The Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) released a study on renewable energy policy in Serbia and the Western Balkans. The study, entitled ’A Roadmap for Deploying Renewable Energy Sources in Serbia and the Regional Perspective,’ was presented before an audience of more than 200 experts, university professors, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and private sector entrepreneurs, the host organization reported on its website.
In his introductory remarks, Vuk Jeremić, president of CIRSD, said that Serbia’s main obstacle for development is in the area of energy because of its geographical position and decades of erroneous policies. It is the development policy based on thermal power plants on coal that brought about the economy’s low productivity and competitiveness, a high degree of energy inefficiency as well as unacceptable consequences to people’s health, he said.
The head of CIRSD explained Serbia has abundant renewable energy sources but that it is failing, similar to the surrounding countries, to put this potential to good use, something which is attributable both to insufficient investment and lack of appropriate know-how. “We are aware that the transition to renewable energy sources and sustainable development is neither politically nor economically cost-free, and that we would face both material and technical limitations. At the same time it is clear that the existing model is not sustainable and that it does not guarantee bright future. Therefore we should carefully yet decisively initiate reforms,” Jeremić concluded.
The study’s authors Maja Turković and Ana Brnabić said that the paper offers a different model of development based on clean energy – produced from domestic resources. This would in turn reduce costs of energy spent per unit of product as well as the external negative effects of energy production and use and the dependence on imports.
Professor Vladimir Đurđević of Belgrade University’s Faculty of Physics said the climate has changed and that the mean global temperature continues to rise. This is the direct consequence of the greenhouse effect, he said and added that the study offers a rational response to challenges of climate change and pollution.
Davenport: renewable energy resources are not being used enough in Serbia, but the country has made significant progress in the field.
Head of the Delegation of the European Union in Serbia Michael Davenport commended the authors and CIRSD, adding that the study represents an important leap in defining Serbia’s energy policy in line with European and global trends. The ambassador added renewable energy resources are not being used enough in the country, but he did, however, mention Serbia’s significant progress in the field, greater than the one made by the neighbouring countries.
Ambassador of France to Serbia Christine Moro praised the efforts that CIRSD has made to raise awareness about the fight against climate change in the Western Balkans. She emphasized the importance of the climate summit in Paris (COP21) and argued that studies such as this one lay a solid foundation for the success of international negotiations processes. She attributed great significance to technology for the improvements needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the increases in temperature. Moro commended the partnership established between the Embassy of France, the French Institute, CIRSD and several others, including the responsible ministry, scientists, the media and non-governmental organizations, raising awareness throughout this year. The switch to green economy means an excellent opportunity for growth, as well as modernization and employment, she underscored, the embassy said.
The study proposes three measures: increasing the share of renewables in the energy package, improving energy efficiency and introducing technologies which help reduce pollution from fossil fuel use. The paper identifies unused potentials of Serbia in the energy sector and notes the directions for regional cooperation.