Negotiations on the development of a new gas-fired power plant in Niš, southern Serbia, are progressing, as Energy Minister Dubravka Đedović held discussions in Belgrade with representatives of Azerbaijan’s SOCAR.
Talks between the two sides have recently intensified, with efforts focused on aligning technical specifications and commercial terms for the planned facility near Niš. According to the minister, significant progress has been achieved in a short time following the intergovernmental agreement signed earlier this year between Serbia and Azerbaijan.
In parallel with high-level political meetings, Azerbaijani experts have been conducting detailed consultations with Serbian stakeholders, including EPS and Srbijagas. Authorities expect that key contractual provisions could be finalized by early May, paving the way for the next stage of development.
The future agreement is expected to define the roles, ownership structure, and financial contributions of all partners. A joint venture is planned to manage both construction and operation of the plant, which is designed to strengthen Serbia’s energy system and ensure a more stable electricity supply, particularly for the country’s southern regions and industrial users.
Preliminary plans indicate that the facility could have an installed capacity of around 500 MW of electricity generation and approximately 150 MW of thermal output, although final figures will depend on the project’s financial structure and investment viability. Commissioning is currently targeted for around 2030.
The project also highlights the growing energy cooperation between Serbia and Azerbaijan. With gas imports from Azerbaijan increasing in recent years, the planned plant is expected to consume roughly 600 million cubic meters of gas annually once operational, further deepening bilateral energy ties.
