Coalmine and thermal power plant (RiTE) Ugljevik is set to borrow approximately €10 million, with the Government of the Republic of Srpska (RS) preparing to approve both the loan and its state guarantee. The facility plans to use the five-year loan primarily to refinance existing obligations, according to the latest government session.
The loan decision comes at a challenging time for the energy complex. TPP Ugljevik halted operations last week due to a coal shortage, and there is currently no estimate for when production might resume. Despite the government having already transferred over €90 million to Comsar, the company owned by Russian businessman Rashid Serdarov, the Ugljevik-Istok 2 coal deposit remains inaccessible. Earlier announcements in November had suggested that access would begin immediately, but conditions have not improved.
Officials previously stated that a long-term solution had been reached to ensure uninterrupted operations at RiTE Ugljevik. However, the plant continues to face fuel shortages and operational uncertainty, highlighting persistent logistical and supply challenges.
In addition to supply issues, RiTE Ugljevik carries substantial financial liabilities, including nearly €190 million owed to Slovenia’s Elektrogospodarstvo, stemming from an arbitration ruling by a Belgrade court.
