In Serbia, 11 GW of new wind and solar capacities are currently in the process of being connected to the transmission system, while Montenegro has expressed interest for 7 GW of connections, with contracts already signed for 3 GW of projects, mostly solar – it was stated at the RES SERBIA 2026 Conference, held in Vrdnik on September 15 & 16.
One of the key topics of the panel discussion “Grids and Connections” was the need for accelerated development of transmission networks and strengthened regional cooperation to enable the integration of new renewable energy capacities. The strategic importance of Serbia for interconnection and the development of the regional power system was also highlighted.
The panel participants were Jelena Matejić, General Director of Elektromreža Srbije; Rade Mrdak, Advisor to the Minister of Mining and Energy of the Republic of Serbia; Ivan Asanović, Director of the Montenegrin Transmission System (CGES); and Alkisti Florou, Member of the ENTSO‑E Board for Southeast Europe. The panel was moderated by Miloš Laković, Senior Partner at Refine Legal.
Alkisti Florou, Board Member of the ENTSO‑E for Southeast Europe, stated that the development of renewable energy, electrification, energy storage, and market integration depend on modern, resilient, and interconnected transmission networks.
She emphasized that system balancing and maintaining security of supply increasingly require coordinated cross‑border action.
– We are witnessing a structural shift in the region from conventional to cleaner energy sources, as well as tangible benefits of cooperation in a region with enormous potential, and Serbia has a strategic role – Florou said.
Florou emphasized the importance of cooperation among regulators, operators, and the private sector.
– We must have clean, safe, and affordable energy in order to remain competitive. Grid development and energy storage are essential. By 2040, every euro invested in the grid will return double through the reduction of overall energy system costs – she underlined.
11 GW of Wind and Solar in Serbia’s Grid Connection Process
Jelena Matejić, General Director of Elektromreža Srbije, highlighted that 11 GW of new wind and solar capacities are currently in the process of being connected to Serbia’s transmission system.
– I welcome the goal of reaching 3.5 GW of solar and wind by 2030 and I urge you to realize investments quickly. Do not be afraid of grid capacity, there is capacity, and it is being developed taking your needs into account – Matejić told investors.
She noted that in the category of active consumers on the transmission system there are currently 122 MW, which, as she emphasized, could be significantly higher. EMS has also signed contracts for 2 GW of battery storage.
– There are further announcements, and in the future we expect serious growth – Matejić said, stressing the importance of continuous investment in the development of the transmission grid.
Montenegro Shows 7 GW of Interest in Grid Connection
Ivan Asanović, General Director of the Montenegrin Transmission System (CGES), stated that Montenegro has expressed interest for 7 GW of grid connections, with around 5 GW of requests processed through studies, and contracts already signed for 3 GW of projects, mostly solar.
– Every new power plant is a user of the transmission system, which brings us profit and new revenues. But our main task is to ensure stability and that grid connection is beneficial for everyone – Asanović emphasized.
He underlined that CGES is working to reduce the number of requirements for investors, as well as to plan and build the grid systematically.
– As a condition, many investors required a transmission line to Pljevlja, and we built it. We are developing cross‑border projects, the Trans‑Balkan Corridor is progressing well, and we are in talks with the Croatian transmission operator since we do not yet have an interconnector with them – Asanović said.
Decision on Postponing Connections
Rade Mrdak, Advisor to the Minister of Mining and Energy, emphasized that grid connection of power plants is one of the most topical issues in Europe, and that the decision to postpone connections in Serbia was not made against renewable energy sources.
He noted that in the past four years the capacity of solar and wind power plants in Serbia has increased from about 400 MW to more than 1.3 GW.
– We have revived the market with two successful auctions, amended the regulatory framework, and started to streamline the connection procedure. We have reached 11 GW of requests on the transmission grid, while on the distribution system (EDS) there are 6 GW of requests. At the moment we have many projects, and we need to wait and see what will happen with them – Mrdak emphasized.
The RES SERBIA 2026 Conference, held over two days in Vrdnik, brought together decision‑makers, representatives of investors, and members of the financial, legal, and energy sectors from Serbia and 30 countries worldwide. The conference was organized for the sixth consecutive year by Association Renewable Energy Sources of Serbia.
