145 mln euro expansion of Banatski dvor gas storage facility begins

BELGRADE - Works to expand Serbia's Banatski dvor natural gas storage facility have begun, and caretaker Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic says the important project has been launched thanks to efforts by the government, Srbijagas and Russian partners.

Djedovic Handanovic said the investment was due to be completed by 2026.

"The investment is worth 145 mln euros and will bring us additional energy security and, above all, higher gas storage capacities in our country and in our own territory," she said.

Djedovic Handanovic said the capacities would be expanded to 750 mln cubic metres.

So far, Serbia's has stored its natural gas at the Banatski dvor facility and in Hungary, and this investment will raise the level of the country's natural gas stockpiles, she said.

"That means we will be able to react in case of unforeseen situations. Our goal, of course, is to keep diversifying our gas supply sources. We have done that by completing the construction of the interconnector between Serbia and Bulgaria, we will continue with North Macedonia and Romania," Djedovic Handanovic said.