Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) is inextricably linked to the country's development and today bears the greatest share of responsibility for the security of electricity supply. For that reason, EPS must remain a strong, stable and development-oriented company in the years ahead, said Dubravka Đedović Handanović, Minister of Mining and Energy in the caretaker government and the founder's representative in the Assembly of EPS JSC.
Marking 6 October, the anniversary of the commissioning of the first thermal power plant in Dorćol 133 years ago, the Minister addressed the management and employees, emphasising that citizens, and the State as the owner, expect EPS to deliver stability, efficiency, financial responsibility and continued corporate development.
“Today, we look with pride at what previous generations built. It is clear that our shared task now is to preserve what is most valuable, improve what can and must be improved, and build an EPS that will be ready for the next 133 years," she said, congratulating employees on the company's anniversary.
She stressed the importance of looking to the future, as the energy sector, technologies, markets, regulations and expectations continue to evolve, alongside growing environmental responsibilities. Consequently, EPS must also evolve.
“What must never change is our core mission: for EPS to remain a pillar of Serbia's energy security. Significant progress has been made in stabilising operations and creating scope for new investments, but much work still lies ahead. The development of generation capacities must remain a priority. Yet no strategy, plan or investment can succeed without people. That is why investing in knowledge, responsibility and employee development is just as important as investing in production capacities," said Đedović Handanović.
She also reminded managers that they are expected to continue leading this change, setting standards, demonstrating accountability and demanding accountability, while at the same time recognising knowledge, commitment and effort.
“As the founder's representative in the General Meeting of EPS, I want to assure you that the State will remain a partner in achieving these goals and creating conditions in which EPS can plan for the long term, invest and grow. It is your responsibility to translate that support into results every day," she added.
Dušan Živković, General Manager of EPS, highlighted that Elektroprivreda Srbije is far more than a system of mines, power plants and infrastructure, and that the resilience of its people has enabled the company to withstand every challenge, which will be crucial for its future success.
“Our people are therefore the greatest and most valuable strength of EPS. We have shown that we can find the strength for change in adversity, draw lessons from experience and prepare for what lies ahead. We know how to overcome difficulties, and our results speak for themselves. Despite all circumstances and inherited challenges, EPS remains the most successful company in the country, leading not only in Serbia but across the region," said Živković.
He noted that the stability of the system and security of generation were put under particular strain this year due to prolonged drought, unfavourable hydrological conditions and historically low water levels on the Danube. He added that EPS continues to implement its key investment projects. This year, the pumped-storage hydropower plant Bajina Bašta was fully refurbished, construction of the pumped-storage hydropower plant Bistrica is progressing, and installation of new mining equipment is advancing at Field E and Radljevo, where coal production via a continuous mining system is expected to commence.
“We have already achieved a great deal and are continuing the company's transformation. There will be new challenges and obstacles, but also new opportunities. We must respond to them together through knowledge, courage, hard work, responsibility and trust. Every new project, every modernisation effort and every change will require maximum discipline, personal accountability and additional commitment from all of us, from management to every employee in the field. The energy transition will not wait for us to be ready; it is already well under way," Živković concluded.
