In Serbia, there are currently 11 GW of new wind and solar capacities in the process of connection to the transmission system, while Montenegro has signed grid connection agreements for a total of 3 GW of projects, it was announced at the RES SERBIA 2026 conference.

The connection of new power plants, the slowdown in renewable energy project development, challenges for investors, as well as the impact of using sustainable aviation fuel on ticket prices were among the topics discussed on the first day of RES SERBIA 2026, which gathered 600 participants from the energy sector of Serbia and the region in Vrdnik.

11 GW of Renewable Projects in Serbia Awaiting Grid Connection

Jelena Matejić, General Director of “Elektromreža Srbije,” emphasized that 11 GW of new wind and solar capacities are currently in the process of connection to Serbia’s transmission system.

– I welcome the target of reaching 3.5 GW of solar and wind by 2030 and I urge you to move quickly with your investments. Do not be afraid of grid capacity: there is capacity, and it is being developed with your needs in mind – Matejić told investors.

Jelena Matejić, General Director of Serbian TSO

She revealed that there are currently 122 MW categorized as active consumers on the transmission system, noting that this figure could be significantly higher. EMS has also signed agreements for 2 GW of battery storage.

– There are more announcements, and in the future we expect serious growth in battery storage – she said, emphasizing the importance of continuous investment in the development of the transmission network.

Montenegro: 3 GW of Connection Agreements Signed

Ivan Asanović, General Director of the Montenegrin Transmission System (CGES), stated that Montenegro has 7 GW of expressed interest for grid connection, with around 5 GW of requests processed through studies, while agreements have been signed for 3 GW of projects, mostly solar.

Grid Connection of Power Plants – One of Europe’s Most Pressing Issues

Rade Mrdak, Advisor to the Minister of Mining and Energy, stated that grid connection of power plants is currently one of the most pressing topics in Europe, and emphasized that the decision to postpone connections in Serbia was not made against renewable energy.

He noted that in the past four years Serbia’s solar and wind capacity has increased from about 400 MW to more than 1.3 GW.

– We revived the market with two successful auctions, amended the regulatory framework, and began organizing the connection procedure. We have reached 11 GW of requests on the transmission network, and on the distribution system we have 6 GW of requests. At present we have many projects, and we need to wait and see what will happen with them – Mrdak underlined.

Will SAF Lead to Higher Airfares?

Boško Rupić, Director of Commercial Affairs and Strategy at Air Serbia, emphasized in the new one‑on‑one conference format that aviation accounts for only 2% of global CO₂ emissions. Addressing the current topic of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), he pointed out that a complicating factor is the absence of SAF supply at Belgrade’s “Nikola Tesla” Airport.

He noted that Air Serbia currently uses SAF at 69 airports, and that in 2024 the share of sustainable aviation fuel in total consumption was 0.67%, while today it stands at 1.7%.

– By 2030, the EU target is for SAF to account for 6% of total fuel consumption, rising to 20% by 2035 and 70% by 2050. Decarbonization is a clear process underway, but if there is an obligation to increase the share of SAF which is two to three times more expensive than standard fuel it is evident that this must affect ticket prices – Rupić emphasized, adding that fleet efficiency can also contribute to reducing the carbon footprint.

Second Day of the Conference – From Financing to the Electricity Market

The RES SERBIA 2026 conference, which brings together energy leaders from Serbia and the wider region in Vrdnik, continues today. On the second day, participants will discuss battery storage, green energy financing, the electricity market, as well as new technologies for smart and safe mobility.

The conference, now in its sixth edition, is organized by the Association Renewable Energy Sources of Serbia.