Petar Djokic, Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining of the Republika Srpska announced that around five billion euros will be invested in energy sector by 2030. The Strategy of Energy Development of the Republika Srpska by 2030 should ensure security of energy supply at economically viable prices, taking into account the problem of energy poverty, and to increase production efficiency, create conditions for investment in the energy sector, as well to establish an efficient system of encouraging energy efficiency and usage of renewable energy.
Minister noted explained that Republika Srpska annually exports from 20 to 30 percent of the total electricity produced.
In Republika Srpska is already being built a TPP of 300 MW and it should be put into operation at the end of November this year. In progress are also preparations for the construction of two new thermal blocks of TPP Ugljevik, with the power of 2×300 MW, which will significantly contribute to energy stability and security of the entire region. Several new energy projects are also planned, such as hydropower plant system “Dabar” with 160 megawatts of power, HPP Ulog of five megawatts, HPP Mrsovo 37 megawatts, HPP “Bočac” nine megawatts, Ustiprača 17 MW, HPP on the river Bosnia 14 megawatts, and many other lower power projects at specific locations in the RS are being realized.
Djokic pointed out that Republika Srpska has defined forms of cooperation with Serbia, agreements on the development of energy sector, especially in the construction of new power plants on the Drina River, such as the project “Middle Drina”, which involves the construction of several energy facilities. He recalled that three parties are involved in the construction of this project – Serbia, Italy and Republika Srpska.
Djokic concluded that it is important to ensure security of energy supply at economically viable prices taking into account the needs of socially vulnerable categories; Then, encourage investment in the energy sector – in projects of interest for each country, and in projects of interest for the countries of the region; encourage projects in energy efficiency and renewable energy sources; increase the efficiency of production, transportation / transmission, distribution and consumption of energy; develop cross-border cooperation and connection of trans-European energy systems in order to ensure security of supply in the individual countries and the region as a whole; Provide adequate alternative supply of energy or energy source; elaborate plans for emergency operational measures in case of general shortage or interruption in supply from one or more energy sources, including a plan of immediate and efficient information exchange among countries in emergency situations, provide diversification of supply routes and energy sources; implement the obligations undertaken in the Treaty establishing the Energy Community of South East Europe into domestic legislation.
