Serbia has announced the launch of its second renewable energy auction, marking a significant step in the country’s energy transition. This auction aims to procure up to 300 MW of wind power and 124.8 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity. The selected projects will benefit from a contract-for-difference (CfD) scheme for a period of 15 years. The approved maximum bid prices are €79/MWh for wind and €72/MWh for solar PV.
The launch is the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Mining and Energy of Serbia and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The regulatory framework for this auction was developed with technical assistance from the EBRD, co-funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
This auction is part of Serbia’s three-year plan, which targets a total of 1,300 MW of renewable energy capacity. The plan focuses on offering market-premium support through the CfD scheme, which is designed to provide stability and incentives for developers, fostering investment in the renewable energy sector.
The EBRD, a key partner in supporting renewable energy auctions in its countries of operation, has been working closely with Serbian authorities to establish competitive procurement processes for renewable energy projects. The technical cooperation between the EBRD and Serbia is aimed at implementing essential regulatory reforms to facilitate these auctions.
Matteo Colangeli, the EBRD’s Regional Director for the Western Balkans, expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the auction model. “We believe that auctions are the most effective tool to deliver competitively priced green energy,” he said. “The success of last year’s auction, followed by this second step, sends a strong signal to investors about Serbia’s commitment to expanding its wind and solar energy capacity. The EBRD will continue to support these efforts with further investments, technical assistance, and policy advice.”
Serbia’s Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, highlighted the importance of renewable energy in driving economic growth and attracting foreign investment. “The increased capacity from clean energy sources will contribute to higher electricity production and a stronger economy. Expanding green energy is also key to achieving Serbia’s green agenda goals,” she noted. “We anticipate strong investor interest in this auction, leading to a competitive process that will help us reach our target of 1,300 MW of renewable energy capacity in the next few years.”
Serbia’s efforts in renewable energy development are part of a broader strategy to transition to a greener energy mix, in line with European Union environmental standards. The country’s focus on wind and solar energy is seen as crucial for boosting energy security, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and meeting sustainability goals.
The EBRD has invested over €9 billion in Serbia through 365 projects to date, with a focus on increasing private-sector competitiveness and advancing green energy and sustainable infrastructure. The Bank’s continued partnership with Serbia supports the country’s long-term renewable energy ambitions.
