Photovoltaic panels of 317 MW being built at Baranda fishponds – One of Serbia’s largest solar power plants planned near Opovo

A gigantic energy complex - the “Baranda” solar photovoltaic power plant with a capacity of 317 MW and a battery storage system - is planned for construction in the municipality of Opovo, in the area between the settlements of Baranda and Opovo.

The company Baranda Energetski Park d.o.o. has submitted a request to the Provincial Secretariat for Energy, Construction and Transport to determine the scope and content of the environmental impact assessment study for this project. The complete documentation and analysis of potential environmental impacts were prepared by ECOlogica URBO d.o.o. from Kragujevac.

According to the documentation, the planned solar power plant will have a maximum installed capacity of 317 MW. The complex involves the installation of a total of 559,650 latest-generation solar panels, each with a capacity of 720 Wp. The technical design projects an average annual electricity output of 500 GWh, sufficient to supply tens of thousands of households.

What makes this project a pioneer in the country is the integration of a “giant” battery storage system with a minimum installed capacity of 31.7 MW and a capacity of 126.8 MWh. This system, featuring four hours of operational autonomy, will enable the storage of surplus electricity and its stable delivery to Serbia’s transmission system, even during periods without solar radiation. Additionally, a large 400/35 kV transformer station will be constructed to connect the park to the power grid.

The investment will span an area of approximately 401.55 hectares of undeveloped land. Notably, the site largely encompasses the area of former fishpond complexes – “Rakitas”, “Velika Slatina” and part of “Pecena Slatina”. The “Rakitas” and “Velika Slatina” ponds have long been dry and overgrown with meadow vegetation, while “Pecena Slatina” remains partially submerged, so, this project will effectively repurpose and revitalize the neglected area.

As the site is located within the “Srednje Potamisje” area, recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) of both international and national significance, and falls within the Republic of Serbia’s ecological network, competent authorities have mandated rigorous environmental and biodiversity conservation conditions. The Provincial Institute for Nature Conservation has set clear boundaries for the investor:

• Strict No-Build Zone: Any construction work or panel installation is strictly prohibited within a 62.92-hectare area that encompasses the registered habitat of strictly protected species known as the “Fishpond near Baranda”.
• Total ban on pesticides: The use of any chemical agents to maintain the grassy areas beneath and between the panels is prohibited. Green areas will be maintained exclusively through regular mowing or by allowing small livestock (sheep) to graze.
• Free passage for wildlife: The perimeter fence surrounding the entire complex must be raised at least 15 centimeters off the ground or feature vertical elements spaced at least 12 cm apart, ensuring it does not become an impassable barrier for hedgehogs, tortoises, and other small fauna.
• Matte solar modules: The investor is required to use only panels with a high absorption coefficient and low light reflectivity to prevent glare and the mirror effect from disorienting birds in flight.

In addition to its natural assets, the Baranda and Opovo area preserves rich historical treasures. As the solar park is situated within a zone containing archaeological sites subject to preliminary protection (such as the “Budzak-Aleksiceva Slatina”, “Momcilova humka” and “Bajbuk” sites), the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments in Pancevo has mandated a comprehensive, systematic field survey at least 12 months prior to the commencement of work, as well as mandatory expert archaeological supervision during all earthworks.

Branislava Petrovic

Baranda energetski park doo

ECOlogica URBO doo Kragujevac

Provincial Secretariat for Energy Construction and Transport

Municipality of Opovo

Baranda

Opovo

solar power plant Baranda

battery storage

request to determine the scope and content of the environmental impact assessment study