The recent Energy Week Western Balkans, held in Montenegro on October 9-10, underscored the importance of regional cooperation in the energy transition for the Western Balkans. Petar Đokić, Minister of Energy and Mining of the Republic of Srpska, emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration in energy generation, noting that while transmission and distribution operators are well connected, there are gaps that must be addressed.
He referenced a significant voltage collapse incident in June that affected Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and Croatia, leading to a total blackout. This highlighted the critical need for improved cooperation to foster favorable policies and attract foreign investment. Đokić pointed out the substantial renewable energy potential in the region, with Serbia having larger opportunities due to its size. However, he noted that the Republic of Srpska is still behind in project preparation, although recent progress has been made, adding over 2,000 megawatts (MW) of renewables valued at 2.4 billion euros.
Christopher Sheldon, Country Manager for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro at the World Bank, agreed on the region’s renewable energy potential, highlighting its significance not only for local energy needs but also for export opportunities. He stressed the importance of grid balancing for achieving energy independence and referenced the World Bank’s Climate and Development Report, which suggests that a net-zero transition could drive higher growth in the region with the right structural reforms.
Admir Šahmanović, Montenegro’s Minister of Mining, Oil and Gas, spoke about the country’s efforts to reduce transport sector emissions in line with EU directives, especially as Montenegro seeks to align with EU standards. He announced that the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) is expected to be adopted by the end of the year, focusing on biofuels, alternative fuels, and expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
Overall, the event highlighted the shared challenges and opportunities within the Western Balkans as they navigate their energy transitions through greater cooperation and investment.
