Wind Farms Alibunar 1 and 2 Bring New Energy to Serbia

25.05.2025

Wind energy is one of the key renewable energy sources in Serbia and the wider region, with significant potential for further development. Serbia possesses favorable wind conditions, particularly in Vojvodina, eastern Serbia, and mountainous areas, where average wind speeds enable efficient electricity generation.

The Alibunar 1 and Alibunar 2 wind farms will soon become important to Serbia’s energy sector, delivering as much as 480 gigawatt-hours of green energy annually. These projects, led by SANY Renewable Energy, were developed in cooperation with Norwegian company Emergy and Dutch company WV-International, which has long-standing experience in the renewable energy sector in Serbia. We spoke with Neda Lazendić, Director of WV-International in Serbia, about the construction plans, the importance of these wind farms, and future investments.

IN FOCUS:

Q: Alibunar 1 and 2 wind farms were ranked highly in the Renewable energy auctions. Could you tell us more about these projects?

A: Yes, it’s true that our projects, Alibunar 1 and Alibunar 2, ranked second and third, respectively, on thefinal list of wind farms in the second round of renewable energy auctions organized by the Ministry of Mining and Energy of Serbia. The planned installed capacity of Alibunar 1 is 96.6 MW, and for Alibunar 2 it is 71.4 MW. These facilities will significantly contribute to increasing the capacity of green energy in Serbia’s energy mix.

Q: Who is currently behind these projects, and how were they developed?

A: The projects are majority-owned by SANY Renewable Energy, a global leader in wind turbine manufacturing based in China. They were developed in partnership with Norwegian developer Emergy, while WV-International, a Dutch company and one of the pioneers of renewable energy in Serbia, played a key role in their development, which began back in 2013.

Q: When does the construction of the wind farms begin, and which turbine model will be used?

A: We are currently in the pre-construction phase, with the start of works planned for the fourth quarter of this year. As for the turbines, we will use the SANY S168 model, manufactured by SANY Renewable Energy, with a capacity of 4.2 MW.

Q: How will the electricity be sold after construction is completed?

A: After the construction is completed and the farms are connected to the transmission grid, 100 percent of the planned production will be sold to Elektroprivreda Srbije AD (EPS). We already have a signed Pre-Contract with EPS for electricity sales over a period of 15 years.

Q: How much will the wind farms contribute to electricity production in Serbia?

A: Once operational, Alibunar 1 and Alibunar 2 will produce approximately 480 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually. This will significantly contribute to increasing the share of clean and green energy in the country’s overall energy mix and to the decarbonization of the energy mix of Elektroprivreda Srbije AD.

Q: Is WV-International planning new projects in Serbia?

A: Yes, WV-International and Emergy are continuing the development of wind farms with a total capacity of 571 MW within the Banat project complex. Additionally, we are working on the development of a 125 MW hybrid power plant that will combine wind and solar energy.

Interview by Milena Maglovski

The inteview was published in the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

The Development Of Electric Vehicles In Serbia – A Retrospective And A Look Ahead

24.05.2025

klemen-vrankar-xLScHeF9ZYA-unsplash — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (klemen-vrankar)

The beginnings of electric vehicle development in Serbia date back to the mid-1970s. Sharp increases in oil prices and the first oil crisis of 1973, known as the first oil shock, spurred the consolidation of knowledge and pioneering research in the field of electric car development. In 1976, under the leadership of academician Aleksandar Despić, the first electric delivery vehicle in Serbia, the TAM 2001 (an electric “baker’s” E-mobile), was developed at the Bureau for Autonomous Electric Vehicles within the Institute of Technical Sciences of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SANU).

Three years later, in 1979, the Institute for Chemical Power Sources (IHIS) built a delivery vehicle based on the Zastava 435F. This vehicle became the first registered electric vehicle in the country and operated on public roads for several years. That same year, the first eco-friendly electric passenger car in former Yugoslavia was produced in Belgrade. Its designer was Professor Stojiljković, my mentor during my doctoral studies at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade. He modified a standard Trabant vehicle and designed a regulated electric motor drive using a direct current motor, along with a supporting DC/DC converter (a so-called chopper). The drive had an output power of around four kilowatts (kW), powered by a 140V/50Ah battery pack in the front of the vehicle. The Elektrotrabant reached a speed of around 50 km/h, with a range between 70 and 80 km, and was registered and used on the route from Block 45 (New Belgrade) to Zemun Polje. This reconstruction was carried out at the Centre for Chemical Power Sources of the Institute for Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy (IHTM).

Interest in electric vehicles grew again during the sanctions and oil shortages from 1992. At that time, several specialized electric vehicles were developed, such as mopeds, bicycles, vehicles for disabled persons, and transport vehicles for multiple passengers in tourist centers. These vehicles had a maximum speed of 15 km/h and a range of up to 50 km.

The company Melbat developed the first commercial electric vehicle for everyday use at the end of 1994 and the beginning of 1995 – a reconstructed Lada Niva-E, used for municipal services in Belgrade.

In 1996, two autonomous electric Yugo-E vehicles were reconstructed to meet the needs of Elektrodistribucija Beograd.

The Fast Black Lada electric vehicle was launched at the beginning of 1998. It weighed about two tons and had a top speed of 60 km/h. It was later used in Belgrade cemeteries, but its speed and range were reduced.

At the end of the 20th century, the development of electric vehicles with alternating (asynchronous) motors began. Under the leadership of engineer Bojan Kragić, the Raskovnik Company developed several light electric vehicles with asynchronous motors up to four kilowatts. These vehicles represented a serious step toward potential serial production, based entirely on domestic expertise and multidisciplinary development.

IN FOCUS:

Independent of Raskovnik, in cooperation with the factories Crvena Zastava from Kragujevac, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade, Sever from Subotica, and Krušik from Valjevo, a Yugo-Elektra vehicle was reconstructed under the leadership of Professor Slobodan Vukosavić. It featured a 7.5 kW asynchronous electric motor. Despite NATO bombing, development was not halted. The vehicle was officially unveiled in 2002.

By the beginning of the 21st century, the development of electric vehicles in Serbia had progressed gradually, with many attempts and innovations. However, the only program that achieved a broader commercial application was the series known as the Black Ladas.

Since 2004, the development of electric vehicles has nearly come to a halt. I remember that Professor Stojiljković, Professor Vukosavić, and I, then a doctoral student at the Mihajlo Pupin Institute and the Department of Power Converters and Drives at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, developed Project 006214: Development of Software and Electronic Control Units for Traction Drives and Battery Converters in Eco Vehicles. The project was conceived as a continuation of the development of the electric Yugo, in collaboration with Zastava Automobili d.o.o. Unfortunately, even though Zastava was on its last legs at the time, the project did not receive support in the call for proposals issued by the then Ministry of Science and Environmental Protection. Nevertheless, the ideas endured and could still find a path to implementation and application today.

Electric Bicycles – Success Stories

Electric bicycles, it could be said, have almost no downsides. They do not harm the environment, maintenance is inexpensive, and they help avoid city traffic, long waits, and congestion.

One of the most notable models is the Archont, an electric bicycle by the local company Ono Bikes (run by brothers Marko and Saša Šćepanović). In 2016, the BBC named it the most beautiful electric bicycle in the world. The company’s website, onobikes. com, features six different Archont models with electric motors tailored to various user needs. Particularly noteworthy is the Archont E60 model, equipped with a six-kilowatt motor, offering excellent acceleration and a top speed of 75 km/h. It uses a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1.44 kWh, providing a range of more than 120 km per charge.

The E-Prime team, led by Milan Manojlović, showcased electric bicycles and rickshaws at the 2019 International Energy Fair in Belgrade, which visitors were able to test. Their best-selling models are the Effecto and Effecta. The Cargo model is designed for light parcel delivery, and the Experience model stands out for its unique design.

Students from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade developed a prototype electric bicycle, which they presented at the final energy electronics competition in Madison (USA) in July 2019. Their system – composed of a battery, power converter, electric motor, and mobile app – won the Grand Prize. It demonstrated an efficiency of 97.8 percent, an output power of 750 W at 400 V, and featured an innovative clutch. The team included students from various departments of the Faculty, mentored by Prof. Slobodan N. Vukosavić, PhD, and assistant Aleksandar Milić.

Željko Despotović, PhD, electrical engineer

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

Brestovac Paves the Way for Energy Transition Through Solar Energy

21.05.2025

The south of Serbia is known for its mountainous landscapes, specialties, and hospitality – traits recognized far beyond the region. While the residents of this area carefully preserve what makes it special, they simultaneously open the door to new opportunities that benefit both the present and the future. One such opportunity is using clean energy, which is increasingly finding its place in this part of the country.

Brestovac, a settlement within the city of Leskovac, has recognized the importance of renewable energy sources by allocating its land to produce green energy. On an area of 2.5 hectares, the company MT-KOMEX began the construction of the solar power plant – Solar Elektro at the end of February this year. The investor of this project, Solar Elektro d.o.o. Kragujevac entrusted the construction to MT-KOMEX, a company recognized for its extensive experience and reliability as a partner. With over 250 ground and rooftop solar power projects implemented, this company has installed over 350,000 solar panels.

For the realization of this project, the company’s expert team will install 2,600 solar panels, each with a capacity of 640 Wp, manufactured by Aiko. The total installed capacity of the solar power plant will be 1,664 MWp, while the active power will be 1,500 kW. The quality of a solar power plant is reflected in careful planning and precise execution. To maximize electricity production during the summer months, the solar panels will be vertically oriented and mounted on a supporting substructure at a tilt angle of 20°, facing south. The southern and southwestern parts of Serbia are among the sunniest regions in the country, making them ideal for developing solar power plants and enhancing long-term energy stability.

IN FOCUS:

The project envisages a total of 15 inverters with an individual power of 100 kW, manufactured by Huawei (model – SUN2000-100KTL-M2). The inverter automatically synchronizes with the grid at a voltage of 0.4 kV. Once operational, the solar power plant will deliver all the electricity it generates to the power distribution system. Annual production is expected to reach approximately 2,335.4 MWh, representing a significant contribution to increasing the share of solar energy in the overall power grid.

To ensure the highest level of safety for the solar power plant, a lightning protection system with an early steamer emission device is planned to protect the facility from atmospheric discharges. Sensors will be installed within the power plant to monitor local meteorological data relevant to the plant’s operation.

These sensors will measure four key parameters: solar radiation intensity, wind speed, ambient temperature, and the temperature of the solar panels.

In addition to producing clean energy, this project will also contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. On an annual basis, the power plant is expected to lower CO2 emissions by 2,246 kilograms, further supporting environmental protection and improving air quality in the region.

This solar project lays the foundation for an energy-independent and environmentally responsible community in Brestovac, contributing to a sustainable future for Serbia as a whole.

Prepared by: Katarina Vuinac

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

EBRD – Driving Serbia’s Green Transition and Sustainable Development

21.05.2025

dusan-pokusevski-Rr3Gdbg0wPk-unsplash — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (dusan-pokusevski)

As Serbia accelerates its journey towards a more sustainable and competitive economy, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) remains one of its key investors and partners. With annual investments exceeding 800 million euros, the EBRD actively supports projects that contribute to the energy transition, infrastructure modernization, and strengthening the private sector.

We spoke with Jelena Čeperković, Deputy Head of the EBRD for Serbia, about how the EBRD’s strategy is reflected in concrete projects across the country – from the rehabilitation of hydropower plants and wind farms, to modernizing rail and air transport, as well as investments in environmental infrastructure and energy efficiency.

Q: How much did the EBRD invest in Serbia in 2024, and how much additional funding was mobilized from other sources?

A: The EBRD is the leading institutional investor in Serbia, with an active portfolio currently exceeding three billion euros. In 2024, for the second year in a row, we invested more than 800 million euros and mobilized an additional 395 million euros from other investors. We work closely with the European Union and other donors, and we also mobilize our own resources to complement the projects we finance with grants where most appropriate.

Q: How many projects did the EBRD support in Serbia last year, and which sector received the highest investment?

A: Last year, we supported a record 37 projects in Serbia, with total investments amounting to 807 million euros. These investments spanned various economic sectors, with a strategic focus on the transition to a green economy, strengthening the capacity of the private sector, and financing sustainable infrastructure.

Most of last year’s investments – nearly 500 million euros – were directed towards the green transition, primarily through renewable energy projects, decarbonizing district heating systems, and improvements to environmental infrastructure. We also supported several key infrastructure projects in the railway and aviation sectors and the rollout of high-speed broadband internet in rural areas.

Additionally, we continued efforts to boost the competitiveness of the private sector through both direct investments and advisory support aimed at improving access to finance and business practices for SMEs. Most of the real economy financing was achieved in collaboration with local banks, through which we provide targeted credit lines for SMEs.

IN FOCUS:

Q: What are the key projects funded in the area of green transition and renewable energy?

A: Since 2020, the EBRD has invested nearly one billion euros in 23 energy sector projects across the Western Balkans. Although a significant part of this investment includes liquidity credit lines granted during the 2023 energy crisis, our primary priority remains expanding the capacity of renewable energy sources.

In Serbia, we are currently financing projects in both the public sector, through EPS and EDS, and with private investors. We recently secured a 67-million-euro loan and an investment grant of over 15 million euros from the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) to fund the rehabilitation of the Vlasina hydropower plants, among the oldest in the EPS system, which will result in modernization and increased capacity. In addition, we are financing the Pupin wind farm, the first project built under the initial round of auctions for solar and wind power held in 2023.

Alongside direct financing, we place great emphasis on maintaining ongoing dialogue with the government on energy sector reform, further decarbonization, and greater sustainability. One example is the technical assistance provided to the relevant ministry in designing and implementing a three-year plan for auctioning 1,300 MW of wind and solar capacity, realized in partnership with the Swiss government, and delivering excellent results. We also offer EPS a comprehensive advisory support package in key areas such as decarbonization, corporate governance, and human capital development.

Q: How has the EBRD supported modernizing Serbia’s railway and air transport systems?

A: Railway sector modernization is one of the EBRD’s priorities in Serbia, as evidenced by over one billion euros in investment to date. The most significant project in this area is the reconstruction of the high-speed railway from Belgrade to Niš, financed jointly with our partners from the EIB and the EU. This project aims to ensure fast, reliable, and safe transport of passengers and goods along this corridor while also supporting the country’s overall economic development and local and regional conne ctivity. In recent years, we have also financed the procurement of new rolling stock for Srbija Voz and Srbija Kargo, which, along with infrastructure improvements, should enhance the competitiveness of rail as one of the greenest modes of transport. Additionally, through advisory support linked to these projects, we are working to improve corporate governance and commercialization and to modernize curricula in secondary and higher railway schools, including the implementation of dual education to attract suitable future talent for the railway sector.

As for air transport, last year we continued our successful cooperation and provided new funding to the Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Services Agency (SMATSA) to facilitate the transition to the latest version of the air traffic management system, thereby improving safety, efficiency, and service quality.

Interview by Katarina Vuinac

The inteview was published in the Energy portal Magazine SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

Study in South Asia: How Seemingly Simple Changes in Brick Kilns Delivered Major Results

18.05.2025

cigla — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (steve-johnson)

Bangladesh is among the most polluted countries in the world. A significant portion of this pollution stems from its industrial sector—especially textile, leather, and construction industries—as well as the wastewater they generate and the dense, unregulated traffic. The traditional brick-making industry has for decades been a vital part of the South Asian economy, particularly in Bangladesh.

This very industry, which provides livelihoods for a large number of people, is one of the largest contributors to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM 2.5). Brick production, which largely relies on coal combustion, has particularly harmful health effects in countries with weak regulatory systems and limited technical capacities.

Against this backdrop, researchers from the Boston University School of Public Health, in collaboration with partners from Stanford University, icddr,b in Bangladesh, Greentech Knowledge Solutions, and the University of Dhaka, conducted one of the most comprehensive studies to date to examine whether and how the brick industry can become more efficient and cleaner without relying on enforcement or legal regulations.

The study involved 276 brick kilns across Bangladesh between 2022 and 2023. The intervention included providing education, technical assistance, and practical advice to kiln owners on implementing simple operational changes, such as improved brick stacking methods, switching to biomass as fuel, and reducing heat loss in the kilns.

The results were encouraging: 65 percent of kiln owners adopted the recommended changes, which led to a 23 percent reduction in energy use, around a 20 percent decrease in CO₂ and PM 2.5 emissions, as well as improved brick quality and savings on coal consumption. One year later, researchers found that the improved practices were still in place—and had even expanded further due to their effectiveness.

Despite existing laws in Bangladesh that prohibit, for example, the use of firewood or require that brick kilns not be located near schools and hospitals, most kilns are still situated near schools, and working conditions are often extremely harsh. This industry produces 27 billion bricks annually and is responsible for as much as 17 percent of national CO₂ emissions and 11 percent of PM 2.5 emissions in Bangladesh.

The study by the Boston University School of Public Health, conducted in partnership with international collaborators, demonstrates that sustainability does not have to come from complex technologies and strict regulations, but rather from simple, profitable, and locally adapted solutions.

Energy portal

Record-Breaking Barrier Removal in Europe 2024 – 2,900 km of Rivers Restored to Natural Flow

17.05.2025

reka NOVO — Photo-illustration: Freepik (wirestock)

Dam Removal Europe, an initiative and network dedicated to removing old or non-functional dams across Europe, announced that a new record was achieved in 2024 with 542 river barriers removed. As highlighted, this reflects growing support and understanding among communities and governments.

Removals took place in 23 countries, with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Turkey removing their first river barriers. Among the top-performing countries, Finland stands out with at least 138 removals, followed by France, Spain, and Sweden.

More than 2,900 kilometers of rivers were reconnected. In Italy, five barriers were removed along an 11-kilometer river stretch, restoring its natural flow for the first time in decades. In Croatia, 16 kilometers of rivers were reconnected, which also strengthened climate resilience, water and food security, and halted biodiversity loss, according to WWF Adria.

There are over 1.2 million obstacles in European rivers — such as dams, barriers, and culverts — that interrupt their natural flow. Many of these structures are outdated and have a negative impact on the free movement of water, sediments, nutrients, and aquatic species. This fragmentation weakens the resilience of river ecosystems and reduces their natural functions, significantly contributing to biodiversity loss. A particularly alarming trend is the drastic decline in migratory freshwater fish populations, which have decreased by about 75 percent since 1970 in Europe.

In addition to the record-setting barrier removal, the past year was also marked by the implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Law, which sets a goal of restoring at least 25,000 kilometers of rivers to free-flowing conditions. Barrier removal plays a key role in the global Freshwater Challenge, which aims to restore 300,000 kilometers of degraded rivers by 2030.

Energy portal

Nature and Climate Protection Takes Another Major Hit in EU Proposal to “Simplify” Agricultural Policy

16.05.2025

poljoprivreda - agroculture - soil — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Dylan de Jonge)

As part of the third omnibus package, the European Commission today published a proposal outlining sweeping revisions, or “simplifications”, of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which if implemented would risk dismantling vital environmental protections without evidence or impact assessment, warns the European Environmental Bureau (EEB).

Farmers across Europe are facing the severe impacts of the climate, nature, and pollution crisis, but instead of strengthening environmental standards to support farm resilience, the proposed changes would further weaken the few mandatory green measures left following the last ”simplification”.

Théo Paquet, Senior Policy Officer for Agriculture at the EEB, said:

“Without sufficient impact assessment or real public consultation, the European Commission has yet again casually done away with nature and climate protections in Europe’s largest budget, the Common Agricultural Policy. Such short–sighted decisions will not only hinder farm resilience (due the many benefits provided by healthy ecosystems), but brings the legitimacy of the CAP into question as it strays further from its environmental and climate objectives.”

The EEB is most concerned by:

Weakening of the protection of grasslands (Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) 1): under the proposal, areas of permanent grassland (vital carbon sinks which release vast amounts of carbon when ploughed) can now be decreased by 10 percent (up from 5 percent) from the 2018 reference level before Member States are required to impose obligations to convert back to grassland.
Weakening of protection of peatlands and wetlands (GAEC 2): The Commission proposes allowing Member States to use existing national legislation to define the rules under this GAEC and to pay farmers to comply with these rules. This would allow public money to be used to fund mere compliance with the law, which would undermine the principle that public money should only be used to fund what is additional to mandatory requirements. This is a missed opportunity to strengthen already weak protections for vital wetlands and grasslands, which are a massive carbon sink, filter and store water and shield farmland from climate impacts. Funding should instead be given to farmers that go beyond the rules and engage in real re-wetting of such areas.
Removal of links between the CAP and new environmental and climate legislation (notably Articles 120 and 159): This not only marks a step backwards in the EU’s efforts to deliver a “greener CAP” but goes against the requirements set out in the EU treaties to ensure that sustainability efforts are integrated across policies. It would mean that national CAP Plans won’t be required to be coherent with, or contribute to, the Nature Restoration Law or the emerging Soil Monitoring Law. This leads back to a lack of policy coherence and a missed opportunity to provide much needed support to farmers to implement these new European laws.

In addition to these, the EEB has concerns about the proposed changes that would reduce the need for the Commission to approve any changes to Member State’s CAP Strategic Plans, instead only reviewing “strategic amendments”. This could result in weaker oversight and lessen the opportunity for effective monitoring and adjustment of the CAP’s environmental impact.

Source: EEB

China Surpasses Wind and Solar Targets Ahead of Schedule – What Comes Next in Its Energy Transition?

14.05.2025

China has entered a pivotal phase of its energy transition, according to a new analysis by the international think tank EMBER. In 2024, the country surpassed its 2030 renewable energy targets by installing a record 278 GW of solar power and 79.8 GW of wind power. This growth pushed the nation’s total clean energy capacity beyond 1,400 GW, enabling renewables to meet more than 80 percent of the rise in electricity demand. Simultaneously, coal’s share in electricity generation continued to decline.

While these achievements are significant, sustaining momentum will require China to move beyond simply adding megawatts of wind and solar. The next stage demands a fundamental upgrade of its power system infrastructure. This includes deploying advanced electrification technologies for heavy industry, integrating AI-driven smart grids to balance supply and demand, expanding long-duration energy storage, and investing in carbon removal technologies to curb residual emissions.

One of the greatest challenges lies in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as steel and shipbuilding. In these industries, current technologies are no longer sufficient. While China has made important advances in developing next-generation solutions, many obstacles remain. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), over 60 percent of the key technologies needed to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 are still not commercially viable.

This is the stage China now finds itself in – where many innovations exist as prototypes in laboratories but are not yet ready for industrial-scale deployment. Known as the “valley of death” for innovation, this phase is widely seen as the most critical, as it involves substantial technical and financial risks in scaling up from controlled environments to real-world applications.

Global pressures and mounting geopolitical tensions are creating economic challenges for China, but they also present an opportunity to shape a sustainable, long-term energy future. The path forward lies in accelerating technological innovation in clean energy — backed by strategic planning, greater research investment, and strong political support.

Energy Portal

After the Energy Collapse, a New Debate on the Role of Nuclear Energy in Spain

12.05.2025

nuclear_power_plant_nuklearna_elektrana — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Jakob Madsen)

On April 28, 2025, Spain and Portugal experienced one of the most significant blackouts in their recent history. Within seconds, the power system of the Iberian Peninsula collapsed, leaving millions of people without electricity, water, and in complete darkness. The Ministries of the Interior declared a state of emergency, and the consequences were visible everywhere: halted metro systems in Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Porto, grounded flights at major airports, traffic chaos due to inoperative traffic lights, cancelled medical procedures, and disrupted water supply.

Although most services were restored the following day, one critical question remained: how did such a widespread and simultaneous collapse occur in two technically advanced and interconnected systems? And more importantly – what does this incident reveal about the structure of the energy mix and the future of nuclear energy in Spain?

The Structure of Spain’s Energy System

At the end of 2024, Spain’s total net installed generation capacity reached nearly 129,000 MW. Of that, renewable energy sources accounted for 66 percent of the total capacity. Among them, wind power (23.2 percent), solar power (18.6 percent), and hydropower (13.3 percent) dominate, according to data from the grid operator Red Eléctrica. This mix enables a significant reduction in emissions, but also brings new challenges—particularly regarding grid stability.

Renewable sources lack what is known as inertia—the physical resistance to changes in frequency within the power grid. Unlike conventional power plants with large rotating turbines, wind and solar plants rely on inverters that cannot absorb sudden oscillations, making the grid more vulnerable to disturbances. As these plants dropped offline, the next in line were the nuclear units.

The Role of Nuclear Energy in the Energy Mix

In this context, the debate on the role of nuclear energy is resurfacing. Spain operates seven nuclear reactors, which together produced nearly 20 percent of the country’s total electricity in 2024.

Due to their large rotating turbines, nuclear power plants contribute to grid stability by maintaining constant frequency and providing so-called baseload power. During the incident, four reactors were operational and shut down automatically when the grid collapsed, in accordance with safety protocols. The other three reactors were offline because Red Eléctrica had requested their temporary shutdown due to an oversupply from renewable sources. This decision is now under scrutiny, as the lack of rotating inertia from nuclear and other conventional sources is considered one of the contributing factors to the instability, according to World Nuclear News.

Back in 2019, Spain adopted a plan to gradually phase out all nuclear reactors by 2035. According to that roadmap, four reactors are scheduled to close by the end of 2030, with the remaining three to follow within the next five years. However, the recent events may change the outlook.

Energy portal

Switzerland Tests Solar System Between Railway Tracks

11.05.2025

voz — Photo-illustration: Freepik (rorozoa)

Swiss startup Sun-Ways has officially launched the first removable solar power plant installed between active railway tracks.

This marks a significant step toward full integration of solar technology into railway networks, with the potential for both national and international expansion.

The photovoltaic system spans a 100-meter section of track in the canton of Neuchâtel. The panels were installed using a special machine developed by partner company Scheuchzer, capable of rapidly deploying up to 1,000 square meters of solar panels within just a few hours.

The electrical connections are built directly into the panels, while cleaning is handled by cylindrical brushes mounted on the rear of trains. The electricity generated is 100 percent renewable, with a long-term goal of feeding the energy directly into the train traction system, thereby maximizing on-site consumption during peak daylight hours when traffic is heaviest.

The system consists of 48 solar modules with a total capacity of 18 kilowatts and is expected to generate around 16,000 kWh of electricity per year.

“By integrating photovoltaic systems into the railway ecosystem, it becomes possible to directly power trains with renewable energy, as well as supply charging stations for electric vehicles – all while reducing CO₂ emissions and increasing the energy independence of a country’s public transport system,” said Sun-Ways in a statement.

The project follows approval from the Swiss Federal Office of Transport (FOT) in 2024, which granted permission to begin testing after a ten-month technical review. The installation represents the first application of this technology under real-world traffic conditions.

The three-year pilot phase will allow Sun-Ways and its partners to gather essential data on system performance and safety. If successful, the system could be expanded across 5,000 kilometers of Switzerland’s railway network.

Energy portal

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