ĐOKIĆ: WE ARE MAJOR INVESTMENT DESTINATION, WITH ENERGY PROJECTS WORTH BAM 5.3 BILLION

TREBINJE, MARCH 25 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska is a major place for investment, with the total value of all its current energy projects reaching BAM 5.3 billion, Minister of Energy and Mining of Republika Srpska Petar Đokić stated at the opening ceremony of the Energy Summit in Trebinje.

"We do not want to stop here; we aim to continue developing Republika Srpska's energy system and to put knowledge into practice and in shaping this sector," Đokić said in his address to the participants.

He added that, for this reason, it is important that the summit for the first time includes an open discussion on artificial intelligence, whose use is a new tool for the future and a reality that must be addressed and given a chance.

He emphasized that the Energy Summit in Trebinje has so far made an impressive contribution to the development of the energy sector in Republika Srpska and the region, and that they used numerous forms of cooperation to further strengthen energy security.

He said that Republika Srpska adopted all necessary regulations long ago and was one of the regional leaders in legislative activities aimed at implementing EU guidelines.

"Based on the energy policy we have adopted, we can present numerous energy facilities. Republika Srpska is today a major place for investment, with high-value projects realized and installed capacities in place," Đokić said.

He stressed that Republika Srpska currently has around 484 megawatts of built solar energy capacity, around 150 megawatts of new hydroelectric capacity, and is also developing large-scale wind energy projects.

He pointed out that the electric power industry, Elektroprivreda, has been strengthened and positioned to lead major projects, with approximately 792 megawatts planned for construction so far.

"The construction of large energy facilities is underway, projects that have been under consideration for more than 40 years," Đokić added.

He announced that the Bistrica Hydropower Plant could be completed this year, and the Dabar Hydropower Plant by the end of 2027, emphasizing that such large investment projects had not been realized even during the time of the former SFRY.

“Republika Srpska will not stop with the electricity sector; it is also developing the gas sector and is on the verge of signing a BAM 1.29 billion contract for the construction of a main gas pipeline, entering a new phase of energy development,” Đokić said.

He also pointed out support for diversifying energy supply sources and constructing the southern interconnection, which will connect Herzegovina.

"We will give this project a chance. We want to participate and develop more direct forms of regional cooperation. We must be reasonable, to connect and collaborate," Đokić said, adding that all of this is necessary to put available resources into the service of development.

He thanked everyone whose participation would provide new guidance that has not yet been recognized as important in the energy sector.