Djedović Handanović signed agreements with the EBRD to support investments in the sector of renewable energy sources in Serbia

Djedović Handanović signed a Grant Agreement worth three million euros within the project 'Serbian Renewable District Energy Project,' which the Ministry is implementing in cooperation with the EBRD and cities and municipalities across Serbia.

"Through a project with a total value of 40.5 million euros, out of which 10.5 million euros are grants, we plan to introduce RES in the district heating sector in 10 local self governments in Serbia by using, among other things, solar collectors, heat pumps and geothermal sources. In Bogatić, we plan to replace the coal-fired boiler room with the use of geothermal energy for heating, and in Novi Pazar with a heat pump supplied by waste heat from the waterworks. In Kruševac, the heat pump will enable waste heat from the wastewater treatment system to be used in the district heating system. By implementing the projects we are planning with the EBRD, we would double the production of renewable heat, with a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions," said Djedović Handanović.

With the letter of intent signed with the EBRD, the Ministry of Mining and Energy will continue cooperation with this institution in conducting auctions for the allocation of market premiums for renewable energy sources this year as well.

"Together with the EBRD, we successfully conducted the first RES auctions last year, securing around 700 megawatts of new green wind and solar power plants, and investments of over one billion euros. With the letter of intent between the Ministry and the EBRD that we signed today, we secured the support of this international financial institution in the second round of auctions that will be conducted in the second half of this year. Through these auctions, which are part of a three-year plan to secure at least 1,300 megawatts of new RES capacity, investors will bid for market premiums for a total of 400 megawatts. With new investments in RES, we will provide additional capacities for electricity production, through investments of the private sector, contributing to the reduction of harmful gas emissions, but also to the increase in energy security", said Djedović Handanović after the signing as part of the Western Balkans Investment Summit, at the EBRD headquarters in London.

She emphasized that the EBRD is a very important partner for Serbia in the energy transition and that Serbia ranks among the five largest markets of this European financial institution. "The focus of cooperation in the coming period will be on energy, which, in addition to favorable financing conditions, also involves the transfer of the best European practices in project implementation to Serbia. This includes the development of the renewable energy sector in an efficient and sustainable manner, as outlined in our strategic documents,” said the Minister.

"I am very pleased that we signed the Letter of Intent, which foresees the continued support of the EBRD to the Ministry of Mining and Energy in preparing the next round of auctions for solar and wind power plants with a capacity of at least 400 megawatts, through the system of awarding market premiums." We also provided advisory assistance for the first auctions conducted in 2023, which were highly successful, and we hope to repeat that success," said Charlotte Ruhe, EBRD Managing Director for Central and South Eastern Europe, who signed this document on behalf of the EBRD.

As part of her visit to London, the Minister of Mining and Energy participated in a meeting of the Serbian Government delegation led by Prime Minister Ana Brnabić with Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Djedović Handanović also participated in the energy panel as part of the Western Balkans Investment Summit, discussing the topic of accelerating the energy transition through increasing private sector investment in RES.