Djedovic Handanovic, World Bank delegation discuss new support programme

BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic met with a World Bank delegation on Friday to discuss a new multi-year support programme for projects in the Serbian energy sector, which would include financing the development of gas infrastructure and continued investments in energy efficiency.

"Djedovic Handanovic explained that the new multi-year programme would be structured in several phases, with the first phase including the construction of a gas pipeline section between Nis and Velika Plana," a government statement said.

"The plan is in line with Serbia’s priorities to build two new gas interconnections over the next two years - with North Macedonia and Romania - which are important for diversification and greater security of supply, the Minister stated.

The Minister recalled that very good results had been achieved in previous years under the Scaling Up Residential Clean Energy project, which will enable more than 50,000 households to reduce energy consumption and their bills.

Serbia is interested in continuing cooperation on projects in the field of energy efficiency, including the reconstruction of public buildings in local self-government units - schools, kindergartens and hospitals - as well as continuing support for households, Djedovic Handanovic said.

Members of the World Bank delegation expressed readiness for the financial institution to support Serbia in the implementation of planned priority energy projects, particularly in the gas sector.

According to them, Serbia has demonstrated significant capacity and ambition in this regard and can serve as an example to other countries in the region," it also said.