Fortis Energy and EBRD Forge Partnership for Major Solar Project in Serbia
In a significant move towards sustainable energy solutions, Fortis Renewable Energy BV and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have signed a mandate letter paving the way for the financing of a 270 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant and a 72 MWh battery energy storage system in Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia. This agreement initiates the necessary due diligence and structured financing process, aiming to boost energy security and support Serbia's long-term decarbonization efforts.
The Sremska Mitrovica solar project is poised to become the largest solar PV installation in Serbia and one of the most extensive in the Western Balkans. Beyond its sheer scale, the project represents a landmark achievement in enhancing Serbia's energy security while aligning with European climate and energy policies. The Sremska Mitrovica site, situated around 80 kilometers northwest of Belgrade, historically significant as it was built upon the ruins of the Roman capital Sirmium, is now set to play a crucial role in the region's clean energy transition.
With an expected annual generation capacity exceeding 365 GWh, the facility could power more than 105,000 households every year while contributing to reducing carbon emissions by approximately 182,000 tons—comparable to planting nearly 9 million trees annually. This development not only underscores Fortis Energy's commitment to expanding renewable capacity across the national grid but also highlights the project's importance as a critical infrastructure asset within Europe's Green Transition.
Fortis Energy emphasizes the significance of partnering with the EBRD, which has been pivotal in promoting sustainable infrastructure across the Western Balkans. The collaboration will mobilize private investment, enhance market stability, and facilitate the region’s green transition. The construction of this substantial solar initiative is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2026, with commissioning targeted for the first quarter of 2028.
Hydrocarbons and other traditional energy sources have long dominated Serbia's energy landscape; however, the Sremska Mitrovica solar project marks a pivotal shift towards renewable energy. Fortis Energy, which has origins in Türkiye and is currently headquartered in the Netherlands, aims to integrate solar, wind, energy storage, and sustainable infrastructure to solidify its position as a global Green Baseload Independent Power Producer (IPP).
Currently, Fortis Energy operates over 200 MW of renewable energy assets and is actively pursuing additional investments totaling more than 500 MW planned for deployment between 2026 and 2027. The initiative highlights not only a shift in energy production but also a crucial alignment with international environmental and social sustainability standards, establishing that large-scale solar power generation is feasible and bankable in Southeast Europe.
In conclusion, the partnership between Fortis Energy and the EBRD represents a substantial step forward in ensuring a sustainable energy future for Serbia and the broader Western Balkans. The Sremska Mitrovica solar power project symbolizes hope, resilience, and the possibility of a carbon-neutral future, driving Serbia toward a greener and more sustainable energy landscape as it aligns itself with global efforts to mitigate climate change and promote renewable energy use.