Wind returns to focus in South-East Europe as grid flexibility becomes the bottleneck

South-East Europe’s renewable transition is being rewritten by solar growth, but wind is re-emerging as a key pillar of the region’s long-term energy balance. The shift matters for investors and system operators alike because the ability to manage variability—through flexibility, seasonal diversification and smarter grid use—is increasingly constrained.

Wind currently accounts for about 9% of the generation mix in the region, yet it remains important for stabilizing supply when solar output falls. That pattern is most visible in evening hours and during winter months, when wind can help cover gaps left by declining solar generation. Still, intermittency continues to shape dispatch dynamics: in early April, wind generation fell by 1,494 MW, underscoring how variability can quickly translate into operational pressure.

Project momentum spreads from Bulgaria to Turkey

New development activity across South-East Europe points to renewed interest in expanding wind capacity, often alongside broader hybrid strategies. In Bulgaria, Vestas has secured a contract to supply turbines for a 70 MW wind project, reinforcing the country’s role as a renewable hub in the SEE region. The move aligns with efforts to diversify generation and reduce dependence on imported fuels amid volatile gas markets.

In Croatia, work on the 80 MW Čemernica wind farm represents another step toward scaling renewable capacity. The project is described as being supported by government-backed financing mechanisms and EU-aligned decarbonization policies, reflecting a wider trend toward mid-scale wind developments designed to complement solar expansion and strengthen system resilience.

Serbia’s pipeline is also advancing. The Uljma 2 wind farm has entered the planning phase, alongside other large-scale projects backed by international investors. Wind already contributes roughly 7.5% of national electricity generation, with capacity expanding steadily over the past decade. The Vojvodina corridor remains highlighted as an attractive investment zone in the Western Balkans due to favorable wind speeds and proximity to transmission infrastructure.

North Macedonia is progressing with the Stip wind project through public consultation. Turkey continues expanding its portfolio as well, commissioning new capacity such as the 70 MW Karaman wind farm and maintaining its position among major regional players.

Small systems highlight export value—and integration plans

Montenegro illustrates how wind can be strategically valuable even within a small but interconnected power system. Existing assets—including the 72 MW Krnovo and 46 MW Možura wind farms—are joined by newly commissioned 54 MW Gvozd capacity. Together, they are described as contributing to export capacity and supporting diversification away from coal.

At the same time, 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.

Wind complements solar—but grid limits shape what gets built

The central message across SEE is that wind is not competing with solar; it is complementing it. While solar tends to dominate daytime generation, wind provides critical output during off-peak periods and times of low irradiation—an operational profile that can reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based balancing and improve overall system stability.

Yet both technologies face structural constraints tied primarily to grid capacity and connection availability. In several markets transmission systems are nearing saturation, limiting new projects’ ability to secure grid access. That dynamic is driving greater emphasis on hybrid projects and co-location strategies—developing wind alongside solar and storage—to optimize how limited network capacity is used.

Investment focus shifts toward integrated portfolios

Market pricing dynamics reinforce why timing matters for wind. As solar-driven price suppression intensifies around midday hours, the relative value of wind generation during evening and night periods increases—particularly in export-oriented markets where generation timing can influence realized prices and cross-border flows.

For investors, this is translating into a broader evaluation framework: projects are increasingly assessed not only on standalone economics but also 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 improve revenue capture.

The next phase of wind development in South-East Europe will likely feature fewer but more sophisticated projects that integrate advanced forecasting, storage solutions and optimized grid connections. As the region moves toward a renewable-dominated system led by solar growth, wind is expected to remain a critical balancing force—helping ensure that expansion does not undermine reliability or export capability.