Hive Energy has successfully connected four solar projects to the grid in Serbia, totaling 215.6 MW. These projects, which include battery energy storage systems equivalent to 10% of their total solar capacity, represent a significant milestone in Serbia’s renewable energy landscape.
The Solar Projects
The UK-headquartered company has secured grid connections for four solar projects in Serbia, totaling 215.6 MW. The Pirot 50 MW and Prokuplje 40 MW projects are nearing completion of their urban planning processes and are expected to secure permits for photovoltaic and grid connections this summer.
According to local media reports, Pirot, a city in southern Serbia, has approved the zoning plan to construct the 50 MW Pirot solar park. Spanning 57 hectares in the village of Blato, the project marks another step forward in Serbia’s renewable energy efforts.
Image: Collected
The 48 MW Hive Prokuplje Solar PV Power Project will be developed in Southern and Eastern Serbia. According to the power plant monitoring firm GlobalData, the project is currently in its announced phase and will be built in a single stage. Construction is expected to begin in 2024, with commercial operation targeted for 2026 across a 47-hectare site.
The Veliko Gradiste I and II projects, with respective capacities of 71.5 MW and 55 MW, are expected to reach ready-to-build status by late this year or early next year.
500 MW Total Capacity With BESS
Each of these projects will integrate battery energy storage systems equivalent to 10% of their solar capacity. Hive Energy also plans to apply for grid connections for seven additional projects with a combined capacity of over 500 MW.
Last year, Hive Energy secured land for 490 MW of solar projects in Serbia, a move aligned with the country’s updated regulations for renewable energy expansion.
During the latest Transmission System Operator (TSO) deadline in December 2023, the company submitted four grid applications for photovoltaic projects — all of which include Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). With capacities ranging from 40 to 71.5 MW (AC), these projects have completed TSO grid connection studies, marking significant progress.
Looking ahead, Hive Energy anticipates finalizing its connection contract with the TSO by early June 2024. This step depends on the submission of bank guarantees for the grid connection.
Serbia’s solar capacity reached 137 MW at the end of 2023, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.
Serbia Collaborates with China For Solar Projects
In February, the Serbian government announced plans for its second renewables auction and recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese company Hunan Rich Photovoltaic Science and Technology for a 200 MW solar power plant.
China has agreed to invest 2 billion euros in Serbia for renewable energy projects, representing the largest such investment in the Balkan country. The deal involves constructing wind and solar power plants, as well as a hydrogen production facility. Outlined in a memorandum of understanding between Serbian and Chinese entities, these initiatives aim to enhance Serbia’s energy infrastructure and contribute to its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The planned projects include a 1,500 MW wind farm, a 500 MW solar plant, and a hydrogen plant with an annual capacity of 30,000 metric tons. The energy generated will be used primarily to power operations at a copper mine owned by Zijin Mining, a Chinese company with significant investments in Serbia’s mining sector. By using renewable energy sources, Serbia aims to bolster its energy security and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
China’s investment in Serbia’s renewable energy sector is part of its broader Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to enhance infrastructure and connectivity across Eurasia. This partnership underscores the growing cooperation between the two countries in clean energy, with Serbia set to benefit from Chinese expertise and investment in sustainable development initiatives.
