Serbia’s Energy Minister, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, reassured the public that the recent suspension of Russian gas through Ukraine will not affect Serbia. She emphasized that Serbia receives its gas through the Balkan Stream, not via Ukraine, and assured citizens that there is no immediate threat to the country’s energy supply. Despite the ongoing geopolitical complexities, the Minister assured that Serbia has sufficient energy reserves and stable energy prices.
“The European market may experience some consequences, but we are committed to preventing these from affecting Serbia,” Đedović stated.
Looking ahead to 2025, Đedović highlighted several crucial energy projects set to start in the coming year. One of the most significant is the construction of the Serbia-Hungary oil pipeline, which is expected to be completed by 2027 with an estimated investment of around 150 million euros. The pipeline will span 128 kilometers and have a capacity of about five million tons of oil per year.
In addition to the oil pipeline, Serbia is also focusing on the development of renewable energy projects. One of the most ambitious initiatives is the reversible hydroelectric power plant (RHE) in Bistrica, which will have a capacity of 650 megawatts. According to the Minister, all conditions for the start of construction are now in place, although communal infrastructure needs to be designed, and a technical assessment of the project is required before work can begin.
The RHE Bistrica is expected to function as a “natural battery” that will help balance the growing energy output from solar and wind power plants, which have become increasingly important in Serbia’s renewable energy strategy.
Furthermore, 2025 will see the completion of the wind farm in Kostolac, and the acquisition of the first solar power plant under the ownership of Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS). These projects represent significant steps towards diversifying and strengthening Serbia’s energy sector in the face of global challenges.
With these key projects on the horizon, Serbia is poised to continue its energy transition and bolster its energy independence, while navigating the complexities of an ever-evolving global energy landscape.
