Serbia discusses 1 billion euro gas programme with World Bank

Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović met with a World Bank delegation to discuss the first phase of a new gas programme, which includes the construction of the first section of the Niš–Velika Plana gas pipeline.

The 1 billion euro project aims to modernise Serbia’s gas infrastructure, while the new pipelines will help the country make better use of its gas interconnections with neighbouring countries, strengthening its role as a transit country and regional gas hub. They will also improve gas access in southern and eastern Serbia, which is important for industrial development and attracting investment, according to the Minister.

Later phases of the programme will include expanding the existing natural gas transmission network, building compressor stations and increasing underground gas storage capacities.

A project coordination working group focused on financing includes representatives of the Ministry, gas sector companies, including Gas Infrastructure, Transportgas and Srbijagas, as well as other relevant parties. Until financing is approved, the working group will coordinate the preparation and implementation of the project.