Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić asserted that only the upcoming government would have the authority to make decisions regarding Rio Tinto’s Jadar project, which involves the extraction and processing of lithium. During the presentation of an economic development plan in anticipation of the Specialized Expo 2027 in Belgrade, he emphasized that energy investments would take on greater significance and that the nation was taking substantial steps toward addressing air pollution concerns
These measures encompass various aspects such as improving living standards, modernizing infrastructure, fostering industrialization, supporting agriculture, enhancing environmental protection, and preparing for the upcoming event. During the presentation of the program titled “Skok u budućnost – Srbija EXPO 2027” (Leap to the Future – Serbia EXPO 2027), President Vučić reiterated his backing for Rio Tinto’s underground lithium mining and processing project.
Two years ago, after significant protests in Serbia, the government led by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), of which Vučić is a member, halted the investment. However, the Anglo-Australian company continued certain activities, while Vučić and other high-ranking officials kept the possibility of the project open.
President Vučić underscored that the decision regarding Rio Tinto’s proposal to extract jadarite ore in the Jadar region in western Serbia and produce battery materials could only be made by the incoming government. The recent general election took place last month, and the new cabinet is expected to assume office by May.
“The prior administration rejected my proposal, assuming it was more convenient to do so in light of the protests… I believe we shouldn’t cater to those who lack understanding; rather, we should focus on the development of our regions,” he emphasized.
Vučić reiterated his assertion that the investment would result in salaries of at least EUR 1,000 per month for 2,000 employees and contribute to the growth of the gross domestic product. He added that the budget of the City of Loznica would see a substantial increase, potentially reaching EUR 100 million, as a result.
Enormous projects are set to kick off in the nation, emphasized Vučić. “We need to initiate the construction of the pumped storage hydropower plant Đerdap 3, and before that, we must complete all the necessary procedures, including the formal and bureaucratic aspects that we have complicated in relation to the pumped storage hydropower plant Bistrica,” he added.
From Vučić’s perspective, failing to construct Bistrica would leave the country without a reliable source of electricity, as the facility is designed to stabilize renewable energy sources. While Serbia is engaged in the construction of solar power facilities with various international partners, including China, Russia, the United States, and others, as well as making investments in wind energy, Vučić stressed that all these efforts would be futile without the completion of the Bistrica project.
“We are finalizing the construction of Kostolac B3, which marks the first new power plant in over four decades, and we anticipate its inauguration within the next one or two months. Furthermore, there is the significant 1 GW initiative for self-regulating solar power facilities,” he announced, underscoring the increased energy investments compared to previous years.
Kostolac B3 is a coal-fired power plant slated for operation under the supervision of the state-controlled power utility, Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS). The partnership for the photovoltaic project involves the Hyundai Engineering and UGT Renewables consortium.
President Vučić also emphasized the importance of completing the Serbia-Hungary oil pipeline before the Expo 2027 event. Additionally, he mentioned the planned construction of a gas pipeline from North Macedonia, facilitating a connection to the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP).
Regarding air pollution, Vučić highlighted that gasification would play a pivotal role in reducing the reliance on solid fuels such as wood and coal for household heating. He specified that eight cities were prioritized for this initiative: Niš, Užice, Zaječar, Valjevo, Belgrade, Kragujevac, Smederevo, and Novi Pazar. The President of Serbia also announced plans to replace 200 heating boilers in public buildings, ranging in capacity from 1 MW to 50 MW.
“We are embarking on a comprehensive effort to address this issue,” he emphasized.
