Serbia to be ready for first renewable energy auction by early next year

The Government of Serbia is preparing to hold an electronic renewable energy auction. It is planning a roundtable and workshops for investors to get acquainted with the system, which is expected to be ready by early next year, according to State Secretary in the Ministry of Mining and Energy Jovanka Atanacković.

Green energy development is a top priority for the Ministry of Mining and Energy, State Secretary Jovanka Atanacković said at the Hard Talk with Serbia. She revealed the first auction would be conducted electronically and added the system would be complete by early next year if not already by the end of December.

In the meantime, investors will have an opportunity to prepare for bidding at a roundtable and workshops, according to Atanacković. The government has just adopted a 400 MW quota for wind power.

Prosumers’ advantage is that they are energy independent

The energy transition will be centered on enabling households and the industry to become both producers and consumers of green energy at the same time, Atanacković pointed out. She said those who become prosumers would benefit by becoming energy independent, in the light of the current energy crisis.

The maximum premium for the auction will be determined soon, the state secretary revealed. With the new law, green energy plants with up to 500 kW in capacity don’t need a construction permit, Atanacković noted.

Major foreign investments are necessary in decarbonization process

Serbia can succeed in the energy transition, but it needs help from the European Union, its member states and other countries, she underscored. Atanacković stressed the government plans to finish its national integrated energy and climate plan, NECP for short, and the energy strategy by the end of the year.

She estimated the target share of renewables in final consumption for 2040 would be set at 40% and added the Balkan country is striving to make its economy “climate positive” by 2050 rather than carbon neutral. In the meantime, it is necessary to invest in replacing coal-fired power plants with facilities that use renewable sources, Atanacković asserted.