Association RES Serbia supported as a partner the international forum Central and Eastern Europe & Western Balkans – Energy, Infrastructure & Industrial Security, held on May 22 at the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia. The event was opened by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Prof. Dr. Đuro Macut, while panel discussions featured many Italian experts, as well as RES Serbia representatives: Manager Danijela Isailović, and members Damien Sorrell (EIB), Milutin Đukanović (EPCG), Predrag Ćulibrk (Elnos Serbia), Nikola Grubor (MT KOMEX), and Gaetano Massara (EIB).

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Italy sent a letter stating – The Balkan region should become a beacon of stability and growth. It was emphasized that this is a pivotal year for new EU enlargement, with joint efforts focused on Balkan integration. The Italian government pledged support to the region to foster prosperity through strengthened infrastructure and connectivity.

On behalf of the European Investment Bank, Damien Sorrell, Head of the Regional Hub for the Western Balkans, highlighted that energy security is a crucial topic, focusing on supply security and investments in renewable energy sources: The Western Balkans are not on the margins, but part of Europe – was the EIB’s message, underlining that energy must go “hand in hand” with other industries in the new investment cycle based on green energy.

Energy Systems and Market Design

The panel on energy systems and market design covered various topics with RES Serbia representatives. Danijela Isailović, manager of RES Serbia, spoke about challenges in the renewable energy sector, stressing that the past two years have been particularly difficult for the development and construction of new projects.

When asked by Riccardo Dutti, Director of Global Infrastructure at Intesa Sanpaolo and panel moderator, whether the biggest challenge was the lack of power purchase agreements (PPAs), grid readiness, or financial market schemes, Isailović emphasized that the grid is not prepared for new capacities. She reminded that there are more than 12 GW of connection requests, while since 2013 only 1.2 GW of solar and wind power plants have been built, showing that most requests remained on paper. Additionally, the Government of Serbia banned new grid connection studies until 2029, which she described as an unnecessary decision and a negative signal for investors.

Electricity purchase is another issue, as private traders do not offer long-term contracts. Isailović noted that the first two auction rounds were successfully conducted and that there is an obligation to hold a third round, defined in the Three-Year Incentive Plan for Renewable Energy Use for 2023–2025. RES Serbia members have already built plants that received premiums during the first two auction rounds.

Nikola Grubor, Deputy General Director of MT KOMEX, warned that frequent legislative changes discourage investors, adding that battery storage systems are becoming mandatory, but there is no proper financial model for new projects.

Predrag Ćulibrk, Director of Elnos Serbia, pointed out the low share of RES in the regional energy mix, mainly due to slow administration. Therefore, he stressed the need to clearly define the energy mix and locations for new projects.

Energy Integration and Regional Markets

During the panel dedicated to energy integration and regional markets, experienced energy professionals spoke, including Milutin Đukanović, Chairman of the Board of Directors of EPCG, who warned that if Montenegro and the region agreed to be only a transit corridor linking Central Asia and Europe – it would mean the end of investments in the region.

Đukanović emphasized that EPCG is developing its own renewable energy sources, recalling the strategic agreement with Masdar and planned partnerships with Italian companies. He particularly highlighted the importance of prosumers, of whom there are already more than 10,000 in Montenegro.

Formal Reception at the Embassy of Italy

On the eve of the Central and Eastern Europe & Western Balkans – Energy, Infrastructure & Industrial Security forum, RES Serbia attended a reception at the Residence of H.E. Luca Gori, Ambassador of Italy to Serbia. Attendance at this event was an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and exchange experiences with representatives of the diplomatic and business community.