The development of hydropower on the Danube was a visionary project of the 1960s, and today a new vision is needed for this century, the vision of “Đerdap 3", with its capability to balance renewable energy sources, stated Dušan Živković, General Manager of “Elektroprivreda Srbije".
Speaking at the “The Danube Future" Forum, organized by the Pupin Initiative, he recalled that Serbia, as well as the region, has significant potential for the development of renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind power.
- At the same time, we need electricity system balancing capacities to ensure grid stability, security of supply, and energy security. “Đerdap 3" would transform the strategic importance of the Danube and further strengthen Serbia's position as a regional energy hub. In addition to its substantial generation potential, “Đerdap 3" could provide the balancing capacities required by the power system and support the further development of renewable energy sources in Eastern Europe, contributing to a more stable and secure electricity supply, said Živković.
He also pointed out that the historically worst hydrological conditions ever recorded on the Danube have further demonstrated the importance of building “Đerdap 3", a pumped-storage hydropower plant that would store surplus water and generate electricity even during periods of drought.
- However, the dry summer brought challenges related to water shortages for cooling thermal power plants in Serbia and, in neighboring countries, for cooling nuclear power plants. This has revealed yet another potential role for “Đerdap 3". it is precisely during such periods that the water stored in the reservoir could compensate for low river levels and provide the additional water needed for downstream nuclear power plants cooling on the Danube - said Živković.
He added that today it is difficult to speak of complete energy independence, but that energy security can be strengthened through the diversification of energy sources and supply routes, the development of various technologies, and enhanced regional cooperation.
- We must change the way we think, not only about how we use energy, but also about which resources we use, how we transport them, and how we develop the energy sector by relying on available resources and transportation routes that can connect the countries of the region. Although, as a region, we are often more focused on the past, we must understand that the future is more important to us, and that it is up to us to demonstrate whether we have enough courage and vision to recognize opportunities and seize them, thereby showing responsibility toward future generations - Živković stated.
