Djedovic: Serbia to reform energy sector with Norway's help

OSLO - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic said on Monday in Oslo Serbia could learn much from Norway about how to best utilise the potential of renewable energy sources and that it aimed to stabilise its energy sector within two years. 

Djedovic, who is a member of a Serbian state delegation accompanying President Aleksandar Vucic on a two-day visit to Norway, was speaking to reporters after a meeting with state secretary at the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.

Norway is really a giant when it comes to hydro power, as well as to oil and other natural resources, which it has been utilising in the best possible way, she said.

"Let's see how we can do the same in the hydro power sector and other sectors as well and how to plan future investments in the energy sector," she noted.

We must be determined when it comes to decarbonisation and energy transition and, for that reason, we need to complete the energy sector reform, Djedovic said.

She noted that Norway had started to address the issue 30 years ago, introducing professional management at its energy companies.

Djedovic said Vucic and PM Ana Brnabic were absolutely committed to green transition and that a plan for an energy sector reform was in the works to ensure a cleaner system and a healthier environment for children.

"There are no quick solutions but, with good planning, the Norwegians can help us get to long-term solutions and, with partners from Norway, we are already working on stabilising our system within the next 24 months," Djedovic said.

We already have good results and the goal is to boost the share of energy generated from solar, wind and hydro power by 2030 to decarbonise Serbia's energy sector by 2050 and ensure secure energy supplies, she said.

She said the meeting with Eriksen had not addressed concrete projects but only the first step - the regulatory framework.