Over the past decade, the European Union has been a significant contributor to Serbia’s infrastructure and energy sector, investing more than four billion euros in grants. Despite this, Serbian authorities and affiliated media often downplay these contributions, leaving the public uninformed about the tangible benefits of EU cooperation.
Challenges lie ahead as Serbia strives to transition to greener energy production, particularly in light of its heavy reliance on fossil fuel-based thermal power plants, which account for about 65% of its electricity generation.
Experts agree that the question is no longer whether to transition to renewable energy sources but rather how to make this transition feasible and sustainable. A prominent aspect of this transition is the development of new capacities for electricity production from renewables, with the Bistrica reversible hydroelectric plant project being a notable example.
However, transitioning to renewables poses challenges, particularly in balancing the electricity grid to ensure stability. The issue of grid balancing prompted the postponement of the connection process for variable renewable energy sources due to concerns about system stability.
Meanwhile, discussions about revoking the moratorium on nuclear power plant construction have garnered more attention than traditional renewable energy projects. This shift in focus has raised concerns, especially considering the experience of countries like Germany, which faced energy shortages following the closure of nuclear plants.
Stability in energy sources is crucial, as emphasized by the example of Germany, where a significant reliance on variable sources like wind and solar energy led to periods of energy scarcity. This underscores the importance of stable energy sources like nuclear power, which is not of fossil origin.
Furthermore, financing projects related to gas, intended as a transitional fuel in the decarbonization process, is becoming increasingly challenging due to the EU’s shift away from gas usage. Despite Serbia’s plans to invest in gas infrastructure, the EU’s move towards phasing out gas usage by 2039 poses significant hurdles for such projects.
As Serbia navigates its energy transition, balancing the need for stable energy sources with the imperative to reduce carbon emissions remains a complex task. The country must carefully consider its energy mix and investment priorities to ensure a sustainable and resilient energy future.
