Dubravka Đedović Handanović, Serbia’s Minister of Mining and Energy, has revealed that the construction of the Đerdap 3 reversible hydroelectric power plant could elevate Serbia to a regional leader in electricity production. In an interview with Politika, Đedović Handanović explained that the project’s potential impact hinges on its capacity and whether it would function as seasonal energy storage.
She believes that Đerdap 3 could significantly enhance Serbia’s energy security for the next 60 years. She stressed that Đerdap 3 is a purely Serbian project, with no joint involvement from Romania, and will be situated entirely within Serbian territory.
Đedović Handanović also addressed recent media reports suggesting that Romania had withdrawn from the Đerdap 3 project. She refuted these claims, asserting that Romania remains a committed partner. “Romania is a long-standing friend and neighbor with whom we have a robust relationship, particularly in the energy sector. We are strengthening our cooperation in electricity production and connectivity, and we have recently signed a Memorandum of Cooperation for a gas interconnector,” she said.
Her comments follow a statement from Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja, who declared that Romania would not compromise on electricity production at the existing Đerdap 1 and 2 hydroelectric plants. This development is relevant as Serbia plans to build the Đerdap 3 plant downstream from the current facilities, which could affect energy production at Đerdap 1 and 2, according to Romanian media and eKapija.
