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The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is preparing feasibility studies for solar projects totalling 181.5 MW at the former Kolubara A and Morava coal mining sites in Serbia. For the planned Kolubara A PV project, a preliminary financing framework has been defined under the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), with the EBRD acting as lead international financial institution. The Serbian partner is Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS), the state-owned energy utility.
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Financing the switch
The financing package is expected to combine EBRD loans (around €31 million), KfW loans (approximately €25 million) and other contributions. This structure covers both the feasibility and investment stages of the project. Separately, the EBRD has pledged a €40 million loan to Serbian electricity distributor Elektrodistribucija Srbije (EDS) for the purchase and installation of 200,000 smart electricity meters, supporting more efficient use of PV-generated power.
Stronger grids across the border
Serbia's solar market for industrial-scale PV systems is also benefiting from EBRD loans aimed at strengthening power grids in neighbouring countries. In North Macedonia, for example, the EBRD provided a €26.4 million loan to state transmission system operator MEPSO to upgrade grid infrastructure. The close physical integration of Balkan electricity grids means Serbia may also benefit from increased grid connection capacity, says the EBRD. (mg)
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