Djedovic Handanovic meets with German ambassador, KfW delegation

BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic met on Friday with German Ambassador to Belgrade Anke Konrad and a delegation of the German development bank KfW to discuss implementation of ongoing projects whereby the KfW is supporting Serbia in the energy transition process.

The KfW delegation was headed by the bank's Director for Europe, Asia and Global Initiatives Klaus Muller.

The key topic of the meeting was a continuation of the implementation of a Kostolac wind farm project, and the parties confirmed a joint commitment by all partners to find a sustainable solution through open dialogue and intensive cooperation in line with undertaken commitments to overcome challenges that have led to a standstill in carrying out the major energy project, the Ministry of Mining and Energy said in a statement.

"It is in the interest of us all, and most of all, Serbia, to remove the hurdles and that the first EPS wind farm produces green energy in the decades ahead. The cooperation to date with the German development bank and Siemens Group on other projects represents a good foundation for further cooperation on the Kostolac wind farm project," the minister said.

Konrad said Germany remained committed to supporting Serbia on its path to carbon neutrality.

"The Kostolac project, the first state-owned wind farm in Serbia, which is supported by German development cooperation through the KfW and the EU, is a key part of these efforts. This meeting has strengthened the trust among all partners towards our common goal - successful implementation of this project and laying the groundwork for many others," Konrad was quoted as saying.