Azerbaijani gas flow helps Serbia diversify energy supply, minister says

Serbia has diversified its gas supply through deliveries of Azerbaijani gas transported via the Bulgaria–Serbia interconnector, said Dubravka Đedović-Handanović, the country’s Minister of Mining and Energy.

Speaking at a meeting of the EU-Serbia Working Group on Energy, the minister highlighted progress in energy cooperation and reform efforts aimed at strengthening Serbia’s energy security and aligning its sector with European Union standards, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The discussions focused on the diversification of oil and gas supply sources and routes, the development of gas infrastructure, integration with the EU energy market, and regional energy stability in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Đedović-Handanović emphasized Serbia’s commitment to expanding its energy partnerships and reducing supply risks. “The EU is our most important partner in many areas. Over the past three years, we have made significant progress in reforming the energy sector and aligning legislation,” she said.

The minister noted that the construction of the Bulgaria–Serbia gas interconnector, through which Serbia receives Azerbaijani gas, has played a key role in diversifying supply. “Alternatives are important for supply resilience; our main goal is to have sufficient energy resources and ensure stable supply at affordable prices for our citizens,” she added.

The minister also outlined ongoing infrastructure developments, including the expansion of the Banatski Dvor underground gas storage facility and the planned construction of a new facility, Tilva. Once completed, these projects are expected to increase Serbia’s gas storage capacity to one billion cubic metres.

She added that Serbia’s long-term objective is to reach a storage capacity of two billion cubic metres. The government is also in talks with the World Bank on a large-scale investment project worth approximately €1 billion, aimed at strengthening and expanding domestic gas infrastructure, which she said is crucial for further diversification and system resilience.

EU support for the development of Serbia’s internal gas infrastructure, she noted, remains of high importance.

Đedović-Handanović further stated that Serbia has become the first country in the region to fulfill all requirements for integration into the EU electricity market. She expressed hope for swift approval from European institutions, adding that Serbia has already completed the necessary steps on its side. According to her, the integration would benefit not only Serbia but also EU member states, as electricity exchange through Serbia plays an important role in ensuring overall supply stability.

By Vafa Guliyeva