Energy and Ecology Launched

The Belgrade Fair opened the gates to two significant trade events on October 14, 2024—the 19^th International Energy Fair and the 20^th International Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Fair, EcoFair.

Until October 16, in Hall 3 of the Belgrade Fair, and under the unified slogan “Nature Has The Message,” more than 50 domestic and foreign exhibitors from around ten countries will address the issues of these vital questions for mankind.

Experts, companies, organizations, investors, and decision-makers from various sectors of the energy industry will strive to present the latest achievements in the field, connect professionals, educate visitors on energy topics, and promote sustainable energy practices. The other side of the energy coin, the ecological aspect, plays an increasingly significant and often crucial role in the design and development of new energy sources. In light of climate change and ever-stricter regulations, sustainability becomes a key criterion in selecting technologies and approaches for energy production.

During the ceremonial opening of this unique trade event, Stefan Srbljanović, the State Secretary in the Ministry of Mining and Energy, reminded attendees that the energy tradition “is a process that concerns all of us who manage the energy sector, companies from both the public and private sectors, investors, civil society organizations, and all citizens and consumers.”

Energy efficiency is one of the most important goals and priorities of this ministry.

“This year, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Integrated National Climate and Energy Plan, which entails a significant increase in energy efficiency.

The ministry has allocated 800 million dinars, double the amount from 2023, for the energy remediation of kindergartens and preschool institutions, primary and secondary schools, faculties, libraries, cultural centers, healthcare institutions, municipal administration buildings, and the reconstruction of public lighting in 41 municipalities or cities. Among them are the Faculty of Chemistry, 20 schools and kindergartens across Serbia, and the Clinical Hospital Center “Dragiša Mišović.”

To reduce consumption and transition to billing for thermal energy based on actual usage, over 500 residential buildings in the district heating system have been refurbished in 14 local government units, covering an area of about one million square meters, with a total project value of 64.5 million euros. The priority are buildings that can save the most energy, and our estimate is that savings will reach 35%.

Work is also underway to renovate 28 central government buildings.

We motivate citizens to use energy more rationally, reduce their bills, and contribute to their budget. More than 30,000 households have improved energy efficiency in their homes with the support and subsidies from the government. The plan is to increase that number to 70,000 households by 2027.

Socially vulnerable citizens have also been supported with subsidies for electricity, gas, and heating. They can still apply in their municipalities to receive these benefits.

We have improved the legislative framework and secured investments in renewable energy sources, with over 700 MW of new capacities and more than one billion euros in investments. This means nine new “green” power plants, as well as new jobs, increased GDP, and a positive impact on the construction industry. Today, we have around 3,800 prosumers with a capacity of 74 MW, whereas just two years ago, that number was 9.5 times smaller.

Record investments have also been made in the distribution system. We continue to replace old meters with new digital ones, for which financial resources have been secured. In the past year, more than half a million households have received new digital meters.

In the next decade, investments of around 15 billion euros will be needed, including the construction of reversible hydropower plants, wind and solar power plants, new gas interconnections, gas storage facilities, and oil pipelines.”

Ivana Hadži Stošić, the State Secretary in the Ministry of Environmental Protection, emphasized that this event is very important as it connects actors from various sectors in the Republic of Serbia and abroad, sharing their experiences and “best practices.”

“The ministry has made significant progress in the past four years.

Regarding the major issue of waste management, we are rapidly working on designing regional waste management centers. Construction is currently underway for a regional recycling center in the village of Kalenić in the municipality of Ub, which will serve 15 local government units. Work is ongoing in Pirot, and additional projects are planned in Užice by the end of the year. The plan is to construct nine such centers by 2027.

This “green” infrastructure is a prerequisite for increasing the recycling rate and, consequently, closing sanitary and illegal landfills across Serbia.

Through the “Separating” project, in collaboration with EU partners, 17 local governments received 26 garbage trucks, over 87,000 bins, and more than 2,500 containers. In these municipalities, we have introduced primary waste separation at the household level.

We also care about infrastructure. Currently, we are constructing over 340 km of sewage network and more wastewater treatment facilities.

In the sector of air quality improvement, significant funds have been allocated through public competitions for the replacement of public boiler rooms in heating plants and public institutions, as well as individual heating systems in households.

We have supported projects for the removal of illegal landfills, soil protection, reforestation, greening efforts, and the purchase of new electric vehicles.

This fair event is also an important support for us, as it brings environmental topics and examples of best practices closer to citizens and encourages them to be active in environmental protection.