Experts have proposed accelerating the construction of the new Bistrica pumped-storage hydroelectric plant while opposing the Đerdap 3 project due to social, environmental, and technical concerns. They emphasize the need for a clear coal plant phase-out plan by 2050, aligned with the development of Kolubara and Kostolac lignite mines, to ensure energy security and avoid unnecessary CO₂ emissions taxes.
Key recommendations:
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- Hydropower: Maintain Đerdap 1 and 2 for domestic supply while adhering to environmental standards. Revitalize existing hydro plants, including Bajina Bašta and Lisina pumped-storage facilities. Prioritize the Bistrica pumped-storage project. Avoid Đerdap 3 due to potential environmental damage and misalignment with social interests. New hydro projects should consider broader benefits, such as water supply, irrigation, disaster mitigation, and grid stability.
- Coal-fired power plants: Develop a coal phase-out plan synchronized with lignite mine development. Retain smaller units (<300 MW) only as strategic reserves to avoid coal imports and reduce operation of environmentally non-compliant blocks. CO₂ taxes should initially incentivize decarbonization but be managed in coordination with EU mechanisms.
- Gas plants: New gas plants should only be built with long-term gas supply contracts (10+ years) and transparent access to cross-border gas infrastructure.
- Renewables (wind & solar): Expand solar and wind power while ensuring system stability, fair cost-sharing, and compliance with social interests. Consider environmental impacts, decommissioning, hazardous waste disposal, and life-cycle costs. Renewable integration must include proportional participation in balancing services and system-wide operations to prevent financial and technical burdens on state utilities.
- Energy system management: Strategic reserves, balanced integration of renewables, and modernization of the grid are necessary to maintain supply security, system robustness, and fair treatment of domestic utilities. All energy projects should maximize domestic expertise, industrial participation, and citizen interests while adhering to EU standards.
Overall, the experts call for a sustainable, secure, and economically efficient energy system that aligns with environmental standards, reduces fossil fuel dependency, and ensures long-term energy sovereignty for Serbia.
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