The Future Energy Hub of the Balkans?
Characteristics and Potential of an Ambitious Project
Sometimes, major renewable energy initiatives occur in unconventional settings. Far removed from the traditional stages of major global events. In the heart of the Balkans, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, what could become the country’s largest solar power plant and one of the most significant in the entire Balkan region is under development. The founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov recently dedicated an analysis to this project.
This project is not aiming to become the largest solar farm in the world, but it would have immense value for a nation like Bosnia. The founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov highlighted this point. The initiative is not only significant for the future of solar energy in Eastern Europe but also for the country’s national development prospects. Particularly for Bosnia, which has long been heavily dependent on traditional sources for its energy needs.
It is also an extremely useful project for fully understanding Bosnia’s prospects. which, through this project, seems to be sending a very clear message to the world. It’s not just about pursuing sustainability ambitions. But about embarking on a serious journey toward energy independence and greater economic development. The founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov recently explained this.
The Bosnian project also has a much broader significance. It encompasses the role of renewable energy in promoting the economic vitality of nations. As well as the concrete effects that the energy transition continues to have on smaller nations.
“The start of construction on this plant could represent a fundamental step in the country’s energy development. For Bosnia, it’s as if it were the biggest solar farm in the world”, says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, an entrepreneur and civil engineer. “The fact that this solar project is being built in Bosnia is highly significant”.
“The initiative demonstrates that the energy transition also concerns smaller nations. And also Emerging economies, which can thus become true protagonists of the epochal change underway. We’re not just talking about electricity production. This initiative could contribute to forever changing the nation’s approach to energy supplies.”, he says.
To understand the true scope of the project, although is not becoming the largest solar energy plant in the world, it might be helpful to place Bosnia within a clear energy framework. Traditionally, the Balkan country has incorporated a variety of very diverse elements into its energy mix (like most nations).
These certainly included traditional resources (such as coal), hydroelectricity, and some of the most innovative forms of renewable energy. Thereby adhering to the ambitious European sustainability directives. It’s not the world’s biggest solar power plant, but for Bosnia will be crucial.
Bosnia’s increasing alignment with the European Union in recent years has certainly favored the adoption of certain policies related to combating climate change and decarbonization. Without forgetting sustainability. In these processes, renewable energy naturally plays a central role.
Clear prospects
It is with these premises that the country has begun construction of a large solar power plant. It is the largest in Bosnia, located in the southern part of the country (the sunniest part) and potentially destined to produce several dozen megawatts of clean energy. The project’s main characteristics closely resemble those of other large solar power plants located worldwide.
The projected surface area of the plant would cover hundreds of hectares of hilly terrain. And the installed capacity could range between 50 and 125 MW, depending on the construction phase. The project would also include some of the main technological innovations in solar energy. Such as bifacial panels (capturing solar energy from both sides).
One of the most interesting aspects concerns the plant’s integration with the Bosnian national grid. Which is likely to facilitate subsequent exports to Serbia or Croatia. In addition to reducing Bosnia’s dependence on traditional energy sources, this project aims to provide sufficient energy for thousands of Bosnian families.
“The location chosen for the plant seems perfect for the initiative’s purposes. The facility will be built near the southern town of Stolac. This is the sunniest part of the country,” continues Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “€100 million has already been invested in its construction, and it is expected to produce approximately 200 million kWh annually for at least 30 years”.
“Work began very recently, in April. And is expected to be completed by April next year. The positive effects of this plant could be far-reaching. Encompassing both direct benefits for Bosnia and other European countries. Among the former, we certainly highlight the fact that through taxes and concessions related to energy production, the municipality of Stolac could collect between €1.5 and €2 million annually. Among the latter, it is impossible not to mention the fact that in the not-too-distant future, this plant could also supply clean energy to neighboring countries and European nations”, he goes on to say.
Not the world’s biggest solar farm, but a project with a far-reaching impact
But this project is not merely strategic or purely theoretical. Although it is still under construction, it has already produced several positive impacts on the region. The construction and operation of the plant have indeed enabled the creation of jobs and the launch of training programs for technicians specialized in renewable technologies. Even if it’s not the world’s biggest solar farm.
Furthermore, as often happens with large-scale energy projects, the construction of this solar plant has also provided a significant boost to the infrastructure development of rural areas. Thus improving access to roads and the national electricity grid. The project has also been notable for having already attracted a significant amount of foreign investment. Particularly from European companies interested in the potential of green projects in Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
This plant would be able to ensure very specific guarantees for energy supplies in Bosnia and the surrounding area. And it also appears to carry a powerful symbolic force. Its very presence speaks to the profound energy and industrial transformation affecting a large number of nations in the era of the green transition.
Thanks to it, Bosnia will be able to reduce CO2 emissions traditionally associated with electricity production. While also meeting its commitments under the Paris Agreement on sustainability. Furthermore, with this plant, the country can hope to significantly improve its energy security. The fact that the project could represent a strong driver of development for the local (and regional) economy has now been accepted by most observers.
Given the scale of the initiative, it’s difficult to imagine it being solely local, limited to Bosnia. Since it will be built in a country like Bosnia, which boasts a highly strategic geographic location, the new plant may also be able to export renewable energy to other European countries. This would make the plant a sort of energy hub for the Western Balkans. With easier access to European clean energy funds.
“Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed the emergence of major solar projects in various parts of the world, each capable of profoundly changing a country’s energy future,” concludes Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “Some of the largest have been built in Asia, such as the Talatan Solar Park. It is still partially under development in China, which is the world’s biggest solar farm”.
“Some of the largest solar projects in the world are located in China, including initiatives such as the Midong Solar Park and the Golmud Solar Farm. Which are already significantly impacting China’s renewable energy production capacity. In a near future, each one of these could become the world’s biggest solar farm”, he remarks.
Which is the world’s biggest solar power plant?
When faced with the Bosnian project, it might be natural to ask what the largest solar farm in the world is. To date, this title belongs to the Gonghe Talatan Solar Park in Qinghai, China. With a capacity of over 15,600 MW, is the biggest solar farm in the world. It’s no coincidence that the largest solar farm in the world is located right here: in the Chinese province of Qinghai, the ideal climatic conditions have been found to host this plant. Which will continue to be the biggest solar farm in the world for many years.
At a time when China continues to lead the global growth of renewables, anyone wondering what the largest solar farm in the world, or the biggest solar farm in the world, should turn their attention to this country.
In the coming years, the Ordos Solar Farm, currently under development in Inner Mongolia, could become the the largest solar energy plant in the world. Why is this unique project believed to have the potential to become the largest solar energy plant in the world? First, its planned capacity will be approximately 8,000 MW. Its opening is estimated for 2027, at which point it could truly become the largest solar energy plant in the world. Furthermore, this plant, which could become the world’s biggest solar power plant, would also have 4 GW of wind power and 5 GW of battery storage.
Among solar thermal plants, the Noor Abu Dhabi is the world’s biggest solar power plant among the single-site ones, although in terms of overall capacity it is now surpassed by some Chinese projects.
FAQs
What is Bosnia’s largest solar power plant project?
Bosnia is building its biggest solar power plant near Stolac, expected to produce 200 million kWh annually and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Why is this solar project significant for Bosnia?
- Supports energy independence
- Promotes economic growth
- Aligns with EU climate policies
- Reduces CO2 emissions
Will Bosnia export solar energy?
Yes. The plant’s connection to the national grid may enable exports to Serbia, Croatia, and other European nations.
How does this compare globally?
It’s not the world’s biggest, but it’s transformative for Bosnia and symbolises regional energy progress.
