In the South Banat region of Serbia and the Demir Kapija area of North Macedonia, the rapid installation of wind turbines has outpaced local community engagement in decision-making processes regarding these projects. Wind energy has been a focal point for both nations over the past fifteen years, positioned as a critical aspect of their energy transitions alongside solar and small hydropower initiatives. However, this expansion has sparked disputes related to spatial planning, environmental impacts, community relations, and the financial frameworks underpinning these wind farms.
Wind energy in Serbia has been evolving for more than a decade but still constitutes a modest portion of the country’s overall electricity generation. Currently, it accounts for approximately four percent, with installed capacity ranging between 500 and 600 megawatts. The majority of existing wind farms are privately owned, with the notable exception of the Kostolac wind farm, managed by the state-owned Elektroprivreda Srbije, which began trial operations at the end of 2025. The Serbian government’s role in wind energy development is largely limited to creating a regulatory environment that facilitates private investment.
The South Banat area has emerged as a key hub for wind energy in Serbia, hosting around ten operational wind farms including Kovačica, Pupin, Čibuk 1, Alibunar, and others. Projects like Alibunar 1 and Alibunar 2 are currently under development while additional proposals are being considered in nearby regions. The operational landscape is characterized by two primary development models: one where European firms initially establish projects that are later acquired by Chinese investors; and another where local companies are registered but lack transparency regarding their ultimate investors.
The Alibunar area is home to the oldest and largest wind installation developed by Belgian firm Elicio, which also created the smaller Malibunar wind farm. In 2023, Alibunar I commenced operations with an investment from Slovenia’s Rudis, marking it as the first new wind farm following Čibuk 1. The larger projects of Alibunar 1 and Alibunar 2 were initially linked to Belgian-Dutch company Windvision through its Serbian subsidiary.
Ownership changes occurred at the end of 2024 when Heavy Energy International Limited, registered in Hong Kong and affiliated with Chinese manufacturer SANY Renewable Energy, acquired majority stakes in Alibunar 1 and Alibunar 2. Despite this transition to Chinese ownership, local management remained consistent with Lazar Lazendić continuing to oversee project operations and liaise with local authorities.
Chinese participation in regional wind energy extends beyond Serbia into North Macedonia, where similar trends are evident as Chinese firms engage as technology suppliers or financial backers after navigating initial planning challenges. At Alibunar I, equipment from Chinese supplier Windey Energy was installed, illustrating China’s growing footprint in Serbia’s renewable sector.
A key institutional player in these developments is Elektroprivreda Srbije, which has pledged to purchase all electricity generated by Alibunar 1 and Alibunar 2 under state support mechanisms. This arrangement solidifies these projects’ integration into Serbia’s renewable energy strategy while reinforcing the presence of substantial foreign investment within the national electricity framework.
The swift growth of wind energy from South Banat to Demir Kapija underscores a complex interplay among global capital interests, national energy policies, and local community dynamics. While promoted as a vital component of sustainable energy solutions, the rapid pace of development raises pressing concerns regarding transparency, community involvement, and long-term public welfare amidst ongoing environmental pressures.
