Wind power opportunities in SEE

Southeast Europe, with its diverse landscapes and strategic position between Western Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, stands at a crossroads not only geographically but also energetically. In the context of the European Union’s ambitious Green Deal, the global drive to decarbonize, and the growing urgency to secure energy independence, the potential for renewable energy in this region has come under increasing focus. Among the renewable sources, wind power represents one of the most promising, and largely untapped, opportunities across Southeast Europe. Countries like Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Albania, Greece, and Turkey are at varying stages of developing their wind energy sectors, and each presents unique possibilities and challenges

Romania: a regional wind power pioneer

Romania stands out as a regional leader in wind energy, having developed one of the largest onshore wind farms in Europe—the Fantanele-Cogealac Wind Farm. With an installed capacity of over 600 MW, this facility alone has put Romania on the map as a wind energy power in the region. The country benefits from strong wind corridors along the Black Sea coast and in the Dobruja region. Although growth plateaued after the end of generous feed-in tariffs in the early 2010s, the Romanian wind sector is experiencing renewed momentum. The government’s commitment to EU climate targets, improvements in grid infrastructure and interest from foreign investors have paved the way for new capacity additions. Offshore wind development is also starting to gain attention, with preliminary studies suggesting substantial potential in the Black Sea.

Bulgaria: untapped wind potential in a transitioning market

Bulgaria, Romania’s southern neighbor, has a more modest wind energy sector but significant potential. The Balkan Mountains and coastal areas near the Black Sea are particularly well-suited for wind farm development. As of now, wind power comprises a relatively small share of Bulgaria’s electricity mix, but growing pressure from the European Union and the need to transition from coal-fired power plants are driving a shift in energy policy. Bulgaria is now working to integrate more renewables into its grid, and international investors are eyeing the country’s underutilized wind resources. However, regulatory uncertainty and grid limitations have historically slowed progress. These are gradually being addressed, providing hope for a more dynamic wind sector in the coming years.

Serbia: an emerging wind market in the western Balkans

Serbia, though not a member of the EU, is aligning its energy policies with European standards as part of its accession process. The country has made initial steps into wind power, with the Cibuk 1 wind farm – one of the largest in the Western Balkans – signaling its entry into the wind energy landscape. Serbia’s Vojvodina region offers favorable wind conditions, and the government has introduced auctions and incentives to attract more private investment. However, bureaucratic hurdles and the dominance of traditional energy sources like coal continue to challenge rapid development. Nevertheless, Serbia’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal requires a significant scale-up in renewables, and wind power is set to play a crucial role.

Montenegro: small scale, big ambitions

Montenegro, a small country with limited energy demand, has shown a surprisingly proactive approach toward wind energy. The Krnovo Wind Farm, the country’s first large-scale wind project, provides a sizable share of domestic electricity consumption. With its mountainous terrain and coastal winds, Montenegro has opportunities for further development, especially in remote areas where wind conditions are favorable. However, the small scale of its electricity market and the lack of regional grid integration remain obstacles. Efforts are underway to connect better with neighboring countries and participate more fully in regional energy markets, which could open new doors for wind investment.

North Macedonia: building from the ground up

North Macedonia, another EU aspirant, is gradually diversifying its energy mix away from coal. While wind energy is still in its infancy, projects such as the Bogdanci wind farm mark the beginning of a broader strategy to harness renewable resources. The country has committed to increasing the share of renewables and has identified wind as a key component. Its central location in the Balkans also positions it well for regional cooperation and cross-border energy trade, which could help overcome limitations in domestic demand and grid infrastructure.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: high potential amid complexity

Bosnia and Herzegovina holds significant potential for wind power development due to its favorable geographic and climatic conditions. The country’s mountainous terrain and exposure to strong, consistent winds – particularly in the Herzegovina region – make it an ideal location for wind farm installations. In recent years, there has been growing interest from both domestic and international investors in harnessing this renewable energy source. With improvements in infrastructure and grid capacity, wind power could play a key role in diversifying the national energy mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The expansion of wind energy also presents opportunities for job creation, technological advancement, and increased energy independence.

Croatia: harnessing the bora winds

Croatia, as an EU member state, has made notable strides in renewable energy development, including wind. The Dalmatian coast and inland mountainous regions offer excellent wind conditions, and the country has already developed a number of wind farms that contribute significantly to its energy mix. Croatia’s geography is a particular advantage, with the strong bora wind providing reliable and high-capacity factors. The government has committed to increasing wind energy’s share further, with support from EU funds and private investors. Ongoing efforts to modernize the grid and simplify permitting are expected to unlock even more potential in the near future.

Slovenia: balancing wind potential and environmental concerns

Slovenia, though smaller in size and population, also offers viable wind opportunities, particularly in the Karst region and along mountain ridges. However, development has been limited by environmental concerns and resistance from local communities, especially regarding visual and noise impacts in the alpine landscape. As a result, wind contributes only a small fraction to Slovenia’s energy mix. Nevertheless, the country’s ambitious decarbonization targets and desire to reduce reliance on imports may prompt a reevaluation of its wind strategy, particularly for small-scale and community-owned projects that align with its strong environmental ethos.

Albania: diversifying beyond hydropower

Albania is heavily reliant on hydropower, which accounts for more than 95% of its electricity production. While this makes its energy supply already renewable-heavy, it also exposes the country to seasonal variability and climate risks. Wind energy presents a complementary solution, particularly in coastal areas and ridgelines where wind speeds are high. Initial studies and pilot projects have identified strong potential, and the government is working with international partners to attract investment. Developing wind power could help diversify Albania’s energy sources and improve reliability, especially as climate change threatens hydropower consistency.

Greece: a mature market with offshore ambitions

Greece, a pioneer in renewable energy in Southeast Europe, has significantly expanded its wind power capacity over the last decade. With strong winds across its mainland and islands, Greece has become a regional leader in wind energy deployment. Government incentives, streamlined permitting processes, and EU funding have supported robust growth. Greece’s national energy and climate plan targets even greater penetration of renewables, with offshore wind now emerging as the next frontier. The Aegean and Ionian seas offer ideal conditions for floating wind technology, and several pilot projects are in the pipeline. With its mature market, experienced developers, and strategic role in the EU’s green transition, Greece is poised to become a wind power hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey: a regional manufacturing and wind energy powerhouse

Turkey, the region’s largest economy and energy consumer, is also a major player in wind energy. It has aggressively pursued renewable energy in recent years, and wind power now accounts for a significant share of its electricity generation. The Aegean and Marmara regions are particularly rich in wind resources, and the country has implemented feed-in tariffs, auctions, and localization requirements to boost domestic industry participation. Turkey’s wind sector is increasingly attracting global investment, and the country aims to install over 30 GW of wind capacity by 2035. Offshore wind is also on the horizon, especially in the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. Turkey’s growing manufacturing base for wind components further strengthens its position as a regional leader.

A region ready to rise on the winds of change

In conclusion, Southeast Europe possesses tremendous wind energy potential that remains only partially realized. While some countries like Romania, Greece, and Turkey are already established players, others such as Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia are just beginning to explore wind as a significant part of their energy mix. The diversity in regulatory frameworks, grid infrastructure, and investment climates poses challenges, but also opportunities for cooperation and regional integration. As Southeast Europe looks to decarbonize, ensure energy security, and meet international climate commitments, wind power stands as a vital and promising resource across this dynamic and rapidly evolving region.