Serbia’s Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, expressed pride in the significant progress being made with renewable energy sources (RES) projects in district heating systems across numerous local governments in Serbia.
In a statement to Tanjug, Đedović Handanović emphasized that these RES projects, which include geothermal, wastewater energy, and solar power, will greatly benefit both citizens and Serbia’s overall energy system. She highlighted that municipalities like Bogatić, Kraljevo, Kragujevac, Niš, and Paracin will be among the beneficiaries of these initiatives.
The minister also announced a record number of local governments applying for energy efficiency subsidies this year. Thanks to the Ministry of Mining and Energy’s efforts, 12,000 households will receive these subsidies, resulting in a 30-40 percent reduction in energy consumption for many citizens.
Đedović Handanović stressed the importance of Serbia’s national energy climate plan and the Energy Strategy of Serbia until 2050, which provide strategic guidelines for the country’s energy sector. She also noted a significant memorandum with 20 scientific institutions and five ministries focused on nuclear energy development, aimed at ensuring long-term energy security.
Praising the Ministry’s achievements, the minister highlighted ongoing trials at the new thermal block in Kostolac, marking the first major production capacity addition in Serbia in over 35 years. This new block adheres to top safety and environmental standards.
Additionally, Đedović Handanović reported on the renovation of key institutions, including the Faculty of Chemistry, the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade, the Faculty of Technical Sciences in Novi Sad, and various schools and kindergartens throughout Serbia. She also noted a 13 percent increase in metal ore production and a 22 percent rise in copper and gold concentrate production in the first seven months of the year, which contributes to Serbia’s strong economic growth.
The minister highlighted ongoing and future projects, including the Bistrica reversible hydroelectric power plant with funding from the Japanese Agency for International Cooperation, and preparations for a gas interconnection with Romania and an oil pipeline with Hungary, with technical documentation and spatial plans underway for these projects.
