• The 154MW Čibuk 2 wind farm expands Serbia’s Čibuk wind complex to 312MW, making it the largest wind power hub in Serbia and the Western Balkans.
• Čibuk 1 and 2 represent more than $590 million in foreign direct investment and can supply around 178,800 homes.
• Masdar has more than 200MW of additional Serbian solar, wind and battery projects in development as the country targets 45% renewable electricity by 2030.

Masdar and Taaleri Energia have inaugurated the 154MW Čibuk 2 wind farm, expanding Serbia’s largest wind complex as the country works to reduce its reliance on conventional energy sources.

The new facility sits alongside the 158MW Čibuk 1 wind farm in Serbia’s South Banat region, around 40 kilometres from Belgrade. Together, the projects provide 312MW of installed capacity and enough clean electricity for around 178,800 households.

The two wind farms also represent more than $590 million in foreign direct investment in Serbia’s energy infrastructure.

Čibuk 2 is jointly owned by Masdar and Finnish renewable energy fund manager Taaleri Energia. The companies each hold a 50% stake. New Energy Solutions supported the project’s development.

Serbia expands renewable power capacity

Čibuk 2 adds new domestic generation as Serbia prepares for rising electricity demand and a broader transformation of its power system.

The country plans to bring around 3.5GW of new wind and solar capacity online by 2030. It is also targeting renewables for 45% of electricity generation by the end of the decade.

Masdar’s two Čibuk projects currently account for around 25% of Serbia’s combined wind and solar power capacity, according to the government.

Her Excellency Dubravka Đedović Handanović, Minister of Mining and Energy, Republic of Serbia commented: “The completion of Wind Park Čibuk 2 makes a significant contribution to Serbia’s efforts to decarbonize its energy system while increasing its energy independence. The two wind power plants developed by Masdar in Serbia, with a total installed capacity of 312 MW, currently account for around 25 per cent of Serbia’s combined wind and solar power capacity. Over the years, Masdar’s presence has been a major driver in the development of wind energy capacity in Serbia. Wind Park Čibuk 1 marked an early phase in the development of Serbia’s wind energy capacity, while Čibuk 2 is a standout project in a more mature and dynamic phase of the market. Masdar has proved to be a reliable partner in the renewable energy sector. We hope to continue our cooperation on new projects in the future and to further strengthen our efforts to achieve the sustainable decarbonization of Serbia’s energy sector.”

Čibuk 2 adds 336,000MWh of annual generation

Čibuk 2 comprises 22 Nordex turbines and is expected to generate up to 336,000MWh of clean electricity annually. That is enough to supply around 80,000 homes.

The project is also expected to avoid approximately 311,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

Construction created work for more than 1,000 people across the workforce, subcontractors and project management. Most were local to the South Banat region, adding an economic dimension to the project beyond its generation capacity.

For Serbia, additional domestic renewable generation can also reduce exposure to imported fuel costs and commodity price volatility. That is increasingly relevant as European governments balance decarbonisation with energy security and affordability.

RELATED ARTICLE: Masdar, EPCG Advance 2GW Montenegro Energy Plan

Masdar builds regional growth platform

Masdar is already preparing its next phase of investment in Serbia. The company has more than 200MW of additional projects in development across solar, wind and battery storage.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer, Masdar commented: “Today marks a significant milestone for Masdar’s presence in Serbia and demonstrates our ability to deliver complex projects at speed and at competitive cost. Alongside our partners here in Serbia, we are providing the high-quality energy infrastructure needed to strengthen energy security and drive sustainable economic growth. With over 300MW now installed at the Čibuk hub and a strong pipeline for growth in Serbia, we are creating a platform for greater expansion across the wider region and Central and Eastern Europe.”

Masdar now has more than 65GW of renewable energy capacity across its global portfolio. Its technologies span solar, onshore and offshore wind, battery storage and hybrid systems. The company is targeting 100GW of capacity by 2030.

The expansion in Serbia gives Masdar a larger foothold in Central and Eastern Europe at a time when the region needs substantial investment in generation, storage and grid infrastructure.

For investors and energy executives, Čibuk 2 also illustrates the scale of capital moving into emerging European renewable markets. Serbia’s 2030 targets will require that investment to continue, alongside permitting, grid development and policies capable of supporting new capacity.