Djedovic Handanovic meets with French ambassador

BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic met with French Ambassador to Belgrade Pierre Cochard on Tuesday to discuss key issues for bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, including modernisation of the power transmission grid, potential cooperation in the hydropower sector and diversification of natural gas supply sources.

Djedovic Handanovic noted the success of last year's digitalised auctions carried out in line with EU standards, and said nearly all capacities had been allocated as a result, her ministry said in a statement.

"In the period to come, we will invest around 400 mln euros to revitalise the Potpec, Vlasinska, Bistrica and Đerdap 2 hydropower plants to extend their lifespan and boost their power, and a part of these projects is being funded through the Western Balkans investment framework," the minister noted.

She said Serbia's national power company EPS would complete the construction of the Kostolac wind park in the first half of next year, which she noted would mark an extremely important turning point in the company's operations as the project would be its first one harnessing wind power.

She announced amendments would be made to mining legislation to better protect Serbia's interests and that a strategy on management of national mineral and other geological resources was due to be completed this year.

She added that public consultations about an integrated national energy and climate plan had been completed and that the document was ready for adoption.

The plan aims to raise the share of renewables in power generation to 45 pct, reduce CO2 emissions by 40.3 pct relative to 1990 and boost energy efficiency.

Djedovic Handanovic and Cochard also discussed small modular reactors as a source of base energy in energy transition, and the minister said alternatives needed to be considered to ensure energy stability in the green transition process and meet Serbia's growing energy demands in the coming years.

Cochard noted France's support for Serbia's energy transition.