Every country is continuously seeking strategies to generate as much energy as possible and efficiently for its population. Nowadays, the challenge of producing energy has lessened because technological innovation allows people to rely on top-notch equipment to initiate groundbreaking projects. In news that left many people captivated heading into 2026, Dongfang Electric was awarded a contract to supply Serbia’s largest-ever 300 MW wind power project.
Dongfang Electric enters Europe: Understanding the influence of China in wind energy
China is a country renowned for its innovative strategies and ambitious approach to energy production. The Asian based nation is the standout world leader in total wind energy capacity with outstanding volume and growth. According to multiple reports, China has over 500GW of installed capacity, more than any other nation by a considerable amount. As such, it is not surprising that a European-based country like Serbia decided to award a Chinese company, Dongfang Electric, with a massive contract to assist in its wind energy production endeavours.
Some people might have been disgruntled that Serbia is overlooking its local companies, but the thinking from Serbia is simple: China has the most experience when it comes to executing wind energy products, hence it is a country better served to manage the responsibilities and the curveballs that come with such a project. The construction process is being led by China Power Construction Group (PowerChina), which is also facilitating grid connection and engineering.
Serbia enters uncharted territory: The 2026 Vitello wind power project.
When news broke of Dongfang Electric’s involvement in Serbia’s project, many people were astounded to learn that this was set to become Serbia’s largest ever wind power project. What people ignored is that there are not many projects of such a size in the entire Eastern Europe, making Serbia one of the pioneers in the region.
The iconic project is not the Vitello wind power project or the Vetrozelena Wind Farm. It is situated in farmland near Pancevo, in Serbia’s Vojvodina region. This location is essential, especially to the people residing in that region, because they will have an opportunity to receive employment in turbine installations, maintenance operations, and grid expansion.
Unpacking the specific details of Serbia’s largest ever wind power project
The contract awarded to Dongfang Electric is valued at over an astounding US$660 million, which conveys the country’s intent to partake in the clean energy generation initiative. The center is expected to have 48 wind turbines, each with a unit output of 6.25 MW. The future is looking bright for Serbia when it comes to providing energy efficiently for its citizens.
Serbia’s strategy to generate clean energy and reduce emissions
Countries like Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland are the leaders when it comes to clean energy generation in Eastern Europe. Now, Serbia has also entered the fray in an attempt to reduce carbon emissions. The wind power project is expected to commence in 2027 and generate about 774 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. There are no people in Serbia who rely on fossil fuel-producing energy sources, so the Vitello wind farm will replace other sources that are harmful to the earth. For now, what is being discussed is the expectations surrounding the project, but only time will tell whether Serbia will end up creating a blueprint for Eastern European countries or will someone else emerge.
Energy generation is not an industry where companies are competitive with one another because one country’s success does not affect other countries. In most cases, countries follow blueprints established by other nations if it allows them to produce energy for their citizens. As such, Dongfang Electric was well within its rights to enter Europe and assist Serbia with its wind energy projects. For Serbia, the wind farm has an opportunity to be the cornerstone of clean energy generation alongside a country like Spain.
