A coalition of 47 civil society organizations is urging Western Balkan governments to reevaluate their energy strategies, particularly concerning investments in gas infrastructure. The groups, including the CEE Bankwatch Network, warn that such investments could lead to a long-term reliance on fossil fuel imports, potentially compromising regional energy security. They argue that new gas pipelines and power plants may increase consumption rather than decrease dependency on external suppliers.
The organizations point out that large-scale gas projects often take up to ten years to complete, making them ill-suited for addressing immediate energy supply challenges. Furthermore, they highlight the substantial financial implications of these developments, which could result in underutilized assets or reliance on long-term taxpayer-funded subsidies. Current initiatives in the region include various interconnectors and LNG terminals, with Serbia planning a significant 500 MW gas plant near Niš among other developments.
Concerns are also raised regarding the absence of thorough cost-benefit analyses for these investments. The coalition emphasizes the need to consider volatile gas prices, uncertain supply availability, and evolving climate policies in long-term energy planning. Without such analyses, governments risk committing to infrastructure that may not remain economically viable.
In contrast to the European Union, where gas constituted over 20% of the energy mix in 2024, the Western Balkans exhibits a relatively low dependency on gas. The highest consumption levels are found in Serbia and North Macedonia, while countries like Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo remain largely disconnected from international gas networks.
The organizations warn that ongoing projects could significantly elevate gas consumption compared to 2023 levels, posing long-term economic risks and potentially resulting in stranded assets. They advocate for a strategic pivot towards renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, supported by hydropower and enhanced electricity interconnections. Additional recommendations include increasing electrification in heating and transport sectors, investing in heat pumps and geothermal solutions, and improving overall energy efficiency.
