Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) has suspended its tender for expert supervision and consulting services related to the construction of self-balanced solar power plants, valued at approximately 650 million dinars (about 5.5 million euros).
The procurement process was halted after the evaluation commission determined that none of the submitted bids met all the tender requirements. Two bids were received: one led by New Energy Solutions and another by a consortium headed by Energoprojekt Entel AD.
Meanwhile, the Serbian government and EPS have signed a contract with a strategic partner consortium, Hyundai Engineering and UGT Renewables, to construct large-capacity self-balancing solar power plants equipped with battery storage systems.
Construction is planned to start in 2025, with completion expected by 2028, followed by a two-year warranty period.
The solar power plants will be built in the municipalities of Negotin, Zaječar, Lebane, Leskovac, Bujanovac, and Odžaci. The total capacity will reach 1,200 MW DC / 1,000 MW AC. Battery storage facilities with an installed capacity of 200 MW and a storage capacity of 400 MWh are also planned.
Earlier this year, the Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, stated that planning and technical documentation for the 1 GW solar project are underway and expected to be completed on schedule, with construction set to begin by the end of this year or early next year. Financial negotiations are still ongoing.
In September last year, the government approved the Spatial Plan for the Special Purpose Area designated for this strategic solar and battery storage project.
The project will be developed, constructed, and handed over to EPS on a turnkey basis. Strategic partners are responsible not only for building the solar plants and battery systems but also for all associated infrastructure.
