Dubravka Đedović Handanović, the Minister of Mining and Energy, revealed at the Kopaonik Business Forum that Serbia ranks third in Europe in lithium reserves. She expressed the potential for Serbia to supply up to 20% of the European Union, United Kingdom, and Norway’s electric vehicle market, producing around one million electric vehicles annually.
The minister outlined the raw material requirements for electric vehicle production, citing the necessity for approximately 40 kilograms of nickel, nine kilograms of lithium, and various other elements such as manganese, cobalt, cathode material, and graphite. She underscored the impossibility of achieving this without enhanced access to such raw materials.
Đedović Handanović urged Serbia to capitalize on this opportunity while emphasizing the need to approach the process with a commitment to environmental protection and public health. She asserted that the utilization of advanced technologies and increased investment could facilitate the realization of these goals.
The minister outlined Serbia’s ambitious plan to reduce final energy consumption by 9% by 2030 and generate 45% of electricity from renewable sources. Despite acknowledging the challenges, especially in transitioning from coal-based electricity production, she remained optimistic about the country’s ability to surpass global averages.
The comprehensive plan includes adding 3.4 gigawatts from renewable sources by 2030, incorporating both public and private sector investments. Specific initiatives involve negotiations for one gigawatt of solar power and plans for an additional gigawatt of wind power from renewable sources. Ongoing successful auctions have already secured 1,300 megawatts, contributing to these renewable energy targets.
Addressing financial considerations, Đedović Handanović stressed the importance of securing funds, particularly through grants and favorable financial instruments. She acknowledged the supportive role of institutions like the European Investment Bank (EIB) in advancing Europe’s transition to green energy.
The minister also recognized the socio-economic challenges associated with closing mines and thermal power plants, underscoring the imperative to create alternative employment opportunities for affected workers. Additionally, she highlighted the global demand for critical mineral resources like cobalt, nickel, copper, and lithium, underscoring their pivotal role in achieving the ambitious targets for electric vehicle adoption and the broader green energy transition.
