Serbia renewable energy capacity nears 1.5 GW amid regulatory concerns

The OIE Srbija 2026 conference in Vrdnik brought together over 600 energy sector representatives from Serbia and 30 other countries to discuss renewable energy investments and the energy transition.

Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović reported that Serbia's combined wind and solar capacity has grown from approximately 400 megawatts over the last four years to over 1.3 gigawatts, with nearly 1.5 gigawatts expected by the end of the year. She noted that solar capacity alone saw a 30-fold increase compared to four years ago. To support this, the government has utilized two rounds of auctions for market premiums, supporting 17 new projects with an investment value of nearly 1.5 billion euros.

However, Miloš Colić, Chairman of the Board of OIE Srbija, warned that many renewable energy projects are currently blocked or threatened due to regulatory delays. He noted that investors have provided significant bank guarantees that are now at risk because of administrative inaction. Colić expressed concern that the development of new wind and solar projects could be effectively halted until 2029. In response to these challenges, the Minister announced upcoming amendments to the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources, aimed at simplifying permit procedures and establishing designated areas for accelerated development.