INTERVIEW OF THE MONTH: AVJ CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

We are poised to advance hydrogen energy initiatives, nuclear energy projects, and large-scale battery storage solutions to optimize the global organization of green energy

Vasileios Antonopoulos, General Menager of AVJ Construction and Development

"Renewable energy is expanding significantly globally and increasingly entering local markets. Large-scale projects promote a new green energy paradigm while depleting traditional energy resources. We are poised to advance hydrogen energy initiatives, nuclear energy projects, and large-scale battery storage solutions to optimize the global organization of green energy."

The AVJ Construction and Development has expertise in all key features of the renewable energy field. Could you tell us more about the services your company provides?
Our organization has established a framework of affiliated companies, a team of experienced economic advisors, and a legal consulting firm to facilitate all stages of development and provide EPC services.  We consider it a privilege to conduct official feasibility studies and establish financing channels for our investors to implement our service structures.

How far has Serbia progressed in using renewable energy since the AVJ was founded seven years ago? What do you consider to be the biggest challenges and successes in your development during this period?
In the past eight years, Serbia has made significant strides in renewable energy, facilitating the modernization of existing structures and legislation. Moreover, it has transitioned logically towards alignment with European standards, opening its market approximately two years ago. Our primary concern was establishing development and financing lines. We successfully advanced our investment projects while creating an investor platform offering them comprehensive services. From 2017 to 2024, we have successfully developed a capacity of 87 MW. Furthermore, we have initiated the procurement of three plots to enable new projects totaling up to 150 MW from 2024 to 2027. In our capacity as EPC and Project Management, we have been engaged in projects amounting to 58 MW from 2020 to 2024. Additionally, we have secured a new EPC agreement that will facilitate 50 MW in 2025.

Recently, the AVJ Constructions and Development has been appointed as the exclusive distributor of DAS SOLAR in the territories of Serbia, BiH and Montenegro. What benefits does this collaboration offer to your portfolio?
DAS SOLAR is expanding the structure of sales around Europe and is participating in upgrading this new challenge. Q1 2025 We are creating a new sales team with an affiliate company and market penetration to Serbia and Montenegro. Delivery statuses will be a maximum of 15 days, as we have obtained warehouses in Thessaloniki, Greece, and Setbubal, Portugal. The newly established development team in BiH will be able to offer a channel for local facilitation.  We aim to achieve an annual output of 150MW to 200MW per year from 2025-2028. 

In addition to its activities in Serbia, the AVJ Constructions and Development is part of a Group that operates in the UK, Greece, Cyprus, UAE, and Morocco. What are the core business activities of the Group?
Our group of companies has been actively engaged in carbon trading through our platform in the United Kingdom and Brazil, the development of hydrogen system projects and battery storage projects in Greece and Cyprus, shipping and yachting in Greece, property management in Greece and the United Kingdom, and large-scale solar project development in Morocco and the United Arab Emirates. 

Continuously pushing the boundaries of efficiency and innovation, the growth of renewable energy capacity remains a focal point in the global energy transition. Which are the current renewable energy trends and which one are you implementing in your business?
Renewable energy is expanding significantly globally and increasingly entering local markets. Large-scale projects promote a new green energy paradigm while depleting traditional energy resources. We are poised to advance hydrogen energy initiatives, nuclear energy projects, and large-scale battery storage solutions to optimize the global organization of green energy. 

What does the Hellenic Business Association represent for you and are you satisfied with its work?
The Hellenic Business Association represents local Greek businesses and supports the community. We are pretty satisfied with the leadership and communication path.