Serbia’s Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, highlighted the country’s efforts to maintain energy stability despite the challenges of the energy crisis. She emphasized Serbia’s progress in energy development, focusing on decarbonization and energy security goals, with the aim of achieving full decarbonization by 2050. Serbia’s electricity prices remain among the lowest in Europe, and the country’s energy progress has been recognized by the European Commission and other international partners.
Đedović Handanović stressed the need to address the energy sector’s investment backlog, with an estimated 14 billion euros needed over the next decade. Key projects include expanding renewable energy sources, strengthening transmission and distribution systems, and developing new gas and oil pipelines. The government also plans to enhance state-owned energy companies with investments from both the public and private sectors.
She highlighted the importance of diversifying natural gas and oil supply routes, particularly through the construction of new pipelines with Hungary, North Macedonia, and Romania. Serbia’s existing Balkan Stream gas pipeline has provided stable and affordable natural gas supplies, and additional pipelines will further secure the country’s energy needs.
On the issue of decarbonization, Đedović Handanović discussed the broader scope of the transition, including increasing electric vehicle adoption and the use of alternative fuels. She also pointed out that the energy sector’s transition presents opportunities for gender equality, with a growing number of women leading energy companies in Serbia.
The event, “Global Perspective of the Energy Sector,” was held as part of the World Energy Council’s executive committee meeting in Belgrade, which included members from various countries, discussing the future of energy.
