Djedovic Handanovic, Japanese ambassador discuss cooperation in energy sector

BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic met with Japanese Ambassador to Belgrade Akira Imamura on Thursday to discuss cooperation in the energy sector and, above all, the implementation of the Bistrica reversible hydropower plant project.

According to a statement released by her ministry, Djedovic Handanovic noted the construction of the Bistrica plant was the most significant project currently underway in the Serbian energy sector and was due to enable efficient integration of renewable energy sources in Serbia's energy system and ensure additional energy security to the country.

The minister said the Bistrica plant was "strategically important to support integration of renewable energy sources and ensure a balanced increase of energy production from them."

The statement said present activities focused on efficient preparation of technical and other documentation, due to be completed this year in line with additional demands by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Djedovic Handanovic commended the good cooperation with Japanese contractors on refurbishment of the Bajina Basta reversible hydropower plant, which she noted was important for Serbia's energy security, especially when power consumption was high.

"After a successful refurbishment of the first generator of the Bajina Basta reversible hydropower plant, refurbishment of the other one is to begin on March 1, which will ensure safe and dependable operation of this facility for the next 30 years," she said.

Imamura said Japan recognised the significance of the Bistrica project for Serbia and expressed a readiness for continued cooperation to enable efficient implementation of joint initiatives.

The parties also discussed the pace of a project to build a desulphuring facility at the Nikola Tesla B coal-fired power plant, with Japanese companies as contractors.