Serbia inaugurates largest wind farm in Western Balkans

Serbia has inaugurated Čibuk 1, the largest utility-scale commercial wind project in the Western Balkans.

Built over a 37 square kilometre site some 50 kilometres from the capital, Belgrade, Čibuk 1 – a 300 million-euro joint venture between UAE-based Masdar, Taaleri Energia and German development finance institution DEG – has a capacity of 158 MW and will provide sustainable, emission-free power to 113,000 homes and displace more than 370,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

“Čibuk 1 is not only a bold statement as to Serbia’s long-term renewable energy ambitions and its commitment to modernise its power sector, but also an investment in Serbia’s energy security,” said Mohamed Al Ramahi, the CEO of Masdar.

UAE Minister of State and Chairman of Masdar Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, added: “Today’s inauguration of Čibuk 1 further strengthens the UAE’s partnership and cooperation with Serbia and its government. Since Masdar’s establishment more than a decade ago, its mission has been to advance the clean energy sector and to provide sustainable, innovative solutions to the world’s energy needs. Today, that vision is being realized through projects such as Čibuk 1, the biggest wind farm in the Western Balkans.”

The project supports Serbia’s pledge to produce 27 per cent of its domestic power needs from renewable energy sources by 2020, while helping to reduce its dependence on coal-fired power generation. Čibuk 1 also created 400 local jobs during construction and delivered 50 kilometres of new roads in the surrounding area.