The expansion of the Banatski Dvor gas storage facility has started, with the aim to double its capacity, an investment valued at 145 million euros. Vojslav Vuletić from the Gas Association emphasized the importance of underground storage in the gas pipeline system, as gas has become a geopolitical issue. Jasna Petrović-Stojanović, editor at “Politika,” believes that when Banatski Dvor reaches 750 million cubic meters, Serbia will no longer need to rent storage in Hungary or elsewhere, saving costs for future gas purchases and infrastructure expansion.
The storage expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, although Vuletić expressed doubt about reaching the full capacity in such a short time due to water in the reservoir. Both experts agreed that Russian gas remains crucial for the region, with diversification of energy sources seen as important, but Russian gas being irreplaceable in the near future.
Regarding the gas situation in Europe, Vuletić explained that European storage was depleted due to heavy winter consumption and disruptions in Russian supply pipelines. He also discussed Serbia’s favorable gas situation, particularly with the Turkish Stream and Azerbaijani gas, but stressed that Russian gas remains dominant.
On the topic of U.S. sanctions against NIS, Vuletić believes Serbia will likely receive another postponement of sanctions and sees Russia’s investment in NIS as beneficial for the country’s energy future.
