during periods of low prices and return power when demand and prices increase. They can also provide balancing and other system services as wind and solar production expands.
The role of storage is particularly relevant in a regional electricity market experiencing more frequent periods of very low or negative daytime prices as solar generation increases. For Serbian renewable developers, batteries can support grid connection, reduce exposure to curtailment, improve balancing performance and create additional revenue opportunities through price spreads and ancillary services. The financing case for large-scale storage, however, depends on the regulatory framework, market design and the availability of revenue streams capable of supporting battery investments.
Renewable project pipeline faces 2030 selection
The 11 GW pipeline represents a development queue rather than a forecast of Serbia’s renewable fleet by 2030. Projects backed by strong sponsors, bankable offtake arrangements, storage, advanced permits and credible connection schedules can progress differently from developments based primarily on land positions and early-stage grid applications.
The difference could also contribute to consolidation as utilities, infrastructure funds and strategic investors seek projects that have already advanced through development stages rather than starting new sites from the beginning. EPS has invited developers to propose mature renewable projects for acquisition or joint development, while international investors are combining wind and solar projects with storage. The gap between the 11 GW development pipeline and Serbia’s approximately 3.5 GW 2030 target places greater importance on connection rights, storage capacity and viable routes to market as projects progress through development.
