Serbia’s renewable energy sector has issued a warning over recent regulatory changes, arguing that new network connection rules could significantly slow down the development of wind and solar projects and jeopardize the country’s long-term energy transition targets.
The appeal was submitted by RES Serbia to the Ministry of Mining and Energy, alongside proposed amendments to the Electricity Supply Regulation and the Energy Law. The association claims the changes are intended to address growing barriers faced by investors and to prevent negative consequences stemming from the latest regulatory framework.
At the center of the dispute is a provision that delays the preparation of network connection studies for new renewable projects until the final months of 2029. Industry representatives argue that since these studies are the first formal step in securing access to the transmission grid, the measure effectively freezes the development of new wind and solar capacity for several years.
According to the association, the impact is not limited to future projects. Several developments already in advanced stages are now considered at risk, even though investors have secured connection studies and submitted substantial financial guarantees to the transmission system operator. In many cases, project timelines have also been disrupted by permitting delays and administrative challenges linked to planning and construction procedures.
RES Serbia estimates that more than 1.15 GW of renewable capacity could be affected under the current framework, while bank guarantees tied to affected projects amount to approximately €29 million, highlighting the scale of capital already committed to the sector.
The organization warns that the broader consequences could extend beyond renewable energy investment. It argues that delays in new generation capacity could weaken investor confidence in a sector that has attracted significant foreign capital in recent years and potentially postpone the next wave of energy investment by at least four years.
The timing of the changes has also raised concerns given Serbia’s expected growth in electricity demand in the coming period. Industry stakeholders emphasize that domestic renewable generation is essential for meeting future consumption needs without increasing reliance on imported fuels or exposure to volatile international energy prices.
RES Serbia maintains that wind and solar energy represent locally available resources that strengthen energy security while supporting cost stability. From this perspective, slowing the development of new capacity is seen not only as an investment issue but also as a strategic challenge for Serbia’s long-term energy independence and supply reliability. The association has called on government institutions, regulators, and stakeholders to engage in dialogue to find a balanced solution that allows continued investment while addressing concerns over grid capacity management.
