Djedovic Handanovic: Norway credible partner in energy sector

BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic said on Friday Norway was a credible partner to Serbia in many fields of importance to the economy and society, in particular in the energy sector, one of the main pillars of bilateral cooperation.

After a meeting with Norwegian Ambassador to Belgrade Kristin Melsom, Djedovic Handanovic said energy security and energy transition were priority issues on the Serbian government's agenda, the Ministry of Energy and Mining said in a statement.

"Right now, we are in the final stage of defining long-term objectives that will boost the share of renewables in the energy mix, advance the energy efficiency of buildings and reduce harmful gas emissions. Besides EPS investments in renewable energy capacities, it is in our interest to keep attracting investments that will ensure new green megawatts to the power generation system and higher security of supplies. Through successful auctions to award market premiums for 450 MW from solar and wind power, we have secured around 1 bln euros of investments in new capacities," Djedovic Handanovic said.

She said Norwegian investors had recognised the attractiveness of investing in renewables in the Serbian market.

"We are confident there will be even more of them in the future as we are planning to boost the renewable energy capacities over the next three years by 1,300 MW through the auction system," she said.

Djedovic Handanovic noted that professionalisation of management was underway at state-owned energy companies and that Norway was an important partner in the process.

Melsom said the first results of the reform process in the energy sector were evident, and conveyed Norway's intent to keep supporting Serbia in the process of energy transition and improving the security of energy supplies.