Serbia and World Bank Discuss 1 Billion Euro Gas Program

Serbia is set to embark on a significant energy infrastructure upgrade with a new gas program valued at 1 billion euros, following discussions between Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović and a World Bank delegation. The initiative aims to bolster the country's internal gas infrastructure and institutional capacities.

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We are working on concrete steps for the start of a project worth one billion euros through which we will strengthen and modernize the internal gas infrastructure, institutional capacities, and provide support for reform activities with the World Bank. In the first phase, we will build the first section of the Niš - Velika Plana gas pipeline.

The initial phase of the program will focus on constructing the first section of the Niš-Velika Plana gas pipeline. Minister Đedović Handanović emphasized that this project is crucial for enhancing Serbia's energy security. By enabling the full utilization of gas interconnections with neighboring countries, the project will strengthen Serbia's role as a transit country and a gas hub in the region, potentially generating increased revenue.

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The new gas pipelines that will be built through this project will enable Serbia to use the full potential of gas interconnections with neighboring countries, which means greater energy security, as well as strengthening the position of a transit country and a gas hub in this part of Europe, which will also bring greater revenues.

Furthermore, the new gas pipelines will improve access to gas for the southern and eastern parts of Serbia, which is vital for industrial development and attracting investments. The minister highlighted that subsequent phases of the program are planned to increase the capacity of the existing natural gas transport network, build compressor stations, and expand underground gas storage facilities. These measures are intended to boost system security, reinforce regional connectivity, and improve overall system flexibility.

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The southern and eastern parts of the country will have greater access to gas, which is important for the development of industry and attracting investments.

Discussions also covered the financing and organizational management of the project. A working group comprising representatives from the Ministry of Mining and Energy, along with key gas sector companies like Gas Infrastructure, Transportgas, and Srbijagas, will be formed to coordinate the project's preparation and implementation. This group will ensure that all activities adhere to planned timelines until financing is officially approved by the World Bank.

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The working group for project coordination will consist of representatives from the Ministry of Mining and Energy, companies from the gas sector Gas Infrastructure, Transportgas, Srbijagas, and other relevant parties. Until the financing is approved, this working group will coordinate the preparation and implementation of the project, so that all activities are carried out within the planned deadlines.