PowerChina Projects Highlight China's Growing Role in Balkans' Energy Transition

As Bosnian Herzegovina increasingly focuses on environmental sustainability and renewable energies, PowerChina has emerged as a significant player in the region, executing key projects that have the potential to reshape the energy landscape. The Ivovik wind farm and the Ulog hydropower plant are pivotal developments funded and constructed by Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). These projects underscore China's growing influence in energy transitions, particularly in the Balkans, where energy potential and the need for sustainable solutions converge.

The Ivovik wind farm, boasting a capacity of 84 megawatts, signifies a groundbreaking step as it becomes the first foreign energy concession project in BiH. It represents not just an investment but an alignment of energy goals, as it's anticipated to generate around 259 million kWh of renewable energy per year, which could equate to a reduction of approximately 240,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually. This project holds promise not merely in terms of energy generation but also in driving Bosnia's overall energy transition.

According to local officials, the local content rate for the Ivovik project is expected to reach 90%, which enhances its significance by fostering local economic growth, technology transfer, and job creation. Proponents advocate that such developments will not only help BiH meet its climate goals but will also foster economic benefits, showcasing a model where sustainability and economic growth can go hand in hand.

The Ulog hydropower plant in Kalinovik, Republika Srpska, complements this narrative as it is the first hydropower project in BiH managed by a Chinese company, being developed under the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) model by POWERCHINA. Once operational, the Ulog plant aims to bolster regional power supplies while generating emission-free electricity, affirming its alignment with long-term sustainability goals in Central and Eastern Europe.

These developments mark a notable shift in the Balkan energy scene, indicating that nations like Bosnia and Herzegovina are poised to play critical roles in the global energy transition. The projects are regarded by representatives from POWERCHINA as a