The Government of Serbia has initiated a process to choose a strategic partner for the development of 1 GW solar power plants and a minimum of 200 MW battery storage capacities. The power plants and batteries will be delivered to state power utility Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) through a turn-key contract after two years of completion. We kindly request interested parties to submit their proposals for the project.
According to the renewable energy law, the government has decided to select a strategic partner to construct large-scale “self-balanced” solar power plants with energy storage batteries. However, the partner will not be responsible for the management or maintenance of the plants.
The proposed project aims to achieve the country’s energy transition goals and fulfil international obligations related to renewable energy. It will also address the energy crisis, reduce the need for imports, ensure a stable supply of energy for consumers, compensate for EPS’ decreased production capacity, and meet the growing demand for balancing and system services. This project will be implemented through a strategic partnership and public financing.
It would be greatly appreciated if the strategic partner could obtain letters of intent regarding financing for the project. This would allow Serbia to obtain a loan with a longer repayment period, ideally lasting at least 18 years.
Additionally, it would be greatly appreciated if the partner could assist in selecting suitable locations for the solar power plants and determining the appropriate battery capacities. It would also be helpful if they could prepare all necessary documentation and oversee the design, procurement, and construction of the power plants.
The partner will have the responsibility of operating the solar power plants and batteries for a duration of two years. During this time, it will also be expected to train the EPS team to ensure the smooth functioning of the facilities. Following the two-year period, the partner will kindly hand over the facilities to EPS. The chosen partner will also be kindly requested to develop transition and distribution capabilities if needed. As per the government’s decision, EPS has been authorized to act as the proprietor and financier for the project.
To ensure a higher electricity output during periods of above-average electricity prices, especially in the morning and afternoon, it would be beneficial if the total installed capacity could be distributed among five or more independent solar power plants. Additionally, we kindly request that the solar panels be mounted on single-axis tracking systems.
As per the government’s decision, it is planned to deploy the battery systems at one or more strategic locations within Serbia’s electricity system. These systems have a total installed capacity of 200 MW and a storage capacity of at least 400 MWh of electricity.
It would be appreciated if the project could be completed within a timeframe of four to five years, while the contract is intended to span over a period of six to seven years.
