January 9, 2026
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Montenegro’s TSO CGES to invest EUR 200 million

Montenegrin transmission system operator Crnogorski Elektroprenosni Sistem plans to invest EUR 200 million over the next five years, according to Ranko Redžić, manager of the company’s national dispatching center.

CGES is constantly improving and modernizing the system, as well as training employees, MINA reported.

According to Ranko Redžić, this yields results. One of them is a very low transmission system loss rate, which ranges from 1.6% to 1.7%, in line with the most efficient European systems, he added.

The most significant capital projects the company completed last year include the reconstruction of the Pljevlja 1 substation and the construction of the 150-kilometer Lastva-Pljevlja transmission line, which is expected to become operational soon.

The power line completes a 400 kV ring that will significantly improve the operational security of both the Montenegrin and neighboring transmission systems, Redžić stressed.

The completion of two 110 kV transmission lines in the north – Brezna-Žabljak and Žabljak-Pljevlja – is also planned

The completion of the project also creates conditions for connecting a significant number of renewable energy power plants, he explained.

Among the major projects is the upgrade of Lastva substation, which resolves the problem of excessively high voltages in the Montenegrin system. The issue is evident throughout the region.

The upgraded substation is expected to be put into operation by the end of January.

Redžić estimated that the total value of investments over the next five years will exceed EUR 200 million.

Among the upcoming projects, there is the completion of two 110 kV transmission lines in the north – Brezna-Žabljak and Žabljak-Pljevlja. CGES also intends to install the 400 kV Brezna substation, which would also enable the connection of significant renewable energy capacity.

The 400 kV link with Serbia would complete the Trans-Balkan Corridor

The reconstruction of the 220 kV transmission line from Bosnia and Herzegovina through Montenegro to Albania is also planned, along with the reconstruction of the substation at the Perućica hydropower plant and the replacement of transformers at Pljevlja 2 substation.

The upcoming construction of a 400 kV interconnection with Serbia, completing the Trans-Balkan Corridor, would create the conditions for a second line of the submarine cable between Montenegro and Italy, Redžić underscored.

The onshore transmission line would allow the installation of a number of new substations, enabling the connection of additional consumers and renewable electricity plants to the distribution network.

Redžić stressed that the expected date for coupling the Montenegrin and Italian electricity markets is the beginning of 2028.

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January 8, 2026
by in News

Montenegro’s TSO CGES to invest EUR 200 million

Montenegrin transmission system operator Crnogorski Elektroprenosni Sistem plans to invest EUR 200 million over the next five years, according to Ranko Redžić, manager of the company’s national dispatching center.

CGES is constantly improving and modernizing the system, as well as training employees, MINA reported.

According to Ranko Redžić, this yields results. One of them is a very low transmission system loss rate, which ranges from 1.6% to 1.7%, in line with the most efficient European systems, he added.

The most significant capital projects the company completed last year include the reconstruction of the Pljevlja 1 substation and the construction of the 150-kilometer Lastva-Pljevlja transmission line, which is expected to become operational soon.

The power line completes a 400 kV ring that will significantly improve the operational security of both the Montenegrin and neighboring transmission systems, Redžić stressed.

The completion of two 110 kV transmission lines in the north – Brezna-Žabljak and Žabljak-Pljevlja – is also planned

The completion of the project also creates conditions for connecting a significant number of renewable energy power plants, he explained.

Among the major projects is the upgrade of Lastva substation, which resolves the problem of excessively high voltages in the Montenegrin system. The issue is evident throughout the region.

The upgraded substation is expected to be put into operation by the end of January.

Redžić estimated that the total value of investments over the next five years will exceed EUR 200 million.

Among the upcoming projects, there is the completion of two 110 kV transmission lines in the north – Brezna-Žabljak and Žabljak-Pljevlja. CGES also intends to install the 400 kV Brezna substation, which would also enable the connection of significant renewable energy capacity.

The 400 kV link with Serbia would complete the Trans-Balkan Corridor

The reconstruction of the 220 kV transmission line from Bosnia and Herzegovina through Montenegro to Albania is also planned, along with the reconstruction of the substation at the Perućica hydropower plant and the replacement of transformers at Pljevlja 2 substation.

The upcoming construction of a 400 kV interconnection with Serbia, completing the Trans-Balkan Corridor, would create the conditions for a second line of the submarine cable between Montenegro and Italy, Redžić underscored.

The onshore transmission line would allow the installation of a number of new substations, enabling the connection of additional consumers and renewable electricity plants to the distribution network.

Redžić stressed that the expected date for coupling the Montenegrin and Italian electricity markets is the beginning of 2028.

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January 7, 2026
by in News

Slovenian DSO registers enormous interest in connecting BESS to distribution grid

Applications for 400 MW have been submitted for the connection of battery energy storage systems to the distribution grid, according to Elektro Ljubljana, one of the distribution system operators in Slovenia.

Slovenia’s distribution system operators (DSOs) are getting an increasing number of requests to connect battery storage systems directly to distribution substations. Notably, in early May, the five Slovenian DSOs fed more electricity into the transmission network than they drew from it for the first time, and for two consecutive days.

Matjaž Osvald, Executive Director of Operation and Development of the Distribution Network in DSO Elektro Ljubljana, pointed out that last summer the company observed increased investor interest in directly connecting batteries to distribution substations.

It issued installation terms for 90 MW, and requests for at least as much are waiting to be processed, he added.

Installation terms were issued for batteries with 90 MW in overall capability

However, the company estimated there could be at least 300 MW more in applications. Due to the technical limitations of existing substations, much less could be connected. Substations in the Elektro Ljubljana area are already overloaded and don’t allow additional connections of larger devices, Osvald explained.

Furthermore, upgrading or constructing new facilities is a lengthy process, he pointed out. Current delivery times for transformers alone are longer than two years, with financing also being an issue.

According to Osvald, batteries would be used to store energy from solar power plants, and three types of investors have emerged. One group wants to install batteries to provide system services for system operators on the European market or for electricity trading.

Three types of investors are submitting applications

The second and third batch aim to bring their projects to a certain stage of development and then sell them – either they would purchase land, obtain permits, and install a battery, or only buy land and obtain permits for energy storage.

Osvald expressed concern about the idea of using batteries solely to provide system services in the European market. In that case, there would be no benefits for the Slovenian distribution network, but it could create problems, he stressed.

Such use would occupy all available connection capacity in substations, which, with increasing electrification, could lead to no spare capacity for other grid users, according to Osvald.

He also pointed to the value of BESS for the distribution network in reducing peak loads and consumption.

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January 7, 2026
by in News

Slovenian DSO registers enormous interest in connecting BESS to distribution grid

Applications for 400 MW have been submitted for the connection of battery energy storage systems to the distribution grid, according to Elektro Ljubljana, one of the distribution system operators in Slovenia.

Slovenia’s distribution system operators (DSOs) are getting an increasing number of requests to connect battery storage systems directly to distribution substations. Notably, in early May, the five Slovenian DSOs fed more electricity into the transmission network than they drew from it for the first time, and for two consecutive days.

Matjaž Osvald, Executive Director of Operation and Development of the Distribution Network in DSO Elektro Ljubljana, pointed out that last summer the company observed increased investor interest in directly connecting batteries to distribution substations.

It issued installation terms for 90 MW, and requests for at least as much are waiting to be processed, he added.

Installation terms were issued for batteries with 90 MW in overall capability

However, the company estimated there could be at least 300 MW more in applications. Due to the technical limitations of existing substations, much less could be connected. Substations in the Elektro Ljubljana area are already overloaded and don’t allow additional connections of larger devices, Osvald explained.

Furthermore, upgrading or constructing new facilities is a lengthy process, he pointed out. Current delivery times for transformers alone are longer than two years, with financing also being an issue.

According to Osvald, batteries would be used to store energy from solar power plants, and three types of investors have emerged. One group wants to install batteries to provide system services for system operators on the European market or for electricity trading.

Three types of investors are submitting applications

The second and third batch aim to bring their projects to a certain stage of development and then sell them – either they would purchase land, obtain permits, and install a battery, or only buy land and obtain permits for energy storage.

Osvald expressed concern about the idea of using batteries solely to provide system services in the European market. In that case, there would be no benefits for the Slovenian distribution network, but it could create problems, he stressed.

Such use would occupy all available connection capacity in substations, which, with increasing electrification, could lead to no spare capacity for other grid users, according to Osvald.

He also pointed to the value of BESS for the distribution network in reducing peak loads and consumption.

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December 16, 2025
by in News

Slovenia draws up first climate vulnerability, risks assessment for energy sector

In cooperation with the Jožef Stefan Institute, the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy has issued the first national assessment of climate vulnerability and risks for the energy sector. The analysis shows that the sector is moderately vulnerable under current climate conditions.

The main threats to the energy sector in Slovenia are floods, fires, storms, landslides, sleet and wet snow, heatwaves, and drought.

The assessment of climate vulnerability and risks for the energy sector was produced in line with the IPCC AR5 methodology and the national guidelines of the Faculty of Biotechnology.

The greatest threat to the energy sector are floods, which jeopardize fuel storage, substations, electricity distribution networks, and other elements of the supply chain, the ministry underscored.

The most important subsystem is liquid fuels

By using weighting and considering the current energy mix and the state of infrastructure, the most important subsystems for the functioning of the overall system are liquid fuels (34%) and electricity (33%), followed by natural gas (18%), solid fuels (10%), and heat (5%), the assessment reads.

This reflects a high dependence on imported liquid fuels and the key role of electricity in all consumption sectors, the ministry explained.
The overall weighted vulnerability score for the energy sector is 2.3 on a scale of one to five, with the electricity subsystem having the highest vulnerability, 2.6.

Electricity distribution grids, solar power plants, and fuel transport and logistic routes also show high vulnerability, according to the assessment.

Subsector ratings:

  • electricity subsector (2.6)
  • liquid fuel supply (2.2)
  • solid fuel supply (2.2)
  • natural gas supply (around 2.0)
  • heat supply (1.9)

Regarding individual elements of the sector, the most vulnerable are the electricity distribution network (3.5), electricity transmission system and imports (3), preparation of firewood, wood chips and pellets, and photovoltaic plants (3); vehicles/tanks for liquid fuels and vehicles/trucks for solid fuels, fuel stations, and other renewable energy sources (2.5).

The identified risks are expected to intensify in the future

The assessment reveals that Slovenia’s energy sector comprises critical elements whose failure could lead to significant supply disruptions.

It provides a technical basis and starting point for preparing a climate change adaptation strategy and for drafting measures such as strengthening infrastructure resilience, reviewing planning for new facilities, and incorporating climate risks into strategic documents and investment plans, according to the ministry.

Climate change scenarios indicate that the already identified risks will intensify in the future – especially floods, storms, and heatwaves.

The ministry said it would be necessary to implement adaptation measures to ensure a reliable energy supply.

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December 16, 2025
by in News

Firms from Croatia, BiH, Serbia to build power line in North Macedonia

Croatia-based Dalekovod, Elnos from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbian Kodar Energomontaža will jointly build electricity transmission infrastructure in North Macedonia.

Dalekovod said it signed a EUR 19.7 million contract with MEPSO, the transmission system operator of North Macedonia, as the lead member of a consortium that includes Elnos BL and Kodar Energomontaža.

The contracted works include the delivery and construction of a 400 kV power line from the 400/110 kV Bitola 2 substation, via the 400/110 kV Ohrid substation, to the North Macedonia – Albania border.

The project ensures long-term stability of the electricity system in the wider region

The new Ohrid substation is currently under construction, with Končar, another Croatian company, as contractor. Končar is the majority shareholder of Dalekovod since 2022.

The Croatian firm pointed out that the new power line in North Macedonia represents a significant infrastructure project ensuring long-term stability of the electricity system in the wider region.

Dalekovod: Strengthening position in the regional and European market

Construction is scheduled for completion by mid-2028.

Of note, all three companies are active on the territory of former Yugoslavia, as well as across Europe and even worldwide. The owners of Elnos and Kodar are individuals from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, respectively, while the largest shareholders of Dalekovod are the Government of Croatia and three foreign banks operating in the country.

Operations in the region, Europe, Africa

Dalekovod has subsidiaries in six countries, including Namibia. In October, the company concluded a EUR 100 million deal for the construction of a 400 kV power line in Sweden.

Elnos BL is part of Elnos Group based in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The company, which recently marked a remarkable dual jubilee – 80 years of tradition and 30 years of modern business development, operates in 18 countries.

A week ago, it signed a contract with Power China Construction Group to build a connection to the transmission grid for the 300 MW Vetrozelena wind farm in Serbia.

Kodar Energomontaža, headquartered in Serbia’s capital Belgrade, has carried out numerous projects across Europe – from southeastern Balkans to Scandinavia, as well as in West Africa.

In March, the company inked a deal with Serbia’s transmission system operator Elektromreža Srbije (EMS) for the construction of a two-system 400 kV transmission line, part of the Trans-Balkan Electricity Corridor.

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October 30, 2025
by in News

North Macedonia receives grant from France for grid modernization

The transmission system operator of North Macedonia – MEPSO, France’s development agency Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and RTE International signed an agreement for a grant intended to support the Balkan country’s transmission system. At the same time, the Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources signed a joint declaration with AFD, officially welcoming the agency as a partner of North Macedonia’s Investment Platform for a Just Energy Transition.

The EUR 600,000 grant is for technical assistance for the modernization and digitalization of the transmission grid in North Macedonia, MEPSO said.

The project focuses on four areas: preparing system adequacy studies using the ANTARES market simulator, sizing system reserves, developing a methodology for calculating transmission losses and producing a feasibility study, and a project for substation digitalization.

Božinovska: AFD’s technical assistance will enable MEPSO to manage variability in the system more efficiently

As part of the project, experts from RTE International, a subsidiary of the French transmission system operator (TSO) RTE, have already held a training course for MEPSO’s engineers on the use of the ANTARES simulator, the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources said.

Minister Sanja Božinovska stressed that AFD‘s technical assistance would enable the company to manage more efficiently the variability resulting from increased participation of renewable sources and market fluctuations.

A more advanced and smarter grid means fewer outages, better use of clean energy, stronger regional connections, and greater system resilience – whether to weather conditions, demand fluctuations, or market instability, Božinovska noted.

Milevski: Pilot project will be launched for the digitalization of a 110 kV substation

According to RTE International CEO Veronika Milevski, the agreement combines advanced power system modeling, innovative reserve forecasting using artificial intelligence (AI), and a pilot project for the digitalization of a 110 kV substation.

This is a decisive step toward a more resilient, transparent, and competitive electricity grid, she pointed out.

MEPSO CEO Burim Latifi explained that the digital transformation pilot project is aimed at developing a fully digital substation with advanced protection, management, and monitoring systems.

Vince: AFD is committed to supporting a just and sustainable energy transition

It is a concrete step toward transforming MEPSO into a smarter, more efficient, and future-oriented TSO, he added.

Of note, AFD and RTE established collaboration with Montenegro’s TSO CGES in November last year. AFD also signed a memorandum of understanding with Albania’s power utility KESH in April.

Regarding the signing of the joint declaration, Sanja Božinovska said the partnership is improving the country’s ability to modernize its electricity system, integrate more renewables, and strengthen security of supply.

AFD is committed to supporting North Macedonia’s just and sustainable energy transition, according to the Deputy Director of the AFD Office for the Western Balkans, François Vince.

The signing of the two agreements was attended by French Ambassador Christophe Le Rigoleur.

Photo: Sanja Božinovska/Facebook
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August 27, 2025
by in News

Serbia launches construction of two transmission lines as part of BeoGrid 2025 project

Serbia has launched works as part of the BeoGrid 2025 project, aimed at improving the power transmission infrastructure in Serbia, the region, and Europe, as well as facilitating electricity offtake from renewable energy power plants in the South Banat region of Vojvodina.

The BeoGrid 2025 project, worth EUR 205 million, comprises six distinct components, according to Radoš Popadić, Assistant Minister of Mining and Energy in charge of the power engineering sector. He attended the start of works in Belgrade’s Surčin suburb together with Jelena Matejić, the general manager of Serbia’s transmission system operator, Elektromreža Srbije (EMS).

“Construction is being launched today on two new high-voltage transmission lines that will connect Belgrade and Novi Sad, with a total value of around EUR 22 million,” he said, adding that work on a substation in Belgrade is also expected to begin soon.

The project is valued at EUR 205 million

The substation will be connected to the Čibuk 1 substation [wind farm Čibuk 1] by a new 83-kilometer transmission line, ensuring a stable transmission of electricity produced from renewable energy sources in South Banat, as well as reducing strain on the existing network, Popadić explained.

Radoš Popadić and Jelena Matejić (photo: Ministry of Mining and Energy/Danilo Mijatović)

Two single-circuit 400 kV transmission lines, intended for connecting transmission line 450 (switching station Mladost – substation Novi Sad 3) to the future 400/110 kV substation Beograd 50, will have a total length of 25.5 kilometers.

EMS General Manager Jelena Matejić said that BeoGrid 2025 is of particular importance for Serbia, but also part of the broader North Continental South East (CSE) Corridor project, which includes doubling the existing 400 kV interconnection between hydropower plant Đerdap 1 and Portile de Fier in Romania.

Matejić: The North CSE Corridor is part of the European ten-year network development plan, TYNDP 2020

The North CSE Corridor project is part of the European ten-year network development plan (TYNDP 2020) and the regional investment plan (RgIP 2020). It is supported by the Romanian transmission system operator, Transelectrica, as well as the German development bank KfW, with a feasibility study.

The North CSE Corridor is of regional importance as it increases the transmission capacity between Serbia and Romania, helping create an integrated European electricity market, Matejić pointed out, adding that BeoGrid 2025 is also important for additional backup power supply for the EXPO 2027 project.

The project aims to enable the transmission of electricity generated from renewable sources in the South Banat region and to ease the load on the 220/110/35 kV Beograd 5 substation, which supplies a large part of Belgrade, particularly parts of New Belgrade and Zemun, EMS stated.

Popadić: The total value of all planned projects is EUR 1 billion

Photo: Ministry of Mining and Energy/Danilo Mijatović

Radoš Popadić recalled that large investments in the transmission network are underway.

“Serbia has recognized the importance of investing in the power transmission system to enable the integration of more renewable energy capacity, increase the exchange of electricity with neighbors, and ensure a secure, stable, and efficient supply to consumers. That is why we launched investments in interconnection with the transmission systems of eight neighboring countries, with EUR 500 million to be invested in priority projects by the end of the decade. The total value of all planned projects will amount to around one billion euros,” said Popadić.

BeoGrid 2025 is financed partly from the Serbian budget, as well as from EMS’ own funds. The project consists of six distinct components, or investments:

  • 400/110 kV substation Beograd 50;
  • Two-circuit 400 kV transmission line between substation Beograd 50 and Čibuk 1, including the installation of a 400 kV bay at switching station Čibuk 1;
  • Single-circuit 400 kV transmission lines for the integration of transmission line 450 (switching station Mladost – substation Novi Sad 3) into substation Beograd 50;
  • Two double-circuit 110 kV transmission lines for the integration of transmission line 104/8 (substation Stara Pazova – substation Inđija 2) into substation Beograd 50;
  • two double-circuit 110 kV transmission lines for the integration of transmission line 1178 AB (substation Beograd 5 – substation Beograd 9) into substation Beograd 50;
  • Double-circuit 110 kV cable between substation Beograd 50 and substation Beograd 49 (Airport).

Photo: Ministry of Mining and Energy/Danilo Mijatović

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June 26, 2025
by in News

Hitachi Energy: Game-changing solutions for a sustainable energy future

Hitachi Energy, a global leader in energy technology, develops system solutions and offers products and services that actively contribute to sustainable energy and a better future, Igor Anđelković, the company’s Country Marketing and Sales Leader in Serbia, said at Belgrade Energy Forum 2025. Game-changing technologies for high-voltage grids and transportation, along with solutions for renewables integration, support decarbonization efforts and deliver added value to both clients and local communities.

Multinational company Hitachi Energy, a silver sponsor of the BEF 2025 conference, is present in the Southeast Europe region through its Balkan Cluster, which covers seven markets – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

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Inspiring the next era of sustainable energy

Since 2010, Hitachi Energy has implemented eco-efficient solutions for high-voltage grids of up to 550kV. The company’s innovative and eco-efficient EconiQ® high-voltage portfolio applies revolutionary technology free of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and proven to significantly reduce carbon footprint throughout the life cycle.

The high-voltage EconiQ® roadmap demonstrates the scalability of this technology, which allows customers and industry to quickly transition to eco-efficient solutions.

Photo (Hitachi Energy): Hitachi Energy has implemented eco-efficient solutions for high-voltage grids of up to 550kV

Now more than ever, pioneering technologies like EconiQ are needed to advance a sustainable energy future, says Anđelkovic.

Efficient renewables integration

In the renewable energy segment, Hitachi Energy offers a range of substation solutions that help to efficiently integrate renewable energy into the transmission grid and distribution network. This includes grid connection solutions for all types of renewables power plants.

Hitachi solutions are used in a large number of wind projects in Southeast Europe

The major projects in Southeast Europe, completed or in the implementation phase, which use Hitachi Energy’s technology are wind farms Pupin and Crni Vrh in Serbia, Gvozd in Montenegro, Komanje Brdo and Ivan Sedlo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Pometeno Brdo and Korlat in Croatia.

Photo (Hitachi Energy): Hitachi Energy offers a range of substation solutions that help to efficiently integrate renewable energy into the transmission grid and distribution network

Driving transportation and energy towards carbon neutrality

Hitachi Energy is also committed to decarbonizing the transportation sector. Its revolutionary ‘grid-to-plug’ electric vehicle charging system, called Grid-eMotion® Fleet, is a smart mobility solution that enables operators to efficiently scale up their operations and is expected to contribute to sustainable society for millions living in urban areas.

Grid-eMotion® Fleet marks a game-changing shift from a charger-product based approach to a charging-system based approach, which helps to accelerate the future of smart mobility.

Hitachi Energy has been pioneering EV charging solutions since 2013, when it first introduced innovative flash-charging eBus solutions in Geneva and Nantes.

Advanced technologies for smart airports

With its innovative solutions, Hitachi Energy has made significant advancements in air traffic as well, with the development of smart airports being one of its key innovations. This includes advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), video analytics, and 3D LiDAR to improve the passenger experience and improve airport operational efficiency.

Hitachi Energy also helps airport to decarbonize and become more sustainable with its electrification and digitization solutions.

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* This designation is without prejudice to positions onstatus and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
June 10, 2025
by in News

Serbia shelves plan for strategic partnership for 1 GW in wind farms

Serbia has revised its Baselines of the Energy Infrastructure Development Plan and Energy Efficiency Measures for the period up to 2028, with projections up to 2030. It defines priority projects in the energy sector.

The Baselines of the Energy Infrastructure Development Plan and Energy Efficiency Measures were adopted in mid-2023 at the proposal of the Ministry of Mining and Energy. In the new document, the construction of 1 GW wind farms is no longer among the priority projects. The plan was to involve with a strategic partner, similar to the project for 1 GW of solar power plants, which is currently being developed by state-owned power utility Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) with a strategic partner.

The development plan serves as a basis for the implementation of Serbia’s Energy Development Strategy and the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP).

The ministry outlined projects across six sectors

The investment cycle planned for the upcoming strategic period represents the backbone of the Energy Development Strategy. It provides the foundation for further assessments and projections of the targeted energy mix through 2030 and 2050. It aligns with the international commitments undertaken in the process of European Union accession as well as with the obligations within the Energy Community, the document reads.

The plan includes projects in six sectors: electricity generation, transmission network, distribution network, natural gas, oil and petroleum products, and energy efficiency. It ranks the projects within each sector.

The most significant change in renewable energy is that the construction of wind farms with a combined capacity of 1 GW is no longer on the list of priority projects.

Solar power plants Kolubara and Morava on the priority list

The 1 GW of solar power and the Kostolac wind farm remained among the four most important endeavors, while the new items are the Morava and Kolubara photovoltaic projects. The Klenovnik solar power plant has been removed from the list. According to the document, the projects on the list are the most advanced.

In total, EPS has 41 projects for power generation or 20 less than in the original document.

Fewer projects, but more realistic

The authors explained that the number of renewable energy projects is lower, but more realistic and better optimized. The entire EPS investment portfolio across all areas requires significant funds and loans, so it would not be realistic to pursue a larger number of high-value projects that cannot be financially or physically implemented within a reasonable timeframe, the document underlined.

It was also taken into account that many private projects, mainly wind farms, are being developed through the auction system, so the focus of EPS’s projects is primarily on solar power plants, to create a balanced ratio between wind and solar power plants in the system. The company’s project for the wind farms with a strategic partner remained a backup option, in case an additional capacity is needed, according to the document.

There are new items on the list for the electricity distribution network

There were no changes in the transmission network segment. The priority projects are the third and fourth sections of the Trans-Balkan Corridor, the Pannonian Corridor, and Beogrid 2025. The list contains 66 investments, five fewer than in the original plan.

Changes have been made regarding investments in the power distribution network. The most important projects now are the 110/10 kV substations National Stadium and Surčin. Automation of the medium-voltage network was kept, together with the ongoing replacement of wooden poles with concrete ones and the replacement of electricity meters with smart ones.

The integrated system for remote monitoring, diagnostics, and control of the low-voltage distribution network has been removed from the list. Instead of replacing transformers at 10 kV, 20 kV, 35 kV, and 110 kV voltage levels, the new focus is on the reconstruction of 25 substations of 110/35 kV.

Planning the first district cooling systems

The energy efficiency part of the baselines was changed the most.

The previous document was primarily focused on reviewing and securing financial support for ongoing projects, while the current one is envisaging expanding the scope and considering new financial mechanisms and sectors that require additional support.

Among other initiatives, the Strategic Plan for the Decarbonization Policy of the District Heating and Cooling Sector in the Republic of Serbia is being prepared. It is a joint endeavour of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Association of Serbian Heating Plants, and the Ministry of Mining and Energy.

The project aims to define steps to improve the district heating system, including heat storage, the use of heat pumps, utilization of heat generated from waste treatment, and the development of the first district cooling systems, according to the document.

Special attention will be devoted to developing guidelines for expanding the district heating system by connecting new users while simultaneously shutting down fossil fuel boilers. It will directly contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and pollution, the authors noted.

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