While solar energy is driving rapid structural change across South-East Europe, wind power is re-emerging as a critical component of the region’s long-term energy balance, particularly in addressing the growing need for system flexibility and seasonal diversification.
Despite representing a smaller share of the current generation mix at approximately 9%, wind remains essential for stabilizing supply during periods when solar output declines, particularly in evening hours and winter months. However, short-term variability remains a defining characteristic, with wind generation declining by –1,494 MW in early April, highlighting the intermittency challenges that continue to shape dispatch dynamics.
New project activity across the region indicates a renewed push to expand wind capacity, often in conjunction with broader hybrid energy strategies. In Bulgaria, Vestas has secured a contract to supply turbines for a 70 MW wind project, reinforcing the country’s role as a key renewable energy hub within SEE. This development aligns with broader efforts to diversify generation and reduce dependence on imported fuels, particularly in the context of volatile gas markets.
In Croatia, the development of the 80 MW Čemernica wind farm represents another step toward scaling renewable capacity, supported by government-backed financing mechanisms and EU-aligned decarbonization policies. The project reflects a broader trend of mid-scale wind developments aimed at complementing solar expansion and enhancing system resilience.
Serbia’s wind sector is also advancing, with new projects such as the Uljma 2 wind farm entering the planning phase, alongside a broader pipeline of large-scale developments supported by international investors. Wind power already contributes approximately 7.5% of national electricity generation, with capacity expanding steadily over the past decade. The country’s wind corridor in Vojvodina remains one of the most attractive investment zones in the Western Balkans, characterized by favorable wind speeds and proximity to transmission infrastructure.
North Macedonia is progressing with the Stip wind project, currently undergoing public consultation, indicating continued regional interest in wind as a complementary renewable source. At the same time, Turkey continues to expand its wind portfolio, commissioning new projects such as the 70 MW Karaman wind farm, further reinforcing its position as a major regional player.
Montenegro provides a particularly illustrative example of wind’s strategic role within a small but interconnected system. Existing assets such as the 72 MW Krnovo, 46 MW Možura, and newly commissioned 54 MW Gvozd wind farms are already contributing to the country’s export capacity and diversification away from coal. In parallel, discussions around new renewable joint ventures involving solar, wind, and storage point toward an integrated development model aimed at maximizing export potential via the Italy interconnector.
What is increasingly clear across SEE is that wind is not competing with solar but complementing it. While solar dominates daytime generation, wind provides critical output during off-peak hours and periods of low irradiation. This complementary profile is essential for reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based balancing and enhancing overall system stability.
However, similar to solar, wind development faces significant structural constraints, primarily related to grid capacity and connection availability. In several SEE markets, transmission systems are already approaching saturation, limiting the ability of new projects to secure grid access. This has led to a growing emphasis on hybrid projects and co-location strategies, where wind, solar, and storage assets are developed in tandem to optimize grid utilization.
Market dynamics further reinforce the importance of wind. As solar-driven price suppression intensifies during midday hours, the relative value of wind generation during evening and night periods is increasing. This is particularly relevant in export-oriented markets, where timing of generation can significantly influence realized prices and cross-border flows.
From an investment perspective, wind projects in SEE are increasingly being evaluated not only on standalone economics but on their role within integrated portfolios. Developers and utilities are focusing on combining wind with solar and storage to create more predictable output profiles and maximize market revenues.
The next phase of wind development in South-East Europe will likely be characterized by fewer but more sophisticated projects, integrating advanced forecasting, storage solutions, and optimized grid connections. As the region continues its transition toward a renewable-dominated system, wind power will remain a critical balancing force, ensuring that the growth of solar does not come at the expense of system reliability or export capability.
