Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, stated during a meeting with the Ambassador of Japan, Akira Imamura, that the feasibility study for the construction of the reversible hydro power plant Bistrica has been completed. The construction of this facility is estimated to cost more than one billion euros.
“The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is interested in financing this project, as well as numerous Japanese companies that possess the expertise and state-of-the-art technology for such facilities,” said Đedović Handanović.
She discussed joint projects in the fields of energy and environmental protection with the Ambassador of Japan.
“The Bistrica Reversible Hydro Power Plant is a crucial energy facility for future electricity supply, enabling the integration of new capacities from clean energy and better balancing of variable energy sources,” said the minister.
She noted that this year is crucial for completing the technical documentation. The minister also mentioned ongoing work on the technical documentation for important projects, such as the Bistrica Reversible Hydro Power Plant and Đerdap 3, aimed at ensuring a more stable electricity supply and better balancing of the power system.
The minister reminded that the final works on the construction of the flue gas desulfurization facility in TENT A are underway, carried out with financial support from Japanese partners.
“The flue gas desulfurization project in TENT A is crucial for improving the quality of life for citizens living in Obrenovac, Belgrade, and the surrounding areas, considering that the operation of the facility will reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by approximately 10 times. This demonstrates that EPS (Electric Power Industry of Serbia) can play a significant role in the circular economy in our country, as gypsum, a byproduct, will be produced from the facility and can be used in the construction industry,” said Đedović Handanović.
The project’s completion rate is 98 percent, and the trial operation of this facility is expected in the coming months.
“I am confident that on that occasion, we will have a high-level visit from the Japanese delegation with whom we will discuss the continuation of collaboration in the energy sector,” said Đedović Handanović.
Ambassador of Japan, Akira Imamura, highlighted the longstanding and high-quality relationship between the two countries and expressed support for Serbia’s new investment plan. This plan aims to facilitate economic development, modernization, and a transition to a green economy, in which Japan can make a significant contribution.
He expressed satisfaction that both sides are interested in collaborating on the construction and financing of the Bistrica Reversible Hydro Power Plant (RHE Bistrica) and other energy projects. Imamura emphasized that energy storage technology is highly developed in Japan.
“Japanese companies are ready to share knowledge and experience with Serbian energy companies in the construction of new capacities in renewable energy, balancing, and energy storage, which are crucial aspects of today’s energy systems,” said Imamura.
The minister highlighted that, by the beginning of the specialized EXPO 2027 exhibition, the country will have the largest investments ever made in the energy sector. She mentioned the completion of numerous energy projects, including the gas interconnection with North Macedonia, the Serbia-Hungary oil pipeline, the Kostolac wind farm, and the strengthening of capacities in the transmission and distribution network.
