Masdar Taaleri at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and energy production innovations

1.Taaleri Energia, a Finnish company, is a 30% shareholder of Čibuk 1, the biggest operational wind farm in Serbia. Can you tell us a bit about this project, how it came about, and what made Serbia attractive to Masdar Taaleri partnership? Do you already have other similar projects in the region? Are there any plans for further investments?

Masdar stepped into the project in 2015 and completed its development bringing it to a successful financial close, whereas Taaleri joined the project just prior to the official construction commencement. At the time when Taaleri joined, both Masdar and Taaleri had had a successful pipeline of projects worldwide and Serbia was immensely attractive at the time (it still is, though) especially as the market here was in its nascent state. It was only natural for such synergy to happen and successfully implement the Čibuk 1 project. From such cooperation and drawing on the existing international and local knowledge and expertise, a new company was borne, called Masdar Taaleri Generation, headquartered in Belgrade, Serbia which is currently developing Čibuk 2 project with around 150MW just southwest from Čibuk 1. There is definitely appetite for further expansion.

2. Innovation is the hallmark for Nordic way of thinking, and especially when it comes to sustainability and green/clean technology. Can share with our readers how innovation happens in your company and what are some benefits in having a Nordic partner in this project?

We definitely strive to be at all times at the very forefront of cutting edge technology and innovations, following the trends and developments in our business area which is energy production, but also areas such as environmental protection and to keep to their highest standards. We implement new solutions in our daily operations and we do not shy away from recognizing and implementing new technological upgrades. Nordic partners certainly bring a fresh dose of that famous Nordic pragmatism and innovative thinking and also our current experience is built upon both Taaleri’s and Masdar’s experience which has resulted in a highly productive synergy.



3. You recently joined the Nordic Business Alliance and we are thrilled to have you! How would you like to contribute to our association and what are some initiatives that we can undertake together to create the greatest impact?

Thank you, we are indeed happy to have joined the NBA. We are certainly ready and willing to contribute to its successful work, to bring new ideas and propose creative activities to it, to assist in fostering its visibility in Serbia and ultimately to have it become even more engaged in the areas of interest to us, first and foremost energy and sustainable development.

4. And finally for the end, where was your most memorable holiday and a destination you would go back to?

The absolutely most memorable holiday I have ever had and the country I would for sure return to countless times is Australia, an absolutely amazing and thrilling destination. I don’t believe there is much that can prepare you for the kindness of the locals in Sydney, the surreal colours of the nature of Byron Bay, the melting-pot of culinary delights in Melbourne, the incredible wild-life and the Aboriginal culture and ancient wholly sights such as Uluru and Kata Tjuta. It is a destination that will make you expand your horizons and, even more importantly, keep you smiling all the time while you are there.

Željko Đurić, General Manager