Western Balkan countries possess sufficient potential wind and solar capacity to forgo gas-based projects in their energy transition, according to a study published Tuesday by the U.S. NGO Global Energy Monitor (GEM).
Coal Dependence and Carbon Neutrality Goals
The countries in this region (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia) still heavily rely on coal-fired power plants for electricity generation, but they have committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Untapped Wind and Solar Potential
While wind and solar currently contribute only 7% (1.5 GW) to their energy mix, the potential capacity stands at 23 GW, slightly exceeding the existing capacity (approximately 21 GW across all six countries), according to the GEM study.
The organization suggests that governments in the region accelerate these renewable energy projects and abandon plans for constructing gas-fired power plants.
Renewable Energy as a Viable Alternative
Implementing the proposed wind and solar projects in each country would generate “four times more electricity than future gas-fired power plants,” the study states.
This approach would simultaneously save “billions of euros and avoid significant carbon emissions.”
Serbia’s Potential and Gas Consumption
Serbia boasts the most substantial potential, with 47% of the envisioned capacity for the entire region.
Currently, Serbia is also the largest consumer of gas in the region, importing 90% of its needs from Russia, according to the study.
Gas Usage in Power Generation
Along with North Macedonia, Serbia is the only other country among the six that utilizes gas for electricity production.
However, Albania, Bosnia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia are planning the construction of gas-fired power plants and associated infrastructure, totaling 3.5 billion euros, the study notes.
Criticism of EU and US Influence
The study denounces the “interests” of the European Union and the United States, which have “lobbied” and “supported dependence on fossil gas” in the region.
“More political will is needed at the local level, while the EU and the U.S. should champion the region’s clean energy potential rather than supporting expensive and polluting gas,” stated Zhanaiym Kozybay, co-author of the study and researcher at GEM, in a press release.