In 2024, Serbia continued its path toward energy transition, sustainability, and a healthier environment.
One of the first steps was the decision to double the funds allocated for the energy rehabilitation of public buildings and households compared to 2023.
Two key milestones in Serbia’s energy sector development were the adoption of the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan for the period up to 2030, with projections to 2050, and the approval of the Draft Law on Amendments to the Energy Law. The first marks a new stage in Serbia’s energy transition by providing a clear roadmap for sustainable energy sector development. The second aims to meet obligations under the Energy Community Treaty, aligning with European standards and enhancing the country’s energy security.
A notable achievement was the commissioning of the flue gas desulfurization plant at the Nikola Tesla A thermal power plant, described as the largest environmental project. Another significant milestone was the commissioning of the Krivača wind farm in Golubac, the largest in the region and the first in Eastern Serbia. Additional achievements include a new biomass heating plant in Majdanpek, a newly constructed substation in Mrčajevci, the rehabilitation of the “Krivi Vir” boiler within the Niš District Heating Plant, and several others.
In late November, the second round of auctions for market premiums for renewable energy sources was announced, allowing investors to bid for a total quota of 424.8 MW.
Energy Support and Cooperation
For the development of renewable energy in district heating systems across Serbia, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) allocated €3 million. The European Union also supported the second phase of the “Renewable Energy Sources – Biomass Market Development in the Republic of Serbia” program with €10 million in grants. Additionally, a contract was signed with the European Investment Bank for the procurement and installation of around 400,000 smart meters nationwide.
A contract was signed with the consortium of “Hyundai Engineering” and “UGT Renewables” for the construction of self-balancing solar power plants in Serbia. The project includes energy storage systems with a total capacity of 200 MW, enabling the installation of 1 GW of new solar power capacity.
A Memorandum of Understanding was agreed upon in August for constructing the Serbia-Romania gas interconnector. This project will provide an additional natural gas supply route, linking the Mokrin hub in Serbia with the BRUA gas pipeline in Romania.
In 2024, electricity markets in Hungary, Serbia, and Slovenia were unified, simplifying and enhancing the efficiency of electricity trading in the region.
Throughout the year, numerous discussions were held with representatives of countries worldwide to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, gas supply, and energy transition. Key partners included Japan, China, Greece, Montenegro, Spain, Russia, Azerbaijan, Norway, and others.
More:
- EBRD lends up to 105 million euros to Serbia to decarbonise district heating
- Construction Progresses on the „Kostolac” Wind Farm
- Record Budget for Serbia’s Agriculture Allocated for 2025
Environmental Protection
At the beginning of the year, four public calls were announced for ecological projects in cities and municipalities, with a total allocation of 1.25 billion dinars. These funds were designated for replacing boiler rooms in district heating systems, household heating systems, afforestation, greening projects, and cleaning illegal dumpsites.
A regulation on subsidizing the purchase of new electric vehicles was adopted, with the Ministry of Environmental Protection allocating 170 million dinars. This measure proved successful, as there was significant interest in purchasing electric vehicles, funding the acquisition of 357 vehicles.
Protected areas received 500 million dinars, the largest amount to date. In 2024, Serbia established several new protected areas, including the “Golija” Nature Park, the “Mojstirsko-Draške Planine” Special Nature Reserve, the “Veliki Jastrebac” Nature Park, and the “Rudnik Mountain” Landscape of Outstanding Features. Agreements were signed with managers of 93 protected areas, as well as agreements supporting afforestation and greening projects in 38 local governments. Additional investments were secured for protected areas across the country.
Four environmental protection laws were adopted this year, focusing on environmental impact assessments, controlling the risk of major accidents involving hazardous substances, ratifying the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and strategic environmental assessments. These laws aim to align with European regulations and improve public participation in decision-making.
The first greenhouse gas emissions permit was issued to Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade, and a power plant in Vinča was commissioned to produce heat and electricity for Belgrade residents.
One significant agreement was signed in Bečej to expand and modernize a 30-year-old wastewater treatment plant. Agreements were also signed for reconstructing facilities in Pećinci and further modernizing the Regional Waste Management Center in Pirot, including building a composting plant for green and biodegradable waste.
Efforts to address unsanitary landfills began in Topola, Subotica, and Prokuplje, while illegal dumpsites were cleaned in Nova Crvenka. In Niš, 46 kilometers of sewer network were built, along with the country’s largest wastewater treatment plant. Construction of a wastewater treatment plant began in Sečanj, and agreements were signed for building sewer systems in Priboj, Bečej, and a city collector in Zrenjanin, improving wastewater management. In 2024, over 340 kilometers of sewer network were contracted or under construction across Serbia.
New waste collection trucks were provided to municipalities such as Titel, Temerin, Gornji Milanovac, Nova Crnja, Bela Crkva, Paraćin, and others.
By the end of the year, additional funds were secured to continue developing regional waste management centers across Serbia in 2025.
Katarina Vuinac
