Serbia to boost energy security through new gas-fired power plants, minister says

Serbia plans to strengthen its energy security through the construction of gas-fired power plants in the cities of Niš and Novi Sad, Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović at the opening of the Belgrade Energy Forum.

According to Report's Balkan bureau, she noted that Serbia expects financial and technical support from the European Union and the European Commission for the development of its energy sector.

"The share of fossil fuels in the energy mix of countries in the region remains high, and this cannot be changed overnight. Under the Serbia 2030–2035 plan, the largest investments are directed toward the energy sector. This indicates that even larger investments will be needed in the future. The biggest share will go toward new generation capacity, with investments expected to reach around €6.5 billion between 2028 and 2035," she said.

The minister added that the construction of new power plants is one of the key pillars of the country"s energy strategy, providing Serbia with additional reserve capacity and greater flexibility.

"Additional security will be ensured through the construction of gas-fired power plants in Niš and Novi Sad. At the same time, we are continuing investments in clean energy sources and planning several thousand megawatts of new capacity," she stressed.

Đedović Handanović also highlighted the importance of expanding gas pipeline infrastructure as part of strengthening Serbia"s energy security.

"Within two years, Serbia will build two new gas interconnectors with North Macedonia and Romania. Together with the existing gas pipeline with Bulgaria, the total capacity of these new routes will be sufficient to cover the country's annual gas demand. However, the sources, volumes, and commercial terms of gas purchases will be determined in line with our needs," she said.

The minister also pointed to the need to improve domestic gas infrastructure, particularly regional pipelines running from south to north and east to west.

"This will ensure the effective functioning of the new interconnectors. As a result, Serbia will strengthen its position as a transit country and gas hub in Southeast Europe. This is our long-term strategic objective. Therefore, around €200 million is planned to be invested in gas infrastructure in the coming years," she added.