#Serbia #EBRD #Fortis Energy #Sremska Mitrovica

Fortis Energy and EBRD Collaboration

On February 19, 2026, Fortis Renewable Energy BV announced its partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) through the signing of a mandate letter aimed at developing a significant solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage project. Located in Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia, the initiative involves the installation of a 270 MWp solar power plant paired with a 72 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). This agreement signifies the commencement of structured financial processes and due diligence required for long-term debt provision, marking a pivotal moment for renewable energy efforts in the region.

The Sremska Mitrovica solar project is poised to be the largest of its kind in Serbia and among the largest in the Western Balkans, reinforcing energy security in Serbia while addressing decarbonization goals aligned with European climate policies. By adding substantial renewable capacity to the national grid, the project aims to enhance long-term energy stability while contributing to broader regional decarbonization objectives.

According to Fortis Energy, this venture is a crucial infrastructure asset that plays an integral role in the European Green Transition. The project is anticipated to generate over 365 GWh of clean electricity annually, providing energy to more than 105,000 households and avoiding approximately 182,000 tons of CO₂ emissions, which equates to the environmental benefit of planting nearly nine million trees each year.

Fortis Energy highlights the importance of collaborating with the EBRD, emphasizing the bank's ongoing support for sustainable infrastructure projects in the Western Balkans. This partnership aims to mobilize private capital and enhance market stability, thereby advancing the region's shift towards greener energy solutions.

Significantly, Sremska Mitrovica, which is situated about 80 kilometers northwest of Belgrade, holds historical significance as it was built upon the remnants of the Roman imperial capital, Sirmio. The city now stands at a transformative juncture, merging its rich historical legacy with the promising prospects of clean energy development, thereby positioning itself as a modern hub for sustainable growth.

Construction of the solar plant is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026, with operations commencing in the first quarter of 2028. Fortis Energy, originally rooted in Turkey and based in the Netherlands, aims to become a leading independent power producer focused on green base-load energy. The company's existing projects currently include over 200 MW of renewable capacity, with plans for greater investments totalling more than 500 MW by 2026-2027.

This crucial partnership and the subsequent project underscore a significant step towards enhancing Serbia's energy independence while also contributing to environmental preservation goals aligned with global standards. The Sremska Mitrovica project not only promises substantial economic benefits but also sets a vital precedent for future renewable energy projects in Southeastern Europe, reinforcing the viability and sustainability of large-scale solar energy solutions in the region.