Montenegro, Serbia, and the Republic of Srpska have decided to enhance collaboration in the realm of energy security

by Cristian Florescu

The countries of Montenegro, Serbia, and the Republic of Srpska have reached a mutual agreement to collaborate on the development of various projects within the energy sector, specifically focusing on hydropower and grid systems. Additionally, they have expressed a shared commitment to expediting the resolution of any ongoing disputes between them

During a meeting held in Belgrade, the ministers responsible for energy and mining from Montenegro, Serbia, and the Republic of Srpska dedicated their attention to discussing the Buk Bijela hydropower project and the issue surrounding the Bileća lake. The Buk Bijela project is a collaborative effort between the Republic of Srpska and Serbia, both of which constitute Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nonetheless, Montenegro and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the other entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, have raised objections concerning this investment. Montenegro has persistently pursued the rights to access water resources and hydropower generated from the Bileća Lake, situated within the territory of the Republic of Srpska.

During the meeting, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, the Minister of Serbia, addressed the common energy challenges faced by all parties, such as the need to enhance renewable energy generation, expedite the expansion of the transmission infrastructure, and strengthen energy security.

According to Đedović Handanović, the significance of energy projects with transnational effects necessitates collaboration among all three parties involved, as well as other neighbouring states. Handanović stated that she and her counterparts have reached an agreement to facilitate the integration of their electricity networks and emphasized the immense importance of the Trans-Balkan Electricity Corridor as a key investment.

As per the statements made by the minister, the implementation of this initiative will facilitate the integration of the Romanian and Serbian markets with those of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Italy. Additionally, it will enable the proposed pumped storage hydropower plant Bistrica to be effectively linked to the power grid.

According to her, if we do not capitalize on new capabilities and establish connections between transmission systems, we will incur disadvantages in terms of increased energy dependency and decreased energy security.

According to Đedović Handanović, it is necessary to complete environmental impact assessment studies for the Buk Bijela project, followed by the selection of the main contractor.

She elaborated on strategies for overcoming project obstacles and achieving a sustainable resolution.

Đedović Handanović emphasized the potential collaboration between Serbia and Montenegro in the construction of the Komarnica and Kruševo hydroelectric power facilities.

The Minister of Energy and Mining of Montenegro, Saša Mujović, noted that the region as a whole is currently undergoing an energy transition process. He emphasized that this transition will require navigating through various challenges and obstacles for an extended period before achieving the goal of ensuring adequate electricity supply and job opportunities for all individuals affected by the transition.

As per the statements made by the minister, the energy transition in Montenegro will necessitate the closure of the Pljevlja coal power plant. The minister contended that arriving at this decision is arduous due to the associated energy, economic, and societal ramifications. However, Montenegro possesses renewable energy prospects and has attracted investor attention, thereby providing sufficient grounds to explore alternatives for the thermal power plant, as conveyed by Mujović.

He emphasized the importance of solidarity and collaborative action within the Energy Community to strengthen our collective position and protect our objectives.

The development of a grid is crucial for all stakeholders involved, as it enables the utilization of renewable energy resources, as stated by the minister.

He asserted his endorsement of a resolution that would address Montenegro’s concerns regarding the Bileća Lake without disadvantaging neighbouring countries. Mujović further stated that the Minister of Mining and Energy of the Republic of Srpska, Petar Đokić, has shown willingness to resolve the matter, and they are now awaiting his proposal.

Mujović emphasized that Montenegro would not impede the development of HPP Buk Bijela, but is currently evaluating potential impacts on the Durmitor National Park with the assistance of expert analysis. If no adverse effects are identified, Montenegro does not oppose the construction of the hydropower plant.

Minister Petar Đokić verified that the Republic of Srpska intends to suggest a compensation model to Montenegro for the Bileća lake, akin to the one currently utilized for its municipalities. He concurred with Mujović on the necessity for experts to deliberate on the Buk Bijela project.

According to his assertion, the individuals opposing the implementation of the Upper Drina hydropower project, specifically the hydropower facilities Buk Bijela, Foča, and Paunci, were motivated by political motives rather than a genuine concern for development. The Republic of Srpska has taken measures to provide European institutions with all the necessary documentation regarding the HPP Buk Bijela, and the completion of the environmental impact assessment study is imminent, as stated by him.

According to Đokić, the investment has not been ceased and he further stated that the preparatory tasks are nearing completion.

He restated that the Republic of Srpska possessed the legitimate authority to approve the Upper Drina project concession. If the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina decided to terminate the project, Đokić expressed his intention to initiate an arbitration process, confident in the prospect of a successful outcome.

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