Djedovic Handanovic: Japan interested in financing reversible hydropower plant

BELGRADE - At a meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Belgrade Akira Imamura, Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic said a feasibility study for the Bistrica reversible hydropower plant project had been completed and that the costs of building the facility were estimated at over 1 bln euros.

In a statement released by her ministry, Djedovic Handanovic said the Japanese side was interested in financing the project and that the feasibility study provided an assessment of all its economic parameters and benefits.

"The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is interested in financing this project, as are many Japanese companies that have the know-how and leading-edge technology for such facilities," the minister said.

Djedovic Handanovic and Imamura discussed joint projects in energy and environmental protection.

"The Bistrica reversible hydropower plant is a key energy facility for electricity supplies in the future that will make it possible for us to connect new clean energy capacities and to better balance variable energy sources," the minister said.

She noted that work was underway on technical documentation for major projects such as the Bistrica and Djerdap 3 hydropower plants, which should ensure more stable electricity supplies and better balancing of the power generation system.

She also said final works to build a desulphurisation plant at the TENT A coal-fired power plant were underway with financial support from Japanese partners.

The project is 98 per cent complete and the desulphurisation plant is due to go into trial operation in the coming months, she said.

"I am confident that we will have a visit by a high-ranking Japanese delegation on the occasion to discuss a continuation of cooperation in the energy sector," Djedovic Handanovic said.

Noting the years-long quality relations between Serbia and Japan, Imamura backed Serbia's new investment plan aimed at enabling economic development, modernisation and a transition to the green economy and said Japan was able to make a significant contribution to it.

He said he was pleased that both sides were interested in cooperation on the Bistrica hydropower plant project and other energy projects, and noted that energy storage technology was highly developed in Japan.

"Japanese companies are ready to share their know-how and experience with Serbian energy companies in building new renewable energy capacities and balancing and storage of energy," he said.