Serbia, Japan to boost cooperation in energy sector

BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic met with Japanese Ambassador to Belgrade Takahito Katsumata on Thursday to discuss bilateral ties and advancement of cooperation in the energy sector.

Djedovic noted that Serbia had ambitious goals in the process of decarbonising the energy sector and was drawing up strategic documents to enable a higher share of green energy in its energy mix.

"We need new investments in energy infrastructure, especially in large hydropower plants, where there is interest among Japanese companies with vast experience in application of modern technologies in the field of renewable energy sources. We are grateful to Japan for being our country's second-largest bilateral donor and I hope we will successfully complete the works on desulphurisation at TENT A and TENT B, which will contribute to environmental protection and reduction of harmful emissions," Djedovic said.

Katsumata said Serbia and Japan had celebrated the 140th anniversary of their diplomatic relations last year and that Japan was a strong partner to Serbia in the energy transition process.

"Serbia and Japan have a long tradition of relations, intensified following a historic visit to Belgrade by former PM Shinzo Abe in 2018. Through the Western Balkans Initiative, major Japanese investments that have strengthened our cooperation have been implemented since," he said.

The ambassador noted that Serbia was crucial for peace and stability in the Western Balkans and added that Japan would continue to provide strong support to implementation of reforms on Serbia's European path.

"In the field of energy transition, we are working together on desulphurisation projects at TENT A and TENT B. This year, too, we will also continue to provide support to the Just Transition and Decarbonisation project in Serbia, a part of a global UNDP initiative for reduction of harmful emissions," he said.