In a notable shift towards sustainable energy, Serbia has experienced significant growth in its renewable energy sector, with a reported 45% increase in combined capacity to reach 1.14 GW last year. This surge, driven primarily by advancements in wind and solar power, is expected to continue, with projections indicating an additional 240 MW of renewable capacity may come online by 2026.
Data from the Ministry of Mining and Energy reveals that between December 2024 and November 2025, Serbia’s overall renewable energy capacity—including hydropower, biomass, and biogas—grew from 3.34 GW to 3.7 GW, marking an approximate 11% growth. Wind energy contributed significantly, accounting for 824 MW, which represents a remarkable 36% year-on-year increase. Additionally, solar capacity saw an impressive expansion of 80%, increasing from 178 MW to 319 MW, factoring in contributions from prosumers.
The Ministry has indicated that the combined capacity of wind and solar technologies increased by 356 MW within a single year, underscoring the acceleration of Serbia’s energy transition. Preliminary forecasts suggest the addition of 180 MW of new wind projects and 56 MW of solar plants by 2026, although officials regard these estimates as conservative.
The country’s ambitious goals are encapsulated in its Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), which was adopted in 2024. The plan aims for a total of approximately 3.5 GW, including targets of 1.77 GW of wind and 1.73 GW of solar capacity by 2030. To facilitate this expansion, Serbia conducted two rounds of auctions in 2023 and 2024 that provided market premiums for renewable projects. The first auction secured 715 MW with an investment commitment of €1.1 billion, while the second round awarded incentives for projects totaling 645 MW, with planned investments reaching €782 million. Notably, projects from the initial auction are already under construction, with expectations that around 450 MW will be connected to the grid by 2026.
The national strategy aims to elevate the share of renewables to 33.6% of gross final energy consumption and achieve a target of 45% for electricity consumption by 2030. In 2024, renewables constituted approximately 25.8% of total final energy use, contributing to about 32% of electricity consumption. This initiative aligns with broader regional efforts under the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, as well as Europe’s climate neutrality objectives for 2050.
<pSimultaneously, Serbia is enhancing its fossil fuel infrastructure, focusing on diversifying its gas and oil supply routes. Over the next two years, plans include establishing new gas interconnectors with North Macedonia and Romania, which will improve access to the Southern Gas Corridor and LNG terminals in Greece while also exploring potential hydrogen transport options. These developments will connect Serbia to the BRHA pipeline and Romanian gas sources. Although the Balkan Stream pipeline remains a primary conduit for Russian gas, three additional routes are anticipated to enable imports exceeding 4 billion cubic meters per year, thereby strengthening long-term supply security.
On the oil front, Serbia has initiated the construction of the Serbia–Hungary oil pipeline project, a strategic move aimed at ensuring supply stability for the next three to four decades. With feasibility studies completed and permitting processes underway, construction is projected to commence later this year.
