Near the town of Golupac, at the entrance to the Đerdap Gorge, the Danube River widens and flows slowly. However, just behind the medieval fortress, the river narrows dramatically to only 200 meters, flanked by steep rocks and crowned by towering wind turbines amidst one of Europe’s most breathtaking river landscapes.
Stefan Nešić and Nikola Dubić navigate their pickup truck along a rugged macadam road that climbs 400 meters above the Danube. The expanding view reveals more and more wind turbines against the dramatic backdrop.
Krivaca wind farm: Nordex’s foray into the Balkans
The Krivaca Wind Farm, sprawling across 242 hectares, features 22 turbines. To facilitate construction on this challenging terrain, about 30 kilometers of access roads were built through wooded hills. Nešić and Dubić, service technicians from Nordex, emphasize the necessity of these robust roads for transporting heavy turbine components like towers, nacelles, gears and rotor blades from the river to the construction site.
Local support for renewable energy
Serbia and Romania are trailblazers in renewable energy, with the Đerdap hydroelectric plants on the Danube reliably producing around 2,800 megawatts of clean energy for fifty years. Despite this, Serbia remains 70% reliant on coal, according to Vladimir Kolarević, director of Nordex Serbia. However, the local population has been supportive of wind energy due to the environmental benefits over coal.
Investment and impact
The Krivaca Wind Farm, costing 165 million euros and funded by private investors, generates up to 110 megawatts, enough to power around 75,000 households. The project’s inauguration on May 15 was attended by the Serbian Prime Minister, marking it as a significant milestone in Serbia’s renewable energy transition.
Nordex’s Adaptations and innovations
Amid challenges, Nordex recently moved its blade production to India, but continues to manufacture nacelles in Rostock, Germany. Despite the closure of their Rostock blade factory, the company has revived production at their former facility, focusing on new turbine prototypes and technologies.
Navigating wind conditions
Krivaca’s location presents challenging wind conditions, but the Delta4000 turbines are designed for such variability. With a focus on efficiency and adaptability, Nordex’s turbines are built to perform reliably in diverse wind conditions. Service contracts for 25 years ensure the turbines’ upkeep, with maintenance handled by a highly skilled team.
Future prospects
Kolarević remains optimistic about Serbia’s workforce, citing Nordex’s commitment to safety and professional development as a draw for young talent. With a second wind farm under construction and plans for a third, Nordex sees Krivaca as a key entry point into the Balkan market and a testament to German engineering excellence.
