The energy transition is inevitable, but it is difficult to predict what the future energy mix will look like – agreed participants of the roundtable “Perspectives on Energy in the Eyes of Friends and Partners of the Association of Energy Experts”, held within the “Energy 2026” conference on Zlatibor.

Participants, including representatives of RES Serbia member companies – Elnos Serbia, ABB, Siemens, and Siemens Energy – discussed the role of new technologies such as green hydrogen and digitalization, while stressing the need for the development of battery storage.

Accelerated Transition to Renewables

Predrag Ćulibrk, Director of Elnos Serbia, emphasized that current geopolitical developments further confirm the importance of energy for national security, which will accelerate the transition to renewable sources.

He noted that Serbia currently does not face major problems in its transmission network, unlike Europe where “bottlenecks” have been recorded.

However, he underlined the urgent need to develop battery storage:

– Gas power plants can provide part of the system’s flexibility, as can pumped-storage hydropower plants. But we need to strengthen the battery storage segment, which is lagging behind here. We cannot wait for Bistrica to be completed – Ćulibrk warned.

Digitalization as an Inevitability

Srđan Srdanović, Director of Smart Infrastructure at Siemens, emphasized that the energy transition is inevitable and that Serbia has a strong transmission network. He noted that Siemens sees great potential in the area of grid connections, which must be reliable and resilient to all changes.

Srdanović stressed that in the future an energy mix will be essential, along with digitalization, which will help accelerate the transition.

– I hope new renewable sources will emerge to replace fossil fuels. Hydropower potential is declining, with less rain and snow, which is why we need a mix. The question is what will dominate in 10 years – hydrogen or some new technology – Srdanović said.

Rising Demand for Battery Solutions

Nenad Dlačić, Commercial Director at ABB, remarked that the only constant in energy is change, making it difficult to predict the future energy mix with certainty.

– Gas will certainly remain as an energy source. Initial investments in hydrogen are large, but the technology is still in its infancy and will take time to develop – Dlačić pointed out.

He added that all available options must be used in the balancing mix, including battery solutions, which are in high global demand, and highlighted that the application of artificial intelligence will improve efficiency in the energy sector.

Green Hydrogen as the Fuel of the Future

Petar Tatomirović, Head of the Organizational Unit for Automation and Digitalization at Siemens Energy, expressed his satisfaction with participating in the 41st International Conference Energy 2026.

– This outstanding event with a long tradition brings together energy experts and contributes to shaping a sustainable future together – he emphasized.

He noted that the energy transition is not only about producing energy from renewable sources, but also about the entire energy chain, ensuring that energy is delivered to consumers and used efficiently.

– The pace of the energy transition is ambitious, but the reality is that infrastructure and, above all, system flexibility must be improved to achieve sustainable integration of renewables and ensure reliable supply. Gas power plants still play an important role in the transition, and their development should be viewed from the perspective of the entire energy system, not just electricity generation. Green hydrogen has potential as the fuel of the future, primarily in decarbonizing industry and in energy storage through synthetic fuels – Tatomirović said.

Where Energy is Headed

Consultant Ervin Leko estimated that in the future as much as 70% of energy could come from wind and solar, with batteries for short-term storage and green hydrogen or hydropower for long-term solutions.

At the same time, he stressed that gas will play an important role during the transition period.

On the other hand, consultant Ljubo Maćić argued that what is needed most is cheaper renewable energy.

– Hydrogen won’t be available anytime soon. Maybe one day it will become significant, but I’m not sure that will happen before 2050 – Maćić concluded.