China helps build solar plant in Serbia

Chinese-built Serbian solar plant a few days away from grid connection

The first ground-based photovoltaic project constructed by a Chinese company in Serbia, called the Saraorci photovoltaic project, is expected to be connected to the grid and commence commercial operations by the end of this month.

The Saraorci Photovoltaic Power Plant, one of the largest photovoltaic power plants in Serbia, will be connected in the next few weeks to the electric grid and start operating commercially.

According to Serbia’s Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Djedovic, the Saraorci power plant will have a capacity of 9.95 megawatts, and the energy it produces will be for the domestic market, which is enough to supply approximately 2,500 households.

The Minister noted that currently built solar generation capacity in Serbia was far below their potential – there are 157 solar power plants with a capacity of 23.3 megawatts. She pointed out that the solar potential of Serbia is approximately 30 percent higher than the potential of Germany, which is one of the leaders in Europe in the production of electricity, using this type of energy.

According to Liu Ji, the Deputy Project Manager of PowerChina Hubei Engineering Co Ltd, despite the differences in local design and construction processes compared to China, the project department has achieved an impressive 100% acceptance and pass rate.
Also speaking about the successful project, Nenad Cvejic, HSE Manager for the PowerChina company said “this solar plant marks a significant milestone for Serbia as it is the first of its kind in the country. By harnessing solar energy, this plant will play a crucial role in safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainability in Serbia.

The construction phase of this project has not only created a significant number of job opportunities for the surrounding communities but also holds the potential to make a positive impact on the environment in Serbia.

With an annual supply of over 16 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity, this project will contribute to a substantial reduction of approximately 16,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Long Junxian, the Commissioning Manager of the company said that “as part of this process, domestic commissioning personnel and local experts will collaborate closely to conduct thorough inspections and ensure a seamless connection of the project to the grid.”


Sources:

Africa China Press Centre, May 8, 2024. https://africachinapresscentre.org/…/first-chinese…/

Government of Serbia, July 18, 2023. https://www.srbija.gov.rs/…/future-solar-power-plant-in…