The General Director of Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS), Dušan Živković, affirmed that the company has always been a reliable support for both citizens and the economy of Serbia, ensuring a steady supply of electricity. He assured that there is no need for concern regarding the availability of electricity, and confirmed that there will be no price increases.
Addressing concerns about electricity supply during the winter, Živković told Novosti that EPS will provide sufficient electricity, with no reason for worry. “With the completion of the planned overhaul season for thermal and hydro capacities, we will ensure their return to the grid as several units have been undergoing major overhauls this spring and summer,” Živković explained.
Regarding the feasibility of producing and selling electricity at current prices, Živković noted that EPS continues to offer electricity to citizens at some of the lowest prices in the region and Europe. “This spring, we reduced prices for commercial customers, i.e., the economy. In collaboration with the Ministry of Mining and Energy, we are revising the methodology for setting electricity prices for commercial customers to align with market trends. The new methodology will provide flexibility, avoiding drastic price differences from market rates during both low and high price periods,” he stated.
Živković emphasized that there will be no changes in electricity prices for households at this time.
When questioned about the green agenda and EPS’s efforts in this area, Živković said that the green agenda is already a reality for the company and the Serbian economy. He added that EPS is committed to achieving the goal of sourcing 45 percent of energy from renewable sources by 2030. “We are actively working on constructing the first wind farm and solar power plant in Kostolac. The construction of the ‘Petka’ solar power plant and the ‘Kostolac’ wind farm is ongoing, and they are expected to be connected to the grid by the end of this year or the beginning of next year. EPS has a series of projects planned for utilizing wind and solar energy,” Živković noted. He also mentioned that a 1 GW solar project is being developed with strategic partners, along with solar projects on EPS properties.
Concerning the opening of the new block in Kostolac, Živković highlighted its strategic importance for Serbia’s energy system and expressed confidence that it will be ready before the heating season starts, following the completion of functional and generational tests. “We are in daily communication with the contractor to ensure that B3 is on the grid as soon as possible. This 350 MW unit is expected to produce about 2.6 billion kilowatt-hours annually, featuring the latest technology in both production and environmental safety,” Živković elaborated.
When asked about gypsum production in Obrenovac, Živković mentioned significant progress in environmental protection and improvements, noting that the performance of the flue gas desulfurization plant at TENT A has been confirmed after three months of trial operation. “Significant activities are underway on commercial contracts, especially with the ‘Lafarge’ cement plant, with initial contractual quantities currently being delivered,” Živković concluded.
