Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, paid a visit yesterday to the construction site of the “Kostolac” wind farm, the inaugural wind energy project by Serbia’s Electric Power Industry (EPS). This venture stands as a testament to repurposing old mining sites for renewable energy endeavors. Minister Handanović highlighted that alongside the “Petka” solar power plant, situated on a nearby former ash disposal area, this initiative sets the stage for a reimagined Electric Power Industry in Serbia.
The government has fulfilled its role in securing permits, and now it falls on the contractor to meet project deadlines. All access routes have been completed, with groundwork and platform construction currently underway. While some equipment has arrived, the remainder is en route from Spain, Turkey, and China. Anticipating assembly to commence in the summer, including poles, blades, and turbines, we aim to integrate the new wind farm into the grid by early next year,” stated Minister Handanović. Acting General Director of EPS, Dušan Živković, underscored that the wind farm, comprising 20 turbines generating 66 megawatts, will power approximately 30,000 households.
“The investment totals 144 million euros, with EPS contributing 32.2 million, EU grants providing 30 million, and an 80-million-euro loan from KfW Bank, supplemented by a 1.8-million-euro grant. This project aligns with EPS’s strategic shift towards renewable energy, marking a pivotal developmental milestone in increasing our reliance on sustainable energy sources,” remarked Živković.
