Azerbaijan explores Serbian model for centralized heating systems

“Azeristiliktachizat” JSC of Azerbaijan is actively studying centralized heating models from the Balkans and other Eastern European nations, building on its previous research into Western European systems.

A delegation comprising representatives from Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Energy, the Energy Regulatory Agency, and “Azeristiliktachizat” JSC recently conducted a business visit to Serbia, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

During the trip, the delegation inspected one of Europe’s largest combined heat and power facilities, New Belgrade, along with multiple heating plants, boiler houses, cogeneration units, and heat distribution points in Belgrade and Novi Sad.

The delegation was briefed on various boiler and network equipment, SCADA-based digital management systems, operational procedures, and the organization of heat energy sales.

The historical development, technical characteristics, and climatic conditions of Balkan heating systems closely resemble Azerbaijan’s centralized heating model. Following prior exposure to Western European practices, interest has now expanded to include the models of Balkan and other Eastern European countries. Among these, Serbia is notable for its modern, standards-compliant heating system.

Serbia’s infrastructure is fully digitalized, with all boiler houses and heat distribution points equipped with advanced management systems. These digital solutions improve safety, reduce fuel consumption, lower labor demands, and enhance service quality. Minor maintenance is handled by equipment suppliers, while major repairs are outsourced to specialized contractors.

Additionally, all buildings in Serbia are fitted with heat meters, with apartment-level measurements implemented in new constructions. Billing is based either on meter readings or apartment size, and the total charges accumulated during the winter season are distributed evenly across 12 months.

“Azeristiliktachizat” JSC indicated that further business visits are planned to study heating systems in other post-socialist Eastern European countries and selected nations in Asia, aiming to adopt best practices for Azerbaijan’s centralized heating infrastructure.

By Vafa Guliyeva