The largest bifacial solar power plant on earth, DeLasol, with a capacity of 9.913 MW, was commissioned in early April. It was built on the territory of the municipality of Lapovo on an area of 12.5 hectares. It will produce 15,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually. Its size is also reflected in the number of solar panels – as many as 17,980 state-of-the-art panels, with 650/655Wp power generation capacity, manufactured by the renowned Canadian Solar.
Bifacial solar panels were used to construct this solar power plant, which can yield electricity from both sides of the panel, which is why they generate a larger amount of electricity. The solar panels are placed on a specially-made construction that allows greater absorption of reflected radiation. 8.9 million euros were invested in the DeLasol solar power plant, and the complete work, from the idea, plant design and construction, was performed exclusively by our experts and domestic companies. DeLasol will make a great contribution to the energy system of Serbia. On an annual level, it will reduce CO2 emissions by more than 11,000 tons and contribute to improving environmental protection. The ceremonial commissioning of the power plant was attended by Dubravka Đedović, Minister of Mining and Energy, Igor Anić, President of the Executive Board of ProCredit Bank, and Miloš Kostić, the investor.
“Cooperation and synergy between the public and private sectors are important for greater security of supply and for a successful green energy transition. Apart from the fact that some large projects backed by the state are coming to an end and new ventures are starting, we must have ambitious and large projects implemented by the private sector. The DeLasol solar power plant is an example of how, by using solar energy, we can simultaneously improve the electricity supply’s security and environmental protection,” said Minister Đedović.
As she emphasized, the state’s task, which is intensively worked on through the adoption of regulations and the preparation of strategic documents, consists of creating the conditions for constructing new power plants from renewable energy sources. At the same time, our energy system performs its basic task: a safe supply for citizens and the economy.
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The minister added that the amendments to the Law on the Use of RES when adopted by the parliament, will enable the implementation of auctions for market premiums for producers of energy from renewable sources, which opens the way for us to increase our solar and wind capacities by about three times in the next few years.
“We had the challenge of building a solar power plant that, according to the new legal procedures, allows anyone who wants to produce electricity to enter the open market. Behind us is a turbulent time regarding markets and prices, but we managed to build a power plant and sign a contract with a domestic supplier who supported this project with a four-year contract. We will start the construction of another 10-megawatt power plant at this location during the year, and we plan to build more solar power plants in the coming years, which will contribute to reducing harmful gas emissions and improving living conditions. I hope that with our joint efforts, we help the Republic of Serbia and achieve the goal of getting 40 per cent of our energy from renewable sources by 2040,” said Miloš Kostić.
According to Igor Anić, ProCredit Bank is proud to have participated in this project.
“DeLasol is a role model for other investors who understand the topic of sustainability and are determined to put it into practice. ProCredit Bank is the ideal financial partner for such businesses because we have decades of expertise in energy efficiency, and more than 500 million euros invested in our clients’ green projects. We understand, live, promote and finance this topic. It is a very important part of our business strategy today and in the future,” said Anić.
A reliable construction partner
The construction of the DeLasol power plant was entrusted to the company MT-KOMEX, the leader in the construction of solar power plants in our country. During three decades of business, it has built and delivered equipment for 180 solar power plants on the ground and on roofs, the total installed power of which is 60 MW.The hard workers of this company, more than 130 engineers and installers, are in charge of introducing new areas of business on the domestic market. The company’s employees regularly attend specially prepared trainings and have all the necessary certificates. This collective stands out for its willingness to always provide clients with full support in all project phases, from the development stage to the preparation of documentation for technical acceptance and obtaining a use permit on a turnkey basis.
At MT-KOMEX, they believe that solar energy is the right solution for achieving energy independence, and that’s why they work hard to build solar power plants. They are determined to help achieve the share of RES of 40 per cent by 2040, which was set by the Government of the Republic of Serbia. The sustainability of the DeLasol power plant is also reflected in the fact that the land under the panels will be used in the best way. In the following period, the flock of sheep is expected to be released to the “solar” pasture. This decision will support the needs of farmers for areas for grazing animals, considering that such areas are becoming fewer and fewer. Here, in turn, they will maintain the green areas around the power plant completely naturally. Grazing reduces the need to use lawnmowers that require electricity or fuel.
Prepared by: Milica Radičević
