Serbia accelerates preparations for joint EPS-SOCAR energy venture

Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović met with Niš Mayor Dragoslav Pavlović to discuss progress on the construction of a gas-fired power plant in Niš.

Representatives of Elektroprivreda Srbije, Srbijagas, Niš District Heating Plant, the Niš Institute for Urban Planning, as well as financial consultants and project designers, also attended the meeting, CE Report informs via the Ministry of Mining and Energy of Serbia's official website.

“Activities on preparing and harmonizing planning documentation have already begun. The Spatial Plan of the City of Niš has been adopted, providing the foundation for further planning work. During the meeting of all relevant stakeholders, we had the opportunity to hear from the project designer about the implementation timeline and key activities through the end of 2030, when the construction of the power plant is expected to be completed. The new facility will contribute to greater security of electricity supply and strengthen Serbia’s energy stability, while also improving district heating services for the residents of Niš,” Đedović Handanović said.

The minister stressed that full commitment from all parties involved in the project is essential, including the City of Niš, the Institute for Urban Planning, project designers, Srbijagas, Elektroprivreda Srbije, and the Elektromreža Srbije, in order to accelerate all preparatory activities and establish a joint company between EPS and SOCAR.

“At the same time, work is underway to finalize the Shareholders’ Agreement for the future joint company between EPS and SOCAR, which is expected to be signed in the coming weeks,” she added.

Mayor Pavlović emphasized that the City of Niš and all local institutions are fully committed to ensuring the project is prepared as quickly as possible and that construction can begin at the earliest opportunity.

In early June, in Baku, Elektroprivreda Srbije and SOCAR signed the Heads of Terms for cooperation on the development, construction, and operation of the gas-fired power plant in Niš. The agreement outlines the key principles for establishing a joint-stock company to implement the project, as well as the main commercial aspects of future cooperation.

Đedović Handanović recalled that the Niš gas-fired power plant is a strategic project being implemented within the framework of cooperation between Serbia and Azerbaijan. She noted that the two countries signed an intergovernmental agreement on the project in February this year in Belgrade, in the presence of the presidents of both countries.

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