Novi Sad has initiated an early public review of proposed planning amendments that would allow the development of a large-scale solar thermal installation within the TE-TO energy complex, as part of broader efforts to transform the city’s heating system.
The proposed changes, submitted by the city’s public urban planning company, cover an area of 86.25 hectares in the northeastern part of Novi Sad. The zone already includes the existing combined heat and power plant (TE-TO), while the updated planning framework also provides space for its future expansion and the development of additional energy facilities.
At the core of the proposal is a solar thermal project valued at approximately €105 million, with a financing agreement already secured with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The planned installation would feature a solar collector field of about 7.4 hectares, complemented by two seasonal heat storage units occupying roughly 15 hectares. Additional supporting infrastructure is also included in the design, bringing the total area of the solar thermal complex to around 29.7 hectares within the wider site.
The planning amendments also allow for the further development of the existing TE-TO facility, which currently spans about 19 hectares. This includes the potential construction of a new gas-steam unit, contributing to the modernization and diversification of Novi Sad’s energy system.
Much of the land within the planning area is currently undeveloped and primarily used for agricultural purposes, making the project a significant transformation of the local landscape.
According to the planning documentation, the main goal of the project is to gradually integrate renewable energy sources into Novi Sad’s district heating system, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the city’s existing energy infrastructure.
