In the energy sector, success belongs to those who have the vision and courage to turn dynamic changes into real opportunities. Elnos Srbija has done just that – recognized the chance in renewable sources and secured a place among the sector’s leaders. We spoke with Predrag Ćulibrk, Director of Elnos Srbija, about vision, challenges, ambitions, and projects that are shaping the future of energy.
For years, Elnos Srbija has held a prominent position in the RES sector. What projects, both current and underway, would you like to highlight at this time?
– If there’s one area that has marked our work in recent years, it’s green energy. Elnos Srbija has so far implemented projects with a rich green mix, often of capital importance, and through cooperation with world leaders, brought the most current technical solutions and innovations to the domestic market.
We are currently working on the Čibuk 2 wind park (155 MW), a continuation of the green story in Banat, where we built Čibuk 1 (158 MW) – the largest wind park in the Western Balkans – at the same location. Our teams have also completed the construction of the Krivača wind park (103 MW), the first wind park south of the Sava and Danube rivers, which we are particularly proud of. In neighboring Montenegro, Elnos Srbija with its teams of top experts is also participating in the construction of the Gvozd wind park (56 MW).
Although wind parks may be in the foreground now, we must not ignore the fact that in hydropower, our signature is borne by projects such as the revitalization of HPP Zvornik (124 MW), small HPPs in Western Serbia and large, ongoing modernization of HPP Perućica (307 MW) in Montenegro. We also contribute outside the region, and among the particularly interesting projects I would like to single out the carbon-neutral High Speed 2 project (Manchester – London high-speed railway) in the United Kingdom – one of the largest infrastructure projects of which we are a part.
What do you think are the biggest challenges in the implementation of RES projects? Do they differ in Serbia in relation to the region or developed European markets, such as Germany or Denmark?
– The implementation of RES projects, whether in Serbia, the region or developed European markets, always brings multiple challenges – from technical solutions, through regulatory frameworks, to local logistical and climatic conditions.
In Serbia, this is often the harmonization of deadlines with permits and infrastructure, while in Germany and the United Kingdom, they can cite the integration of new technologies or high environmental criteria as a challenge.
Our advantage is that, as a member of the Elnos Group, we operate in 18 markets, we have more than 850 employees, and behind us are projects through which more than two GW of green energy has been installed. We quickly transfer experiences and solutions from one project to another – that’s why we build the Čibuk 2 wind park in Banat, the Búrfell 2 HPP (100 MW) in Iceland or the Morgavel solar power plant (48.96/44 MW AC) in Portugal with high efficiency.
Wind park Čibuk 2
In addition to participating in the implementation of RES projects, how does Elnos Group further contribute to the process of decarbonization and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals?
– For us, decarbonization is not just about participating in RES projects – it is part of our DNA. Elnos Srbija has introduced the measurement and verification of the carbon footprint, which accurately monitors all direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions arising from our activities. By doing so, we have not only aligned our business with European commitments and global efforts to protect the climate, but we have also made it clear that caring for the environment is among our top priorities. We attach special importance to ESG standards, which for us represent a framework for responsible business – they help us to incorporate sustainability into all segments of work and at the same time to build long-term foundations for development.
Sustainability is a prerequisite without which the future of energy cannot be imagined – and Elnos Srbija, together with Elnos Group, shows that we belong to companies that see this path clearly, understand it and actively shape it, both in the region and in demanding European markets.
How much do you invest in the development of professional staff, especially engineers, without whom the energy transition is not possible? How do you approach education, training and talent retention?
– Energy transition is not possible without top experts, and our task is to educate, develop and retain them. At the Group level, we have been investing in staff development for years through student summer internship programs, scholarships for promising young people and a training system that combines theory and top practice. We also organize high school internships, so that young people can get to know the world of energy as early as possible. Our scholarship holders and interns have the chance to gain experience in a real working environment on projects that shape the power industry of the future. We are especially proud of the trainings for fitters, which take place at our training grounds in Banja Luka, and through which hundreds of participants have passed so far. Investing in people is the most important investment, and our effort is to build a company that listens to the pulse of the market and creates teams ready for the challenges of the modern energy industry.
Elnos’ engineers on the field
After many years of successful career in telecommunications, you have decided to step into the energy industry. What inspired you to do this and what skills did you bring to the new industry?
– Telecommunications and energy are two areas whose development potential is immeasurable, and the prospects are practically incalculable. It should be noted that throughout history, these two areas have not always had the same dynamics of development. If we look at the last few decades, we must notice that in the last decade of the 20th century, telecommunications experienced a real bang with the advent of the Internet and mobile telephony. I have been fortunate enough to participate in the creation of a new reality in very responsible positions and see how technology is changing reality and creating new possibilities on an incredible scale. Today, I am convinced that the amplitude of the wave of innovation is significantly on the side of the energy sector, perhaps as never before. This was my guiding principle when I decided to enter the field of energy. In both sectors, the key to development is innovation, efficient resource management and the ability to lead large systems towards sustainable growth. What I have learned in telecommunications – strategic planning, digital transformation, management in periods of enormous technological change, management of large teams and investment cycles is very applicable in the energy sector, especially today when it is going through an extremely dynamic transition. For me, this is not a transition from one industry to another, but a continuation of the same path – building the infrastructure of the future, whether it is data or energy.
What is your vision for the development of Elnos Srbija? What are your priorities in the development of the company, expanding the range of services and managing employees?
– Modern energy in Serbia has a tradition of more than 130 years, and today it is perhaps the most exciting period of development ahead of it. My vision is to be a company that will enrich the energy resources of Serbia, the region and Europe with state-of-the-art engineering solutions and innovations, while setting new standards in all areas of electric power.
Naturally, the priority remains strong growth in the renewable energy sector, where we have already made significant strides, but equally important is the expansion of services that accompany the accelerated green transition. One thing is certain – generations to come deserve energy that is cleaner, more stable and more accessible, and we are here to make that possible.