Green energy is increasingly shaping our present, with wind parks and solar power plants becoming key pillars of the energy transition, while Serbia is steadily positioning itself on the European renewable energy map. Behind these complex projects often stand young experts who combine technical precision, regulatory knowledge, and a vision of the green transition. We spoke with Sara Stojanović, a Design & Permitting Engineer at New Energy Solutions, who has already taken part in the development of wind parks and solar plants, from rooftop systems to large-scale ground projects.
In an interview for our portal, she reveals what the journey looks like from concept design to building permit, and why courage and curiosity are crucial for young women who want to build a career in the renewable energy sector.
You are currently working as an engineer in the preparatory construction sector at New Energy Solutions. What are your main responsibilities?
– In my role as a Design & Permitting Engineer at New Energy Solutions, I take part in the key stages of developing wind park and solar power projects. Working within a team, our goal is to ensure that every project is technically sound, legally compliant, and ready for implementation.
My main responsibilities include managing documentation from the early stages through to obtaining all necessary permits, close collaboration with design firms and urban planners, analyzing potential sites, communicating with relevant institutions regarding permits, assessing spatial constraints, and preparing Energy Yield reports.
What does the process of preparing technical and planning documentation for wind farms look like, and what are the key stages in obtaining permits?
– The development of a wind farm is a layered and lengthy process that requires precise alignment of technical solutions with spatial frameworks and environmental standards. It all begins with a detailed site analysis and the preparation of planning documentation, primarily the Detailed Regulation Plan (DRP). In this initial phase, it is crucial to consider the requirements of public authorities as well as technical and environmental constraints, which lay the foundation for further project development.
Once the planning framework is defined, the process moves into the stage of concrete design through the preparation of the Conceptual Design (CD), which is necessary for obtaining location conditions. In parallel with the technical documentation, feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments are a priority.
A key step toward implementation is the preparation of the Construction Permit Design (CPD), which integrates all previously obtained requirements and approvals from the relevant institutions. A special segment involves securing the energy permit and the conditions for grid connection. The entire process concludes with obtaining the construction permit, and its success largely depends on continuous communication with the authorities and good coordination among different engineering disciplines, ensuring that the project is technically feasible, regulatorily compliant, and investment‑secure.
You have worked both on rooftop solar power plants and on ground‑mounted projects. What are the differences in approach, and which has been the most challenging project you have worked on?
– Working on rooftop solar power plants and ground‑mounted projects has allowed me to observe significant differences in approach, scope, and complexity. For rooftop solar installations, the focus is primarily on precise structural analysis of the existing building, optimization of available space, and adapting the system to the technical limitations of the facility and existing infrastructure.
On the other hand, ground‑mounted projects are considerably more complex and require a multidisciplinary approach. They involve earthworks and infrastructure construction, more sophisticated grid connection systems, as well as intensive coordination with local municipalities and numerous regulatory institutions, which further extends and complicates the development process.
I consider the early development phases to be the most challenging, as they require simultaneous consideration of technical, planning, legal, and environmental aspects. I had the opportunity to assist in the construction of a 2.5 MW solar power plant, where one of the key challenges was overcoming unforeseen technical obstacles on site while meeting defined deadlines. Situations like these, which demand finding the optimal balance between engineering feasibility and regulatory requirements, I regard as the most valuable experiences in risk management and an important foundation for my further professional growth.
How important is technical due diligence in the development of renewable energy projects, and in what way does it contribute to investment security?
– Technical due diligence is the ‘health record’ of a project. It is crucial for investors because it identifies potential technical, legal, and economic risks before capital is committed. A thorough analysis confirms realistic energy yields, verifies the validity of permits, and ensures compliance with grid regulations. In this way, it directly increases the bankability of the project and reduces uncertainty during operation.
Technical due diligence is of key importance as it provides investors with a realistic insight into the project’s technical feasibility, potential risks, and limitations. Through this analysis, project solutions are reviewed, regulatory compliance is checked, the quality of technical documentation is assessed, and the reliability of energy yield estimates is validated. This reduces the risk of unforeseen costs and delays in later stages of the project, directly contributing to the security and sustainability of the investment.
How do you see the prospects for the development of wind and solar energy in Serbia in the coming years?
– If we look at the latest data from WindEurope and SolarPower Europe, which project the installation of as much as 253 GW of new wind power capacity by 2030, along with the daily addition of over one million new solar panels across the continent, we can conclude that this European expansion directly reflects on our market as well. Thanks to its geographical position and resources, Serbia has become a point of interest for investors and is taking a clearer direction in its energy transition.
The introduction of auctions for renewable energy capacities has already given a strong boost to the market. In the coming years, I foresee more intensive development of large‑scale projects, primarily wind farms and ground‑mounted solar power plants, accompanied by further improvements in the regulatory framework and stronger integration into the power system.
I believe that in the next period, the development of energy storage and system balancing, as well as digitalization and the strengthening of the transmission and distribution network, will play an important role. These are crucial for the stability and reliability of the power system.
As a young engineer who has already taken the first steps in the renewable energy sector, what advice would you give to other young women who want to start and build a career in this field?
– To young women who want to start a career in the renewable energy sector, I would say: be brave, curious, and persistent. Engineering in this field is not divided by gender – it requires knowledge, responsibility, a multidisciplinary approach, and a willingness to learn, and these are precisely the areas where women often achieve outstanding results.
There is no need to fear fieldwork or complex technical and administrative tasks. Every challenge is an opportunity for professional growth and a clearer understanding of one’s own interests. It is important to build practical experience, remain open to different projects, and never hesitate to ask questions.
I would especially emphasize the importance of mentorship and networking, as well as good communication and teamwork. The renewable energy sector offers vast opportunities for development, innovation, and personal advancement, while also providing the chance to directly contribute to a sustainable and energy‑responsible future. Most importantly, every young female engineer should define her own measure of success and pursue it at her own pace, with confidence and clearly set goals.