The Ministry of Mining and Energy announced that the “Petka” solar power plant in Kostolac, with a capacity of 10 megawatts, has entered trial operation. The plant is built on a reclaimed old mining dump site, marking a significant step in the energy transition of the Electric Power Company of Serbia (EPS).
Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović emphasized that every megawatt counts for Serbia’s energy security and highlighted ongoing projects including the first EPS wind farm in the mining area, expected to add 76 MW of green energy once connected in August.
The government aims for renewable energy sources to make up 45% of Serbia’s energy mix by 2030. Major upcoming projects include the reversible hydroelectric power plant “Bistrica” and a 1 GW solar power initiative with battery storage, requiring an estimated €14 billion investment over the next decade.
EPS General Director Dušan Živković noted that combined with the wind farm and a 350 MW coal block (B3), the Kostolac region’s energy capacity will increase by 426 MW, strengthening the power system and energy security, especially during peak demand periods.
These projects support Serbia’s goals of decarbonization and sustainable energy growth, with plans to continue developing renewable energy on reclaimed industrial sites across the country.
