#Serbia #EBRD #Solar Project #Fortis Energy #Sremska Mitrovica

Fortis Energy and the EBRD Join Forces for a Significant Solar Project in Serbia

In a significant movement towards sustainable energy, Fortis Renewable Energy BV has partnered with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) by signing a mandate letter to fund a comprehensive solar and energy storage project in Serbia. This initiative is set to feature a solar power plant generating 270 MWp alongside a 72 MWh battery energy storage system, expected to play a pivotal role in the country’s renewable energy landscape.

Significance of the Agreement

The signing of this mandate letter marks the beginning of crucial processes that include structured financing and meticulous technical and financial assessments necessary for long-term credit provision. The Sremska Mitrovica project is projected to be one of the largest solar power facilities in Serbia and a major installation in the Western Balkans. It emphasizes Fortis Energy's commitment to fostering energy independence and aligning regional objectives with European climate policies.

This ambitious project is expected to enhance Serbia’s energy supply security dramatically by integrating substantial renewable capacity into the national grid. Moreover, it symbolizes an important milestone supporting decarbonization targets and bolstering the region's compliance with European climate and energy strategies.

Project Impact and Goals

The strategic importance of the Sremska Mitrovica project cannot be overstated. It aims to produce over 365 GWh of clean electricity annually, sufficient to power more than 105,000 households while preventing approximately 182,000 tons of CO₂ emissions. This environmental impact is comparable to planting around nine million trees each year, showcasing the vast potential of renewable energies in combating climate change.

Construction is slated to kick off in the third quarter of 2026, with the facility expected to begin operations by the first quarter of 2028. This timeline not only underscores the project’s ambitious nature but also signifies a long-term commitment toward green energy production in the region.

A Holistic Approach to Sustainability

Fortis Energy’s vision aligns with its mission to become a prominent global Green Baseload IPP (Independent Power Producer), integrating solar, wind, and energy storage projects throughout Europe. With offices in Istanbul, Turkey, and Belgrade, Serbia, the company operates over 200 MW of renewable energy assets and continues to expand further, with plans totaling more than 500 MW in new investments for 2026–2027.

This partnership with EBRD further illustrates the importance of mobilizing private capital and promoting market stability in support of sustainable infrastructure development across the Western Balkans. Fortis underscores this collaboration as critical in advancing a green transition in the region, demonstrating that large-scale solar energy ventures can adhere to international environmental and social sustainability standards.

A Historical Context

Situated approximately 80 kilometers northwest of Belgrade, Sremska Mitrovica is an area steeped in history, originally known as Sirmium, one of the most important centers of the Roman Empire. Today, this city serves as a strategic gateway connecting Belgrade to Central Europe while transitioning into a modern hub for sustainable growth. Hosting one of Serbia's largest solar power plants, the region aims to bolster national energy security and provide a blueprint for future developments in sustainable practices.

As Serbia and the Western Balkans step into a cleaner energy future, the Sremska Mitrovica project stands as a beacon for other aspiring renewable initiatives across the region, reinforcing the importance of innovative solutions and collaboration in achieving comprehensive energy transformation.