The
path taken by the Elektroprivreda Srbije is one that will ensure
long-term energy stability, peace, and sovereignty. The decarbonisation process
of EPS is already underway, as evidenced by our investment projects such as our
first wind farm and solar power plant Petka in Kostolac. Petka
will be operational by the end of May, and the final 20th wind turbine of the
wind farm has recently been installed. This will add 76 megawatts of green
energy to EPS's portfolio in Kostolac, stated Dušan Živković at the expert
conference Energy, Projects, Security in Zlatibor, as part of the 40th
International Conference 2025 Energy Sector.
He
highlighted that the decarbonisation process is already progressing, with 550
megawatts from wind, 150 megawatts from solar, 100 megawatts from prosumers,
and 100 megawatts from CHP Pančevo. Živković also emphasised the importance of waking
up the sleeping giant i.e., energy efficiency, from which, alongside
renewable energy sources, we should maximise our gains for future energy
security.
"We
are witnessing that, during the transition process, energy companies will face
the necessary transformation and adaptation to market circumstances. Together,
we are seeking ways to move forward; we need to be more proactive and recognise
that we are part of the solution," said Živković. "We should also
envision our future through maximum diversification of production, resources,
and solutions in the financial market for the implementation of projects. We
have moved beyond traditional methods and models and are committed to working
on a PSHPP Bistrica with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, as
well as a major 1 GW solar project with Korean partners."
At
the panel Green Energy and Energy Transition: Challenges and Goals 2030/2050,
Luka Petrović, General Manager of the Mixed Holding Power Utility of Republic
of Srpska, stated that the power industries of Serbia, Montenegro, and the
Republic of Srpska must collectively embark on the decarbonisation process.
"First
and foremost, we need to determine how all this will be financed, as the
European grants have been exhausted. Therefore, we must rely on our own sources
of financing" Petrović emphasised.
Decarbonisation
requires strategic decisions, which are made by courageous individuals, stated
Sanel Buljubašić, General Manager of the Electric Power Industry of Bosnia and
Herzegovina. He also emphasised that a just transition cannot be achieved
solely by electric power companies but must be supported by states through
their own funding.
"If
the legal framework designates you as a public supplier, and the government
stipulates that you cannot increase the price of electricity, then how can the
transition be implemented, and from what funds?" Buljubašić queried.
"The
challenge that affects us all is decarbonisation, which also presents
opportunities for investment. The realisation of 54 MW from wind is currently
underway, and we are preparing an invitation for battery systems. The Electric
Power Industry of Montenegro will have an additional 200 MW of renewable energy
by the end of the year," said Jovan Kasalica, Executive Manager of Supply
Unit in EPCG.
