Welcome to Kostolac, where a coal mining region is slowly turning into a green oasis — or so they say! The Petka solar power plant, with an installed capacity of 9.75 megawatts and a planned annual production of 13.7 gigawatt-hours, has finally been put into trial operation. The cost? A modest 1.4 billion dinars, funded by Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS).
Energy Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović spares no praise: “This is the first renewable energy source within EPS that will contribute to the production of clean, green energy and additional stability of the power system.” Yes, Kostolac is known for coal, but now, they say, we are turning to the future.
The solar plant covers 15 hectares on the surface mine Ćirikovac, with 18,000 solar modules tilted at 25 degrees and an efficiency of 21%. It has 98 inverters and ten transformer stations that send electricity to Požarevac.
But wait, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows! The payback period for the investment is a whopping 12 years, and the plant will operate for 25 years, after which panel replacement will be necessary. Is that fast enough for today’s climate challenges?
The minister promises that soon a wind park with an additional 76 megawatts will start, along with a reversible hydroelectric plant Bistrica and battery storage. EPS investments increased by nearly 30% compared to last year, which, she says, is the first time the investment cycle realization reached 90% of the plan.
But is this just the beginning or another project that will drag on for decades? Kostolac is known for coal mining, but now it seems they are fighting for every megawatt of renewable energy.
If you like following how Serbia fights climate change and transitions to green energy, this is a story for you. And if you have a sarcastic comment or think this is a waste of money, feel free to join the conversation — there’s room for everyone!
