While lithium has been touted in Serbia as a solution for various challenges, including electromobility and renewable energy storage, experts from the state-owned power utility EPS express caution regarding its use for electricity storage.
EPS experts argue that storing electricity generated from wind and solar energy is more effectively achieved through pumped-storage hydropower plants rather than lithium-ion batteries. One of the main concerns with batteries is the lack of recycling technology, which poses environmental risks. With battery lifespans ranging from 20 to 25 years and no sustainable recycling methods currently available, EPS prefers reversible hydroelectric plants for energy storage.
In 2023, renewable energy sources accounted for 41.58% of Serbia’s energy mix, up from 33.04% in 2019. The government aims to generate 1,500 MW from wind and solar by 2026. This significant increase in renewable energy capacity within a few years may come as a surprise, but hydropower has historically contributed about one-third of Serbia’s total electricity production.
Out of the 8 GW of installed capacity in Serbia, approximately 3 GW is derived from hydropower. While other European nations have harnessed over 70% of their hydropower potential, EPS still sees room for growth. Currently, about 60% of the Danube’s potential, 40% of the Drina’s, and 50% of the Uvac’s have been utilized, indicating further opportunities for new hydroelectric facilities.
